“Oh.  What was that?   You meant to tell me that there are only 16 days left until the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel’s Cooking School Weekend?  Well, my yes, I would love to go…but if I could only convince Ward and the boys.”

Gladys was absolutely right.  The Cooking Weekend in Branson begins October 16th, so you will have to book right away to get yourself a spot.

From the wine tasting to the seven course meal, you’ll learn to prepare everything that is served to you throughout the experience.   I think its a great idea to structure the instruction this way.   It is difficult sometimes to know if what you are making turned out if you never tasted the dish prepared by someone in the know first.  Also, you can get excited about making something you like.

On Saturday, you will learn to smoke meat, as you will have been served smoked rainbow trout and smoked pork loin the night before.  Brimstone Cheese Fondue also will be created, and fondue is one of my weaknesses.  Additional skills will be learning to plan seasonal meals and honing your arrangement skills with various cheese and appetizer trays.    Saturday, you will be treated to a scrumptious meal of Bison Short Ribs, Apple Normandy, and Berkshire Pork Porterhouse.  In my true style, I would probably be filling up on too much Harvest Salad and bread and would have no room for the main course. If you are following the trend, you’ll know that on Sunday, you’ll find out what Apple Normandy is and how to make it as well.

If you are registered for the event, or are now considering going, let me know!  It certainly seems like the place where you could take your kids and spouse if they aren’t participating in the class, as there is plenty to do in Branson.  If Gladys had her druthers about her, she would tell her friend that whenever she looked at event calendars, there seem to be so many art festivals, tours, museums, concerts, sales, and shows happening all the time.   There is even a car museum.  In other words, Ward and the boys will have plenty to do while the aspiring culinary genius is working her magic.   Your family will be far from being stuck in the hotel.   They may just be in such a jolly mood that they won’t mind Mom’s idea of them all opening a restaurant with her new found confidence in her Smoked Potato and Ham Soup.

You may too late for this year, but you surely can get your food and entertainment. You can eat at the Barbara Fairchild Diner. It is not like a Kenny Rogers Roasters, where it is simply named for a singer. Country Music chart topper Barbara and her husband Roy Morris serve up the sandwiches and the ice cream. They are open from 11:00-3:00, and it all sounds like a lot of fun. I don’t know of anyone who has been there yet, but if you have, comment and let me know how you liked it.  According to a Branson Directory website,  Blair Zell of Geneva, Illinois, was at the Diner on September 5th, and said of the experience: Barbara took our order, delivered our food, and sang to us. What fun!

Yeah, that does sound like fun.  Sounds a lot better at some quaint little sandwiches I have been at in the various places I have lived in where a side of grumpy seems to be on the menu.  It comes even if you don’t order it.

The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is the other Branson property that often has great getaway packages.  In fact, there is a special package for the Cooking School Weekend, which will be held Oct. 16, 2009 – Oct. 18, 2009.  Rooms will only be $199.00 per night with the package.  It’s going to be great.  You’ll learn to make a four course meal and select wines with Chef Nathan.

Many national groups have their shindigs there for several reasons. There is so much to do with over 40 theaters, numerous golf courses, and blocks of shopping. The attendees will never get bored. Secondly, the location is smack dab in the middle of the country, that makes it much easier for people on the east coast and west coasts to meet without making anyone fly the entire way across the country.

Have you been to Branson lately?  Tell me what you ate, and what you thought!

Did you know you can tour and even purchase directly from the Fiesta Ware factory? The Homer Laughlin Company offers tours of the facility if you make an advanced reservation. They recommend planning at least two weeks in advance, and being understanding of cancellations due to weather. Tours are conducted on Mondays and Fridays, and includes a visit to the Homer Laughlin China museum, where you can view over 130 years of their offerings.

There is a tent sale twice a year. One is typically in October at the factory that people far and wide rush to. There are online rumors that the first one of the year will be in July. I do not know if this is at the outlet store, or at the factory itself. I will return with updates as soon as I find out. There are no rumblings on the Fiesta Event Page.Tips if you go to the sale:

• Items are not neatly stacked, so expect to do some sorting and hunting.
• Many shoppers recommend bringing thick socks or rags. You can put the socks on your hands to protect them from any chips. Also, they are good for getting rid of dust when you claim your treasure.
• Condition of the items are firsts and factory seconds. Many people buy factory seconds because a little bubble in the glaze does not inhibit the use of an item.
• If you cannot do any lifting, bring a friend who can. I remember that there is a several case limit per person, and most people are eager to buy their limit. There are no wagons to use, as far as I know, so be prepared!

I don’t know about you, but as I bruise easily, I am taking all the advice to heart!

Have you pushed and shoved your way through the West Virginia Sale before, or are you planning to go? Write me at info (at) thesnackhound.com and tell me your story!