Algerian lentil vegetable soup. (Submitted photo/Monica Espino)

By Angela Brown

International Cuisine

Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre offering online cooking classes, contest to keep members connected

Dec 1, 2020 | 3:01 PM

The Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre is celebrating recipes from countries around the world with a series of online cooking classes.

The centre is also asking newcomers to send in their favourite holiday treat recipe for a chance to win a Christmas gift basket.

Monica Espino, community connections event co-ordinator, said since members are not able to meet as a group socially due to the province’s COVID-19 restrictions for gathering, the organization has been looking for new ideas to help people stay involved.

Taking part in the virtual cooking classes is one way for them to keep connected.

“Because of COVID we are providing the class via Zoom, to keep our clients safe,” Espino said.

Fundraiser for Humane Society

Guitars and Cars Show 'n Shine to include live music

7h ago

Joins defending-champion, Mariners

North Stars' Burgeson commits to Vancouver Island University

8h ago

RCMP investigation

Preliminary hearing for accused in Cope death to start this week

11h ago

“Some people miss the social part, and in-person [activities]. But for others it’s just easier to connect via Zoom because some newcomers don’t have a car,” she added.

Espino said the the cooking classes are a good opportunity for people to learn something about one another’s background, and also discover how to make a new meal or treat at the same time.

The aim is to highlight a recipe from one of the newcomers each week.

Coming up next, Feriel Djebar from Algeria, will show participants how to make lentil vegetable soup from her country in a Zoom presentation scheduled for Dec. 4 at 12 p.m.

Since the event is live, people attending also have a chance to ask questions.

“Later on, we are also planning to provide a video if someone needs it,” Espino said.

Participants need to register with the organization in advance via email in order to receive the Zoom link.

One of the upcoming classes will demonstrate how to make a Serbian meal. Some of the other recipes that have been featured include one for an apple crisp dessert.

Espino said the event is an ideal way for participants to have some fun too.

And, when the winner in the recipe contest is announced later this month the individual will be featured in a Zoom event as well.

“The winner is going to teach us how to make the recipe, then receive a Christmas basket,” Espino said, adding some of the offerings in the package include Christmas ornaments, hot cocoa and marshmallows to offer a bit of holiday cheer.

–

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW