OXFORD - The Oxford American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) of Fort Hill Post #376 is prepping for a benefit Italian Dinner and you’re invited. This classic Italian cuisine will be served on Friday, February 13, from 4 to 6 p.m., dine-in or take-out. Community members are welcomed to have a wonderful, hearty meal and support the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary. For the first time, there will be gluten-free choices for those with wheat sensitivity. 

The evening's menu is delicious, traditional Lasagna or a gluten-free Chicken Parmigiana. Lasagna is layered pasta with rich tomato-meat sauce and cheeses; a classic favorite comfort food. Chicken Parmigiana consists of a (non-wheat) breaded chicken cutlet baked in a marinara sauce and topped with cheeses. They’re both ooey and gooey so you will have a hard time deciding. If this is any help, they have side dishes too. 

The lasagna comes with homemade garlic knots. The chicken comes with Italian wild rice pilaf (naturally gluten-free). Both entrées come with a tossed salad or hot Minestrone soup. Next, you must decide on your dessert. 

ALA members will be making two iconic, dreamy desserts, Tiramisù and gluten-free Cannoli. Meaning "pick me up" in Italian, Tiramisù has coffee-soaked lady fingers layered between a rich, whipped, creamy cheese mixture with a light dusting of cocoa powder on top. The other dessert is a gluten-free Cannoli. Originating in Sicily, cannoli got its name from the Italian for “little tube”. They are crispy tubular pastries filled with sweetened, creamy cheese. Being gluten-free is just an added benefit. 

The Italian feast is $15.00. Take-outs are $17.00 (due to extra containers). It will be "buonissima"! (Very good!) 

ALA Unit 376 has been proudly serving veterans and the community for 101 years. Financial awards, scholarships, educational programs for students, helping veterans, and community involvement are at the heart of their mission. New members are always welcome! 

The historic Fort Hill Post #376 is located at 17 S. Washington Avenue. For inquiries, contact unit president Terrill Sutton, at 607-244-4880 / email: terrillsavon@hotmail.com; or call the American Legion for take-outs at (607) 843-8166. For more info on the ALA, visit: oxford-ala.chenango.org