There’s at least one person who won’t be enjoying our prize-winning Pig Pickin’ Potato Soup.
The winner’s husband.
Christi Strayhorn’s creamy, dreamy concoction was the souperstar when our staff and coworkers sampled the six finalists in this year’s reader recipe contest (see page 8). Her husband, Mark, however, is a “really picky eater,” so the Sherwood cook and Baptist Health executive assistant saves more adventurous culinary experiments for work and family gatherings … and Arkansas Living!
Turns out, we already have a history of eating well, thanks to Christi. Her luscious Butterfinger Dip was a contest finalist last year (arkansaslivingmagazine.com/story/dip-dip-hooray) — and a personal favorite (remember, with the Biscoff cookies, y’all? Sweet mercy!).
“When I cook for a crowd, I like to make food that tastes hearty, comforting and is memorable,” Christi says. “So, in my mind that equals rich and full of fat! I take great pleasure in watching people eat something I have prepared that they enjoy. It makes me truly happy.”
Us too, Christi. We’ll take whatever Mark’s not having!
And speaking of recipes, no bowl of soup should have to go it alone. Therefore, our creative food writer, Juliana Goodwin, has prepared grilled cheese varieties to pair with our soup finalists (see page 32).
You’ll also find recipes shared by electric cooperative employees from around Arkansas (see page 34). It is October, after all, which is National Cooperative Month.
Since we’re gathered ’round the table, I’d like to pull up a few more chairs. Every month, we work with communicators at the state’s electric cooperatives to customize the local editions of Arkansas Living. We couldn’t make one magazine, let alone 16 versions per month without them:
- Barbara Jenkins, Arkansas Valley Electric
- Lisa Jacks, Ashley-Chicot Electric
- Mike Berry, Christy Tucker and Reagan Simmons, C & L Electric
- Claudia Harp, Carroll Electric
- Molly Jett, Clay County
Electric - Lindsey Bowman, Craighead Electric
- Brynn Bowen, Farmers Electric
- Tonya Sexton, First Electric
- Brad Harrison, Mississippi County Electric
- Tori Moss, North Arkansas Electric
- Sabrina Estridge and Kari Strickland, Ouachita Electric
- Angie Hutchins, Petit Jean Electric
- Chris Parker, Rich Mountain Electric
- Shelley Tucker, South Central Arkansas Electric
- Kecia Wolf and Rhonda Morrow, Southwest Arkansas Electric
- Anna Howton, Woodruff Electric
While we’re serving up plenty of good food this month, I’m even more thankful for the good company. To everyone who contributes a recipe, a story idea or a helping hand along the way, thank you.
With dashes of gratitude,
