It's time to apply for Wishbone U., an annual holiday cooking class for people who, well, haven't had much luck preparing the big feast.
This year's class will take on the sweet endings that put the exclamation point on Thanksgiving dinner. Anybody can buy a pumpkin pie, but the oohs and aahs will really come your way when you prepare something the Pilgrims never dreamed of. The class will tackle five desserts, some traditional, some completely new.
To gain admittance, you'll have to plead your case by sending a brief note about why you need help. We're suckers for a sob story, especially when it involves disapproving mothers-in-law and dry turkey.
The 12 most desperate students will be selected to attend a hands-on class Oct. 19 at Apron's Cooking School at Publix supermarket at Shoppes of Citrus Park in Tampa. Apron's resident chef Bil Mitchell will share his expertise and recipes.
Submit your entry, including your name, age, city and daytime phone number, to Wishbone U., c/o Taste, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731 or e-mail features@sptimes.com. Put THANKSGIVING in the subject line.
Deadline is Oct. 8. Nominations of bad cooks by good cooks will be accepted, but they cannot be submitted anonymously.
Participants must be willing to be photographed during the class, because it's not just their skills we want to improve. The experience — and recipes — will be shared in Taste on Nov. 19.