
Apple & Butternut Squash Soup
The fall flavors of this Apple & Butternut Squash Soup are very robust, and it is near perfect when the weather starts to cool down and the jack o’ lanterns come out.
For 11 years, our Chef’s Specialty event has brought together creativity, community, and cuisine — all in support of helping seniors in our community. Each year brings talented chefs, inspiring honorees, friendly competition, and opportunities to connect through food. It’s more than a fundraising event — it’s a celebration of learning, collaboration, and the shared passion that fuels our work and strengthens our community.
Our event is hosted at the gorgeous Goei Center and brings together 11 incredible chefs (with their teams) from right here in our community — each sharing a dish that showcases their talent, creativity, and love for food. Now, we’re bringing those flavors from their kitchens to yours.
From comfort classics to creative twists, this recipe guide celebrates the joy of cooking and sharing good food. Explore a collection of recipes inspired by community, care, and the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal.

The fall flavors of this Apple & Butternut Squash Soup are very robust, and it is near perfect when the weather starts to cool down and the jack o’ lanterns come out.

This Beef Bulgogi with Rice features thinly sliced beef marinated in Korean-style BBQ sauce — a dish that delivers authentic flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

This Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta is the dish he grew up with — a family favorite that captures the comfort of home with tender chicken, bright lemon, and a touch of nostalgia.

This comforting Chicken Pozole Verde features tender shredded chicken simmered in a vibrant green broth made from tomatillos, roasted poblano and serrano peppers, garlic, and onion.

Inspired by simplicity, these Forager’s Braised Chops are a reimagined one-pot dish with a seasonal twist and farm-to-table touches.

Hearty and colorful, this Grains & Greens Salad combines nutty grains with fresh spinach — a wholesome, flavorful pairing that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Rooted in family and tradition, this Marinated Chicken Thigh With Collard Green Rice reflects Jessica’s story — She was adopted with her twin sister at age seven and grew up with parents Alonzo and Joyce. They raised their children with a garden where they always had fresh fruits and vegetables.

Blending sweet and savory in perfect harmony, this Marry Me Chicken Tortellini dish brings together sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and Italian herbs for a creamy, flavor-packed creation. Paired with tortellini and chicken, it’s a match made in culinary heaven.

This Pesto BLT Stacker brings together the talents of students across every program — featuring bacon cured and smoked by Advanced Culinary students, white bread baked by First Year Hospitality students, and fresh basil grown in our greenhouse by KCTC Agriscience students — a true collaboration of craft and flavor.

Inspired by a standout appetizer in Chicago, Johnny’s Pork Belly Pomodoro Salata balances rich, savory pork with the fresh brightness of tomato and herbs — a flavor combination that surprised and inspired him from the very first bite.

Guided by her father’s favorite flavors, this Thai Grilled Beef Salad bridges the past and present — a vibrant, flavorful dish that carries love, memory, and tradition in every bite.
From the first bite to the last, each recipe carries a story, a spark of inspiration, and a taste of the passion that makes our Chef’s Specialty event so memorable. By recreating these dishes at home or joining us at the event, you’re not just enjoying incredible food — you’re supporting a good cause, helping us continue our mission, and making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Now it’s your turn: pick a recipe, gather your ingredients, and bring a little of this tasting tour into your own kitchen. Enjoy!
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