DISHING UP A "DELIGHT" IN THE LUNCH LINE

  It doesn't get more Southern than a tasty sweet potato casserole, only in this case we're talking about "Sweet Potato Delight." And as its name suggests, eating it IS a delight. That's what some Parkway High School students discovered who tried the new menu offering during lunch Tuesday.

  The dish is the winner of the "Year of the Healthy Child Recipe Contest," sponsored by Krewe de Les Femmes Mystique and others and coordinated by the LSU Ag Center. Belinda McMichael, Supervisor of the Child Nutrition Program for Bossier Schools, explained that the dish had to be relatively low in fat and sodium and contain either sweet potatoes, carrots or broccoli. Oh yeah, and kids have to want to eat it.

  To ensure they would, students from elementary, middle and high school served as the judges for the contest. After all, they will be the ones eating the new dishes on the menu. The six finalists' recipes will be put on the menu next school year at all Bossier and Caddo Parish Schools.

  One bite of winner Jodi Gharbi's "Sweet Potato Delight" and you would never guess it's good for you -- only that it tastes good.    "Amazing!" "Love it!" and "Tasty!" were just some of the comments overheard during Parkway's first lunch shift.

  Tarnem Musallam was surprised when she took her first bite. "That IS good!" she said. "Normally I don't like sweet potatoes." 

  Goal accomplished.