Cooking with the seasons with Lavern
On May 23rd we held our first indoor workshop up at Te Ara Pae Ora. The theme was Cooking with the seasons with Lavern, who had prepared a wonderfully interactive workshop with lots of valuable information.
We were divided into groups to explore and discuss the benefits of using what is in season; the possible challenges, barriers and solutions to accessing seasonal fruit and vegetables and then had to come up with a menu using seasonal produce (the competition was on!). It was great fun and a wonderful way to get to know your fellow work-shoppers!!
The highlight of course was to be able to taste what seasonal cooking is all about!
Firstly, we were treated to a delicious smoothie made with pumpkin, then a warming
pumpkin/butternut squash soup with black-eye beans and red lentils, pita bread with hummus and as a dessert we had guava and apple crumble and a loaf.
What a treat it all was, and we all went home determined to eat a lot more seasonally.
We are planning 4 seasonal cooking workshops throughout the year. Next one will be in August and will explore winter recipes.
Lavern is a qualified nutritionist and is now working for Whangaroa Health Services Trust, providing advice and services to our community.
