Balance

Chef Andy Chlebana
Courtesy of Beja @ Studio 7 Photography

I have been looking for a good way to follow up the start of the blog and really talk about what has recently happened and will be happening in the near future.  Recently came back from winning the National Showpiece Championship http://www.pastrylive.com/ in Atlanta, with my partner Nancy Carey.  In 9 days Stacey and I are competing in ACF 2 person mystery basket.  It has been busy and will be for a little while longer.  Working in a team for a competition is like many other ways we experience in everyday life.  Finding your own strengths and weaknesses with your partner, learning new skills and successfully completing your goals.  This does not always mean winning.  Sometimes it is the journey, not the destination.

Theobroma cacao "geastrum"
Courtesy of Beja @ Studio 7 Photography

That being said, busy is the name of the game.  With competition practice schedules and travel comes sacrifice.  Schedules need to be adjusted and sometimes things are missed, not just the important things but the little things.  The weeks leading up to the competition are the most hectic, we are still unpacking from Atlanta while planning for Indy.  I am looking forward to the weekend after we return, a nice dinner with my wife and a weekend at home.  Things will slow down a little, that is when the fun will start.

Chef Nancy Carey
Courtesy of Beja @ Studio 7 Photography

I know some of you are waiting for demonstrations and new recipes, they will be coming.  I will post pics and descriptions of what we prepare for the mystery basket including some of the new techniques we will use.  It is a work in progress, stay tuned it can only get better!