Cultural Cooking Without Borders: Season Two Launch
The Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee (CISC) is excited to announce the kickoff of its second season of Cultural Cooking Without Borders. On September 24, Wills Community Hall was filled with over 30 attendees eager to explore Malaysian culture, courtesy of Raelene Moyle-Berthelette, who demonstrated how to prepare Malay Fried Rice.
Connecting Through Cuisine
Every month, the program aims to foster connections between newcomers and long-time residents, allowing participants to experience different cultures through food. CISC program director Caroline Barclay revealed that this season will introduce diverse cultures not previously represented in the series.
Upcoming Cultural Dishes
- September: Malaysia (Malay Fried Rice)
- October: Senegal
- November: Thailand
- December: India
These monthly gatherings will culminate in a potluck dinner next August, featuring the diverse dishes and cultures explored throughout the season.
A Taste of Malaysia
Moyle-Berthelette, who has been in Cochrane for about seven months, chose to showcase a dish that reflects an essential aspect of her identity. She explained her passion for sharing Malaysian cuisine, adapting the recipe for participants so they can recreate it easily at home.
Attendees actively participated in preparing ingredients and cooking, benefiting from Moyle-Berthelette’s cooking tips, including her advice against waiting until the end to add eggs—often a beginner’s mistake.
Emphasizing Cultural Harmony
Moyle-Berthelette emphasized Malaysia’s cultural diversity, noting the harmonious coexistence of various religions and languages. She expressed her intention to attend future sessions to explore dishes from other cultures featured in the program.
Beyond Food
Barclay highlighted that the initiative transcends mere cooking; it’s fundamentally about building connections. Each session offers insights into the traditions and experiences of newcomers to Canada, promoting camaraderie and understanding.
Community Support
Cultural Cooking Without Borders is made possible through the support of the Cochrane Rotary Club, the Alberta government, the Town of Cochrane, and Wills Community Hall. This collaboration ensures the success of monthly events, providing both ingredients and a welcoming space for community engagement.
As the season unfolds, participants can look forward to discovering new flavors and strengthening bonds across cultures in Cochrane.
