Celebrating Home, Heritage, and the Cookies That Connect Us

Reunited, and it feels so good 🎵🎶🎼🤗

We hadn’t seen some of these incredible women in so long, and gathering together again felt like coming home. There was something especially moving about celebrating in this setting- at One of A Kind’s 50th anniversary- scheduled on the brand-new Flavours Demo stage, a space built for sharing food, culture, and creativity.

Yes, I have been quietly working behind the scenes rebuilding and reimagining a new future at Newcomer Kitchen after a break, and it has not been anything short of exciting with the great little team we have- small but mighty 💪 and our leader who is a masterful storyteller and exudes passion from her heart 💗. Such honour to be part of this together!

Today, we offered something simple yet profoundly meaningful: cookies that carry our stories. Each alumna from Newcomer Kitchen brought forward a favourite cookie- one that reminded her of home, of the people she loves, and of the path that brought her to Canada.

These aren’t just recipes. They are memories held in dough, courage passed down through generations, and community formed one bite at a time. As each woman spoke, the room filled with nostalgia, laughter, and that unmistakable feeling of belonging. Their stories- of arrival, resilience, and renewal- reminded us why food is such a powerful connector.

Our storytellers were extraordinary. They shared their journeys with honesty and heart, and we were honoured to witness how Newcomer Kitchen has woven into their new beginnings.

The cookie map began as a playful idea and quickly became a beautiful way to show how far our flavours travel. We invited guests to share their favourite cookie and where it originated on the map (what a fun "science project" it was for me piecing it together with a panel for cookie hashtags on one side #bakeabetterworld #cookieconversations #thepowerofcookies, and Cookie Wishes on the other- May your cookies bring you connections! 

With Cookie Monster as our mascot 🍪🤗

Together, the map shows a world of traditions, memories, and journeys that now meet here in Canada. It is a reminder that a simple cookie can carry home with it, and when we share these treats, we also share pieces of who we are.

Now we invite you to be part of the Great Canadian Cookie Exchange. Share your cookie stories, your family favourites, and the treats that bring you comfort. Let’s keep these cookie conversations going and pass a little sweetness forward. 🍪🍪🍪

 Stay tuned for more exciting news from Newcomer Kitchen as we break for the holidays and emerge new and improved in 2026 🥳🎊!