By: Cristi Barry, Cristi Barry Cuisine, LLC
I have been serving the girls of Notre Dame Prep breakfast and lunch for nearly 16 years. No matter what they order—a salad, a hamburger, or the special of the day—it always comes with a side order of TLC. Sharing my love of cooking with the NDP community and making sure our girls have the fuel they need to learn and grow has been a highlight of my career.
I have been around your daughters and granddaughters long enough to know when they need a little encouragement, a smile, or perhaps a friendly chat; it truly is the best part of my day! Don’t get me wrong, I love cooking and being in the kitchen. However, when I get to leave the kitchen for a moment and talk with the NDP girls, it is then that I learn what they love and how I can improve my 
menus.
As a past NDP parent who is now a grandparent, I am happy to see a shift from the girls’ desire for processed foods to healthier choices. I strive to provide a balance in the dining room where a fresh salad bar and fruit are always available to balance out the girls’ favorite side item: fries! Roasted vegetables are something we would have never served in a school cafeteria when I started 16 years ago, but that’s what these young ladies ask for, so that’s what we serve.
Food has a way of bringing people together, especially families. I love seeing and serving your girls daily, and I enjoy sharing my favorite recipes with them throughout the year. I hope you enjoy one of my favorite fall recipes and share it as a family.
