TDSB's Welcoming Communities for Newcomer Youth and Kids...

It's been a wait but I'm ready to share my good news! I've taken on the role of Culinary Consultant at TDSB's Welcoming Communities for Newcomer Youth and Kids. I will be supporting the newcomers' culinary program (lunch or after school) in 15 schools (and growing), facilitating cooking classes with parents & kids, and promoting the great work by our facilitator hosts and students on social media & through blogging. Unknown to many, the Welcoming Communities division at TDSB is dedicated to ease the transition of both newcomer adults and youth & kids to Canada (within five years of arrival), and to foster a sense of belonging through various programs-- and what better way than to connect and unite over food with cooking classes? :) I am OveRJoyed as this role culminates everything I am passionate about and have been working towards-- celebrating multiculturalism, advocating real food and food education, and cooking with kids. To me, it's giving back my best to the community and next generation with all that I have been blessed to learn and experience in my culinary career and with my volunteer work at Food Revolution.  #cookingwithkids #foodeducation #vocationnotwork #heartforthecommunityandkids #livethelifeyoulovelovethelifeyoulive

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world."-- Gandhi

Sharing my photo gallery of students in action during my recent school visits... 

Each school has such a diverse newcomer population, it's always so interesting to see what the students are interested in learning to cook, incorporating both their cultural foods along with Canadian fare in the classes.

So happy to see this previous Families Studies kitchen is put to great use at Henry Kelseys Senior Public School.

Cooking up Chinese Sweet & Sour Pork and Hot & Sour Shredded Potatoes
with this awesome group of eight graders!

On another occasion at Henry Kelseys, a team Master Chef Challenge baking up frittatas!

My favourite cooking task-- work those knife skills!

Getting the eggs ready for customizing and baking!

These muffin-tin frittatas have pork, tomatoes, onions, pepper and cilantro! YUM!

At Beverley Heights, these eager grade 6, 7 and 8s made no-bake mini cheesecakes during their lunch hour.

With lovely facilitator hosts Alicia and Sho.

Over at Sir Ernest MacMillan Public School, grade 8 students rolled, cut and baked up tender fresh cinnamon buns with a cream cheese frosting! Deelish!

Downsview Secondary School diverse newcomer high school students made meat bolognese over pasta. I got excited hearing their conversations about what they may prepare next-- Bahamian curry or Vietnamese fresh rolls anyone? :D

Enthusiastic engaging students enjoyed cooking and eating together!

Silver Springs Public School has predominantly Chinese newcomers in their after school cooking program. This particular week, they made chicken burgers and smoothies! Chinese New Year is upon us and host Colin will be working with the students to make my marbled tea eggs and dumplings to celebrate! Can't wait...  :D

These grade 5, 6 and 7s were very hands-on and enjoys cooking.

Healthy customized smoothies for everyone!

The best part of all- enjoying the fruits of their labour and eating together!

Update: The kids at Silver Springs did an awesome job at preparing the tea eggs (symbolizing good luck) to honour Chinese New Year! Let's Get Crackin' and Brewin' ! Oooooh, look at that lovely marbled finish!! :D

Chinese Marbled Tea Eggs

Facilitator Host Colin Rome and a happy student!

Each school has different facilities, resources, demographic of students-- age and heritage, cooking skills, expectations and wishes. My goal is to enhance the culinary program experience for both the fabulous team of hosts and students by tailoring to their needs! I'm looking forward to share more with you here... see you back!