Congratulations! I always admire good cooks! The food in that picture looks so good... not fair either, as it is too late in the evening for me to be eating.

How to make this into a short story, huh? First, I am no expert, being a newbie myself, but I do have some ideas.

How about incorporating the info from this essay into a story of a chef (you) teaching her students. You could have dialogue as you discuss a recipe, have questions and answers, describe mishaps, emotions and discuss beliefs and nutrition, introduce yourself...whatever you can think of.

I also thought this info could be shared from the viewpoint of one of the kitchen tools or a food, but I have no idea how to suggest doing that.

I'm not sure if you would be interested in this, but WDC has a section where you can showcase your blog. (I only just recently discovered this myself) Your article was intriguing and it left me wanting for details as to how you taught yourself to be such a good chef, your family background, your favorite dishes and what has occurred in your experience as people were brought together over food. I loved your connection with food as a view of the world. I'm sure your stories, past and present would be well received.

Can't swear to it, but since this website has everything else...there should be a contest or newsletter or forum that concentrates more on the genre of journalism, column writing, essays??

Anyway, hope this helps. As they say around here... keep on writing!

Sophie