Hillary Tribbett, Lafayette, Ind.

Darlington, Ind., is the typical American small town. A general store, barber shop and an old car repair shop decorate the one main street. There is not even a single stoplight. Everyone knows everyone else, and my grandmother, Marj Tribbett, is known as the town’s cook.

She owned and operated the Christmas Cottage Tea Room. The restaurant had white table clothes and amazing food. My grandmother always had a knack for whipping up a masterpiece with the most limited sources. I, unfortunately, am not blessed with cooking ability. My grandmother let me watch her prepare meals in the kitchen and even tried to teach me her skills. They never did skink in, and I currently rely on Ramen noodles and peanut butter to get me through my days. Although I am no chef, I have a deep respect for the art of cooking, baking and presenting food.

In addition to my grandmother’s restaurant, my Father has a farming operation and raises purebred Shorthorn cattle. I have been involved in the cattle industry since birth. My dad is skilled at breeding cattle to their fullest potential. Because of my Dad, I also have a hearty 15-pound stash of hamburger in the freezer for the day that the Ramen noodles run out.

The Shorthorn breed is my, and I possess a substantial amount of knowledge about the
cattle industry. Shorthorn cattle are one of my passions. For that matter, steak is a passion of mine, too.

My two favorite foods are steak and chocolate, and I also enjoy Italian food.  I am excited to learn more about what dishes are specific to the Hoosier heartland. My connection to the hometown cookin' of the Christmas Cottage and my Dad’s farming drew me to this project. I hope to not only learn about Hoosier food facts, but also pick up a couple of recipes along the way. After all, the Ramen noodles are getting old.