It's official. My spot is reserved. And I bought my first pair of real hiking boots a couple days ago. Whew!

I, Andrea Matte, am going to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2011 to raise $8,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation!

In doing so I'm going to help make at least one child's special wish come true… A child who may not have the opportunities that I've had. A child who is suffering from an illness that threatens his or her life. A child that might not have the luxury of saying “someday”…

It is very exciting. It's also very humbling.

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My Very First Veal Parmigiana


This week's "trial gourmet" post begins with a confession of sorts. Since I started this recipe project last fall I haven't been completely forthcoming. At the beginning I intended to share it all - the good and the bad. But the truth is that I've actually cooked (and photographed) quite a few more meals than I've blogged about. My thinking behind this is simple - "why would I share something that didn't work?" (unless it's funny or there is a lesson to learn - like my jam making experience - groan!).

These days, my time seems more and more limited. My dinner preparations are taking a back seat to everything... (or at least it feels that way) and I'm trying to get away with doing the least amount of work possible. Keeping it simple and finding quick supper solutions works most of the time. But sometimes... sometimes your meal is going to suffer... and your family is going to suffer right along with you when they eat it (sigh...)