A Second Intro Class for Promises2Kids

We held our second intro class for the African-American mentorship group of foster youth at the magnificent property that is Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center. The kitchen is located in a historic Victorian house, and we were fortunate to use produce picked for us fresh from their gardens. We welcomed close to 20 youth plus their mentors for a very hands-on cooking experience with renowned local chef Jocelyn Egleton. Chef Jos made the bold choice of serving fish, and it was loved by all! A great experience and fun was had by all who attended.

#chefangelssd#chefworks #OlivewoodGardens #ChefJos #Promises2Kids

Inaugural class with Promises2Kids

We launched a new series of classes in collaboration with Promises2Kids, benefitting transition aged foster youth. The Handmade Chef hosted us at their vibrant restaurant downtown San Diego, the class being lead by Chefs Lesa and Violette, with an assist by their friend Chef Julie. The youth learned how to make flatbreads from scratch, they skewered and grilled some marinated chicken, and finally assembled some tasty wraps. The youths’ mentors watched and learned and encouraged, and then everyone devoured the delicious food!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #promises2kids#thehandmadechef

Back to Basics with Chef Lena

It had been a while since our founder Chef Lena taught a class, and with so many new residents in house, she decided it was appropriate to bring back the first class taught. A review of kitchen basics started off the class, kitchen hygiene and communications were discussed. We discussed the use of staple ingredients such as garlic and onions. Knife skills were front and center, the boys working through a pile of onions to learn cutting techniques, tears were shed! Once the practice was complete, a simple dinner was whipped up by the eager students and dinner was served!

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Miss Chef Shelly & Chili & Cornbread

The youth assisted Chef Shelly in getting a large pot of chili going pretty quickly. They chopped the veggies, got the meat browned, added beans, and tomatoes, and her magic blend of seasonings. While everything was simmering and making the facility smell delicious, the youth prepped the toppings. As soon as it was cooked to Chef Shelly’s approval, the youth dug in to bowlfuls of chili with their choice of toppings and fresh made cornbread.

#chefangelssd#chefworks #youthassistancecoalition #chefshelly

Chef Scott’s Drunken Noodles

And pork stir fried rice. The magic ingredient is an egg. It will coat the rice, add flavor, and protein. Chef Scott had the boys start off by prepping all the vegetables, chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing. Knife skills were a key component of todays class. The ingredients were quickly all wok-fried separately, then combined to make a delicious dish of pork fried rice, and another of drunken noodles.

#chefangelssd#chefworks #varsityteam #chefscott

Comfort Food with Chef Jillian

In the midst of a super rainy season in San Diego Chef Jillian brought her comforting cooking class of tomato soup and grilled cheese. A pot of delicious tomato soup was quickly brought to a simmer, while grilled cheese sandwiches were prepped for the griddle. It all came together nicely in a comforting serving.

#chefangelssd#chefworks #YACofSD #chefjillian

Ooni Wood-fired Pizza Class with Chef Christina

What can we say about this amazing workshop with Chef Christina! She quickly gathered a rapt audience, and got busy prepping all the toppings, then mixing and kneading the dough with some eager volunteers. One by one, the youth all got to take their turn at the prep table and then the hot pizza ovens to create their masterpieces. Some showed off their Pizza Hut skills, flipping the dough in the air, others were a bit more timid and unsure, but equally as excited to taste the results. Us Chef Angels volunteers checked and tasted as many as we could, and gave a thumbs up all round!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #chefchristina#YACofSD

Chef Shelly’s Hot Honey Chicken Bites

Chef Shelly’s menu included the boys favorite hot honey chicken bites, mac ‘n cheese casserole, and some requisite vegetables. The chicken got a marinating bath before being dredged in coating and fried. The mac ‘n cheese was quickly assembled and put in the oven. Veggies got a toss in the pan, the pan flipping technique was demonstrated and practiced. Everyone was super stoked for a yummy dinner!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #varsityteam #chefshelly

Chef Donna’s Teriyaki

First class of the New Year calls for healthy cooking. Chef Donna, along with her volunteer youth helpers Sergio, Jemaya and Joseph, seasoned up some chicken breast, chopped up a lot of bok choy, sliced and diced onion, garlic and mushrooms. Everything was wok seared and served over a bed of freshly steamed rice. You know it’s a good dish when the youth come back for seconds!

#chefangelssd#chefworks#YACofSD#chefdonna

Soups for a Stormy Day

Our founder Chef Lena brought her soup game to class tonight to coincide with the arrival of winter storm season. The prep table was piled high with veggies of all colors. Onions were chopped, potato peeled, garlic minced up, zucchini trimmed, butternut peeled and cored… Before too long a bright green spinach and zucchini soup was blended and ready to serve. Followed shortly by butternut squash soup. Happy bellies for all!

#chefangelssd#chefworks#YACofSD#cheflena