Get Cozy with Garlic: Bread & Dips Workshop!

Are you a garlic lover looking for new ways to enjoy this flavourful ingredient? Come discover just how versatile and delicious this everyday kitchen ingredient can be!

Join us at the East Lions Community Centre for a fun, hands-on cooking workshop where we'll be making delicious garlic based dips to enjoy a satisfying crunch of veggies and warm homemade garlic bread. From the bold kick of freshly minced garlic to the sweet, mellow flavour of roasted garlic, we'll explore how different preparation methods can completely transform its taste.

Working together in small groups, we'll prepare a variety of flavourful dips, such as Garlic Herb Yogurt and Roasted Garlic Hummus each bringing its own unique flavours to the table. After preparing our creations, we'll come together to share a meal, taste each other's dishes, and celebrate what we've learned! Bring your appetite, bring a friend, and get ready to grow, cook, learn!

Date: November 14, 2026

Time: Kitchen doors open at 3:45 PM, workshop begins at 4:00 PM

Location: East Lions Community Centre, 1731 Churchill Ave, London, ON N5W 5P4

What You’ll Experience:

• Meet Your Community & Connect: We'll start with a quick icebreaker so you can get to know the people at your station and settle in!
• Explore Garlic & Food Literacy: Discover how garlic's flavour changes depending on how it's prepared, from the bold, sharp taste of raw garlic to the sweeter, milder flavour of roasted garlic. 
• Essential Kitchen & Food Preparation Skills: Get hands-on experience safely crushing, peeling, and mincing garlic while practicing basic knife skills. Learn how to mix and adjust seasonings to create delicious, balanced flavours.
• Create Delicious Dips: Work together in small groups to prepare a variety of delicious garlic-based dips. Each group will take on a different recipe before sharing their creations with everyone.
• Dip, Taste & Connect: Gather around the table to enjoy homemade dips with veggies and garlic bread. Taste the different flavours, share your favourites, and enjoy a meal together before helping clean up the kitchen!

A Welcoming Space for Everyone:

At Grow Cook Learn, we believe that healthy eating looks different for everyone. This is a judgment-free space where all bodies, backgrounds, and skill levels are celebrated. We focus on food neutrality and the joy of building skills as a community.

Families & Children:

Kids are absolutely welcome! Please keep in mind that the workshop involves working with sharp knives and other kitchen equipment. We expect all participants to follow safe food handling practices as we share food, tools and space. We are happy to make accommodations, please let us know if you require any specific arrangements when you register.

What to Bring:

• Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and appetite!
• Closed-toe kitchen-appropriate shoes and attire.
• A hair tie or clip to secure long hair during preparation.
• A container if you want to take home leftovers (highly recommended!).

Note: All ingredients and tools are provided. For kitchen safety, coats and large bags will be kept in the designated area just outside of the room.

Accessibility & Parking:

The East Lions Community Centre is a fully accessible facility. There is ample free parking available onsite. The community kitchen features accessible entrances and bathrooms, as well as adjustable-height tables. While the main countertops are standard height, the kitchen includes a dedicated wheelchair-accessible section with a sink and countertop to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

About East Lions Community Centre:

The East Lions Community Centre is a vibrant hub for the Argyle community and beyond. This modern facility offers a wide range of programming, including a full-sized pool, gymnasiums, and specialized rooms for art and weaving classes. The centre features a professional community kitchen space designed for collaborative learning and nutrition education. Outdoors, the facility is surrounded by a large park featuring accessible playgrounds, basketball courts, and space for soccer. Whether you are looking for yoga, Pilates, or a place to connect with neighbours, East Lions serves as a cornerstone for recreation and wellness in London. We are excited to be borrowing their kitchen space for our workshop. https://london.ca/living-london/parks-facilities/community-centres/east-lions-community-centre   

About Grow Cook Learn:

The London Community Resource Centre (LCRC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building community through food education and security. Grow Cook Learn is one of LCRC's core programs, offering hands-on workshops that promote nutrition literacy, foster community connections, and build confidence in the kitchen. To learn more, visit our website at https://lcrc.on.ca.

Disclaimers:

• Ingredient Selection: Ingredient availability may vary based on budget and seasonal supply. Some substitutions may be made depending on availability.
• Dietary & Allergen Note: This workshop includes vegetarian-friendly recipes, with vegan dip options available. Please be aware that the proposed recipes contain dairy and sesame (tahini), and the garlic bread will contain wheat. Other allergens may be present depending on the final ingredients. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us during registration so we can arrange possible accommodations.
• Group Work & Sharing: Participants will work in small groups to prepare various dip recipes. This collaborative approach allows everyone to gain hands-on cooking experience while learning from one another. Everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the finished dishes, with possible leftovers to take home.
• Attendance Policy: To ensure a quality experience, please plan to attend the entire session. Arriving late means missing important kitchen safety and food sanitation information, while leaving early may affect your group's ability to complete its recipe.