Today I leave for Malibu on my very first Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) retreat. 170 gay men in a campground for three days – I’m both excited and terrified… it should be an unforgettable experience. Now even though I’m considered a newbie, somehow I, along with a group of my fellow newbies, got charged with the task of planning a party for Friday night…. for an even that none of us have attended, at a place none of us have ever been to. Hilarious. Though I have to say, it’s actually been really easy for us – everyone is chipping in, and since we’re going to be in a gymnasium in a campground, no one is terribly concerned about frills. Just two things: alcohol, and snacks. Done.

All you know me well enough by now to know that I am of course involved in providing food for the party. I recruited another newbie friend help with the baking, since there will be 150 people in attendance. Good lord. What did I make? Balls, of course. Peppermint almond coconut and, by popular demand, peanut butter. Now you know I love sharing with you all, but my ball recipes are the one thing I keep to myself. Surely you understand. Also on my menu are outrageous brownies, which are always a huge crowd pleasure. The trick to making all of this? Planning. Obviously one can’t do all of this in a day. I started on Tuesday and was done by Thursday evening. Perfect.

Truthfully there are few things that make me more happy than sharing goodies with friends. It’s just so much fun – who doesn’t love a homemade treat? Very much looking forward to a fun filled weekend