Cooking, confidence and community at Calvay Housing

VfL Roving Chef Claire recently held a six-week cookery course for residents of Calvay Housing Association.

Calvay Housing Association is a community-controlled social housing organisation based in Barlanark, in the East End of Glasgow. Local residents play a direct role in decision-making and shaping the association’s priorities.

The association organised the course following positive feedback from residents during a previous demonstration by Claire. The course was themed around healthy cookery. The 12 participants chose the recipes, which included main courses such as: sweet and sour Quorn; spaghetti bolognaise; slow-roasted vegetables and couscous; vegetable tikka masala with pilau rice; and sausage and pasta bake.

Participants also learned nourishing soup dishes, such as Italian cannellini soup, and lentil and vegetable soup. Claire also demonstrated how to make tiffin.

One Calvay Housing resident said: “The cooking class has been fantastic. We have made nice food that I wouldn't normally try at home. I have enjoyed meeting nice new people and getting out of the house more.”

Another resident agreed, adding: “Claire has been great at teaching us new things. She has been really helpful and has made my confidence shine through.”

For more information about Vegetarian for Life's caterer training programme or to book, please click here.