Welcome! (I hope)

I will confess, I am a little behind the technology times. For me, there is nothing like grabbing a piece of paper and pen to write. Up until just a few years ago, I was still shooting with a 35mm camera. However, I am slowly, but surely, embracing the age of immediate information and having the ability to share your life with the entire world by hitting Enter. So with all that being said, I have decided to merge a few of my favorite things cooking, writing and taking pictures of the food I eat.

It will also allow me to finally use those photos I take of people posing with their food!

What started with a bet among friends has quickly turned into a new obsession. The Arizona Amateur Cooking Club has been created by a small group of friends who enjoy the finer things in life -- Master Chef, Hell's Kitchen, the Food Network and actually putting their skills to work in the kitchen. However, this is not necessarily a friendly club -- no, there is definitely competition and even a trophy for the challenge winner.

Let me start by introducing the Club....

Jenna Blusiewicz, yes, that's me. I am a recently newlywed, work for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, have type 1 diabetes, love wine (almost as much as my husband), graduated from the University of Arizona and would consider myself an ever-evolving foodie. In the kitchen, baking is probably my strength.

AJ Blusiewicz, yes, that is my husband. AJ loves food. He has zero discrimination for anything that can be consumed. He was a collegiate swimmer and will bleed Maroon and Gold (Sun Devil) for the rest of his life. AJ has very quickly found a home in the kitchen -- he truly enjoys cooking and loves entertaining family and friends. He excels in Italian cuisine thanks to Grandma Little.

Tim Meyers, is one of my oldest and closest friends. We met while attending the University of Arizona and have remained friends 13 year later (scary). Tim has had the opportunity to work in a professional kitchen when living with his mom in Maine temporarily. Initially, he managed the prep of the kitchen, but eventually became the master of desserts. Without a doubt, Tim, has huge natural talent in the kitchen. We all think he should try out for Master Chef, but that suggestion never seems to go anywhere. Tim is known for many things -- rack of lamb is one of many.

Jenna Meyers, yes, Tim's sister, is also in on the fun. Jenna attended Seton Hall on a volleyball scholarship and landed in Arizona a few years ago. She is in the process of planning her wedding which will happen in April 2012 in Kauai. Her soon to be hubby is one of our core judges. Jenna is also very skilled in the kitchen and rarely follows recipes. She is definitely the most creative one in the bunch.

So......It all started with a bushel of leftover CircleK bananas. Who among the four would win the title for "Best Banana Bread?"