Many college students miss their familyâs home-cooked meals. So for nearly nine years, through ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍâs innovative âTaste of Homeâ program, Dining Services has invited students and family members to submit favorite recipes that ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍâs executive chefs may feature in one of the dining halls on campus to make the menus more like home.
This year for Parents and Families Weekend, Dining Services facilitated a Taste of Home contest, and ¶¶MÅ®ÆÍ parent Debbie McKinney won for her turkey chili recipeâa favorite of her daughter Dana, a first-year photo illustration major.
âThe crockpot recipe makes a large batch, so we keep it in smaller containers in the freezer, ready to thaw, heat and enjoy anytime,â wrote McKinney in her submission. âSince itâs not spicy, and because I use black beans instead of red beans, it doesnât create indigestion, as some chili recipes do.â
McKinney won two tickets to the Student Affairs loge for the weekendâs football game, and her chili was served there and at the Eastway Café. (Turns out McKinney is no stranger to serving a crowdâshe owns Time to Spare, a corporate and nonprofit event planning and gift service in Akron.)
âI love her turkey chili, like all my friends and family do,â says her daughter, Dana. âSheâs a really good cook.â
Students and family members can submit recipes year-round at www.kent.edu/dining/taste-home.