Home Plates

May 1, 2004 by Laurette Veres
Filed under Edit

Wondering what Roger Clemens craves for a midnight snack? Dying to know Craig Biggio’s favorite restaurant? Well, wonder no more. The Astros’ Wives have gotten together to share their husbands’ favorite recipes, including some fun facts about the players. Co-chairs of this project, Irene Hunsicker, Christi Ensberg and Jennifer Everett, have been gathering and testing recipes since last August. This project, however, also serves to support a much more serious cause which has personally affected the Astros family.

“I’m a four-year survivor of uterine cancer,” says Irene Hunsicker, wife of Astros General Manager Gerry Hunsicker. While researching treatment alternatives to this cancer, the Hunsickers discovered that uterine cancer was not very heavily researched or funded. “We decided that we’d like to raise money for uterine cancer; and we liked the idea of a cookbook, since we hadn’t done one in 12 years,” says Irene. This grassroots project aims to raise awareness of uterine cancer.

Some lucky fans have already tasted some of the recipes. Andy Pettitte’s no-bake cookies were served at Fan Fest, and Aramark served Debbie Clemens’ rigatoni at their opening luncheon. Stepping up to the plate, two corporate sponsors, Everyones Internet and Academy Sports and Outdoors, underwrote all costs of the book, ensuring all proceeds from the sale will benefit the MD Anderson Uterine Cancer Research Program.

The cookbooks are $20 including tax and are available at area Academy stores and at the ballpark.