Frequent Questions
Who is the Victory Junction Gang Camp?
Why did you choose that particular charity?
What will I get from reading this book?
Where can I see pictures of the recipes?
Are you going to write more books?
I have always had a passion for cooking and entertaining. I love to show my friends how much I appreciate them by treating them to good food and cold drinks. (Some would call this a bribe) I had been told for years that I should write a book and had always thought about it, but never acted on it. I also wanted to do something BIG to raise money for a charity, so one day I was inspired to put all the things that I love, cooking, throwing parties and NASCAR together, write this book and donate to a wonderful charity. How great is that!
Who is the Victory Junction Gang Camp?
The Victory Junction Gang Camp is a camp that was founded by Kyle and Patty Petty. It allows children with very serious and chronic medical conditions, such as cancer, hemophilia, HIV, and spina bifida, just to name a few, the opportunity to attend camp. Most of us attended a summer camp or went camping with our families at some time in our childhood. The things that we took for granted while camping can be quite overwhelming for chronically ill children. Things like fishing, horseback riding, or climbing a tree. The Camp has implemented specialized equipment that will allow these children to do these things. Every camping session focuses on children with a particular type of condition. This allows the children to feel more comfortable because they all share the same limitations. There is also specialized medical staff on duty during these sessions. To learn more about the camp, go to www.victoryjunction.org .
Why did you choose that particular charity?
I think that it is important to give to those less fortunate then ourselves, whether it is a donation of time, goods, or money. I think charities that raise money for research are vital. However, as much as we want to try to prevent these diseases in the future, what CAN we and ARE we doing for the people who already have these diseases? The Victory Junction Gang Camp focuses on the wants and needs of the children who have these conditions now, to try to give them a bright spot in their difficult lives. Imagine how these children feel when they get this fantastic opportunity to set their cares aside and just spend a week being a child. It is also a great feeling for the parents to get to see their children being children, having fun and out in nature and not focusing on being sick. I admire what this Camp does for children and their families and I want to do what I can to help.
What will I get from reading this book?
I tried to put a little of everything in this book. For those who are a bit new to the sport, there is some basic NASCAR information such as some of the terminology you will hear, the meanings of some of the common flags you will see, and a basic description of the points system and the chase. When you are getting ready to plan a party, I give you advise on how to theme your party, some ideas for your guest list, and how to organize yourself to pull it off. When you are loading up your RV to head out, I give you helpful lists of things to remember to take with you. Last, but not least, there are tried and true recipes that you can make ahead or make there. The book is compact in size, so it is easy to pack or stash in your RV. When using the recipes, the spiral binding allows you to fold the book open just to the page you need and not take up a lot of space on your counter (which we all know is limited).
Where can I see pictures of the recipes?
When printing the book, we had a choice to make. We could print color pictures of the recipes, or leave them out and put that money towards donations to the Victory Junction Gang Camp. That was a no-brainer. I want to donate as much as possible, so we left the pictures out. We are in the process of posting pictures of the recipes on the website. This area is still being developed, so please check back frequently.
Are you going to write more books?
YES, YES, YES! When I developed this idea, it consisted of about a 5 volume set. The first one is definitely the hardest one. There was SO much to learn. It took longer than I had wanted and I had to put the right team together to help me. I have now surrounded myself with a great group of people who have been invaluable. I knew what I wanted to do, just not exactly how to get it done. They did. This one was quite the learning curve and now I'm ready to put it into high gear! The next book is in the works and if you are interested in receiving updates, new recipes, party ideas etc., please sign our guestbook and we will send you periodic emails to keep you informed! I also have a blog that you can write to me anytime! I want this to be interactive and fun
Unfortunately for me, my favorite driver will be running a short schedule in 2008. Hopefully, he will transition into the broadcast booth. Have you guessed it yet? Dale Jarrett. I have rooted for him since my first race. Within the last few years, I also started to follow his then teammate, Elliott Sadler. Now with Dale retiring, it will be Elliott, front and center. I am currently 'auditioning' a second driver, even though they don't know it. Now I know your next question will be, who is that? I have been watching Casey Mears and Jamie McMurray. I have always kept up with Kevin Harvick and Ryan Newman as well. It also goes without saying, that I have always been a fan of both Richard Petty and Kyle Petty. My husband is a big fan of Robby Gordon. They share the Off-road Dirt racing thing. Go to my blog and tell me who your favorites are and why!
Hands down it's Paula Deen. I adore her accent and her style of cooking. She is always full of fun and you can tell she loves what she does and she loves people. There are so many great chefs and each one has their own style. I am more of the down home, meat and potatoes, comfort food style of cook. I don't spend time lining my plates with green curly stuff, I don't wipe the edges of the plates with a towel if gravy drips on them, (I might use my finger or lick it off) and I don't make my recipes with the cheese made from the milk of a goat that is only found on one mountain on the other side of the world and only produces milk in the month of June. I use a cow and a potato. I also love butter, mayo and gravy. No low fat here. Oh yea, DON'T forget the wine. I would love to hear who your favorite is and why, so go to my blog and let me know.
Have another question that I didn't answer here. Send it to me at:
tailgatinglady@checkeredflagpresents.com