Things to eat before you die

I've been tagged by my buddy Jeff at C for Cooking for The Traveler's Lunchbox "Things to eat before you die" meme. I love memes, and I'm happy to contribute and keep things going!

So what are the great dining experiences of my life? As I mentally searched through my library of great meals I found that more often than not the gnocchi that floated to the top involved cooking experiences, not dining experiences. My relationship with food has many facets, so accordingly my 5 great food-related experiences come from all angles.

1. Cook a giant meal for those you love - It's no secret that I love to entertain, but finger foods and appetizers aren't nearly as fun to make (or eat) as the proverbial feast made for a large group. Thanksgiving is the Superbowl of annual feasts and I've been honored to make several big dinners for my family and good friends in the last few years (apparently having a food blog gives you T-day cred with your friends).

This is a shot of the Thanksgiving meal I helped prepare for my bible study and a dozen or so of our friends last year. I was in charge of the bird, an incredible ham, stuffing and a huge tray of cheesy mashed potatoes. Everyone had a blast - especially Terri (flashing her million dollar smile).

2. Go whole hog - Unfortunately, this is an unfulfilled dream of mine, to spend a whole day preparing and smoking a whole piggy. This is my Mt. Everest, a heady feat of culinary daring that I hope to climb one day. Why? Because it's there.

I have been to one honest-to-goodness pig pickin' at my Dad's 50th birthday party. This beauty was the other guest of honor!

3. Check out your butt in a mirror - Ok, so this isn't food related per the usual definition. But I've been overweight my whole life, most of it in my ass. Yep, as my mom is fond to point out, I inherited her ample backside. So when I finally managed to lose enough weight to fit into a rockin' pair of jeans, I took the extra couple of minutes to admire my derriere. Everyone should feel that kind of victory.

And no, I'm not posting a picture of my butt. This isn't that kind of blog.

4. Go to the Old Lahaina Luau on a perfect Maui night - Hawaii is our favorite spot on Earth, and Maui is as perfect as they come in the Aloha state. We traveled to this island for just one reason, to attend the Old Lahaina Luau.

It rained the entire week we were in Maui, but for this one outdoor evening it was perfect (that's where our after picture was taken for the paper). The food there was incredible, and the entertainment exceeded our expectations. I still have dreams about the kalua pork and tuna poke! I can't see going to this island without sharing in this perfect Hawaiian experience. You HAVE to make sure you get there early enough to watch the imu ceremony, where they remove the pig from its earthen oven (see whole hog, above).

Sorry the picture is a bit blurry, but those wahine were moving! (You know you've been married long enough when you have dreams about HRC, not hula girls)

5. Go to a wine tasting at the Altesino Winery, Montalcino, Italy - This Tuscan winery could not be in a more idyllic or picturesque setting. Admittedly, I was not a connoisseur of wine when I visited, but I was much more of one when I left.

The wine wasn't the only attraction. They also prepared a delectable sampling of local and regional tastes for us to enjoy with the various vintages and styles of wine. It was here that my love for true Italian food blossomed into an obsession. I hope I never forget what real prosciutto tastes like...

So now it's time to pass on the meme. I think I'll tag:

• The dynamic trio that is the Three Tarts (does that count as three?)
  
• Chef Anne at Chef on Call
• Judy at Judy's Pages cause she's new to me and I'd like to hear her opinion!