A Letter From Kate
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Dear Readers,
Well, another Pillsbury Bake-Off contest has come and gone. This year's was the fourth one I've attended, and it was just as enjoyable as the first. And the location, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Fla., was perfect this year. It was hard to believe I was basking in sunshine and 80-degree weather while my family at home in Kansas was dealing with an early spring blizzard.
It was nice to see all the familiar faces of my fellow food journalists. Being with them feels like being part of a group of friends from all over the country who get together every two years. We share a special camaraderie, and I especially enjoy seeing Alison from New York City, Janice from St. Louis, and Valerie from Salt Lake City.
But my favorite part of the Bake-Off has always been meeting the 100 finalists. They also come from all over the country, and each one has a fascinating story to tell. I met finalist Rebecca Nurse, of Waterford, Pa., in the hotel check-in line. She was there with her husband and two young daughters. She was enthusiastic and friendly, and I looked forward to visiting with her on the contest floor and trying her Cinnamon-Fruit Snack Mix.
I also enjoyed meeting Mary Iovinelli Buescher, of Bloomington, Minn., whose Pineapple-Black Bean Enchiladas won two prizes - one for America's Favorite Recipe and one of the Three-A-Day of Dairy awards. She had created her recipe to serve at a bridal shower, and she entered it on a whim.
Although I've never been one of the finalists competing to win the $1 million grand prize, I'm just as excited to be there. Tasting all the delicious food and sharing the excitement of the finalists are thrills for me. I'm already looking forward to the next Bake-Off!
Love,
Kate Marchbanks
Together with God
Cookies baking in the oven, games piled on the coffee table, and the anticipation of big hugs were all part of the excitement of preparing for my grandchildren to arrive. My granddaughter, Lexi, was a big fan of Cool Whip for the first six years of her life. I always made sure I was well-stocked for her visits. My reward for the effort was little arms squeezing my neck in what she referred to as a baby bear hug.
Grandchildren are wonderful gifts from God. They run into our arms with glee, as though we were the most important person in the world. And to them, we are.
I treasure every handmade gift or card I receive from my grandchildren, and I haven't seen the color of my refrigerator for years, because of the layers of drawings on it. Grandchildren give unconditional love, and all they expect from us is a warm cookie and the happiness of spending time with us.
Father, thank You for the happiness we feel from the love of our grandchildren. Help us pass along our knowledge and love of You to them, so they might be blessed by the promise of a happy life. And, Father, keep those little arms squeezing our necks for as long as possible. Amen.
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