Ladies’ Fall Night Out: Pumpkin Cookoff & Simmer Pots
Cooler evenings and colorful leaves mean fall is just around the corner — and what better way to celebrate than with food, fellowship, and fun? The Jim Ned Valley Church of Christ Ladies’ Fall Night Out is coming up on Tuesday, October 7 at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall (509 Railroad Ave, Tuscola).
This event is all about connecting with friends, enjoying a cozy fall evening, and welcoming new faces from across our community. It’s the perfect time to invite a neighbor, co-worker, or friend for a night of laughter and creativity.
The Pumpkin Cookoff
You’ve heard of chili cookoffs… now it’s time for a pumpkin cookoff! We’re inviting everyone to bring their best pumpkin-inspired recipe. From savory dishes like pumpkin chili or pumpkin mac & cheese, to sweet treats like pumpkin cheesecake bars, or even a refreshing pumpkin spice drink — if it has pumpkin in it, it qualifies!
Guests will sample the entries and vote for their favorites. Prizes will be awarded for:
🏆 Best Savory Dish
🏆 Best Sweet Dish
🏆 Best Drink
🍂 DIY Simmer Pots
In addition to tasting delicious food, each guest will get to make a fall simmer pot to take home. These little jars of spices, fruit, and herbs are simmered on the stove or in a slow cooker to fill your home with a warm, cozy fragrance all season long.
🥣 Why Pumpkin?
Pumpkin isn’t just festive — it’s also a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, pumpkin supports healthy vision, boosts immunity, and keeps you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, its natural sweetness makes it versatile for both savory and sweet recipes.
🍴 Recipe Inspiration
Not sure what to bring for the cookoff? Here are a few pumpkin recipe ideas to get you started:
Savory: Pumpkin chili, roasted pumpkin soup, pumpkin ravioli with sage butter, pumpkin chicken enchiladas, cheesy pumpkin spicy sausage stuffed shells, pumpkin pasta salad with goat cheese, pumpkin quesadillas, pumpkin salsa, cheddar pumpkin bites, pumpkin brie bites, pumpkin deviled eggs, creamy pumpkin hummus, puff pastry pumpkin appetizers, pumpkin queso, buffalo pumpkin sliders, pumpkin mac and cheese, roast pumpkin, spinach and feta salad
Sweet: Pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie bars, pumpkin spice cookies with cream cheese drizzle
Drinks: Pumpkin chai latte, pumpkin spice punch, pumpkin hot cocoa
✨ Join Us!
This is more than just a food competition — it’s a time to connect, encourage one another, and celebrate the joy of the season together. Whether you’re a longtime member or brand new to the community, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting for you.
📅 Tuesday, October 7
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Jim Ned Valley Church of Christ Fellowship Hall
509 Railroad Ave, Tuscola
Bring your best pumpkin recipe, your appetite, and a friend — we can’t wait to see you there!