Even if you're paying close attention, it's sometimes difficult to keep up with the latest in food news here in Milwaukee. So here's a taste of what's new and notable – including news about a successful bake sale effort for MKEfoodies, a dinner with Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer at Carnevor, a wine-filled trip to Spain, and a Goose Island beer and cheese dinner at Bavette La Boucherie.

MKEfoodies Bake Sale Raises $8100 with matching funds
The annual MKEfoodies Holiday Bake Sale took place this past Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the Hudson Business Lounge in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. The event, which featured baked goods from over 45 home cooks and professional bakers, as well as a visit from Santa Claus, raised $2700 for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a non-profit organization that raises funds to support research for pediatric cancer. Thanks to dollar-for-dollar matches from the Glad Corporation and OXO, the group’s donation will top $8100.

MKEfoodies is a group of ordinary Milwaukeeans who enjoy food, drink, and socializing. More importantly, it's a collective who believes that community is vital, and that giving back makes a big difference. The organization aims to support local, artisan food businesses, independent restaurants, and a thriving food culture in the city of Milwaukee.  For more information, visit www.mkefoodies.com or follow the group on Facebook or Twitter.

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a non-profit founded by two parents inspired by their son Liam's battle with cancer. They were shocked to learn that the main reason over 25% of kids diagnosed with cancer do not survive is because of a lack of effective therapies. And the reason for the lack of therapies was very simple: lack of funding. They pledged to support the development of new and better treatments by giving people a simple way to get involved.

SURG Dinner with Pastry Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer
If you missed the December 4 dinner at Le Reve with world-famous pastry chef, Jacquy Pfeiffer, you’ll want to mark your calendar for SURG’s Night with Jacquy Pfeiffer on Sunday, January 12 at Carnevor, 718 N. Milwaukee Street. The dinner will feature an evening of fine wine and food, as well as an opportunity to meet Chef Pfeiffer and have him personally sign your copy of his new book, "The Art of French Pastry."  Seating is limited. Make your reservations by calling (414) 223-2200.

Travel to Spain with Milwaukee wine expert, Jessica Bell
Does the smell of Tempranillo make you weak in the knees? Are you straight up gaga for Garnacha?! Or maybe you’re simply curious about Spanish wine, but not sure how to explore it?  My Wine School has just the ticket! Don't just travel through Spain, taste your way through it on the Great Spanish Wine Adventure, October 5-10, 2014

Owner of My Wine School and one of your guides for the trip, Jessica Bell, not only resided in Spain for two years, but also worked at winery there, traveling the country meeting Spain's top winemakers and becoming familiar with Spain's vineyards. Fluent in Spanish, Jessica possesses knowledge and contacts within the Spanish wine world which complement Iberian Wine Tours history and reputation as Spain's preeminent tour operator for wine tours. On this trip, you’ll enjoy everything from ancient to innovative in wine and food as you travel through Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Basque country.  

The trip is just $3495 with early discount of $200 through January 31, 2014. For more information, visit My Wine School.

Bavette Goose Island Beer and Cheese Dinner
Bavette will hold a beer and cheese tasting featuring Goose Island Brewery out of Chicago on Tuesday, December 10 at 6:30 pm. The dinner will feature their line of vintage beers, including Belgian brews and beers brewed with wild yeasts, paired with an all-star cast of Wisconsin's best cheeses. The dinner features five beers and five cheeses.The cost is $50 a person and reservations can be made by phone at 414-273-3375.