It’s absurd to look for approval from critics whose aesthetics don’t necessarily mirror mine.  And yet, I’m elated each time I receive an email like this.  It doesn’t occur frequently – my submission approval rating is a paltry 20%, but gradually rising.  I don’t celebrate these minor victories with my inner circle – they don’t understand.  Only other struggling food bloggers can empathize.  My sister, after I shared a recent internet acknowledgment, attempted to “improve” my photo by re-cropping without even realizing it, or maybe she did.

I repeat the “Man in the arena” speech by Roosevelt like a mantra.

Today’s recipe isn’t one of mine – It ubiquitous on the internet and in family recipe collections.  I whipped up three batches for the “concert in the park” dessert booth, raising money for the neighborhood.