Men's Dessert Bake-off

Our social committee at church plans several events during the year, to bring out the various talents of our church family . . . and yesterday evening was the Men's Dessert Competition.

Now, you've got to know the fun-loving attitude of our members, which was the attitude that led to an obvious increase in testosterone, apparent by a lot of smack-talking the last couple of weeks. One member, Randy, even felt the necessity to do a little intimidation at the campout last weekend. . . just a little ole' cheesecake with oreo cookies as the crust, and peanut butter bars within (whole). He brought it out for dessert after our lunch, and served it to his fellow contestants . . . just to let them know what they'd be up against. ('twas quite funny!)

Well that was all it took for the testosterone to begin bubbling in OUR house, that's for sure. Karl and Matthew put on their thinking caps, and decided to each make a favorite of theirs for entry. Karl made a Caramel Cookie Cake (or Biscotti Torta De Caramella . . . isn't THAT decadent sounding????) And Matthew made Truffles (I had to run to the internet to look up what that even IS when he told me his decision! - sigh - I'm just a country girl at heart!!).

The bake-off was held at the Hostetter's Hanger (they move their plane out for socials sometimes, and they have a bathroom and kitchen built into the hanger) at Siloam Springs airport, and all entries had to be dropped off NO LATER THAN 4:00 pm. As luck would have it, Karl had set appointments for two contractors to come by at 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm to give us quotes on fixing our floors (the "sink" in the dining room, and the "speedbump" in the living room). Well, contractor #1 didn't even leave until 2:40, after contractor #2 had arrived! We live 1 hr (approx) from where the contest was, so we had to leave no later than 3:00 pm. By 2:50 pm Matthew had completed his dessert, but Karl's was just 1/4 finished! Matt took over and completed Karl's dessert, and we ran out the door at 3:10 to go pick up mom. We raced (sorry to break this to you, but YES, I DID SPEED down the road and made it at 3:58 pm. ! Karl had to finish with contractor #2 and drive separately.

No contestants (or anyone else) could be in the building while the judging was going on, so we spent some time at Wal-Mart and getting the car washed. When we arrived back at the hanger, people were filing in . . . Karl was on his way . . . so we went ahead in. What lay before us, was at least four ten-foot long tables (yes, a forty-foot table) decorated in fall motif, just LOADED with desserts! The variety was astounding . . . and talk about smelling good in there!!!!! I didn't count the desserts, but they must of had at least 30 - 40 desserts!!!!

Tables and chairs were also set up for everyone to sit and eat at . . . all with fall tablecloths, decor and candles lit.

Let me just say, the women have all decided that we have found some un-tapped talents . . . and from now on, the men are expected to supply dessert at the once-a-month potlucks!!! yippee!!

We all had chili with fixin's, cornbread and salad . . . then after the judging were allowed tastes of whatever desserts our hearts desired ! YUM-O!

Although neither of my guys were in the top three winners, their desserts were winners in my book, and in everyone elses as well, since there was only a little left of one (which I polished off, since I didn't have dessert there . . . I was too busy snuggling with Megan Elizabeth, our Pastor & Wife's 10 week old daughter - I know, surprise, surprise!).

Our excellent turnout must of been 150 - 200 people . . . and a VERY FUN TIME was had by all!

PS - Pictures will be coming!