There are a million ways to start this post — being thoughtful, sentimental, funny or straightforward, just to name a few alternate beginnings that met the cruel fate of my ‘delete’ button — but I feel like I just have to shout what’s on my heart before I explode:
MyfiancemetSunnyAndersonandshesignedanoteformeonthecoverofthismonth’sFoodNetworkMagazine!
Whew, deep breaths. Hyperventilating would only make me come across as extra-super-mega-geeky, right?
Anyway, in case that was completely indecipherable, Nate visited the James Beard pop-up shop in Chelsea Market last week, and guess who was there, serving her very own, homemade Nutty White Chocolate and Peach Oatmeal cookies? (I know you know already, but humor me, please.)
Sunny Anderson, host of Food Network’s “Cooking for Real,” that’s who!
One of my favorite Food Network Magazine features to date has been the story of when Sunny cooked for wounded war veterans at Vice President Joe Biden’s house (you may have heard of him). In this case, the story wasn’t just about the food (though, to be honest, those pulled pork sandwiches and berry trifle are dogeared for this summer’s cookouts!). You could tell this wasn’t a publicity stunt — as an air force vet and a military kid herself, Sunny was passionate about learning these people’s stories and honoring them with a fun, lighthearted gathering.
That’s what made it even more refreshing to hear that Sunny is every bit the warm, genuine person she is on TV. She could’ve easily said, “Listen, kid, I know your fiancee’s a fan and all, but it’s been a long day, I’ve been cooking all morning and there’s an endless line of people behind you. I don’t have time for your small talk!” Instead, she chatted with Nate, signing the magazine and a recipe card for those delightfully chewy (so I’m told) cookies, and gave him a big hug.
No fronts here — I guess that’s why they call it “Cooking for Real.”
PS — Sunny maintains her own blog. You can check it out here.