Youth Workshop: Alfredo Alchemist 2.0

One of our most requested workshops is back for an encore! Join us for a fun, hands-on evening where we’re diving into "Alfredo Alchemist." We’re showing you how to skip the store-bought jars and whip up a restaurant-quality meal from scratch that’s easier than you might think.

We’re keeping it simple and delicious with our "Creamy Dreamy" recipe—a garlicky, rich sauce using real butter, heavy cream, and plenty of Parmesan. In this session, each group will be responsible for their own pan of signature sauce while simultaneously preparing an assigned protein or seasonal vegetable for our community buffet. While our main recipe is a dairy-lover's dream, we have vegan and lactose-free options available upon request—just let us know when you sign up!

We’ll focus on building confidence in the kitchen and practicing how to navigate multiple recipes at once. Bring your appetite and your teamwork for a night of skill-building and great food!

Date: Wednesday, May 13

Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM, workshop begins at 6:00 PM 

Location: Growing Chefs Headquarters, London, Ontario – https://www.growingchefs.ca 

Target Audience: This workshop is for youth aged 12 to 25.

This beginner-friendly workshop is all about teamwork, foundational skills, and tasty food — no cooking experience needed!

In this workshop, you will:

• Introductions & Social: Kick off the night by getting to know each other and the group through icebreakers before we jump into the kitchen.
• Alfredo Fun Facts: Learn the history of this famous dish and the science of "emulsification" (using that starchy pasta water) to get a perfectly smooth, velvety sauce.
• The Creamy Dreamy Method: Master the art of simmering heavy cream and melting in fresh Parmesan to create a rich sauce from scratch using our signature recipe.
• The Topping Buffet: Work with your team to prepare a specific topping—whether it’s a seasoned protein or fresh seasonal vegetables—using professional roasting or blanching techniques.
• Kitchen Flow: Practice your multitasking skills as you manage your team’s Alfredo sauce and your assigned buffet ingredient at the same time.
• Kitchen Confidence: Learn the essentials of kitchen safety, from knife handling to managing multiple cooking stations safely.
• Family Style Feast: Join the group to set up the buffet before sitting down to customize your own pasta bowl with the variety of toppings prepared by the class.

What you’ll need:

• Your appetite and enthusiasm!
• All ingredients, tools, and materials are provided.
• Bring a container if you want to take home leftovers (highly recommended!)
• Closed-toe shoes appropriate for indoors (please change out of outdoor boots to help keep our space clean and safe).
• A hair tie or clip to secure long hair during food preparation.

Bringing a friend, sibling, or support person? Awesome — just let us know when you register so we can plan ahead.

This workshop is completely FREE! However, any donations made at checkout are appreciated and go directly towards funding future workshops.

RSVP through the Dandelion Event Page. Questions or need to update your RSVP? Email us at lcrc@lcrc.on.ca. If your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist!

We’re committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone. Let us know if you require accommodations to participate fully.

Accessibility:

Step-free entrance (no automatic door). Main bathroom upstairs; a staff bathroom on the main floor is available if needed (note: narrow walkway). Staff will assist as needed to ensure participants can access the space comfortably.

About Growing Chefs Ontario:

Growing Chefs Ontario is a nonprofit connecting kids and youth with fresh, healthy food through hands-on food education programs. Their learning kitchen spaces give youth a safe, engaging place to build cooking skills, food literacy, and an understanding of food systems. For this workshop, we’re excited to be borrowing their space! Learn more at https://growingchefsontario.ca

About YWHO:

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) is a nonprofit initiative supporting youth aged 12 to 25 and their families by providing the right services at the right time and place. Services include mental health and substance use support, primary care, education/employment assistance, peer support, and more. YWHO also helps connect youth to workshops like this one. Learn more at https://youthhubs.ca

About Grow Cook Learn:

Grow Cook Learn is a project of the London Community Resource Centre (LCRC), a nonprofit, building community through food literacy and food security while promoting health and wellness for all. Learn more at https://lcrc.on.ca

Disclaimers:

• Ingredient availability may vary.
• Allergen Note: Please be aware that these recipes contain dairy (butter/cream/cheese), poultry, soy (tofu), and wheat (pasta). Vegan and lactose-free options are available upon request—please let us know when you register so we can best support your needs.
• Teamwork & Sharing: Participants will be working in teams to create components of the meal, which will be served as a buffet for the group.
• Attendance Policy: To ensure a quality experience for all, please plan to attend the entire session. Arriving late will result in missing the introductions and vital safety information, while leaving early may result in your team's meal not being completed.
• Email Subscription: Signing up for this workshop automatically adds you to our workshop invitation email list. We send updates on future Youth Workshops. You can request to unsubscribe at any time.