C.A.R.E. Program Members Get Recipe Selected for Publication in BGCA's Cookbook When Pete Salisbury, the Site Director for the Imperial Beach Boys & Girls Club Oneonta School Extension, heard that Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) was requesting original family recipes for a new cookbook he asked his group of children if they had a favorite meal that could be submitted. He realized that McDonalds and Pizza Hut probably wouldn't take kindly to having their recipes submitted and the fact that fast food didn't fit the cookbook's theme of Family Meals so Salisbury thought back to his childhood and told his students of a favorite meal that his mother had taught him to make and that he still occasionally made when the mood struck: Macaroni and Tuna Cheese Casserole. There were many "ewws" and a muttered "gross" when they heard the name and most still weren't impressed when told a can of peas was involved but a mention of potato chips generously sprinkled on top had the children agreeing they would give it a try. So Salisbury submitted the recipe and was as shocked as anyone when he heard his old family recipe was to be included in the book.     Pete Salisbury, Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Beach Oneonta Extension along with the Oneonta Youth of the Year Angelique Farina and Jason Cruz, sign copies of the BGCA cookbook - Just Add Family: Delicious Recipes for the Entire Family - for the Clubs Board of Directors. Photo Courtesy of Pete Salisbury   The cookbook - Just Add Family: Delicious Recipes for the Entire Family - is a compilation of favorite family recipes, guidelines for creating fun dinnertime activities and helpful tips for spending quality time together as a family. In the cookbook, families also share why the meal is so special to them. Just Add Family is a part of BGCA's Family PLUS (Parent Leading, Uniting, Serving) initiative supported by the Kimberly Clark Corporation. "I never expected such a simple meal to be accepted," said Salisbury. "I also know sooner or later I'm going to have to cook some up for the children." Ken Blinsman, Chief Professional Officer of The Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Beach, added "We're very proud that one of our Club professionals' recipes was one of only about a hundred selected to be included in the Family PLUS cookbook. It is our goal to help bring together young people and their families and strengthen their connection to Boys & Girls Clubs." Judge Glenda Hatchett, syndicated talk-show host and a member of BGCA's Board of Governors, is a contributing writer for Just Add Family, offering her expert advice on the importance of family dinner. "Family dinners are about much more than eating good food-they are the building blocks to a solid family structure. A family dinner is a wonderful place to build strong relationships, a sense of pride and accomplishment and healthy memories that last a lifetime." In honor of the cookbook's publication, Salisbury along with the Oneonta Programs Youth of the Year Angelique Farina and Jason Cruz were invited to sign copies for the Club's Board of Directors including Chief Volunteer Office Mark Neagles and Vice President Christine Harlin. For a copy of the Just Add Family cookbook you can contact the Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Beach 847 Encina Ave. (619) 424-2266 Ext 224 or it is available to download from the Family PLUS Web site at http://familyplus.bgca.org/