COTS Honors Meal Ministers at Chili Cook-Off
Monday, September 21st marked COTS’ second annual chili cook-off to thank our wonderful Meal Ministers, who graciously prepare home-cooked meals for individuals residing at COTS every Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the year. Meal Ministers attending this special event were greeted by the overwhelming gratitude of COTS residents: “It is said, ‘home is where the heart is…’ Although COTS may be a ‘homeless shelter’ of sorts, the meals you provide us with have made it feel much more like a home. “ COTS staff and Board members were also present at the cook-off, contributing to a successful turnout.
Residents and staff members worked together on teams to see who could concoct the tastiest chili. Some of the individuals in our Women’s Program were excited to show off new skills learned during a volunteer-led COTS cooking course. Krista Krueger, our Women’s Case Manager, relayed that “residents greatly enjoyed interacting in a positive event to give back to those who give so much to our community.”
A total of five different varieties of chili were prepared: Santa Fe chicken, turkey, vegetarian quinoa, beef and a special garden blend with a kick. Most attendees tasted each kind of chili, as they were then given the opportunity to place a vote for the best one. And the winner was the chicken chili, with the vegetarian quinoa and turkey chilies following at a close second! As recalled by John Polakowski, COTS’ Aftercare Coordinator who helped to prepare the winning chili, “Those in attendance raved about the food choices and enjoyed each other’s company.”
Thank you again to our Meal Ministers, who truly serve as a valuable part of the COTS Team! As expressed by a COTS resident, “Bless your hearts for all the hearty food!”
Need a new recipe for a tasty chili? Here’s the link for the winning Santa Fe chicken chili: http://glutenfreegoddess.