I felt the weight of it in my hand, fingers trailing over the bumps and valleys of its hard surface.

My god, this was a big one.

The sweet smell washed over me as I edged it closer, closer, licking my lips in anticipation. Was anyone watching? I didn't care. My breath quickened and a puff of powdered sugar floated up and away.

I think I was actually drooling.

My tongue darted out, stealing a quick taste of the overflowing filling. The smooth mixture of ricotta and cream lingered for a moment before melting sweetness across my taste buds.

I couldn't hold back any longer.

I plunged forward, scooping out mound after mound of the delicate treasure within, filling my mouth with that silky sensation. Sugar dusted my lips and the tip of my nose as I emptied the outer contours of the shell, poking and prodding with my tongue, careful not to leave one trace of cream behind.

My supply of filling nearing depletion, I came down hard on the crust, shattering it with my teeth, flaky crumbs showering upon the place mat.

Crunch!

Again, chopping away at the protective shell, clearing the way to more of that lustrous mixture.

Crunch! Crunch!

In my eagerness, the small fold of the baked shell separated and for an instant I could see the remaining filling, exposed and vulnerable, threatening to fall.

The man behind the counter coughed and quickly looked away.

I stopped my mandible onslaught. I turned it around and approached from the other side. The initial eagerness ebbing away, I took care with my remainder, newly conscious of the voyeuristic baker. Steady bite after steady bite, I neared the end of my journey. And there it was, a small ring of shell, the last wisps of creme clinging to its inner rim.

My mouth quivered at the thought of stabbing at that delicate ring, stealing it's last bit of hidden delight.

Feeling the man's eyes upon me, I quickly popped the last bite into my mouth and rose. He smiled nervously, his face shiny and flushed.

"One more, please," I whispered, pointing to the display case.

His eyes lit up as he reached for the pastry.

"To go," I added.

Heartbroken, he handed over the small bag and said "come again."

'Oh, I will,' I thought and hurried home.

Please view full on both entries! How do you view full in Text? You read the whole thing and vote on the content, not the subject. In this case, if the food is something you don’t care for, you don’t vote for the food. You vote for the story. Besides, my opponent is a kick-butt competitor and to do anything less would be an extreme injustice.

There is nothing as hunger-satisfying as a well-done Chicken Cordon Bleu.

For the poor souls among you who have not had this truly savory experience or for those of you who think that this is just some fast-food sandwich, perhaps a basic understanding is in order. The true taste sensation that is a Chicken Cordon Bleu is artistically created as a chicken breast, wrapped around swiss cheese and ham and baked to perfection. The simplicity of such a combination is in stark contrast to the amazing taste sensation that is achieved.

The chicken can be prepared a number of different ways. You can marinate it before hand to soften and flavor it. You can bread the outside or roll it in seasonings to add a kick. A sauce can be poured over the top to keep it juicy or it can be used for dipping to heighten the experience. However, the truly sophisticated know just a tenderizing hammer will keep the meat succulent, and the mixture inside will prevent the chicken from drying out. Tenderizing also helps to makes the chicken breast large enough to envelope the other ingredients and seal the edges to lock in the flavor.

When heated, the swiss cheese will melt and expand, filling the inside with warmth and texture, soaking its way into the meat to keep it flavorful and intense.

The ham adds just a touch of difference and variety to each bite. Whether salty or sweet, thin-sliced or thick-cut, honey-baked or glazed, you can adjust it to fit your desires.

Then when you sit down to eat, the oven-baked chicken hides the intense experiences that await within. It teases you with the look of "simple chicken" while waiting for you to discover the inner dynamics that make it so rich with desire. When you cut into one, the pressure that has built up inside explodes outward and the cheese pours across the plate, inviting you to dig in and experience the full-bodied taste. You can scoop up the cheese and drizzle it back across the top for another layer or just nibble away at it, enjoying the taste of the meats blended into it. As you get further into it, the tastes begin to mesh together, blending into a truly rewarding sensation. Down to the last bite, you spear the last piece of chicken and run it around the plate, mopping up the last of the cheese and juices before popping it into your mouth.

The preparation for the event... Handling of the breasts... Inserting what’s required... Temperature rising... Waiting in anticipation... Intoxicating aromas... The heat of the moment... The tenderness of the meat... Volcanic eruption of juices... Teasing of the tongue... "Ooooohhh" inducing tastes... Blending of the two... The climatic explosion of completion... Desperate for every last piece... The warm, pleasing fulfillment from below... The satisfaction smile and sigh of relief...

There is almost nothing as hunger-satisfying as a well-done Chicken Cordon Bleu.