My Culinary Wins and Health Woes

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^{After what feels like an eternity, I am happy to share my reconciliation with my troublemaker laptop. The struggle with the MacBook (Why does Apple like to make things difficult?) during the past 4 months was nothing but a headache. It's fully fixed now and enjoying the gentle keystroking as I write this post. I like to keep my thumbs spare for engagement. ;-)}

This week was quite happening. I was extremely busy setting up the new home and later participating in a culinary competition, which is the reason behind this post.

Two years ago, I participated in a culinary competition and secured first prize. The first time, I wasn't confident at all, and this time I wasn't confident again. Because I knew what I was competing against. The problem with me is that I focus on one domain. If the competition is about food, I will focus on food. I can't focus on what else goes on the table; on the contrary, in such competitions, participants go overboard with everything, and some more with table presentation than food. I know the ambiance is important, but if I were to judge, I wouldn't look at anything else besides the food. But I was no judge.

Anyhoo, this time I decided to make a Banoffee Pie because the ingredients could easily be sourced, unlike last time, and most importantly, everyone loves it whenever I make it.

I bought the stuff a week ago to avoid meeting empty shelves last day in the only supermarket in the town. The day before the competition, dear @soulfuldreamer helped me finalize the crockery and "other items". She was kind enough to help me with the most dreadful part—setting up the table so that I could focus on food.

I am obsessed with restaurant-style plating and tiny details like different textures, colour palettes, and balance between different flavours. I am no masterchef but I love to play the role. 😝

I had to make one whole pie and a single serving; you can now guess what I was most excited about. ;-)

The night before the competition was chaotic because I had no help with the kids. My husband was working late. Kids were all over the place. I prepared two dinners for them in between the dessert preps ( I don't know why they were extra hungry on that specific night). My son needed help with the homework. The younger one was cranky for unknown reasons. It was after midnight that I got free from the routine home chores and the added dessert.

I had never felt so drained in a long time. I just collapsed on the couch and didn't have any energy left to drag myself to the bed. It was supposed to be a fun thing...

The next morning, I had no time to think about my exhaustion because I was moving at least.

The morning was again chaotic. The home was a mess. My little one was extra affectionate and wanted all my attention which I had no time for. 😅
Fortunately, my husband took over as soon as he could so that I could focus on the competition.

Soulfuldreamer and I went to the club where the event was going to be held. We placed our decorative items on the designated table. She started setting up the table and I came back home to complete the dessert.

I made the pie and dulce de leche the night before. Now I had to

• slice bananas
• whip the cream
• make spun sugar toppings
• do the plating
• skip the lunch
• get ready myself
• pack the needed items
• reach the venue without ruining my dessert
• place dessert and remaining items
• give final touches to the table

All in less than two hours.

^{That's how the pie looked at the end.}

^{That's how the single serving looked.}

^{That's how my table looked.}

Soulfuldreamer kindly composed a beautiful poem which I wrote down and placed with my dessert.

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I was pleased with my dessert and the overall look of the table. But when I looked around, I was certain of my slim chances of winning. Everyone did a wonderful job. I couldn't stop staring at everyone's work and forgot about winning. I only wanted to taste everything. 😄

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Let's cut to the chase, the judges tasted all the dishes soon after the event started and announced the results.

I was happily surprised when they announced my name for securing 3rd place.

^{I was rewarded with beautiful Blue Pottery}

Then the most awaited part came - the food hunt. Hungry me, tried almost everything. It was a feast. I wish I had taken pictures of other dishes.

Four hours later, when I came back home, I was exhausted to the core. It was like another episode of the previous night.

I don't know what's wrong with my knee, it's burning like hell. I've been in bed since then. Taking painkillers and hoping it to get better with rest.

The exhaustion from shifting the home coupled with the fatigue of participating in the competition made things worse.

Ailing Pastry Chef.