BLAIR, NEBRASKA (November 11, 2023) – Welcome to “Blair Food Lovers,” a special series by BlairToday.com, where we delve into the heart of our community through its cuisine. In Blair, Nebraska, cooking isn’t just about food; it’s about tradition, innovation, and, most importantly, people. From family recipes handed down through generations to creative twists on classic dishes, our series aims to showcase the rich culinary tapestry of Blair. Every story is a window into the lives of local cooks and home cooking enthusiasts who make our town unique. And the conversation doesn’t end here – join us on our Facebook group, Blair Food Lovers, to share your own stories, recipes, and experiences. Let’s cook, share, and celebrate the flavors of Blair together!
In our inaugural “Blair Food Lovers” feature, we introduce three remarkable locals, each with a unique culinary story. First, meet Fire Chief Joe Leonard, whose family’s chili recipe warms hearts every Halloween. Next, Lexi Crittenden shares her journey from a novice cook to perfecting a comforting chicken pot pie, a weeknight favorite for her family. Finally, we have Kim Rasmussen, a baking enthusiast whose Peach Crown Cupcake is a testament to her creativity and love for flavor. These individuals are just a taste of the culinary passion that simmers in the kitchens of Blair. Stay tuned as we explore their stories and recipes in depth.
“Chili Chronicles: Fire Chief Joe Leonard’s Culinary Heritage”
Fire Chief Joe Leonard carries on a heartwarming tradition with a chili recipe that’s not just a dish—it’s a family ritual deeply rooted in the Leonard household. “The story behind the chili is a family gathering every year at Halloween,” Joe recalls. His father’s special recipe became a symbol of those gatherings, only prepared during the chilly embrace of fall and winter months.
This beloved chili extends beyond the family kitchen to community events, becoming a staple at the local VFW and other functions upon request. “There’s many people who have always asked for my dad’s chili after trying it,” Joe shares, affirming the recipe’s popularity. His own preference is unwavering: “I’m so used to my dad’s chili that I typically will not eat any other.”
The secret to its distinctiveness lies in the chosen spices. “Dad always used a chili brick,” Joe explains, “but it was the spices that he added.” Among these were chili tepin, chili piquin, and arbol chili, complemented by “normal spices from the cupboard.” This combination, curated over time, is the essence of a recipe that’s not only sustained but also cherished by the Leonard family and the Blair community alike.
“Lexi Crittenden’s Homestyle Delight: The Chicken Pot Pie Journey”
Lexi Crittenden’s chicken pot pie stands as a testament to homestyle cooking and the comforts of family life. Lexi, once a self-proclaimed novice who could barely cook beyond Mac & Cheese or ramen, found her culinary calling through love and necessity after a whirlwind marriage at 19. “I could barely cook anything… Being in the military didn’t help either,” Lexi recounts. Yet, encouragement from her husband and the discovery of an easy chicken pot pie recipe on Pinterest sparked a transformative kitchen adventure.
Over time, Lexi honed her craft, adding her own twist to the recipe. “I started to spice up the recipe as I learned to cook with seasonings,” she says. By 2021, she perfected her homemade butter pie crust, elevating the dish from a simple recipe to a cherished family favorite. “I now make my chicken pot pie with my homemade crust and delicious seasonings, but still keep the filling fairly simple,” she notes, reflecting on the growth from those early days of squinting over a Pinterest recipe.
Lexi’s pot pie may not have been shared widely, but it has become an emblem of comfort for her family. It’s a dish that complements a chilly fall evening, promising no empty stomachs at the table. “My family always looks forward to pot pie night,” she shares with a smile.
Her Minnesotan roots and midwest upbringing, infused with warm winter meals and family traditions, simmer within her cooking. “Being back in the midwest ignites my soul again, and therefore ignites my love for food that invokes childhood memories,” Lexi expresses with heartfelt sincerity. Her simple yet savory pot pie recipe—featuring chopped chicken breasts seasoned with garlic, thyme, and oregano, mixed with peas, carrots, corn, and cream of chicken—encapsulates this sentiment.
In the oven, the pie crust turns a golden brown, signaling more than just readiness—it’s a call back to the family table, a return to roots, and a celebration of new beginnings in Blair. For Lexi Crittenden, every chicken pot pie is a canvas of her journey, a culinary creation that’s as much about flavor as it is about the memories and warmth it serves.
“Kim Rasmussen: Crafting Culinary Wonders in Blair”
Kim Rasmussen weaves her love for baking into delightful culinary creations. Inspired by her grandmother and her mother, Kim’s baking journey is a story of heritage and skill. “I grew up with some of the best role models when it comes to working in the kitchen,” she recalls fondly.
Kim’s talents extend beyond family circles. Her Key Lime Pie, for instance, has been so well-received that it famously altered a man’s summer tradition. “Now that he has tasted mine, he will never have to go to Florida again,” she says with a hint of pride.
Living in Blair has deepened Kim’s culinary repertoire. She holds the original Blair Marina Chicken Fried Steak recipe close to her heart, a cherished secret learned from her grandmother, who was the cook at the Blair Marina. “In order to win my husband’s heart, I had grandma give me a grocery list,” she recounts, detailing how she mastered the dish to impress her spouse.
Kim’s innovative spirit shines in her Peach Crown Cupcake, a creation inspired by her daughter’s preference for Moscow Mule. “I took my from-scratch vanilla cake recipe and modified it to resemble the Moscow mule flavor,” she explains. Fresh peaches cooked in Peach flavored Crown Royal are the heart of this cupcake, topped with a bourbon/peach buttercream frosting—a treat so exquisite that her daughter’s coworkers mistook them for professional bakery items.
In her own words, Kim captures the essence of her culinary journey: “I grew up with some of the best role models when it comes to working in the kitchen.” Her baking artistry, from reimagining classic recipes like the Key Lime Pie to crafting the unique Peach Crown Cupcake, showcases a blend of tradition and innovation. Kim’s creations not only honor her family’s legacy but also embody the spirit of Blair’s diverse culinary culture. Her approach to baking is a heartfelt tribute to her roots and a celebration of new, imaginative flavors that have become a cherished part of the Blair community.
The unique culinary stories of Fire Chief Joe Leonard, Lexi Crittenden, and Kim Rasmussen represent the heart of a community bound by tradition, innovation, and a shared love for food. Each dish, from Joe’s cherished chili to Lexi’s comfort-filled chicken pot pie and Kim’s inventive Peach Crown Cupcake, tells a tale of family, heritage, and the joys of cooking. These narratives capture the essence of Blair’s rich culinary tapestry. We invite you to share your own cooking stories with us. Send your recipes, memories, and the stories behind your favorite dishes to blairtoday@mail.com and become part of Blair’s vibrant culinary story.
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