Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Cooking or Baking (01/04/07)
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TITLE: In the Kitchen with Jesus | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lauri Gruen
01/10/07 -
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“Do what?”
“You always make it look so effortless. How do you put on such an incredible spread every time you open your home to us all?”
“It’s like breathing to me. I absolutely love letting my creative juices flow in the kitchen. I do have two confessions. Number One: I am thrilled when others delight in the fruit of my labor. Number Two: I don’t do it alone. I do have help, you know.”
“Really? It must be great to have a husband who helps in the kitchen.”
“Well, actually. . .”
The doorbell rang in the middle of Jenna’s sentence. Four hungry friends had arrived for the party.
“Welcome, welcome! Hope you’re hungry and adventurous. You know how I love to test out new dishes on all you guinea, I mean, guys.”
“Bring it on, Jenna,” Nick replied, “it’s always a perfect match because we love the results when you go creative.”
“The Jenna Guarantee: No one EVER leaves this home hungry or unsatisfied,” Christine added.
“Guys, stop it, you’re embarrassing me. I really don’t feel comfortable taking all this praise, when it’s really not all me.”
“What do you mean? Show us the gourmet take-out wrappers in the garbage! Has that been your secret all these years and you’ve fooled us into thinking you are a gourmet chef?”
“Who’s the mystery caterer of all your parties?”
“No, it’s not like that at all!” Jenna pleaded.
So what’s the scoop? Your secret to these awesome parties?”
“OK, you’ve asked for it – we’re only starting the appetizers so there’s plenty of time before the Viennese table appears.”
Jenna continued.
“Long ago when I was a Girl Scout and trying to earn my cooking badge, my mother threw me out of her kitchen. She said, ‘I give up, you make too much of a mess, you’re not even allowed to boil water in my kitchen.’”
Everyone chuckled and Christine pointed to Jenna’s sign hanging above the counter, Messy Kitchens are Happy Kitchens - Mine’s Delirious.
Charles asked, “How did you get from being banned in the kitchen to making everyone’s mouth water for your creations? Any cooking school diplomas we don’t know about?”
“It was a long path, but it surely has been interesting and full of turns. Perhaps one day I still might end up at the Culinary Institute, but along the way I found a far greater resource of immeasurable worth. Without any cooking tips from a mom who hated to cook, I began experimenting once out on my own. New York City gourmet shops were at my fingertips and even with studio-sized kitchens, I couldn’t believe what I was capable of producing. Back in the days of no children clamoring for chicken nuggets, every gathering with friends was an opportunity to explore new culinary horizons. I confess I thought I was really something; creating irresistible dishes that pleased every palate.
My growing love of cooking landed me in a very rewarding career as a Pampered Chef Kitchen consultant. I actually made money while raising children, just by doing what I loved. This is where the path took an interesting twist. When I started buying Pillsbury crescent rolls instead of gourmet ingredients, I also met many people who seemed to be very successful and joyful because of a person called Jesus. I concluded I would not be following their path. My mother might not have taught me how to cook, but one thing I was surely taught – you can’t be Jewish and believe in Jesus.
God had a different agenda and He met me in the very place that meant so much - my kitchen. The path from my kitchen led me straight into the arms of my Savior.
My days in the kitchen have never been the same since the day I embraced Him. It did take some time for the eyes of my heart to open and realize the truth about my kitchen success. God Himself had created a deep passion in me for cooking and gave me this incredible gift so I can bless others. He alone is responsible for all that you see and taste.
That’s my big secret – Jesus, the Master Chef; no diploma required, just an open heart to follow His path, both in and out of the kitchen.”
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