Cooking up connection with Meat-Free May demos

A carers' support group and a charity for retired civil servants received online cookery demonstrations as part of Meat-Free May.

Vegetarian for Life Roving Chef Claire hosted several online virtual cooking demonstrations to promote healthy living and bring together older people and carers.

Claire will host a 30 Minute Meals Online Vegan Cookery Masterclass on 16 September. Book a place and cook with Claire.

Claire cooked for the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, a UK charity and community organisation that supports retired civil servants and their dependants through friendship groups, social activities, advice services, and befriending schemes.

Claire says: “Meat-Free May has main aims to promote healthier eating, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and trying more plant-based meals.”

She demonstrated a veganised version of a Mexican classic – Chilli Non Carne – which she accompanied with rice and spiced onions.

Group organiser Letticia Rushaija said: “Our attendees were extremely engaged and Claire provided a lot of additional information regarding ingredients and cooking implements. Everyone enjoyed the session.”

Claire also hosted a 1 hour demonstration for support group Dunbar Dementia Carers. Alongside the chilli, Claire whipped up dessert Biscoff Pudding Pots.

Group co-founder Lorna Bunney said: “Claire's demos are so informative, it's great to see how easy it is to reduce meat. Her sessions are always enjoyable and she explains everything so well.” Lorna added that the group appreciated a Q&A at the end of the demonstration.

Claire says online demos are an excellent way for people to stay connected. “These sessions allow people to cook for themselves more, create healthier meals and save money,” she says. “Undertaking all of this via an online delivery format is of a particular benefit to those who are unable to attend in person.”

To find out more about Vegetarian for Life's caterer training sessions, click here.