44th Pillsbury Bake-Off:A Weekend of Baking, Wine, Food, Foodies, and Blogging

Previously, I wrote of only my first day at the 44th Pillsbury Bake-Off. From beginning to end it was all about food. But not just about eating it. We talked about it, we shared our stories around it, ways in which it has enriched experiences and moments in our lives.

I have said before and will say it again, I am a lover of food in the most unapologetic way possible. Regardless of my often present desire to reduce my wobbly bits, food is something that has always brought my family  and  friends together.

And this latter point was really how food came into play on this trip. Bringing friends together. Yes, there were the contestants of course, reason we came together in the first place. Finalists from all over the country who presented the best they could offer using the main product (Pillsbury) and others. There were the families, who of course cheered  for them throughout the entire event. There were the industry heads and others who worked so hard to organize this grand event for all of us. There were the print journalists…and there were the bloggers. Food bloggers. Many whom I already knew, and others who I only came to meet on this trip, but with whom I bonded in the best way any human could bond with another: over food.

It was over food and wine that I learned about their aspirations, successes, families, careers, and lives. It was over food and wine that we comforted each other and encouraged each other. It was over food and wine that we laughed so hard our sides hurt, or passionately debated our charitable preferences and beliefs. And it was over food and wine that strangers, who became friends, walked away from each other feeling like family.

We were there taking photos for contestants’ family members who were either standing on the sidelines, or with whom we connected via our social media networks (cause we’re so cool like that!).  We tweeted, we blogged, we used our flips, and our smart phones. We hash tagged our way through seminars and exhibits, sharing in a matter of seconds with all those who couldn’t be with us everything that was in front of us.

We stayed, and all events took place, at the Hilton Bonnet Creek, a Walt Disney World Orlando hotel. When not in seminars, we got to spend some quality time in the pool, which also has an amazing “lazy river”, a favorite of ours, as well as a wonderful outdoor restaurant and bar. A lot of families there as well. They even have a huge outdoor screen where they show family friendly movies.

For all the things this weekend was, the lessons learned, the feelings developed, and the memories built over the flavors and scents, are ones I will not soon forget.

My hope for you darling readers, is that you approach your meals, your recipes, and your kitchen with the awareness of the power you have in affecting those you serve. And approach it in a fearless and ambitious manner as you would any adventure. For, as Colin Cowie said, “Your best is good enough” and in the end, it is just that and the memories that are born around your dishes that stay in their hearts forever.

The video below is a compilation of the memories that will stay with me, and about the many, many amazing people I met and interacted with along the way.  For as much as the food filled my stomach, it is their friendship, smiles, and love that will forever fill my heart.

Dedicated to the brave contestants in the 44th Pillsbury Bake-Off and their families, but most especially to the Foodies and friends I met along the way: Jessica of Food Mayhem, Marc of No Recipes, Jennifer of In Jennie’s Kitchen, Lori of My Wooden Spoon, Babette of Bake Space, Vanessa of Chefdruck Musings, Tina of Carrots and Cake, Amy of Cooking With Amy, Stephen of Cook Books Live, Chris of Think Gem, and Jaden of Steamy Kitchen.

Check out their sites for more on the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest.

Also many thanks to Marc and Jessica for letting me use the awesome shots of us having fun.

Photo credit of Grand Prize Winner: © 2010 Harpo, Inc./All Rights Reserved./Photographer: George Burns.

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary, all-expense paid visit to Orlando, FL by Pillsbury to attend the event and blog about my experience. I received no other compensation and no requirements that I express a particular point of view. Thanks to Pillsbury for giving me the opportunity to come to the Pillsbury Bake-Off® Contest.

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