Mark your calendars for Friday, April 12 for a fun event to help raise money for Westminster Neighborhood Services!

Chrissy Petersen, Executive Director at Westminster Neighborhood Services, previews the 4th Annual Food Fight at Ivy Tech Community College Culinary and Conference Center from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. 

In the first segment, J. Everett Light Career Center students Cameron Herald & Austin Miller, prepare Pasta Pomodoro, and Pike High School student Samantha Murillo prepares Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad in the second segment. 

What is The Food Fight? 
The Food Fight is Westminster’s annual fundraising event that supports our mission on the Near Eastside.  Started in 2016, Food Fight is a competition between local high school culinary programs. This “Chopped”-style event pits students and their instructors against each other using common foods found in the Westminster Food Pantry. Special guest judges choose the school most worthy of earning the title of MASTER CHEF!

Who is Westminster Neighborhood Services? 
For more than 35 years, Westminster Neighborhood Services (WNS) has provided support for Near Eastside children and families working to overcome barriers and find a pathway out of poverty.  In a community where nearly 1/4 of families live with an annual income of less than $10,000 and 42% live in poverty, the need for WNS’ services continue to grow.  WNS services include a:  K-8 Afterschool and Summer program that keep children safe and engaged in learning while gaining social skills.  Family & Adult Services program that gives access to basic needs through a food pantry, soup kitchen, and clothing closet.  Westminster partners with many community organizations to offer Adult Education, Basic Medical assistance, and a variety of counseling services.   

Who are the Schools? 
Area 31 Culinary arts program J. Everett Light Career Center at North Central High School, Area 31 Career Center at Ben Davis High School, Pike Career & Stem Center, and IPS Career Technology Center at Arsenal Tech High School.  A new comer to the Food Fight event is Walker Career Center at Warren Central High School

For more information, go to www.westmin.org. 

Pasta Pomodoro 
Ingredients
5 oz cooked pasta
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp minced shallot
1 cup grape tomato halves
¼ cup basil chiffanade
½ cup vegetable broth
2 Tbsp whole butter
Salt & pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for garnish
Basil chiffanade for garnish 

Directions:
1)    Saute garlic and shallot in oil for 1 minute (do not brown).
2)    Add tomatoes and a pinch of salt & pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
3)    Add basil and broth, and cook for 3 minutes.
4)    Add spaghetti and butter, and toss for 1 minute.
5)    Plate in a large bowl, and garnish with parmesan and basil.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Ingredients: 
4 cups frozen or fresh corn
1 Tbsp oil
½ cup cotija (or queso fresco)
¼ cup fresh cilantro
3 green onions sliced thin
1 large avocado, diced
2 cups pasta of your choice, cooked according to package directions (farfalle or small shells recommended)
½ can black beans (optional)

Dressing:
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
3 Tbsp lime juice
¼ tsp lime zest
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
¼ tsp paprika
Dash of cayenne

Directions: 
1)    Saute corn in the oil in a medium saute pan until it starts to brown just slightly.  Set aside.
2)    Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.
3)    Toss together corn and pasta with dressing.  Add remainder of ingredients and mix gently as to not tear up the pasta or diced avocado.
4)    Chill and garnish with cilantro & cotija.