Taste of Home Cooking School

This week has been a whirlwind.  And it's not done yet.  I feel like I haven't been home at all, until tonight, and even then I have to prepare and prep for tomorrow (more on that in a bit).

After spending the last three days on the road for various things (little kiddos pictures, a visitation, and cooking school last night) I'm ready to grill out with the family tonight and relax a bit.  But, first how about a recap?

I had the best Buffalo Chicken Salad sandwich from Elly's Tea & Coffee House earlier this week.  Why haven't I thought of this?  Wheat berry bread, buffalo chicken salad, cheese and lettuce.  Pretty heavenly.  I just might be recreating this at home soon.

Last night my good friend Jess and I headed to Riverside Casino & Golf Resort for a Taste of Home Cooking School.  Let me just say we were NOT expecting such a huge turn out!  We easily guessed there were between 1,000-2,000 people there.  It was insane.

Being a field editor for Taste of Home, I wanted to visit one of their cooking schools, not only because it was in my area, but I was curious to see what it was all about.  In case you are interested in going, it is like a mini trade show, a cooking stage upfront, with the audience learning around 6-8 recipes from one of their chefs. 

Last night she showed us everything from desserts, meat dishes, salads and even a vegetarian soup/stew.  Our favorite were the pumpkin whoopie pies.  I was not one of the lucky viewers who got to take those home...

I'm not bitter.

I have yet to go through the large goodie bag filled with magazines, free samples, coupons, etc.  I'm saving that for when I have some peace and quiet, i.e. after everyone is in bed.  Nothing seems to get done before then!



So today, yes this is me, and yes I am holding a hedgehog.  I really can't believe it myself.  A co-worker got two for her little girls and she brought them by.  I'm now wondering did I disinfect my desk after this?  It wrapped up an insane day of my computer not working, switching to a different laptop, and finally get one thing accomplished.  Ugh.

Now for tomorrow.  I have the local newspaper coming to my house bright and early to feature me, the kiddos and my blog.  I'm very excited about it, as we are relatively new to this community and frankly I'm pretty sure not many people even know about my blog here locally.

Tonight's agenda?  Make up some cookie dough, figure out what I'll be chatting about, compiling recipes, etc, etc.  Once again after everyone is in bed.  As we all know nothing gets done before then.  Stay tuned for another recap!