The Creative Connection

Some of you may know that I write a quarterly column for the lovely Stampington & Company publication Where Women Cook (the Summer/June issue just debuted! My "Homemade Living" column is all about getting the best farmer's market experience possible, along with 4 recipes for seasonal food bliss). Jo Packham and her creative team are a pleasure to work with. I love flipping through the publication and seeing what other food-lovin' ladies are churning out in their kitchens.

Imagine, then, my profound delight when I was asked if I'd like to attend The Creative Connection, a Stampington and Sterling Books (my publisher's parent company) event featuring women, food, crafts, business, and much, much more. Held this coming September in St. Paul, Minnesota, I'll be one of the teachers in the Mary Jane's Farm food track. I've long admired Mary Jane and all that she does out in Idaho, and have spent many an afternoon pouring over her magazine. How crazy that I've now begun receiving e-mails directly from her and know that she'll be calling my house (!!!) in July to firm up all of the materials needed for my class.

The event is shaping up to be an incredibly good one. Molly Wizenberg, Todd & Diane from White On Rice Couple and Holly Becker of Decor 8 are just a tiny sampling of the culinary luminaries that'll be there. To be included in the mix is an honor beyond compare (plus, I've long maintained that Molly and I are destined to become best friends and now I'll have my chance to rub elbows with her and share my plan in person).

I highly encourage you to check out The Creative Connection website. From what I hear, St. Paul/Minneapolis truly shines in September. I plan to share my love of jam and all things canning and then check out what everyone else is up to. Maybe I'll see you there!