What is your Dream? Most people have a Dream, one that they know they will probably never have the courage or opportunity to fulfill. Maybe it is climbing Mt Everest, running a marathon in Europe or biking across Kansas. I am not talking about winning the lottery, but something that takes hard work, talent, luck and a little bit of crazy. Well, I get to live my Dream. I am going to be on Food Network. Not some gimmicky game show, but Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge.

I am writing this as I sit in my hotel room on the 11th floor (I can’t tell you where or when). I think that the competition starts tomorrow. I say think because they don't really tell us anything. I just know the name of the show. I am writing this now because after the competition, everything changes: the anticipation, the excitement, the unknown and who knows what else.

As I write this, I am humbled, just to be chosen to compete in Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge. The past few years, when people tell me I need to try and get on the Food Network, my reply has always been, “When I am good enough to be on the Food Network, they will call me.”

At this point I have no idea what the format is or the nature of the challenges. I don't really care. I have watched last years episode at least 10 times, looking for clues and tips.

During the 10+ hours of interviews I have been repeatedly asked what my signature Christmas Cookie is. What am I most proud of. Which are the cookies that people crave the most for Christmas. What is the story behind the cookie, people love the story. I am curious, if I had the opportunity to ask my customers, what would they have voted for.
   ·Cranberry Orange Cookie
   ·Toby's Spiced Apple Pie Cookie
   ·Toby's Chocolate Avalanche Cookie

Others that I am really proud of and ready to make blindfolded, if necessary:
   ·Oatmeal Toffee
   ·Chocolate Crinkle
   ·Black & White Cookie and many more

I love the idea of being here, as I came of age as a foodie in the 90's. I finally had disposable income, traveled quite a bit and Food Network was born. I loved the passion that Emerill Lagasse always had. I loved how Emerill would treat Julia Child with the respect and reverence she deserved. I loved the original Iron Chef episodes from Japan that were comically dubbed in english. I enjoyed the early seasons of Mario Batali, Ming Tsai and the whole approach of Alton Brown. Food started off as an interest, then a hobby, then an obsession and finally my life.

I have no idea who I am going to meet, or what I will have to do. Whatever happens, happens, but right now I consider this one of the most exciting times of my life. I am living the Dream.

Tomorrow, I get to show off to the world what I and the rest of our team back at Best Regards can do. Now, if I can only sleep…