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Chef Delgado's Holiday Night Serves Up Sweet Treats and Solidarity in Den Hamps

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 20:33 GMT by The Advocate

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Chef’s Night Serves Up Tasty Holiday Treats in Denham Springs

During the last week of December, the quiet streets of Den Hamps, a close‑knit community on the outskirts of Baton Rouge, buzzed with the aroma of fresh‑baked goodies and holiday cheer. A local culinary talent—Chef Thomas “Tom” Delgado—brought his seasonal flair to a special event that drew families, volunteers, and residents alike to a night of sweet indulgence and charitable giving. The event, dubbed “Chef Delgado’s Holiday Night,” was held at the Den Hamps Community Center on December 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and it became a highlight of the community’s festive calendar.

The Chef Behind the Treats

Tom Delgado is a well‑known figure in the Greater Baton Rouge culinary scene. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Delgado has spent the last decade honing his craft in some of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, most recently at the upscale bistro Le Cœur in the French Quarter. According to Delgado, the idea for the holiday event grew out of a simple desire to “share my love of food with people who might not otherwise have the chance to experience a gourmet holiday meal.”

Delgado has long been an active supporter of Den Hamps’ community initiatives. He has partnered with the local Den Hamps Food Bank on several occasions and has been a frequent speaker at the city’s annual “Taste of the Holidays” festival. In his own words, “Food is a powerful connector—especially when it’s prepared with a little love and a lot of holiday spirit.”

The Night In, the Sweet Treats

The community center’s dining hall was transformed into a miniature bakery, complete with a line of rustic, wooden tables and festive décor. Visitors could sample a range of holiday specialties, each crafted with seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms whenever possible. Some of the standout items included:

• Classic Gingerbread Cookies – Crispy, spiced, and dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies were a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Hot Buttered Rum Cake – A moist, vanilla cake soaked in a caramelized rum glaze, served with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Chocolate Peppermint Bark – Hand‑made with dark chocolate and crushed candy canes, offering a refreshing minty finish.
• Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding – A comforting, custard‑laden dish topped with a caramel sauce and toasted pecans.
• Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar – With a variety of toppings, including marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and a splash of bourbon for the adults.

Guests paid a small fee of $10 per person for a “Treat Tasting Package,” which included three samples and a complimentary cup of hot chocolate. A portion of every ticket sale—estimated at 30%—was directed to the Den Hamps Food Bank’s “Winter Warm‑Up” program, which supplies meal kits and supplies to families in need.

Delgado explained that the pricing was intentional: “We wanted to keep it affordable so everyone could participate, while still generating a meaningful contribution for a worthy cause.”

Community Engagement and Fundraising

The event was a clear success on both fronts. By the end of the evening, Delgado had raised nearly $3,000 for the Food Bank, surpassing the original goal of $2,000. The funds will help purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and essential household items for families who might otherwise go without during the harsh winter months.

Mayor Susan Harrell, who attended the ceremony, spoke enthusiastically about the community’s generosity: “What we saw last night was a testament to the spirit of Den Hamps. It’s events like these that remind us that we’re stronger together. I’m proud of how Chef Delgado and everyone involved pulled together to make a difference.”

The event also provided a platform for local artisans and small‑business owners to showcase their crafts. A table of handmade holiday ornaments and a display of locally produced honey and preserves were set up next to the dessert station, with proceeds from each sale going to the same charity.

Behind the Scenes: Planning and Partnerships

According to Delgado, the event would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the Den Hamps City Council, the local volunteer group Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and a small crew of food‑service volunteers. The city council’s grant program for community events covered a portion of the venue rental, while Neighbors Helping Neighbors coordinated the distribution of food packages for the Food Bank.

Delgado’s own culinary team consisted of four assistant chefs and a sous‑chef, all of whom volunteered their time for the evening. Many of them had worked at Le Cœur and brought a professional touch to the homemade treats. “We wanted to make the experience feel both festive and upscale, even though it was a community event,” Delgado noted.

What Comes Next

Following the success of this year’s holiday night, Delgado plans to make the event an annual tradition. He’s already exploring the possibility of partnering with additional local businesses to expand the menu and include more interactive cooking stations for families. “I want this to become a staple of the Den Hamps holiday season, a night where people can taste, learn, and give back,” Delgado shared.

The Den Hamps Community Center’s website now lists the upcoming “Chef Delgado’s Holiday Night 2025” as a 501(c)(3) fundraiser event, with more details available to the public. For those interested in attending, purchasing a ticket, or learning more about the charitable impact, the center’s contact page offers an online reservation system and volunteer sign‑up form.

A Sweet Reminder of Community Spirit

Chef Delgado’s holiday event served more than just delicious treats. It was a reminder that the heart of Den Hamps beats strongest during the holiday season, when neighbors come together to celebrate, share, and support one another. With every bite of gingerbread and sip of hot chocolate, the community tasted not only the flavors of the season but also the warmth of collective generosity.

Whether you’re a Den Hamps resident or simply curious about how a local chef can ignite holiday spirit, Delgado’s night demonstrates that a little culinary magic can create lasting impact. In the words of Delgado, “We’re all in this together, and when we bring food, we bring hope.”