The Election Day Bake Sale is over! And what a crazy few weeks it has been cooking and getting ready for it. It’s an important fund raiser for my kids’ elementary school and I’ve been doing it for years, but it takes mucho effort. I must admit that I am completely and totally exhausted. Of course it didn’t help that the sale followed a crazy Halloween weekend. What did help though, is the time spent with friends cooking and freezing weeks in advance — pumpkin and apple bread, baked ziti, turkey chili, corn muffins and soups — you name it!
Liz, Christina and I spent many hours big batch-cooking together. If it hadn’t been for them, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have enjoyed the preparation. We were quite an efficient team, splitting up duties and getting assembly lines going. We actually enjoyed the so called “work.” And as a bonus, after each cooking session, we made and enjoyed a lunch together. Christina even grilled a gourmet pizza for us and served it along with a scrumptious salad.
As with most things in life, it’s more enjoyable being with someone else while you do it. For me, to get the most out of giving, charity work should be done with others. Cooking together is an ideal way to give back to the community — it’s social, fun and delicious. As we drift into the holiday season, think about teaming up with your friends to bake or cook for neighbors, teachers or your local food pantry. Trust me. It’s a fulfilling way to give.