With the approach of the sixth annual French Caribbean Gala of Appetizers, Dinner and Dessert, hosted by Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church in Mathews, the ladies of the church have their recipes ready and will soon be cooking, cooking, cooking.

Helen Keitz is one of these talented ladies who will be sharing her love of preparing great dishes. Helen plans to make two appetizers, two cakes and a potato and broccoli vinaigrette. Nine other ladies, Helen Yacobucci, Kelsey Desmond, Debby Perry, Lianne White, Barbara Churray, Rita Engle, Jackie Guidry, Patti Sarosy and Joan Noble, will be making other appetizers, side dishes, entrées and desserts, all in Haitian cookery style.

Helen, a native of Baltimore, Md., and her canine family Benny and Gisele, have been living in the Glebe area of Mathews since July 2006. Although it’s a big change from city life, Helen says emphatically, "I love it now, but do miss the fine eateries I had close by in Maryland."

It...