Lower Burrell American Legion to hold Mexican dinner fundraiser next Saturday

Lucy Peters of West Leechburg is sharing her love of authentic Mexican cooking with another love — service.

Peters, 38, an Army veteran and member of American Legion Post 868 in Lower Burrell, will serve as chef, cooking hundreds of flautas and tamales for a Mexican-themed fundraiser hosted by the Legion.

Lucy’s Authentic Mexican Dinner is scheduled for Saturday , Jan. 23 at the post.

Peters grew up in rural southern Arizona. She learned to cook from her parents and grandparents, who were originally from Chihuahua, Mexico.

“I grew up with everything cooked being authentic. My mother would wake me up at 4 a.m. to cook tamales,” said Peters, who helped organize the event.

The menu will feature chicken flautas and pork tamales. All meals with come with rice and beans.

Peters will have her secret sauce on hand, and diners can kick up the spice on their food if desired.

“I’m cooking everything with a mild flavor because I’m preparing them for the general public, but at home I make it spicy,” Peters said.

Meals are $12 each.

The event offers takeout or dine-in options, with all covid-19 guidelines strictly followed.

Peters said because the event is new, she’s not sure how many flautas and tamales she’ll have to cook.

“I’ll be prepping ahead and plan to cook hundreds,” she said.

Peters has prepared Mexican dishes for friends, and the events committee pushed for a Mexican food event.

Legion Commander Ed Zollinger said this fundraiser will help support ongoing missions.

“We use the money from fundraisers for a variety of events: parades, children’s holiday parties and a monthly donation to the Heinz VA, to name a few,” Zollinger said.

For Peters, the event is a reminder of her family heritage.

“I lost my grandmother a few years ago. She was the matriarch. This feels great because she taught us so much,” Peters said. “Everything I learned about cooking from her was by seeing and touching. We didn’t measure anything.”