I'm so excited! I've just received the e-mail I've been hoping for: a congratulations from the FreeFrom Food Awards that The Local Bakehouse has been shortlisted for its gluten-free vegan chocolate cupcakes.
So what does this mean? It means I'm doing a little jig around the kitchen!
Oh all right, it also means the cakes stand a chance of being nationally recognised as the best freefrom cakes money can buy.
It also shows dashing through London last week to get to the judges in time was worth it. (It's a long story. But let's just say I absolutely, definitely, wanted to make sure the cupcakes arrived at their destination, which meant taking them in person.)
There's a small matter of beating some rather large (freefrom) cheeses. These include Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Asda. And not just once, either; Asda's been shortlisted for 5 different products.
But I'm not worried about them. I know that sounds conceited. The people I'm concerned about are the bespoke people. Little people, if you will (like me). They're the people that started their businesses because they got coeliac disease or wanted vegan products to taste better. They're the people who've honed their skills over many years.
But since I'm also one of them, I shall hold my head high and hope, hope, hope I stand a chance of winning. The awards will be announced in 5 weeks' time. Until then, have a celebratory drink for me. I'll certainly be raising a glass later to all things freefrom. May we triumph as an industry. Hurrah!