A monthly community course offers participants not only a chance to learn some healthy recipes, but also to connect with people.
Facilitated through Greenwood Neighbourhood Place, Cooking Up Connections is held at the Royal Canadian Legion Sundre Branch #223 and can accommodate groups ranging from about eight to 10 people. Organizers usually aim for the second Wednesday of the month, but anyone who’s interested can keep an eye on the Sundre on the Go newsletter, said Renate de Bruijn, community outreach coordinator.
“People come together to cook, dine and connect,” she said.
Anyone who wants to participate must first register either in person at the GNP office or online through myGNP.org so organizers know approximately how much food to buy. Last week, the group that gathered prepared a Greek dish featuring meatballs called keftedes, served alongside homemade tzatziki sauce and a chick pea salad with a yogurt and honey dessert topped with toasted walnuts.
“It was really good,” said de Bruijn.
While learning new recipes is of course a part of the program, she said the event is more specifically geared towards meeting new people and socializing.
“It’s pretty laid back.”
GNP’s former executive director Marita Stermann spearheaded the initiative, which has remained ongoing for more than a year, she said.
De Bruijn said she now helps to deliver the program alongside the main facilitator Darci Dejax, who previously completed a one-day Collective Kitchens course through Alberta Health Services, which offers insight on food safety, leading a group, and developing a budget.
The organizers welcome recipe recommendations, but if participants don’t offer suggestions, she said the facilitators end up choosing what to cook.
“We tend to focus on healthy meals.”