The Internet Kitchen: Giving Back
These days I have a somewhat flexible schedule so I decided to start volunteering once a week at a local homeless shelter. Specifically, I’ll be working in the kitchen there. Since I’ve been spending a lot of my free time over the last few years learning how to cook, I figured it would be a good way to give back to the community.
So, once a week I’m going to be cooking breakfast, my favorite meal to cook by far!
There are two details about this though that make me a bit nervous:
1) I’ll be cooking by myself. No helpers.
2) On average, I’ll be cooking for 90 people. Minimum.
So it’s sort of like having my own restaurant once a week. I actually think I’m going to really enjoy it and I really hope that I help people out and give them a good meal to start their days.
But yea… a bit nervous for my first breakfast!
Let’s make something Spring-y for the poll this week.
And a few links as always…
Prince William’s Groom Cake - Guess what? I didn’t wake up at 2AM today to watch the Royal Wedding. I was going to go to the wedding, but I think my invite got lost in the mail or something. Maybe I’ll just make this cake instead… (@ Sprinkle Bakes)
Mint Juleps - My boy Dan is devoting a whole week to Beastie Boys recipes and posts. He’s crazy like that. These mint juleps caught my eye because I’m a big fan of mint syrup. (@ Food in My Beard)
How to Make a Steamed Artichoke – Artichokes are one of those baffling veggies for most people. But if you can get past their strange leafy armor, they’re really delicious eating. The only thing I would add to this steamed ‘choke is butter. Lots of butter. (@ Summer Tomato)
Cilantro Lime Hummus - Three of my favorite things! I know some people hate cilantro and so this recipe, to them, would be like garlic on a vampire. But for those cilantro lovers out there, this looks pretty solid. (@ Make It Naked)
Have a great weekend everyone!
Jessen - "Where's the avocado? hehe, Cute! When I first came across this dish a ..."
Tabithah - "Wow! This pizza looks fantastic. Can't wait to try it...."
Lydia - "I like this variation on chicken pot pie -- much more portable to rehe..."
Nick - "We use them until they run out! I think my wife makes a new batch once..."
Do they tell you what to make, or do you choose?
My recent post Beastie Week- Red Curry Falafel with Basil-Carrot Raita
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I have free reign really, but it's largely based on what they get donated on any given week.
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Nick: I did the same thing when I lived in West Virginia, but at least I had some helpers. I must say that I enjoyed it immensely, and I'm sure you will as well. You will certainly learn how to make due with what is "on hand", which, undoubtedly be a lot of canned goods. I normally did lunches, which made it a little easier when it came to using the in-stock items. Hopefully, they'll have plenty of eggs, but if they run short, don't rule out the old Army standby of "S.O.S.". I still make that at home occasionally, and grew to like it.
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You are inspiring! Please keep us in the loop. I really want to hear about this experience!
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Once a week? This is hands down my favorite post of yours OF ALL TIME. This is really inspiring. A lot of people want to give back, but really, to make breakfast for strangers who are down on their luck once a week will be so fulfilling. Thanks for the inspiration.
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What an amazing thing you’re doing!
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Wow, that is so amazing about your volunteer work. Are you going to blog about it? I'd love to hear about how it goes!
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Nick replied: — April 30th, 2011 @ 2:24 pm
Yea. I'll probably post on it occasionally. ;)
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I've seen that chart! It's really cool and helpful.
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