MEET LOIS: A TASTE OF CROIX VALLEY GOLDEN TICKET WINNER!

Some dishes take a village. Others take a fruit market, a butcher counter, and one very good instinct.

Meet Lois Szymanski Spruytte of Michigan - the "cookie Mom" turned competitive Foodsport veteran behind these Mediterranean Lettuce Wraps with Lamb. Crisp Boston lettuce, lean ground lamb seasoned with our Greek Barbecue Booster, a bright cucumber-tomato mix, tzatziki, feta, and a sprig of fresh dill. Light, healthy, and absolutely loaded with flavor - proof that "better for you" and "packed with flavor" can exist together in harmony.

Lois is officially one of our Golden Ticket winners, heading to Indianapolis this October to compete live at the World Food Championships for a shot at the $100,000 grand prize. Honestly, when we heard this dish came together on the very first try, we weren't even surprised - some people just have the touch.

Want to make this one yourself? Here's the recipe: Mediterranean Lettuce Wraps with Lamb.

Before she heads to Indy, we asked Lois about where her love of cooking started. We learned how a trip to her favorite Michigan fruit market turned into a contest-winning dish, and what keeps bringing her back to Foodsport year after year. Turns out, she's been doing this a lot longer, and with a lot more heart, than most.

Q: When did you realize that cooking was something you were passionate about?

"I've always loved being in the kitchen from the time I was a child. My Mom, who was my step mom by marriage, however she truly was my Mom, taught me baking along with savory cooking. When raising our family I was always the 'cookie Mom.' I'd have treats for all the teams that our 4 children belonged to while they were in school. Once they left the nest, I got involved with cooking contests here in Michigan. That increased my passion and desire to create my own recipes. I do have many cookbooks that I use as reference to learn technique or flavor profiles for the process."

Q: What's your favorite part of tackling a new recipe?

"My favorite part of recipe development is during the build. The mystery of my ideas in my head to notes on paper, then the final product. Is it a keeper, or not! Over the years my palate has grown and currently I have had more keepers that are now in my collection."

Q: How did you choose the specific Croix Valley products that were featured in your dish?

"I absolutely love lamb, I also love the Croix Valley Greek BBQ Booster and have used it many times with grilled veggies and chicken. However I am pre-diabetic and I am always working on healthy but flavorful protein options. The inspiration for the lettuce wraps hit me while I was shopping at my favorite fruit market here in Michigan. I gathered the veggies and bought the ground lamb fresh from their butcher shop. I came home and started playing in my kitchen. Oh my, that Greek BBQ Booster with lamb elevated my simple but flavorful dish. I knew I had to enter it in the contest. This was a first run on this dish. I worked on my plating for my photo and the rest is history!"

Q: What's one life lesson you've learned from cooking?

"I have learned how to keep pushing myself and to never give up. If one of my crazy ideas does not work, I just keep moving forward with the recipe. Just like in life. Always keep moving forward!"

Q: Have you competed in Foodsport in the past? What part of the World Food Championships are you most excited about?

"I have competed at World Food Championships since 2017. In 2018 I placed 3rd in desserts and in 2022 I placed 6th also in desserts. I am excited to showcase what I am able to do in the Noodle category this year. World Food Championships has truly become a huge Food Sport Family Reunion. Of course I love competing. However I love the relationships that my husband and I have formed with many other competitors. When I am not actively cooking, we are there to support and cheer on our friends."

A first-try recipe born from a good fruit market and a better instinct, from a nearly decade-long Foodsport veteran with two podium finishes already under her belt. That's the kind of experience and heart we're proud to send to Indianapolis wearing our name.

Congratulations, Lois! Go show the Noodle category what a Foodsport veteran can do. We'll be cheering you and your husband on in Indianapolis every step of the way.

Last thing - if you're a talented home cook, know that every year people just like you compete for $100,000 at the World Food Championships. It's the largest culinary competition in the world, so if you're interested in a new adventure, we'd love to see you there too!