TDSB Newcomer Services Youth Cook-Along Program...

Second week into my partnership with TDSB Newcomer Services to teach a weekly After-School Virtual Cook Along program to high school students new to Canada until end of school year. The goal is to impart kitchen skills and food literacy, while honouring multicultural cuisines using both pantry and fresh produce to get dishes prepared in time to serve dinner for families in 1-1/2 hours 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳🤗💥! 

About last night... Happy Sikh Heritage Month with Indian Chicken Tikka Masala, Fluffy Basmati Rice and Wilted Spinach Raita!

Our first after school cooking class with youths last week was with a North African origin dish Skillet Egg Shakshouka (tomato sauce based with garlic, onions and spices), triple protein enhanced with chickpeas and beef meatballs, and homemade garlic bread for tomato sauce sopping🌷! 

This very shakshouka recipe made its first debut in a demo cooking video I produced for St.Philip's Lutheran church as part of my most recent collaboration in their successful Winter program. 

From North African origin egg shakshouka for Pantry Cooking to salmon cakes in Healthy Foods For Less to Italian lasagna in Big Batch Cooking to Korean rice balls Jumeokbap in Creative Leftovers to carrot orange yogurt cake in Immunity Boosting Foods to sheet pan Greek-style chicken and vegetables in One Pot Cooking, it has been a tasty cultural adventure in our 6 weeks Neighbourhood Table at Home winter program. Addressing food insecurity with food produce boxes from @foodshareto and cooking skills via demo videos to 45 newcomer families and 25 seniors, it's been a pleasure working with you all 💖! 

St. Philip's Lutheran Church, your regular efforts in community building is inspiring with great volunteers and organizers-- Pastor Tuula, Eunice, Raija, Chef Sandy and Meranda- we did good!! I look forward to supporting you again in a future partnership 🌱.

The age of independence should come equipped with skills to fend for oneself and thrive. Cooking skills is a life skill. Knowing how to Shop Smart is an important skill to have. I look forward to share everything I know to help youths learn to cook and eat better for a healthier tomorrow 🔪🥦🥕🥔🍄.

Can't wait to celebrate Asian and Jewish heritage month of May with more deliciousness!