Thorncliffe Public School VOICES Event and Moms Picnic In The Park...

With Ramadan over and school coming to an end, for me it all came down to this much anticipated event...! After school Tuesday, the TDSB Welcoming Communities Parent Engagement Culinary Group and I hosted a taster cocktail party to celebrate the achievements of both students and parents in the Thorncliffe Community where I have been teaching culinary classes to moms. The newcomer elementary students in the PALS program led by facilitator Ashima Suri at Thorncliffe Public school showcased their fantastic experiences in a beautiful artistic photo gallery exhibit- VOICES while my brigade of community kitchen moms prepared for the venue assorted appetizers, dips and sips- highlighting some of the best from our  sessions. Families happily ate, browsed their children's work and mingled with other parents and staff. What a perfect occasion to share and exchange the pride of work accomplished during this school year for both kids and their moms!... Thank you TDSB Community Services!

Here are the lovely mom volunteers and participants in my culinary program enjoying a year-end potluck picnic- a chance to share each other's homemade favourites, enjoy each others' company and to say "see you later"... But before this celebration, first things first....

Indeed a beaute of a day for a picnic!

Student hand-crafted invites to their families...

Our menu highlighting some of our favourite flavours, showcasing diversity, freshness and textures!

Preparing food for 100 people

This fridge was completely empty before I had my hands in it...

Buying, storing and schleping all of this solo was a big job let me tell ya'....

Quick smiles for the camera before heads down and grinding away for the next few...

Loving the bright fresh rainbow of colours!!!

Families were lined outside the gymnasium doors... the numbers in the crowd was just as anticipated--  What a great turn-out! YAY! It was a big blur for me, for real... trying to man the kitchen to get the food out on time plus trying to capture excellent photos and lots of it- wasn't going to happen! Food comes first and photos haphazard will have to do...

The tables were ready with veggies and dips, fruit and cheese and crackers platters so guests could settle in and get some regular nibbles before the featured appetizers came out in intervals.  

The build-your-own yogurt parfait station was a hit... kids could choose from strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, dried black currants, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, honey and two kinds of granola mixtures. Although I caught kids take just ingredients sans yogurt.

The exhibit everyone came to see was a collage series of photos, artwork and mementos produced and collected throughout the school year.

"The sun was reflecting off the water like stars without the darkness." 

More photos, and artistic expression with poetry sentiments by students in this creative display! Great work Ashima! 

Food keeps going out and making their rounds to feed the eager crowd...

From top left clockwise: Cheese and Cracker Platter, Spicy Shrimps with Avocado
on Rice Crackers, Shredded Chicken and Herbs Vietnamese-Style on Endive Leaves
and Sweet Corn, Black Bean and Pepper Salsa in Tortilla Scoops.

There was a lot of food and I prefer that than not having enough. The last appetizers to make their appearance were Cocktail Shrimps in Lemon Yogurt Dill on Cucumber Rounds and Baked Curry Mushroom Palmiers.

What an incredible event and experience for the community! I heard rave reviews on the food and the exhibit in general! And the cherry on top, is interest from parents who want to join my culinary program were we to run it again in the Fall! YAY! Ashima and I are so appreciative for the many volunteers including staff, parents and public health nurses that helped us pull this off together! Thank you everyone- we couldn't have done it without you!

Thorncliffe P.S. Appreciation Certificate and Flower Awards to Volunteers!

Finally, we get to kick back and relax with our homemade faves and just relish with our friends in laughter and conversations! Summer just started and what a way to mark it in our memories...

The totally delicious picnic spread under the afternoon sun with lots of Sri Lankan specialties, from chicken wraps and bun to chaplee chicken burgers, dahi pakori (lentil balls in yogurt sauce and tamarind), chicken biryani and my salad :).

I couldn't resist making this fun and refreshing Zucchini Noodle and Watermelon Salad in Lime Vinaigrette. 

It is becoming my summer salad-go-to!

Don't be shy, just dig in....

Now this is a true picnic with blankets and under a large tree for ample shade. 

I couldn't resist requesting a display of freshly painted Henna Art hands...

Wow, what gorgeous artistic expression on our most expressive body part-- H.A.N.D.S!

These cute momento jars were our token of appreciations to the moms!

Sweet treats for a sweet ending always....Delicious saucy fruit custard, fruit custard trifle with meringue, tiramisu and mini chocolate cupcakes with a Kit Kat bar (oh what fun!) from a mom who specializes in cakes and decorating.

Check out Fathima's gorgeous cakes and more on Succulent Cakes.

We are so proud of our accomplishments being the first year hosting a parent engagement culinary program... it's about making a difference, creating friendships, and inspiring to try something new... and we did it, by leading with our hearts! Congratulations to everyone!

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