What started 3 years ago as a fun way for participants to try new recipes, while sharing delicious ways to use ingredients from our food pantry, has since become a beloved yearly event. Two weeks ago, we were so excited to host Crockpot Night: Chili Edition! For food insecure families and individuals, trying out new recipes can be extremely difficult. For many, it’s unrealistic to spend money on new ingredients to try out new meals that they or their family may not enjoy. This event gives everyone the chance to learn new recipes, try new foods, and possibly go home with a new crockpot.
Fun Fridays are always a wonderful time, and this one was no different. The winter decorations served as a sharp contrast to the warm and lively atmosphere, as friends and family laughed, talked, and enjoyed the chili, and the exciting atmosphere instantly washed over you as you entered the room, making you feel right at home. There were children laughing and playing fun games like “Pin the Beak on the Penguin” and “Snowman Toss,” and participants of all ages were enjoying friendly competitions and lively debates over winter trivia. Additionally, paper snowflakes and marshmallow snowmen were made, and it was so sweet seeing everyone’s beautiful creations come to life.
Amidst the games and treats, participants also sampled and enjoyed 3 different Crockpot chili recipes (beef, turkey, and pork), and we voted on our favorites, with turkey winning. One woman remarked that “it tastes like home,” as it reminded her of her mom’s old recipe that she used to make for her when she was a kid. For dessert: a French toast casserole and a “monkey bread” cinnamon casserole, both made using the crockpot.
Ten grateful participants got to go home with their very own crockpots, graciously donated by Southcrest Baptist Church, and although a crockpot is not necessary to recreate the recipes they tasted on Friday, it makes things a lot easier. For working participants and families, being able to put ingredients into the crockpot before work makes for a lot less stress in the evenings. It’s such a blessing to get to use that time to relax with loved ones instead of worrying about cooking a whole meal at the end of the day. Thank you so much to Southcrest Baptist Church, and to our volunteers for making this beloved event possible for the third year in a row, we hope to continue this heartwarming tradition again next year.
*This story was written by one of Lubbock Impact’s Communications Interns, Maya. Maya is a Junior at Texas Tech University majoring in Digital Media Professional Communications. Her hope after college is to work for a non-profit in communications!