All I can say is that it’s getting more competitive, in a good way.
We live in a neighborhood that has chefs and cooks and luckily we’re here in the worst weather and have dinner at each other’s home about every month or so.
One is the pastry chef for local hotels and she often brings by tastings of recipe tests. Another works with her husband to create amazing meals and desserts.
As for me, I ask one of them to bring a dessert because I don’t bake. I do cook, however, and hold my own on that one. When in doubt I make a trifle or serve up the best vanilla ice cream I can get (my ice cream maker is in storage 1,600 miles away) and do a fruit puree then top with fresh fruit and a store-bought shortbread cookie.
Yes, we live in a good neighborhood with very nice neighbors who are here year-round. And I love to create good food to serve to our neighbor-friends. Dee
Cooking with Dee 