Cooking Up A Storm With Quorn
Partnering for positive change
Quorn’s ongoing support for FareShare North East plays a crucial role in tackling social isolation, food poverty and food waste. As part of this commitment, Quorn recently collaborated with FareShare North East to host a transformative cooking masterclass at Wicker Chair Café. This initiative aimed to enhance food skills and nutrition training for community groups benefiting from Quorn’s surplus donations of plant-based produce.
The masterclass was designed to empower participants with practical tips and delicious recipes for incorporating meat-free alternatives into their meals.
The Big Day
The masterclass, led by acclaimed Quorn chef Kate Snow, was a vibrant and hands-on event showcasing the versatility of Quorn products. Participants had the chance to learn how to prepare an array of delicious dishes, including a hearty and flavourful Bolognese made with Quorn mince and spicy wraps made with shredded Quorn Misfits, fresh salad, jalapenos and a refreshing mint and yogurt topping, to name a few.
Jo, a dedicated volunteer at REfUSE Café in Chester-le-Street, was among the participants who found the masterclass especially valuable. Located at 143c Front Street, Chester-le-Street the social enterprises mission is to “REscue, REclaim and REuse, so that good food doesn’t become REfUSE.” The café operates on a ‘pay as you feel’ model from Tuesday to Saturday. Jo began volunteering at the café when it opened in 2018 and gradually took on the role of cooking, despite having no formal training. Over the years, she has become a passionate advocate for the café’s ‘Meat Free Tuesday’ initiative, volunteering every week to prepare meat-free meals.
Reflecting on her experience at the Quorn masterclass, Jo remarked, “It was great to hear, about the history of Quorn and how it originated and the nutritional benefits– good to know there is no added salt or sugar. Learning how to layer the flavours to enhance the dishes was very useful and I’ll be trying out some of the new dishes when I get back to the café.”
The masterclass provided community groups with invaluable hands-on experience and practical tips for incorporating meat-free ingredients into their cooking. By learning how to create diverse, nutritious dishes with Quorn, participants gained confidence and skills that will enhance their ability to ensures that surplus food is used effectively.
Why Not Get Involved?
We know just how impressed all the participants were with the cooking masterclass and the versatility of Quorn ingredients—so why not see for yourself?
- Explore Quorn Recipies: Visit the Quorn website to discover a wide range of plant-based recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find creative ideas that are both nutritious and easy to prepare.
- Visit REfUSE cafe – stop by REfUSE Café at 143c Front Street, Chester-le-Street, on a ‘Meat Free Tuesday’ to enjoy a variety of delicious, innovative dishes. While the menu changes, you can always expect meals that showcase the best of sustainable, meat-free cooking.
