This weekend I learned that when it comes to bridal festivities, my bar-scene days are over. We started celebrating Carolina Cutie’s wedding shower with a tea party. As the food-prone friend in residence I “catered,” keeping close to her wedding colors with pale orange Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches, a pink marzipan cocoon for the cake (store bought), and far too many carrots.
After tea, the other girls went out drinking and I beat a hasty retreat to my couch. I put on my PJs (in keeping with the pink and orange theme) and fashioned excuses to tell Rooster about why I was home when “the girls” were on the town. I came up with nothing. Sure, I’m not quite as tall or fashionable as Carolina Cutie’s other friends, but superficial insecurities weren’t the reason I was staying home.
If there is one thing I learned in my 20’s, it’s that there is no need to go somewhere when it isn’t your scene. When it comes to friendships, it’s like we’re all pumpkins in a very large patch. Over time we grow into different shapes and settle into our own piece of ground. But we’re still connected through these long, sturdy vines. I saw Carolina Cutie the next day, and told her my theory. Does this mean you made me something with pumpkin in it? She asked.
Taste of Home Pumpkin Patch Contest
The Rules: Anything goes with pumpkin! There are so many ways to enjoy the subtle flavor of pumpkin. You can puree it for luscious soups, bake it into cakes and sweet breads, even toast the delicate seeds. Please include a few words about the recipe and a bit about yourself.
The Prize: The Grand Prize winner will receive $500 in cash. Second-place is dinner for four at the restaurant of the winner's choice. Ten runners-up will receive a free copy of our Contest Winning Annual Recipes 2008 cookbook. Plus, one of our winners may be selected to appear on national television with Taste of Home Editor in Chief Catherine Cassidy.
The Entry: An Alfredo style pumpkin sauce with an Asian twist
After tea, the other girls went out drinking and I beat a hasty retreat to my couch. I put on my PJs (in keeping with the pink and orange theme) and fashioned excuses to tell Rooster about why I was home when “the girls” were on the town. I came up with nothing. Sure, I’m not quite as tall or fashionable as Carolina Cutie’s other friends, but superficial insecurities weren’t the reason I was staying home.
If there is one thing I learned in my 20’s, it’s that there is no need to go somewhere when it isn’t your scene. When it comes to friendships, it’s like we’re all pumpkins in a very large patch. Over time we grow into different shapes and settle into our own piece of ground. But we’re still connected through these long, sturdy vines. I saw Carolina Cutie the next day, and told her my theory. Does this mean you made me something with pumpkin in it? She asked.
Taste of Home Pumpkin Patch Contest
The Rules: Anything goes with pumpkin! There are so many ways to enjoy the subtle flavor of pumpkin. You can puree it for luscious soups, bake it into cakes and sweet breads, even toast the delicate seeds. Please include a few words about the recipe and a bit about yourself.
The Prize: The Grand Prize winner will receive $500 in cash. Second-place is dinner for four at the restaurant of the winner's choice. Ten runners-up will receive a free copy of our Contest Winning Annual Recipes 2008 cookbook. Plus, one of our winners may be selected to appear on national television with Taste of Home Editor in Chief Catherine Cassidy.
The Entry: An Alfredo style pumpkin sauce with an Asian twist
