July 28 - Lisa's Musings (on judging a chocolate chip creation contest) and Every Day Life

I may never eat chocolate again.

Today, Peggy Haines and I were judges for the 4-H Youth Show Creative Chocolate Chip Contest.

Last year, when I suggested the idea, it seemed like a good one. But after taste testing 16 delicious chocolate chip creations made by Washtenaw County 4-H members, I've had my fill of chocolate.


Maybe for life.

Truth be told, I'm not a choc-o-holic and if someone told me I could never have another piece of chocolate for the rest of my life, I'd be fine with it.

Unlike Peggy who admitted she was a huge chocolate fan.

Me, I'd much rather have a mint.

But I must say this group of 4-Hers out did themselves. I tried chocolate chip pancakes for the first time. I had chocolate chip PB and J made with raspberry jam. There was zucchini and pumpkin bread with those delicious chips adding a tasty zest.

Both Peggy and I were blown away by the creativity of using chocolate chips to make a hedgehog cake.

The biggest surprise, however, was only one youth made the obvious -- chocolate chip cookies. There were bars and cakes, truffles and ice cream. Sixteen different concoctions in all.

And, apparently, there's an art to judging a contest comprised of sweets. Small tastes.

Something I failed to realize until it was too late.

So by the time I got to the last entry, eating another chocolate bite was a matter of mind over stuffed tummy.

But when I heard the child who made that last entry say to his friend, the judges will taste mine next, I was reminded of the importance of putting on a happy face.

And while I finish digesting this year's recipes, I'm already looking forward to next year.

Looks like it'll be sandwiches. Hold the mayo, please.