FPW: The Origin

The idea started simply enough. Or perhaps I should say it started innocently enough. It was July, and we were sitting around the table on the back deck, enjoying the morning sunshine. Some of us were still sipping our morning coffee, others already planning the day’s activities. Some perused the daily news; others were mid-pedicure. Pat picked up a cooking magazine from the table, and started flipping through it.

“Oooooooh…”

“Mmmmmm….”

Before long, he had us all marveling over the gorgeous pictures in the magazine, and commenting on how some were just so … arousing. Perhaps the endorphins released when enjoying a particularly tasty dish are similar to those released during a particularly tasty encounter of another sort. I have no scientific backing for that statement, but if you are a self-proclaimed foodie like many out there, I am certain you are inclined to agree with this statement. And then the idea was born.

“We should make every single recipe in this magazine.”

I do not remember who said it. I do not remember if there was any hesitation to everyone’s emphatic agreement. What I do remember is that pretty rapidly, and before anyone could back down, a plan was formed. See, what you have to understand is that while sitting in this circle of friends, I found myself among a group who does not know how to say no to a challenge. To complete a marathon or an Ironman was not unheard of among this group of runners and triathletes. A few of us were, after all, in Montauk that weekend to compete in a triathlon. Seemingly insane activities like rock climbing and cliff diving are just another weekend around here.

So with that said, when a challenge is posed that would test one’s endurance to limits not previously attempted, this group was not likely to back down. Instead, a plan was formed. A weekend would be selected. A magazine would be selected. We would get together, and in one endurance feat to rival the ages, we would cook every single recipe in the magazine. And photograph it. And eat it. And marvel at how wonderfully rich life is.

Oh yes, and to blog it. Why? So that you may be there to cheer us on, to encourage us, and to ring the cowbell as we’re about to run across the finish line.