Yesterday morning I entered Mellor Hall at the Cowichan Exhibition grounds feeling nervous. I walked past Jennifer Tinsley’s amazing mural without looking up, nor did I notice the thousands of exhibition entries including wine, flowers, baked goods, weaving, quilting, honey, and crafts covering tables from end to end of the massive hall. I was entirely focused on the Domestic Science tables, where the night before I had placed 6 chocolate chip cookies, carefully selected from a freshly baked batch of 30, and one cake, made by my mister.
Not ready to learn my own fate, I went to see how the mister’s cake did in the “Cake, made by a man” category. There were three cakes entered; the mister’s cake came second. It’s the first cake he’s ever made (possibly the first recipe he’s ever followed (ish)), and he didn’t come last. I knew he would be thrilled by the result.
Before I could help myself I looked over at my cookies. My heart skipped a beat. Blue ribbon. First place. I couldn’t believe it. There were 9 entries in the category and Auntie Joanie’s cookies came out tops. I walked over to my plate and stared at the 5 and a half cookies remaining. Cool.
With the results confirmed, I was able to relax and view the rest of the Domestic Science entries. I was feeling good about my win until I noticed the winner in the “Anything pumpkin but pie” category not only received a first-place blue ribbon, but a large white Judge’s Choice ribbon. You mean there’s a greater prize than first? That’s next year’s challenge.
My neighbours Leanne and Heather took home third and first places respectively for their categories. Heather doesn’t feel she can call herself an award-winning Domestic Scientist just yet; hers was the only entry in the Fruit & Nut Loaf category.
I would like to thank the CowEx organizers for putting on another amazing fair. And to Shevaun for sharing her Auntie Joanie’s recipe (she’ll get a 10% cut of the $5 prize money). And to all those who have eaten my cookies and couldn’t stop at one. And a very special thank you to my mom for teaching me everything I know about baking.
The mister just put his head into our empty cookie jar and yelled, “Anyone in there?” A first-place blue-ribbon chocolate-chip cookie baker’s work is never done.
Congratulations Maeve to you, and your ‘Mister’! Wish I could have had just one taste, though.
Thanks Patricia. Maybe I should start selling them at the market…
Maeve
…or maybe start a Cowichan Valley recipe book?
That idea has been bouncing around this neighbourhood for a few months now…
ha ha! That’s great!
Not only could it include recipes from friends etc., but I bet local establishments would be willing to share at least one recipe.
It’s a great idea but we’re wondering if there’s a big enough market for it.
why don’t you start by publishing the chocolate chip recipe on your blog?? 🙂
marigold
What? And reveal the secret recipe? Hell no! 🙂
I love your blog Maeve! Congrats on the win….
Thanks Jaclyn!
But, then it wouldn’t be a secret recipe anymore 😀 Congrats!
Thank you Ricki. Good to see you’re on board with keeping it on the down low.
For that, you have earned yourself a cookie.
Maeve
Congratulations Maeve…..As you know I have eaten many of your Auntie’s cookies….always wondering…..these may be the best in the world!!!! way to go……so how about it we all need the recipe!!!!! Rxooxoxoxxo
You can have as many cookies as you and Jon can eat, but no way Jose on the recipe. I’ll need it next year when I defend my title!
Maeve
love your banner photo! Rxoox
You should! You’re starring in it!