Who would have thought?

Oh my gosh..what an incredible last week of June ! It all started on Monday as I headed back to Savannah to tape with Paula Deen and to help host the crowning of the Season 2 finalists in the Real Women of Philadelphia competition.

Monday night we ate at the Olde Pink House where Paula and Michael came to welcome all of the contestants. What a thrill to see the looks on the faces of these women! I was deeply moved by what Paula shared with all of us. She told us it is great to dream but we must make it happen. Hard work and perservance go a long way in making things possible. This is the second time I have heard this message from her and now I am a believer.

Tuesday was the big cookoff. It was so much better being on the other side of the camera rather than cooking and hoping they would pick me! I was touched by all of these women, their stories and the amazing foods they prepared. One of my favorite parts of the day was that my family got to sit and watch me tape. I loved that they got to see what “Mom working” means. They got to see the silly light hearted side that many times I do not share with them. Caytie commented later in the trip that “Mommy sure is funny.” I guess I need to do a better job of showing them that this Mom of theirs is one funny kitty.

I also had the thrill of attending the RWOP Road Warriors Cook off. These ladies traveled from all over the country to attend the live event and to finally meet one another in person. What a true honor it was to be invited and then oh my gosh. The food was awesome!

Wednesday we were treated to a trolly ride around Savannah. The whole family and an entire RWOP crew! Lots of fun, giggles and laughes. My favorite of course was lunch at Uncle Bubba’s (Paula’s baby brothers restaurant). It was delicious and the fried shrimp was the best I have ever put in my mouth. What a great day!

As if the week had not been fun enough…it was time to name our winners of the RWOP Season 2. I felt so badly for all the contestants and their very visible raw nerves. Truly I believe they are all winners to me. I know that sounds trite but that is how I feel. I tasted their dishes, spent countless hours with them and then their stories. Oye! What a killer. Thank goodness I did not have to pick.

 

This past year has been magical. Now don’t get me wrong, I have worked my buns off. I went from a stay at home mom and wife to a working girl. I developed a new website dedicated to helping families get back to the table by creating the Sassy Recipe Club! I wrote a cookbook which will be coming out this Fall. I did countless cooking videos for RWOP and Kraft. Then I got to spend every Wednesday with my friends at News9 cooking, laughing and dishing on food! All in all I am really happy with my courage to get off that couch and make my dreams come true! This last year was only the beginning…Watch for my new 30 minute show Sassy Cooking with Caryn coming this Fall! Lots of dishing with celebrities and friends who need a little help making the meal of their dreams!