Vandis Shows Team Spirit Mixed With Friendly Competition

In celebration of Thanksgiving and all things Fall, the Vandis team donned our aprons and flexed our throwing arms as we gathered for our 3^rd annual Fall Fun Event. Team members gathered at our Albertson headquarters for a friendly cornhole tournament and festive baking competition.

Corn-Hole-In-One

Kicking the event off strong, Vandis team members faced off in our first ever office cornhole tournament. Teams of 2 went head-to-head, tossing bean bags across our kitchen, aiming to be the first team to hit 11 points. Sounds easy, right? Not when every point from the opposing team counts against yours. For many, you’re only as good as your last throw. 

Many points were stolen, while others went unchallenged. As beanbags flew across the room, team members cheered each other on from the sidelines. At the end of each match, the competing teams shook hands and said, “Good game.”

Autumnal Holiday Bakeoff

After the cornhole tournament, our team certainly worked up an appetite and was ready to eat some festive desserts. Five talented bakers brought their creations to be tasted and judged by their co-workers.

While all 5 bakes were unquestionably delicious, only 3 could place. After everyone cast their votes, the winners were revealed.

In 3^rd place was Strategic Account Manager, Meghan Mongiardo, with her Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Blondies.

In 2^nd place was Director of Marketing, Joanne Ferrara, with her Snickers Cheesecake Pie.

In 1^st place was Network Engineer, Matt Provenzano, with his Model Congress Pumpkin Bread. Matt was kind enough to share his recipe with all of us. Try it. It's delicious.

Model Congress Pumpkin Bread

29-oz can Libby’s pumpkin puree

4 Cups white sugar

6 eggs, slightly beaten

1/3 Cup vegetable oil

3 Tablespoons pumpkin pie spice

2 ¼ Cups unbleached all purpose flour

3 teaspoons freshly opened baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons salt

1 package semisweet mini chocolate chips, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the loaf pans by spraying with nonstick spray for baking.

1. Sift together dry ingredients, set aside (flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, salt)
2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin and sugar with a wire wisk. Mix in beaten eggs and oil until well combined (about 100 strokes by hand). Carefully stir dry ingredients into pumpkin mixture until well combined. Stir in Chocolate Chips, if using.
3. Pour in 5 greased medium-sized loaf pans about 2/3 full, or 8 mini loaf pans 2/3 full.
4. Bake large loaves for about one hour at 350 or until cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake. Bake small loaves for about 55 minutes or until cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
5. Transfer to a wire rack to cool in pan for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and place right-side up to cool completely.

From all of us at Vandis, we wish you a very happy holiday season!