I am interrupting my account of John Hormel’s life to tell you about another fun event coming up at the Hormel Historic Home, the fourth annual Foodie Throwdown on Saturday, March 21.

Created as a fun way to encourage food enthusiasts to share their passion for and talent in the kitchen, the event has become very popular. With six chef teams, I know the offerings will be unique and tasty. All guests will vote for their favorite dishes and the winners will have their name engraved on our Pineapple Trophy.

Chefs this year include: father-daughter duo Neal and Berghyn Hull, 2014 winners Gareth Hataye and Alan Rasell and Hy-Vee chef Kristine Wolner, 2014 contenders Wade Kolander and Piggy Blues’ Josh Diaz.

New to the competition is Amy Riley representing 3B’s Eatery and Catering in Lyle. The 2015 theme is Taste of the Cinema. Without naming names, a few of the themes include “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Forest Gump,” and “The Three Amigos.” I can’t wait to taste the creativity. Tickets are still available for $30 per person and can be purchased at www.hormelhistorichome.org or at the HHH.

 The flavor of hospitality

Hospitality is one of the key missions of the Hormel Historic Home today. However, the YWCA in the 1930’s also focused on educating women in the ways of entertaining. In the YWCA Notes section of the Feb. 9, 1932 newspaper, the following was written:

“A meal cooked in one pot, served on one platter and eaten from one plate, is one of the many helpful suggestions for the conservation of time and energy that will be stressed in the talk on “Table Service and Food Problems”, Friday night at the YWCA. This first number of the Household Efficiency class will be given by Mrs. M.E. Cook assisted by Mrs. S.K. Caldwell. An attractive part of the program will be a demonstration of the serving of a four course luncheon.”

On Feb. 12, 1932, the class was recapped with the following write up. “An interested group watched Mrs. Cook demonstrate the proper setting of the formal dinner table, beginning with the conventional damask tablecloth, and then the silver placed in correct order for use. Mrs. Cook stressed the fact that a redundant amount of silver at each cover is very much out of vogue-a table that shows correctness and daintiness is not overloaded.”

We don’t plan to teach you proper table settings at the Foodie Throwdown, but we do encourage having fun and appreciating what the chefs for the night have prepared.

 Social Concerns

10 a.m., Tuesday (note this is a change in programming)

“Mower County in the 1880’s,” presented by Dean Ulland, board member of the Mower County Historical Society. Learn about the interesting history of our area as it was growing into a strong Midwestern community. This is a free event so please call to let us know you are planning to attend. 507-433-4243

 Autism Awareness Night at the HHH

April 7, 2015

Sponsored by Austin’s Community Education Program, the event will have a large group session focusing on ASD basic facts (Autism 101), followed by breakout sessions focusing on: The Power of Visuals; Setting Kids up for Success; and Sensory Sensitivities and Interventions. Participants will select two of the three breakout sessions upon registration. CEUs are available upon request when registering. Register at https://austin.revtrak.net. Click on the community education button and the program number is WS901. Cost is $16 per person paid to Community Ed not the HHH.