Delish Crisp

The original crisp

Many moons ago on August 10, 2010 we the Hays JVs plus our support person, Margaret, joined to make a treat for the workers who were struggling to complete our bathroom. We had a pack of huge marshmallows and I mean the marshmallows themselves were giant, about four times the size of a regular s’mores mallow. After attempting to put some whole marshmallows in our mouths we used the rest to make a nice rice crispy treat for the guys. After making a traditional rice crispy treat for the workers we decided to make one for ourselves but naturally we had to spice ours up a bit because we never do anything in a typical way around here. Montana is rugged and so our treat had to be a little rugged itself. We raided the cupboards for anything and everything we could add to the treat.  It started with cheerios and moved on to old candy from past Halloween and Valentines Day parties, sprinkles, chocolate chips and maple syrup to name a few items.  The final crisp was peculiar and included a piece of bubble gum and a piece of salt-water taffy. The object of the crisp was like that of a king cake, we had to eat it all in one sitting and if you had the piece with the bubble gum you were in charge of making the next crisp. And as you can imagine this had potential for a yearlong tradition. We now celebrate Delish Crisp on the 10^th of every month.

There are a few rules that have been developed along the way such as you must eat the whole piece usually without utensils, the hidden candy cannot be a black licorice taffy because black licorice is nasty, pickles and mayonnaise are off limits, you must also be willing to eat the crisp if you make it and guests are allowed but as long as they agree to the above mentioned.

All the crisps have been very different one had fresh bananas, one was spicy, one had spaghetti and cream of wheat, one had pickles(the cause of the pickle rule), one took a cereal form with green milk (Christmas edition) and the most recent had a layer of brownies on the bottom of the pan. Yum!

Each month the preparations are done in secret as to not ruin thesurprise of the ingredients. The chef cuts and dishes out the pieces before each person picks his or her own piece and we all cheers by tapping out plates or bowls together before taking the first bite.

Our special guests have included Greg, the Jesuit novice who was here for the first half of our year and Susan our area director who comes to visit and check in on us.

The Delish Crisp has really improved the quality of life here in Hays. The laughter, and anticipation that is felt by all of us as we pick our pieces to the relief that is felt by all the day after.  So if you agree to all the rules listed above come on by on the 10^th of the month and enjoy a piece of the crisp but remember if you get the special candy you are in charge of the next one….