The workshop was conducted by Thomas Hicks, the gentleman behind the red cooler. He briefly introduced himself and told us that he has been growing his own food in his own backyard and community farm. He became more interested in growing seeds as he can share the abundance of seeds. He also has experience working in a chicken farm where he took care of 400 chickens which he thought has distinctive personalities.

He also enjoys preserving food when they are in abundance so that he can enjoys them all year round. He likes to use local produce for preservation. He introduced us to this book by Sally Fallon.

It’s this book, Wild Fermentation where he successfully made sauerkraut. This book was available for sale at $25 during the workshop.

While doing all the introduction, he passed around 3 jars with full cream milk and asked us to give it a good shake and pass it down when our hands are tired.

In the jar, there were also a few pebbles. So, it’s quite noisy as the bottles were being vigorous shake.

After some 15 minutes of so of shaking, we ended with butter and butter milk. This can be a good project for school kids.

The butter is very soft and creamy. Dont forget to remove the pebbles in the butter.

We made some gorgeous scones using the butter and butter milk we just made. We enjoyed the scones with the butter too.

Click on Read More for the recipe of the scone.

More after the jump. Click to read the rest of Dairy Making 101 (71 words)

© suanne for Chow Times, 2008. | Permalink | 4 comments
Post tags: Butter, Recipe, Scone

Minoo prepared a list of pictured references of common kitchen utensils, unit of measurements for kitchen use, some common ingredients and a how to list for the Caring Place Community Kitchen participants. In this particular kitchen, there are more new comers from mainland China and Taiwan who are not familiar with the terminology used in cooking. This pictured references will help them to identify the ingredients better and familiarize with kitchen terminology. Minoo puts a lot of effort in improving the community kitchens and she’s a good leader.

Minoo also briefly covered the objective of the community kitchens which are:

• introduce healthy and economical recipes
• promote sharing in terms of work load, cost of food and culture
• promote team work

Minoo told us that the community kitchens are funded by the Coastal Health Canada and United Way through the Family Services of Canada.

The Oat Bran Carrot Muffin is great as an after school snack and also great for lunch box. It’s a great way to get fussy kids to eat their vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups oat bran
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cups milk (skim or soured)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• a teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 tablespoon ground flax seed (optional)
• 1 handful of raisin (optional)

Click on the link below for the instructions.

More after the jump. Click to read the rest of Oat Bran Carrot Muffin (98 words)

© suanne for Chow Times, 2008. | Permalink | 6 comments
Post tags: Carrot, Community Kitchen, Muffin, Recipe

The Apple Banana Muffin is moist and the walnuts give it the crunch. This muffin is good for after school snack or breakfast. It can also be made into a loaf.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup oil or melted margarine
• 1 cup brown sugar (less if bananas are very ripe)
• 2 to 3 bananas
• 1 large apple
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted

Click on the link below for the instructions.

More after the jump. Click to read the rest of Apple Banana Muffin (112 words)

© suanne for Chow Times, 2008. | Permalink | 5 comments
Post tags: Apple, Banana, Bread, Community Kitchen, Muffin, Recipe

This Raisin Banana Bread is a healthy breakfast or snack item. I love the mini loaf pan Minoo used as it yields some cute mini loaves. This mini loaves are good as a gift.

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 2 cups mashed ripe bananas
• 1 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 stick melted butter
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon mace (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon or orange rind (optional)
• 2 heaping tablespoons baking powder
• a pinch of salt

Click on the link below for the instructions.

More after the jump. Click to read the rest of Raisin Banana Bread (103 words)

© suanne for Chow Times, 2008. | Permalink | 5 comments
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