There is little doubt that Americans still have a deep abiding love for all things eatable. Despite the health craze that has forced Ronald McDonald to sport a jogging suit, Whoppers, Big Mac's, and French Fries is truly why we have fat thighs. So what's the answer? We need great home-grown cooks who are not into the fast food obsession. Do you love to cook and suffer from severe withdrawal when denied the opportunity to prepare your famous spinach stuffed chicken breast served with broccoli and roasted garlic? Do you want to profit from the food you prepare in your kitchen?

How often have you dreamed of a kitchen make-over where you were wearing a chef coat and torque? You may want to try your hand at starting a small catering business. You are destined for the catering field if your friends rave over your food and are willing to pay you to prepare their favorite dish. Can you answer yes to the following questions?

1. Have you ever worked in a grocery store or a restaurant?

2. Do live, breath and think about cooking food all the time? (Note, I did not say eat.)

3. Do you have a collection of what you would consider some of the most delectable recipes on the planet?

4. Do you take every opportunity to give friends and family food gifts?

5. Do you make every family meal a memorable one but paying close attention to every detail of the meal?

6. Do you love to cook for big crowds?

7. Do you dream of selling your food to the public?

8. Can you take stiff criticism? (Note, catering is tough business and you must have thick skin.)

9. Do you have access to a commercial kitchen/large kitchen?

10. Can you see yourself working as a caterer?

If you answered yes to all of these questions you may well be on your way to a catering career. You may first want to contact a caterer in your community and spend a day with her. Ask if you can volunteer to work a catered event. If you want this and you are hungry, really hungry, you will do whatever it takes to make your dream a reality. Start small, ask lots of questions, get a mentor and perfect the fine skill of being totally organized. You could well be the next Paula Deen, of the Food Network's Paula's Home Cooking. She parlayed her southern delights into a catering business, and ultimately opened her own restaurant. Remember, nothing beats a failure, but a try.

Detra D. Davis is a writer and Consultant with over 20 years of experience. Author of several books, email Detra at: detra_davis@supportingourchildren.com, or by mail: J. Davis & Associates, P. O. Box 4935, Cary, NC 27513-4935, to learn more visit: http://www.supportingourchildren.com