Mash, Mix, Bake: A Shepherd’s Pie Workshop

Craving something warm, hearty, and comforting as the winter sets in?

Join us at the East Lions Community Centre for a fun, hands-on cooking workshop where we'll be making a classic one-dish comfort food: Shepherd’s Pie! While you might be familiar with traditional versions, our take on this hearty favourite introduces some creative, resourceful twists. We will show you how to prepare a delicious stovetop filling using chicken,wholesome vegetables, and oats as a natural thickener, topped with fluffy, golden mashed potatoes. Along the way, we'll build foundational kitchen skills and explore the resourceful roots of this beloved dish. Bring your curiosity, bring a friend, and come ready to cook, learn, and enjoy a warm meal together with your neighbours!

Date: December 12, 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 meet the people at your station and get settled in.
• Explore Food History & Resourceful Cooking: Discover how shepherd’s pie developed as a resourceful, working-class dish designed to make the most of simple, affordable ingredients while providing a balanced, filling meal—and learn why everyday staples like oats make fantastic, nourishing additions.
• Essential Kitchen & Cooking Skills: Get hands-on experience boiling and mashing potatoes to perfection, safe knife handling and dicing vegetables, preparing a savoury stovetop filling, and mastering the technique of layering and baking a one-dish meal.
• Communal Meal & Community Care: Sit down with the group to enjoy a warm, comforting portion of your team's freshly baked Shepherd's Pie together before pitching in to get the stations and kitchen cleaned up.

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 hot stovetops, ovens, and sharp knives. We expect all participants to follow safe handling practices as we share 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 and curiosity!
• 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!).
• A personal lock if you would like to use the on-site lockers for your phone or wallet.

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

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 counter tops are standard height, the kitchen includes a dedicated wheelchair-accessible section with a sink and counter top 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.

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.

Disclaimers: 

• Ingredient Selection: Ingredient availability (fresh vs. frozen) may vary based on budget and seasonal supply.
• Dietary & Allergen Note: This recipe may contain common allergens such as gluten (oats/cross-contact) and dairy. Vegetarian and allergy-friendly accommodations are available upon request—please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies during registration so we can best support your needs.
• Group Work: Due to shared kitchen equipment and stovetop/oven space, participants will gather into small groups to prepare 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 dish and may have leftovers to take home.
• Attendance Policy: To ensure a quality experience, please plan to attend the entire session. Arriving late means missing vital safety information regarding knife safety, hot surfaces, and food sanitation, while leaving early will result in incomplete recipes for your team.