A group of talented women have shared in family secret recipes, passion for food, and tales of culture and connection as part of a program developed to help bridge social isolation across their community.

The kitchen of the Cannon Hill Y was bursting with aromas of traditional dishes from Ecuador, Germany, Australia, France, India and Malaysia across a two-month period as seven women held community cooking classes—sharing dishes passed down from their mothers.

Those recipes—which include everything from French classics like Gratin Dauphinois to a spicy Indian Bhindi Masala—have now been collated in a Multicultural Women’s Cookbook that not only lists the methods and ingredients but tells the personal and cultural story behind each dish.

“The classes and Multicultural Cookbook are the result of a female-led initiative that focussed on cultural enrichment, empowerment, and friendship in our community,” Y Cannon Hill Community Centre Community Development Officer, Wendy Blackmon, said.

• The Y Cannon Hill Community Centre’s Multicultural Women’s Cookbook is available for digital download HERE

“Many of the women who attended the classes are older and don’t have an established support network outside of their families,” Wendy shared.

“Food is such a powerful tool of connection around the world. Cooking was able to provide a path to connect and build relationships that have now carried beyond the kitchen and into our community.”

The dynamic cooking workshops, which were funded by the Queensland Government’s Department of Women, were a celebration of global and local food that showcased the talents of Laetitia Chaumeron (French), Melanie Groves (German), Mili Misra (Indian), Tianni Hamilton (Torres Strait), Denise Fauth and Edith Budd (Malaysian) and Patricia Owen (Ecuadorian).

Tianni is a proud Torres Strait Islander for whom food evokes vivid memories of family, togetherness, celebration and the exchange of stories and knowledge.

She said she had found a second home at the Cannon Hill Y thanks to their Wellbeing Wednesday, which provides attendees with free food, access to laundry and social connection, and it was there she was asked to contribute to the Multicultural Cookbook.

“Growing up with Indigenous culture, every week we had a curry. It’s a dish I associate with my family and one that I was excited to share with my community through this process,” Tianni said.

“I was scrolling on social media one day and saw a post in our community page; the Y up the road was giving away free loaves of bread to the community. I figured I should go and check it out.

“It was like coming home. Ever since the first time I visited the Cannon Hill Y, I felt like I have a social group. Every week now I block time in my work roster to make sure I can attend Wellbeing Wednesdays.”

Free copies of the cookbook have been made available to centre regulars, as well as the option of a digital download that shares not only the recipes but the stories of the women and the dishes they have lovingly created.

Why not try one for yourself?

Laetitia Chaumeron’s Ratatouille

Ingredients for eight people: Two eggplants, two capsicums, four zucchinis, six tomatoes, two onions, three garlic cloves, one bay leaf, a pinch of pepper, two sprigs of thyme, one tablespoon of tomato paste (optional) or crushed tomatoes, three tablespoons of white wine, a pinch of salt, two tablespoons of olive oil.

Steps

1. Dice the vegetables.

2. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven (such as a cast-iron cocotte or sauté pan).

3. Add the onion and eggplant. Sauté them for three minutes over high heat.

4. Then, add the capsicums and cook for two more minutes over high heat.

5. Next, add the zucchinis, tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste (if using), thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

6. Let it simmer for five minutes covered, and then add the white wine.

7. Uncover and continue to cook for another 15 to 20 minutes (depending on the size of your pieces) over medium heat. If you prefer the pieces to be more tender, cook for an additional 10 minutes. Taste, as it is the best way to determine your preferred consistency.

Y Queensland, formerly trading as YMCA Queensland, has been working in local communities across the state since 1864. The Y is a vibrant, active community organisation, that seeks to make a positive difference by providing each and every person with the opportunity to be healthy, happy and connected.

The Y provides a wide range of services tailored to the needs of the communities it serves. These services include, but are not limited to; youth programs, community centres, child care and early education, fitness and recreation, outdoor education and camping, vocational education and accredited training.

Visit the website for more information.