Whew, what a whirlwind week! As storms blew through Tennessee, so did sunny Jan Mullikin, the delightful winner of the Just A Pinch Savory Soup Spectacular. Jan and her lovely daughter Hope were guests of honor at the very first Just A Pinch Blue Ribbon Showcase! The event, held this past Saturday at the Viking Culinary Center in Franklin, TN, was a fun blending of cooking, eating and friends (both new and old!)

Jan allowed me to assist her as she demonstrated the preparation of her contest winning Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Soup. She lead me and the room full of 'Pinchers through each step, from roasting the fresh peppers to blending to perfect creaminess. (Note: It's best to put the lid on the blender *before* turning it on. We worked that into the demonstration as well!)

Those in attendance were treated to a complete meal filled with Blue Ribbon gems submitted by members: Smoky Chicken Scoops - Echo Day, Eva's Green Salad - Leslie Holt, Kielbasa Pasta Casserole - Thelma S.

One of the most talked-about dishes was Wanda Harrison's Blue Ribbon Mamma Seward's Strawberry Cake. Wanda and her charming husband Anthony traveled all the way from Henderson, TN to be in attendance, and got to hear all the "oohs" and "aahs" first-hand. The cake really is a treat for the senses... like having a picnic in the middle of a strawberry patch!

Jan wrapped-up her visit to Tennessee with dinner, a trip to the Grand Ole Opry and a $1,000 shopping spree at the Viking Kitchen Store. Sound like fun? You could be next! ENTER your favorite tasty cake concoction in the Spingtime Cake Contest for a chance to win a trip for two to Nashville and have a cook's dream weekend of your own!

I can't wait to meet you!