By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

Home Plate Cooking To Go is proud to be celebrating its fifth anniversary this upcoming spring.

“We have evolved from a drive-thru window with meals-to-go to a shop where you can come in, see our baked goods and specialties, or pick up lunch on the run and order your evening meal from our daily specials menu,” Kay Brashier said.

Brashier said she comes from a family where all the generations of women cooked and shared their favorite recipes, many of which she has adapted for the shop. Her chicken potpie, her own children’s favorite, became the first dish on her menu.

“My husband, Mark, and two boys, Chase and Logan, are my taste testers,” she laughed. “It has to get past them first.

“My original concept was that everyone is so busy these days, especially young families with two working parents and children involved in so many activities, they would welcome sitting down to a home-cooked dinner rather than fast food,” she said.

Come in and choose from the many entrees and sides listed on the board or order the daily special, ready for pickup Monday-Friday after 3 p.m. Just take your choice home and pop it in the oven; heating instructions are provided.

The shop front reflects Brashier’s natural talent for visual presentation. Painted in an inviting mélange of edible colors, around the tables are ladder-back chairs with the name of a different food or delicacy on each rung.

“A lot of people tell us they are glad we are here. They appreciate picking up a casserole for someone who has a new baby or a death in the family.

“They want to give something home-cooked, and it’s an honor to me when they choose us. It’s a compliment that they think my food is good enough to give to friends and family. That’s what we’re here for,” she said.

For the holidays, Home Plate Cooking To Go offers all your favorite holiday fare as well as party trays of sandwiches, fruits, desserts, appetizers and cakes to enjoy at home or give as gifts. Gift cards are available. Call 621-6502 or visit homeplatecooking.com.

 

Laura Brookhart can be reached by email at labro16@yahoo.com.