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Healthcare chefs tap into the healing power of Texas barbecue HHS Healthcare and Transformed Culinary Solutions chefs judge BBQ Blowout to raise scholarship funds for area schools.
CEO of Transformed Culinary Solutions (TCS). HHS and TCS are partner organizations.
to help students pursue education and culinary careers. “Competitions like this help preserve tradition, encourage excellence and bring together a community of people who care about quality food,” Highlender said. “Being a part of that celebration of cooking and community was truly meaningful.” Horn called the event “a great reminder of why showing up matters. We were not there to cook, but just being present gave us the opportunity to connect, support a local event, and be part of the community in a real way. Moments like this help HHS stay connected to the places and people we serve. As I reflect on everything I was able to be part of in my role last year, this event stands out as one of those ‘this is why we do this’ experiences.”
BY TARA FITZPATRICK
W here there’s smoke, there’s healing power. As any lover of great barbecue will tell you, there is a lot of heart and soul in the smoked meat, evidence of a pitmaster who cares and a community who loves it. The parallels between barbecue and healthcare dining shined through at the 4th annual Texas BBQ Blowout in Paris, Texas. The event, which brought together nearly 90 competitors battling to showcase their smoky skills, featured a group of healthcare chefs as judges: HHS Healthcare Chefs Brittney Horn and David Highlender were joined by Chef Darin Leonardson, president and
“This competition blends legendary Texas barbecue
tradition with a mission that truly matter,” Leonardson said. “It’s not just about bragging rights. It’s about fueling scholarships and opening doors for local students. That combination of food, culture and community is powerful.” The competing pitmasters showed off their life’s work, smoking ribs, chicken, brisket and more. Each competitor presented their entry to the judges, who were looking for a combination of criteria: balanced flavors, proper tenderness and overall quality. The BBQ Blowout raises scholarship funds for area schools
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