I arrived in NYC with a revived spirit and an excitement for a change of scenery, studio and cityscape.  I was ready to take on any challenge they threw at me and no matter what, I was going “balls” out.  However, when Ina walked in the room I had a feeling our first camera challenge would be a bit shaky for me.  Ina is a food-star legend whom I greatly respect,but we are cut from two very different clothes.  My first reaction was “oh crap, how will I impress her amidst the girls (and vic) who are all super fans?”  So why not make a 5-meat cupcake?  At least if I’m going down, I’m going down swinging for the fences.  Granted, I swang my bat so hard it slipped out of my hands and hit the pitcher (Bobby), catcher (Bob), and the left fielder (Ina) so hard that it knocked out all their incisors.  If you were to see my FNS journal, beside “Italian Sub Cupake” I had written “Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake” which would have been a wiser albeit less entertaining decision.  My cupcake was a behometh, an abomination and overall, the funniest thing I’ve ever made.  It makes me very proud and I have no regrets.  Especially my prosciutto floret garnish.

The Rachael Ray show was a challenge I HAD to win.  Not only to erase my cupcake from B & B’s minds, but to also show that ultimately, I am a good entertainer.  Being in RR’s studio was daunting but I never let my nerves get the best of me.  I remember waiting to perform and my fellow finalists where all very, very anxious.  I said screw that, this is mine to win.  When the cameras started rolling, I just turned on auto pilot and did my thang.  It went by so quick I can’t recall the specifics, but I do remember feeling elated at the end.  I knew I connected with the audience and RR and wanted to do it again, and again, and again.  I was hooked.  My only regret is pronouncing the silent “s” on Illinois.  I know. I know. I know.  Sorry to my fellow Illinois residents.  I was in the moment and it just came out.  Well aware.

This was my first solo win and it felt great, especially with such an ENORMOUS challenge.  Part of me felt that if I didn’t win FNS, at least I hopefully proved to someone out there that I can handle myself in this genre.  Thanks everyone for the kind words and the continued support.  I love you all equally but some more than others.

Next week, Gilbert F’in Godfried.  The former comedian feeding and attempting to entertain legitimate comedians.  WHAT. WILL. HAPPEN!?? Til’ Then….

A Sandwich A Day…

Jeff Mauro