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 🥳🎊!

A Kitchen Party Wrap Up At Newcomer Kitchen...

 

It has been a rollercoaster of emotions the last few weeks. Newcomer Kitchen did not get renewed IRCC government funding to continue program operations and our last day is the end of this month. In the midst, we were in full throttle organizing a Kitchen Party event that was part reunion for our alumni (inviting past students all the way since inception 2016) and a big heart thank you to our loyal customers and community partners over the years. 

In addition, we also launched THE GREAT CANADIAN COOKIE EXCHANGE which both promotes the spirit, generosity, variety and flavours of our Canadian communities.

Top left clockwise: With Cheryl Appleton, founder Canadian Women In Food, mother and daugter duo students and friends (the love here is real!), sisters and students, and Lola, one of the first graduates who runs a very successful Nigerian catering business Flawless Cuisine.

To top it all off, we had two graduations for the women completing the winter food business 'Willing To Work' programs and were ensuring we carved time to properly celebrate by handing their certificates, discussing their payouts and taking photos. 

Program Trainer Mary Freij and Hope Flavour

Program Trainer Rachel Adjei and Queens Cravings

At the Party we had:

Great food made by the talented graduating women in our entrepreneurship program...

Topping Rice Biryani Arancini Balls- A Hit!

Samples from our emerging entrepreneurs in our XP food incubator program...

XP Program Women Who've Started Their Own Businesses

Our #GreatCanadianCookieExchange concept- Bring a dozen cookies, take a dozen cookies!

And ended the night with a gorgeous and delicious slab Ukrainian honey cake (part grad, part party) prepared by my past lovely and talented Ukrainian student Liza.

It has been an incredible journey for me over the 3-1/2 years- I have been so honoured to work with such AmaZing and Inspirational women both in the organization and those I've trained in the programs and community partners I met along the way. It has been life-changing by broadening my perspectives and understandings around culture, food and different ways of doing things. I am forever grateful for each and every one who has crossed my path. Your impact will always remain. In the meantime, Newcomer Kitchen is looking forward to build relationships with potential funders and partners, and taking a big break to rejuvenate and reset. If I get the chance to come back, my arms and heart will be wide open once more. So long... for now.

Until then, looking forward and beyond... 

Adventures abound in my travels with my beloved brother to Asia ✈ and ExCited 

for my Chinese community project launch when I return 🤗... Yay! Stay Tuned.

Savour Pakistan with Highway Chicken Karahi...

 

In February, Newcomer Kitchen and guests stepped into the world of Pakistani cooking with  our food business incubator student and host Nadia Mumtaz from Eastern Taste where bold spices and timeless traditions came together to create unforgettable dishes. I was so intrigued with the delicious flavours from that lovely evening, I got hands-on to recreate her showstopper main Highway Chicken Karahi and some other sides at home for my family. 

But first where my inspiration came from...

Located at our century loft office/demo kitchen at Centre for Social Innovation Spadina hosted on a chilly Tuesday evening, we started with her vegetarian Aloo Tikki Samosa as a greeter appetizer, then joined at our demo station to create Highway Chicken Karahi (meaning "wok")- a flavourful spiced curry from Nadia's childhood, and got hands-on to make parathas and a fresh cucumber tomato salad. 

"I first learned about Highway Chicken Karahi from my family, who often spoke about it during road trips or long drives in Pakistan. The dish is famously sold at roadside dhabas (restaurants) along highways, where travelers and truck drivers stop to enjoy a flavourful, spicy chicken karahi cooked in a wok. My family had often shared stories of stopping at these dhabas during trips, where the chicken karahi was always the highlight of the meal. The first time I tried it was during one of these trips, and I was amazed by how tender the chicken was and how the flavours blended so perfectly with the spices, creating a truly unforgettable experience."-- Nadia

Nadia taking guest through the steps of preparing parathas with ghee (clarified butter).

"Traditionally, Highway Chicken Karahi is served with naan or paratha, both of which are perfect for scooping up the flavourful gravy. The rich, spicy curry pairs beautifully with the soft, fluffy texture of naan or the crispy, buttery paratha. It can also be served with steamed basmati rice, although bread is the more common accompaniment. In some cases, a side of raita (yogurt-based side dish) may also be served to cool the palate from the heat of the spices. Fresh coriander leaves and green chilies are often used as garnishes, adding both flavour and a bit of color to the dish."-- Nadia

That's a typical truck stopping at dhabas as a table ornament

The hearty meal was served with a refreshing soda blend called Tha, and finished with Thuthi Kheer- a delectable cardamom infused rice pudding served in traditional clay pots topped with edible silver, dried rose petals and pistachios! Yum 🤤

So pretty and a perfect creamy sweet finish!

And now, my foray into home cooking Chicken Karahi in my kitchen!

"This is a quintessential example of Pakistani roadside cuisine, where the use of simple yet bold spices creates a dish that is both flavourful and comforting. The method of cooking in a wok or karahi is unique—it allows the chicken to be cooked quickly while retaining its juiciness, absorbing the intense flavours of the spices."-- Nadia

Kalonji seeds are commonly known as nigella seeds, onion seeds, black cumin seeds, or black caraway seeds. A little goes a long way to add depth and onion flavour to the dish.

Mise en place- chicken and vegetable prep!

Heat a wok and add the onion, ginger, and garlic. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to turn white. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, salt, turmeric, coriander powder, kalonji and cumin seeds. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

Cover the wok and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate. Reduce the heat and add the whisked yogurt. Stir thoroughly to combine it with the chicken and spices. Add oil and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is tender.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, add black pepper powder and garam masala. Stir to incorporate and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

It's a great way to use leftover spinach and other veggies!

To finish, add sliced green chilies and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, add lemon juice and serve. I served with steamed basmati rice, chopped cucumber and tomato salad and a green chili and cilantro garlic yogurt chutney😋

The chicken morsels are tender and flavourful- savoury, tangy, sweet and spicy! All the layers of flavour that stirs up and satisfies the appetite! A must repeat for any weeknight dinner!