The Fayette County School System’s CARE (Children at Risk in Education) Program has published its first cookbook to help raise money for less fortunate students and their families.

Authored by CARE Coordinator Karen Spangler, the “Touch of Grace Cookbook” features 130 recipes, many from Spangler’s personal collection as well as from employees of the school system and Gulf Coast evacuees who have relocated to the county. The book covers the gamut in cooking from appetizers and starters, breads and muffins to main courses, desserts, beverages and breakfast.

The books cost $15 and can be purchased at the Fayette County Board of Education or the LaFayette Educational Center. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will benefit the CARE program.

Spangler is known throughout the school system for her wonderful made-from-scratch family dishes and treats that she prepares for meetings and special gatherings. Those who have tasted Spangler’s cooking always ask for recipes. Spangler said she is glad to share them with others but said she was stunned when a colleague asked her to put some of her most requested and favorite dishes in a book.

“I was a bit taken back when Debbie Crisp, a counselor at Fayette Middle, made the suggestion. I wasn’t excited because I knew the long hours it would take. But when Debbie suggested that we use it as a fundraiser I was sold,” said Spangler.

CARE is a Fayette County Schools assistance program that uses a school based, team approach to reduce risk factors and increase resiliency for students who experience social, emotional and behavioral issues. CARE teams, most often lead by the school counselor, work hard to help students referred to them resolve their issues and become capable and confident individuals with a sense of future that includes goals.

Not only is the “Touch of Grace Coobook” a fundraiser for the CARE program, but it also honors Katrina victims who evacuated from the Gulf Coast to Fayette County. There is a special section devoted to the Gulf Coast where individuals not only share their favorite recipes but also family stories behind them.

“They are poignant and I appreciate the families who were willing to share. The Gulf Coast section in our cookbook is there to honor those from that region who are our neighbors now,” said Spangler.

Readers will also catch a glimpse into Spangler’s family as she shares special family memories and bits of history associated with her most treasured recipes.

A total of 500 books have been printed.

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