

Dogood.Ittastes
The heat is on , the flavors are bold , and the 2025 United We Cook showdown is dishing out its best! Now , you can cook like a contender with these winning recipes straight from the competition
2025


BANKINGONCOMMUNITY. BUILDINGTOGETHER.









Angie Lazzell CEO,UnitedWayofDanvilleArea
There’s something special about food—it brings people together, tells stories, and creates memories. At United We Cook, it does even more: it brings community to the table for a cause.
This cookbook is more than a collection of recipes that represents a celebration of the creativity, generosity, and heart of the people who make our community extraordinary. From savory bites to sweet finishes, every page reflects the passion of our celebrity chefs—local leaders, neighbors, and friends—who rolled up their sleeves, tied on aprons, and brought their best dishes forward to support the United Way of Danville Area.
We’re deeply grateful to the chefs who not only cooked for this event, but also graciously shared their favorite recipes with all of us. Their willingness to give—of their time, talents, and secret ingredients—makes this event shine.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our sponsors as well, whose generous support helps us turn these shared meals into meaningful impact. With your partnership, we’re able to fund critical programs, support local families, and keep building a stronger, more connected Danville area.
As you flip through these pages and bring these dishes to life in your own kitchen, know that you’re part of something bigger. Because at United Way of Danville Area, we believe in doing good—and as it turns out, it tastes pretty great.
With gratitude,
Angie Lazzell
CEO, United Way of
Danville Area

COMMUNITY




APPETIZERS APPETIZERS CHAPTER1



1
Tracey Coonrod Busy Bee Meatballs
Tracey Coonrod , owner of the Busy Bee Gourmet food truck in Danville , brings over 45 years of experience in the food industry She’s worked alongside top chefs , creating and contributing to memorable menus
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix well and roll into 1½-inch balls.
4.
5 (plus more for serving)
Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated Eggs
Italian herbs and spices Mozzarella cheese, for serving
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, marinara, cheese, eggs, and herbs/spices.
3. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes.
To serve, cover meatballs with warm marinara and top with mozzarella cheese.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb ground turkey
1 egg
½ C panko
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
4 slices bacon
1 C cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1½ C chicken broth, divided
1 Tbsp flour
½ C dry white wine
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
¼ C heavy cream
Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Michael Gregory Coq au Vin Blanc Meatballs
Michael Gregory formerly with PepsiCo Finance and past owner of the Big Four , now works in real estate with FRIDY Realty He enjoys Mediterranean and healthy cooking in his free time
DIRECTIONS
In a bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, panko, salt, garlic, and pepper. Form into meatballs and set aside.
1 In a large skillet, cook bacon until rendered and crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then dice.
2 In the same skillet, cook the meatballs in some of the bacon drippings until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4
3 In the same skillet, cook mushrooms until browned. Add onion and sauté until soft.
6.
5. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
Add a bit more garlic (if desired), then pour in a portion of the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add white wine, dijon mustard, thyme, and the remaining broth. Bring to a simmer.
7 Return the meatballs to the skillet and continue cooking until fully cooked through.
9
8. Stir in heavy cream and cook until warmed through.
10
Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
11.
Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.


INGREDIENTS
8 oz lump crab meat
1 Tbsp melted butter
1 Tbsp minced garlic
⅓ C finely diced red onion
2 dozen button mushrooms, stems removed
½ tsp garlic salt
¾ C toasted breadcrumbs
1 C grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ C Chardonnay
1 egg
3 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Joseph Roberson Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Joseph Roberson , General Manager of The Possum Trot in Oakwood , Illinois , has over 20 years of food service experience He’s excited to share one of his favorite appetizers with everyone
DIRECTIONS
1
Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Beat the egg in a medium mixing bowl.
Line a 13x9-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with melted butter.
3 Add the Chardonnay, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic salt, minced garlic, and diced red onion to the beaten egg. Mix until combined.
5.
4. Gently fold in the lump crab meat.
6 Stuff each mushroom cap with about 1 tablespoon of crab mixture.
8
Gradually add the breadcrumbs and ½ C of the Parmesan cheese a little at a time, mixing gently until the filling reaches a thick but scoopable consistency. You may need slightly more or less depending on moisture levels.
7. Place stuffed mushrooms onto the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle the tops with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
10 Serve warm. 11
9. Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through and lightly golden.

2 medium tomatoes, chopped
½ C parmesan cheese, shredded
1 C sharp longhorn cheese, shredded
1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
1 packet taco seasoning
½ C onion, diced
¼ C tomato juice
Pastry Ingredients
½ C butter, softened
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1¼ C all-purpose flour
Shirley Harlan Empanadas
Shirley Harlan a semi-retired hair designer has a lifelong love of cooking She enjoys hosting dinner parties and regularly delights her friends with homemade meals full of flavor and heart
2. In a separate bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, and flour to form a soft dough.
In a large bowl, mix together the filling: cooked ground beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes, onion, tomato juice, parmesan, and longhorn cheese.
3. Roll out the dough to desired thickness and cut into circles.
4 Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold and seal the edges, pressing with a fork if desired.
6 Brush tops with egg wash.
8
7. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
INGREDIENTS

10 ripe avocados
2 tomatoes, diced
1½ sweet onions, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, finely diced (or more, to taste)
Fresh cilantro, 2–3 generous pinches, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, a drizzle (for consistency)
Red pepper flakes or minced jalapeño, to taste
Jakob Dazey Holy Guacamole
Jakob Dazey owner of Dazey’s Hair Lab in Danville has been a professional barber for 10 years and a passionate home cook for even longer He loves combining food , travel and service
DIRECTIONS
1
Remove pits and skins from avocados, then mash in a large bowl to desired consistency.
2. Stir in chopped cilantro.
Add diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic to the mashed avocados.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add a light drizzle of olive oil to achieve your preferred texture.
6.
5 Spice it up with red pepper flakes or jalapeño to your heat tolerance.
7
Mix thoroughly and serve immediately—or chill for 30 minutes for even better flavor.
Serving Suggestion:
Perfect with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a fresh topper for grilled meats.


1 (4.5 oz) can green chiles
8 oz cream cheese
8 oz sour cream
1 C shredded cheese (any blend works great)
1
7 pepper
Kristin Kinney Kristin’s
Bonfire Dip
Kristin Kinney is the Memories of the Heart Coordinator and quite possibly the busiest dog nanny in Vermilion County She’s known for her caring heart , quick wit , and endless energy
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned.
2. Add chopped red bell pepper and green chiles. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
3 Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Mix until fully combined and melted.
4. Pour mixture into a 9x9-inch baking dish.
5 Bake for 15–20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread.

INGREDIENTS
400 grams fresh or frozen cayenne peppers, cleaned and stems removed
30 grams fresh garlic, peeled
900 ml white vinegar
¼ tsp xanthan gum (optional)
Spices, optional (use your favorites or none for pure cayenne flavor)
Serving Suggestions: Perfect on eggs, tacos, burritos, jambalaya, fried chicken, or anything that needs a kick!
Matthew Arteaga
Mama Mary Cayenne Pepper Sauce
Chef Matt Arteaga an engineer by trade began making hot sauces five years ago using locally grown peppers His small-batch creations pack a punch and are available only when inspiration (and time) strikes
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring the vinegar to a boil in a large pot.
3
Prepare this recipe in a well-ventilated area— outdoors is ideal.
2 Add cayenne peppers, garlic, and any desired spices.
4
5
Cover and cook at a low boil for 20 minutes.
Transfer the mixture to a blender (use caution— it's hot). Use tongs for peppers and pour the remaining liquid.
6
Blend on medium for 30 seconds, then high for 1 minute.
8
7. Let the sauce rest for 10 minutes after blending.
9
If using xanthan gum, slowly add it while blending on high to prevent lumps.
Pour into clean, sterile bottles or jars.
Store at room temperature for up to 6 months, or longer if refrigerated. Shake before each use if separation occurs. 10


horseradish (or to taste)
1 fresh baguette, sliced Olive oil, for brushing
Nichole Lesko
Marinated Steak Creamed Horseradish Fresh Baguette
Nichole Lesko , owner and chef at Mimi’s Kitchen & Catering in Danville and Head Chef at College Fresh in Champaign-Urbana is passionate about the art of food and creating story-driven menus
DIRECTIONS
1 Prepare the Horseradish Cream: In a small bowl, mix sour cream and horseradish. Adjust to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.
Marinate the Steak: Marinate steak in garlic, herbs, and olive oil for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor). Grill or pan-sear to desired doneness. Let rest, then slice thinly.
2. Toast the Baguette: Slice baguette into thin rounds and lightly brush with olive oil. Toast under broiler or in oven until edges are golden.
3 Assemble Crostini: Spread each toasted slice with a small dollop of horseradish cream. Top with a slice of steak.
5
4 Serve warm or at room temperature.


INGREDIENTS
1 large box Velveeta, cubed
1 large can chili, no beans
2 small cans diced green chilies
1 small can diced jalapeños
1 lb ground turkey or beef
1 bag Tostitos Scoops or chips of your choice
Ross Webb National Champion Cheese Dip
Ross Webb State Farm Insurance Agent is a proud community supporter and self-proclaimed man of the people He enjoys grilling, cooking, college football , and hitting the golf course whenever he can
DIRECTIONS
Brown the ground turkey or beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
1 Cube Velveeta and melt in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short intervals and stirring frequently to avoid burning.
2. In a large bowl or pot, combine the melted cheese, cooked meat, green chilies, jalapeños, and chili.
3. Stir until fully mixed, then transfer to a crockpot and keep on the warm setting for serving.
5.
4. Serve hot with chips.

INGREDIENTS

8 oz salmon filet (smoked or pan-seared)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz mayonnaise
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp minced onions (green onions preferred)
½ tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
Juice of ¼ lemon wedge (or ½ tsp bottled lemon juice)
Stephanie Lober Smoked Salmon Dip
Stephanie Lober , owner of The Local in Covington, Indiana , is passionate about food and creativity She grows and harvests ingredients herself , crafting unique flavor profiles for her restaurant and family
DIRECTIONS
1
Smoke the salmon at 275°F for 15 minutes, or pan-sear if preferred. Allow to cool.
2. Add salt, pepper, minced onions, cayenne, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Mix until well blended.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise.
3. Flake cooled salmon into small pieces using your hands.
5
Gently fold salmon into the cream cheese mixture using a spoon.
7.
6. Serve with crackers, croissants, or crostini. Garnish with microgreens, if desired.
Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.


INGREDIENTS
2–3 avocados, peeled and pitted
3 Roma tomatoes, chopped ½ white onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced Juice of 2 limes
Rob Witzel Super Guac
Rob , author of the Super Penguin book series , travels the country for book festivals and comic cons He’s a fan of simple, tasty recipes that fuel his adventures and storytelling
DIRECTIONS
Scoop avocado into a mixing bowl.
1 Add chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Mix on low until the texture resembles a thick paste.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and mix again until well combined.
5
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.


G S
Ingredients
1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-oz) can pinto beans, drained
1 (15-oz) can whole kernel sweet corn, drained
1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 (10-oz) can Hunts petite-diced tomatoes, drained
1 C onion, finely diced
1 C celery, finely diced
1 C green pepper, finely diced
For the Sauce
1 C vinegar
1 C sugar
½ C olive oil
2–3 Tbsp lime juice
LuAnn Grimm Texas Caviar
LuAnn Grimm works in the Oakwood 7/8 Library and serves as student council advisor A proud grandma and community volunteer , she's known for her award-winning spirit and her famous cupcakes and chip dip
DIRECTIONS
1 Stir in olive oil and lime juice.
In a small saucepan, bring vinegar and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a large bowl with a tight-sealing lid, combine all remaining ingredients.
4.
3 Pour cooled sauce over the mixture and stir well.
5 Serve chilled with Scoops tortilla chips.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
6
Tips & Variations:
This recipe is highly adaptable—try adding blackeyed peas, avocado, chopped pimento, or using fresh or frozen veggies. Season to taste and make it your own!





BEVERAGES BEVERAGES CHAPTER2



INGREDIENTS
1½ oz rum
¾ oz blue curaçao liqueur
2 oz pineapple juice
¾ oz cream of coconut
Maraschino cherry, for garnish
Pineapple wedge, for garnish
Justin Bargo Blue Hawaiian
Justin Bargo, an employee of Watchfire Signs and Mayor of the Village of Catlin , is dedicated to his community and enjoys spending quality time with his family!
DIRECTIONS
Fill a shaker with ice. 1 Add rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut. 2. Shake well until chilled.
3 Strain into a hurricane or highball glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge.
5 Serve and enjoy! 6.

INGREDIENTS
Fresh cherries (3–4 for muddling)
2 oz cherry-infused bourbon
1 bar spoon cherry jam
1 fresh orange slice (halved)
A few dashes orange bitters
Lemon-lime soda or soda water, to top Ice
Orange slice, for garnish
Jorge Lemont
Bourbon "Sconnie" Old Fashioned
Jorge Lemont , self-proclaimed music legend and culinary connoisseur , claims to have invented paella (unconfirmed) Rather than outshine the chefs , he’s teaming up with Peter Blackmon to serve something from behind the bar
DIRECTIONS
Fill a pint glass with ice
1 In a shaker, muddle 3–4 fresh cherries with a halved orange slice.
2. Add cherry jam, bourbon, a few dashes of orange bitters, and ice.
3 Shake well. 4. Strain into the prepared pint glass. 5 Top with lemon-lime soda or soda water. 6 Garnish with an orange slice. 7.

INGREDIENTS
1 oz vodka of choice
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz Mad Goat cold brew
½ oz simple syrup (optional, to taste)
Stevenson Harby Espresso Martini
Stevenson Harby, COUNTRY Financial Insurance Agent, is known for his air fryer finesse and expert cocktail mixing He brings flavor and fun to gatherings with friends and clients alike
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. 1 Add ice and shake well.
2. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass.
4
3. Garnish with three coffee beans on top.
INGREDIENTS
Kentucky bourbon
Fresh mint, plus extra for garnish
Simple syrup
Crushed ice

Gent Juleps Gents Mint Juleps
The Gent Juleps are a local brother duo bringing the sweet , spirited tradition of the Kentucky Derby to life celebrating spring one minty magical sip at a time
DIRECTIONS
Prepare simple syrup by heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved.
1 While syrup cools, steep a generous handful of fresh mint in it.
2. Once cooled to room temperature, strain out the mint and refrigerate the syrup until ready to use.
3. To serve, fill glasses with crushed ice.
5.
4 Pour bourbon over the ice and add mint syrup to taste.
6
Stir gently, adjust sweetness if needed, and garnish with fresh mint.

INGREDIENTS
¼ tsp fresh ground horseradish
1 shot vodka