Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Holiday Appetizers and Potluck to Wrap Up Fall Cooking Term in Thorncliffe...


So pleased to partner with both Michael Garron Hospital and TDSB Newcomer Services to support the Healthy Together Program in the Thorncliffe Community with healthy culinary classes to Begin Right. Eat. Play. As we end the fall session, we kicked off the holidays in our last class with better-for-you festive appetizers and a potluck with the parents' homemade favourites... And together, what a delight all of it was!

Starting off this post with a humongous Thank You to parent engagement facilitator Ashima for your unwavering efforts in this community who adores you and your constant support to me 👊. Without you, this program this term would not have been possible... gratefulness from the bottom of my heart 💖.



Fresh is best! Red and Green everywhere...


I love seeing the collaborative cooking week after week...


Getting my table all set up to demonstrate a few easy festive appetizers to do with your family and friends.


Pomegranate is a prized holiday fruit for its ruby sparkling jewels in anything edible!


Easy Guacamole in Tortilla Cups topped with sweet crunchy pomegranate seeds! Such a pretty pop!


Rosemary sprigs make awesome evergreen pine-like twirlers in pomegranate juice cocktails with champagne or mocktailed with sparkling lime water. Pom seeds adds that festive touch.


Fine finishing finesses...


Tada.....



Classic Bruschetta with fresh basil is sure to please at any gathering! 
The perfect red and green appetizer everyone loves :D


How about Chicken Waldorf Salad (chicken cubes, grapes, celery and apples) on a stick for the kids dipped in mayonnaise studded with chopped cranberries? And chopped, crunchy and creamy on endive leaves as elegant scoops for the adults. You can add chopped walnuts to the mayo mixture for the traditional Waldorf combo.


I wanted to contribute to the potluck with something I love serving at my parties and for the parents to try something new. Korean-Inspired Salmon Ceviche served on Thai Shrimp Chip = succulent raw salmon, and sweet tomatoes intermingled with Asian herbs and sweet, spicy tangy sesame sauce topped on black pepper flecked crunchy Thai chips that create a mini party in your mouth!


Korean-Inspired Salmon and Tomato Ceviche
Makes 6 servings

1 Tbsp. gochujang (Korean sweet and spicy pepper paste)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. sesame oil
2 limes, juiced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or grape tomatoes, quartered
1 lb. sashimi-grade salmon or tuna, cubed same size as tomato halves/quarters
1 or 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
Shrimp chips or rice crackers

Whisk the gochujang with olive oil, sesame oil and lime juice until mixed well. Add the tomatoes, salmon, green onions and half the cilantro. Mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with remaining cilantro. Serve with shrimp chips or rice crackers.

The holiday appetizer plate.

The delish spread made with love. I mean.... Look At It! 


Extra Awesomeness goes to Fathima from Succulent Cakes @succulent.fathima for the surprise delicious raspberry chocolate cake! 🍰 Her customized cake designs are detailed and realistic, and the cake layers moist, rich in flavour and just the right amount of sweetness.


Amber from Michael Garron and some parting remarks about our great program.


The fabulous crew over at Thorncliffe Park's community kitchen as we wrapped up our Fall Parent Engagement Culinary Program. With the big coffee box right in front, don't we look like an ad for Tim's 😂?? Thank you all for a great term. I hope to cook with you again in 2019! Blessings for a fun-tastic holiday season with your loved ones! 💖


Flashback with our Sushi Rice Four Ways class. 

Our customized Poke-inspired bowls.

Sui Gow, big cousin to wonton session! The coldest day with the best remedy- a bowl of dumplings and noodles soup.


Oodles of sweet savoury noodles Korean Chap Chae was a favourite amongst everyone!


Until we cook again....

"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all." - Harriet Van Horne



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