Some Like It Spicy by Robbie Terman Read Free Book Online Page A

color of a perfect cappuccino.
    “Let me introduce you to the judges,” Sally said. “You probably recognize Ty Cates.” She paused while a few of the chefs cheered and applauded. “As an award-winning chef, Ty is here to offer his expertise on everything from the taste of your dish to its presentation. This is Andrea Cummings, Vice President of Talent for Food Fanatics TV. She’ll be critiquing your presence in front of a camera. Finally, we have a new third judge this year—Claude Mueller, food editor from Gastronomy magazine. He’ll be evaluating how your recipes will translate into magazines and cookbooks.”
    Ashton made a conscious effort not to cringe. Gastronomy was the most pretentious magazine of food and food culture on the market. She should know—her dad had been a contributor many times.
    “We have one more thing planned for today,” Sally continued. “A test run.”
    Anticipation and dread shrouded Ashton like a blanket. She knew she was good, knew she deserved to be among the best of the best. But she couldn’t silence the nagging, little voice in her head, the one that sounded exactly like her father, who tauntingly declared her a failure.
    She would not let the voice beat her. Giving a quick shake to clear her head, she forced her concentration back to Sally.
    “We’re going to do a challenge right now. This will not be on the air, nor will the results count for or against you. This is just a chance for you to get used to cooking with cameras rolling and the clock ticking. It will also give you a chance to get used to having your food critiqued to your face. Our judges will be watching from another room to see how you handle being filmed.” Sally tilted her head. “Ty?”
    He stepped forward. “Hi, everyone. We’re going to run this challenge just like the ones on the show. I’ll give you the details and the time limit. If you do not have a plate ready, you will automatically lose.” His fierce gaze passed over each of them. “So, whatever you do, have a plate on that table.”
    Ashton looked down and realized her hands had started to shake. She moved them behind her back and stood taller.
    “Today’s workers are busier than ever,” Ty continued. “The average American spends less than a half hour eating lunch. Your challenge is to design a lunch item for busy people on the go. You have thirty minutes starting…now!”
    Ashton made a beeline for the refrigerator, her mind racing along with her feet. The first thing that came to mind when she thought of a fast lunch was a sandwich. She decided to go with her instincts.
    In the refrigerator, she saw a bevy of food that interested her. She grabbed chicken, celery, grapes, capers, and the mayonnaise. In the pantry, she found different condiments and seasonings, and a beautiful loaf of fresh ciabatta bread.
    When she got back to her station, she eyed the ingredients and then got to work. Thirty minutes passed like lightning.
    When time was yelled—far too quickly—a calm had settled over her. She’d been too focused on cooking to even think about the fact that the cameras were following her every move. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.
    She also hadn’t had time to pay attention to what anyone else was doing. Now that they had a few minutes, Ashton scanned the other creations.
    Duffy had also made a sandwich, but his was on a bun and while it looked delicious, it seemed very messy. Lance had made some sort of rice bowl, which was not exactly practical for eating on the go. She glanced down the line, and while she couldn’t see everyone, it looked as though the majority had also made sandwiches.
    Ty and the judges started tasting at the opposite end. With three judges, Clint, Ed, Billy, and Sally, Ashton couldn’t see or hear a thing. She had to wait until they were closer. Finally, they reached Duffy, and Ashton got a preview of what she could expect in mere seconds.
    “What do you have here?” Ty asked Duffy.
    Duffy