Promises2Kids LatinX Intro Class

For our third intro class for Promises2Kids we returned to the stunning Olivewood Gardens kitchen with the LatinX Guardian Scholars group of youth and their mentors. Olivewood Event Manager & Chef Ellyse stocked the kitchen for chef instructor Chef Lety with loads of freshly harvested produce from the gardens; loquats, beets, chilis, many fresh herbs and edible flowers. Chef Lety demonstrated tortilla making, with herbs and flowers pressed into the dough, all while regaling the youth with a history of masa. She got the youth organized into task groups, and quickly assembled several ceviches and salsas to go along with the freshly made blue corn tostadas. Yum!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #OlivewoodGardens #ChefLety #Promises2Kids

Veggie Loaded Spaghetti and Meatballs

Chef Jenn brought her veggie game hard to the Youth Assistance Coalition. She demonstrated to the youth a delicious and easy way to add a rainbow assortment of vegetables into their meals. She showed how easy it is to take a basic tomato pasta sauce, whether store bought or homemade, and add loads of veggies to it to make a nutritious meal. She also had the youth work on their onion and garlic chopping skills, always useful.

#chefangelssd#chefworks #YACofSD #chefjenn

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!

#chefangelssd#chefworks #varsityteam#cheflena

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