A recipe submitted by James Pritchard, food service director for the Butler School District, was one of 12 winners in a national contest. The Tuscany Turkey Sub is a popular choice in school lunch lines.

One of the most popular menu items in Butler High School's cafeteria, the Tuscany Turkey Sub, has won a national recipe contest.

James Pritchard, food service director for the Butler School District, was selected as one of 12 national winners in the 2010 Jennie-O Turkey Store recipe contest, open to school food service professionals who develop a recipe using at least one Jennie-O product.

“I was kind of surprised when they contacted me and said, ‘You're one of the monthly winners,'” said Pritchard.

About a year ago, he received an e-mail about the contest from Jennie-O and decided to try his luck by entering the Tuscany Turkey Sub.

“I thought it was a nice recipe and the kids were really excited about it,” said Pritchard. “I just thought it would be nice to let some of the other schools know, there are some pretty good ideas out there.”

To qualify for the contest, recipes must have been served at least once on a school menu.

Right away, the Tuscany Turkey Sub was a popular choice in school lunch lines.

The mayonnaise and hot sauce mixture makes the sandwich special and can be customized to taste, he said.

“We can make the dressing as hot or as mild as we want,” he said. “The high school kids seem to want it a little hotter so we add a little bit more hot sauce.”

The sandwich is served once monthly in the school cafeterias, but has been prepared for other events, Pritchard said.

“One night, I served it to the school board so they could see what kind of things we're doing here,” Pritchard said.

The contest also ties in with Jennie-O Turkey Store's Thursday is Turkey Day movement. Its goal is to get students excited about eating turkey a least once a week and to promote healthier initiatives taking place in schools nationwide.

Pritchard, who lives in Ross Township, has worked in school food service for more than 20 years.

He has been food service director in the Butler School District for two years.

3 slices extra lean sliced oven roasted turkey breast3 slices pepperoni-style seasoned turkey6- or 8-inch sub bun1 oz. shredded mozzarellaMayonnaiseHot sauce, to tasteLayer turkey breast, pepperoni-style seasoned turkey and mozzarella on bottom bun.Bake 5 to 8 minutes or until cheese melts.Top with lettuce, tomato slice and spicy mayonnaise. Add top bun and serve.To make spicy mayonnaise, combine mayonnaise with hot sauce to taste. Use condiment squirt bottle to add to sandwich.