Ten thousand thank yous!

I've always loved D'Italiano bread but now I have to say that I really really REALLY love it.

I don't think I will ever buy another loaf of bread, even if another brand is on sale.

And if you know me and how much I love sales, you'll know that's a BIG deal!

I clicked on the shiny gold button that said "find out" and this is what I found!

Sarah from Victoria, BC is the $10,000 Grand Prize Winner! I am the most Passionate Chef! Canadians do have excellent taste!

When I first got the email, I couldn't believe it. I thought it was an email to say we loved your recipe but we're sorry another competitor has won. Congratulations for making it to the top ten.

I had already decided I had lost and while I was disappointed, I was ok. Making the top ten was pretty great and now I was excited to find out who won.

Then I read the email again. There was no apology. Only CONGRATULATIONS! I think my heart might have stopped for a moment because I really couldn't believe it.

When I entered the competition, I hoped I had a chance but I never thought I would have won. I don't win anything.

I entered because I love cooking. This contest was a great chance for me to put on my creative hat and try to create something new. I love creating something really special from everyday normal ingredients.

And having such an amazing reward for doing something I love to do is so incredible.

It's still a shock to me.

My only wish is that the company had chosen to use the picture of me that I sent in instead of the model holding a sandwich.

But really, what am I complaining about? I was chosen as the winner! What more could I want?

Please try my recipe for D'Italiano Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Bread Pudding.

You know I'd make it for you if you lived here. :)

So ten thousand thank yous to all my friends, family, and all the people I don't even know that voted for me. I am so thrilled and surprised to be chosen as the winner and I owe it all to you.

So now I've got to go and celebrate. Things like this don't happen everyday.

Actually, things like this never happen.

But maybe my luck is changing! I can only hope! :)