RANGELEY — The Rev. Anthony Kuiza, pastor of Our Lady of Lakes Parish, won a recipe challenge sponsored by Catholic Charities Maine’s Parish Social Ministry.
The challenged povided an opportunity for Mainers to put their recipes and cooking knowledge to the test while helping local parish food ministries in the process, and Kuiza bested 39 other competitors.
Kuiza’s recipe for “Spam and Potato Bake” was the winner. Our Lady of Lakes Parish comprises Our Lady of the Lakes Church, Oquossoc; St. Luke Church, Rangeley; St. John Church, Stratton; and Bell Chapel at Sugarloaf Moountain, Carrabassett Valley.
Patricia McCollum, of St. Raphael Church, Kittery, finished second with “Italian Potato and Chicken Bake.”
Our Lady of the Lakes in Oquossoc will receive $1,000 for its food pantry. St. Raphael Church will receive $500 for its food pantry, said Susan McGaulley, manager of the Parish Social Ministry program.
The challenge was created to support and engage the food and nutrition ministries throughout the Diocese of Portland.
“A panel of reviewers well immersed in food pantries and soup kitchens narrowed the selection based upon ingredients that would be available in a food pantry, the ease of making the recipe, and nutritional value,” said McGaulley.
“Having taken a vow of poverty on becoming a nun, St. Hildegard knew how to cook on a budget,” said Bill Wood, of Parish Social Ministry. “That’s why we named this recipe contest that features food from the shelves of food pantries in her name.”
An electronic version of all of the recipes submitted will be made available for all parish food pantries and soup kitchens to use for those they serve. If you would like a copy of the recipes, email psm@ccmaine.org.
For more information about Parish Social Ministry, call 207-523-1161 or visit www.ccmaine.org/parish-social-ministry.
