In early February, the IMS chefs Barb Basnett and Helena Casserlie received a box of surprise ingredients to incorporate, including Greek Freak seasoning, Butternut Squash soup, Red Slaw, Shaved Salad Mix, Whole Grain Slider Buns, Pretzel Bites, Whole Grain Ramen Noodles, Pre-cooked Quinoa, Whole Grain Pitas, Shredded Chicken, Pimento cheese, Garbanzo Beans, and Tex-Mex Dressing. Over the following week, the team developed four dishes showcasing the goods: a tex-mex soup, toasted pita wedges, chicken slaw, and a shaved veggie salad with quinoa.
Before submission, the recipes were taste tested by IMS teachers and students, who provided feedback. On February 12, the chefs sent in their final recipes with exact measurements, photos, a video chronicling the creation process, and testimonials on the flavors.
The IMS team competed against over a dozen school districts across the region. In a surprise visit on March 1, Pisanick Partners announced that the Independence chefs won the grand prize with their South of the Border recipes. They will now prepare their winning menu at Sandridge Crafted Foods’ professional kitchen in Medina. The recipes will be featured on Health-e Pro’s menu planning website and in an upcoming “What’s Up Wednesday Live” video on Pisanick Partners’ YouTube Channel.
With their creativity and culinary skills, the IMS food services staff has earned well-deserved recognition. Their winning tex-mex creations will soon be enjoyed by students across Ohio.
Independence Local Schools has worked with Pisanick Partners for more than 12 years. Pisanick Partners is a nutrition and operations-based consultant that helps more than 40 school districts in Northeast Ohio with menu development, farm to school, operations, nutrition technology, professional standards training, wellness, and making sure the districts meet all state and federal mandates for the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs.
