Julia wore pearls in the kitchen . . . .

. . . and so will I.

This Saturday's Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser in St. Johnsbury is sold out, and I'll be behind the scenes, stirring sauce and twirling pasta with a crew of volunteers. On the menu: chicken and eggplant Parmesans, and a dessert buffet guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Many folks from the South Congregational Church, Habitat, and North Country Cooking have volunteered to bake lemon pound cakes, chocolate tortes, tiramisu, and cheesecakes. Calorie counting is most definitely not allowed on Saturday.

.

NCC writer and cook extraordinaire Susan Williams and I met with Jerry Prevost of St. Johnsbury Academy this afternoon to finalize the game plan. He and his Culinary Arts students are in charge of preparing the entrees, and we couldn't be in better hands. Susan and I were treated to a sample of the chicken Parmesan -- fork-tender, juicy, flavorful, and -- important! -- sauced to perfection. I am seriously picky about the sauce.

.

(PS -- Susan and I agree: Jerry is wonderful.)

.

While I've thrown the occasional ungainly party for a few dozen or so, this seated affair for 100 is quite a different kettle of fish. I'm honored and humbled to have been asked to take part. It felt great to be in the South Congregational Church kitchen this afternoon. I'm looking forward to the first dinner guests walking through the door to the sight of linen-topped tables and gorgeous young servers swirling about, the aroma of herb-infused sauce and fresh garlic bread filling the air, wonderful music playing in the background.

.

And in a nod to Julia, I'll wear my Tahitian pearls along with the requisite apron and hair-in-a-bun. I'll aim to imitate her on-screen collected cool. For this one evening, we'll do it up right.

.