Hey folks,

It's been a while since my last post. The pressures of work have kept me fully occupied for the past few weeks, but I'm back now.

Anyhooo, did you check out the video? It's a dramatization of the story behind my Ketch-a-Man carrot cake.

I'm inviting you to share your favorite romantic recipe and the story behind it. Every week I'll choose the best entry and publish it on the website. In addition, the best overall entry will be featured in a cartoon animation just like the Ketch-a-Man Carrot Cake video. The overall winner will be announced on Thursday 26th November, and the video will debut on Thursday 10th December, 2009.

So send in your entries to hazelann@gfctt.com. I can't wait to read them....

The Bridal Taste Tour is just 6 days away. I'm super excited, but also nervous...

As the days go by, I'm getting more and more anxious because I want everything to go exactly as we planned. Ironically it's the fact that things are going too well that's got me nervous. I know, I know: if things were disorganized I'd really have cause to panic. I guess I'm something of a control freak and perfectionist. I can't let this important event just be. I have to keep my hands tightly on the reins.

The great thing is that we're working with a great group of wedding vendors. They know what they're doing so thankfully I can relax that we're in good shape. I'll try my best to chill. In theory, anyway...

The countdown is on for the Bridal Taste Tour. I'm getting more excited every day!

Have you entered the contest? Just register at least 5 friends and bring them with you to the event, and you could win a 3-course gourmet dinner for 2. Of course, the entrant who brings the most friends will win. Believe me, Kirk knows what he is doing in the kitchen. I can personally guarantee the lucky winner a meal he/she will always remember. And it includes a bottle of bubbly.

Anyone who knows me will testify that I'm a sucker for champagne. I hope you are too, cuz I'm selecting my personal favorite bottle for you.

Dinner includes an appetizer, entree with meat of your choice, and dessert. This prize is valued at over $800, so you know it's of a real high quality.

Enough about the food....

I really hope to see you at the Bridal Taste Tour. We have a list of vendors that are the best at what they do, and the program we've planned promises to be great. Check out the video for the event on the sidebar.

See you there!

Our Facebook fan, Carrie Boissiere is the big winner of our "Ode to Black Forest Cake" competition. Facebook fans had to write an 8-line poem serenading black forest cake, and incorporate these four phrases: cherry brandy, chocolatey sin, rummy deliciousness, eat meh tail full. Ms. Boissiere was the runaway winner with the following entry:

Ode to Black Forest Cake by Carrie Boissiere

O cake of the black forest kind
Where trees therein, n'er will you find
Rummy deliciousness, cherry brandy's sweet kiss
Stress it melts, as you eat to unwind

Contemplate please this chocolatey sin
Bake it right, and you're sure to give in
Eat until meh tail full, thinking ... this sure is good
Tis no loss, cause it's only win win