Cooks & Books workshops are a big hit - with more to come!

The Cooks & Books workshop series offers simple, practical food skills while building confidence in reading recipes, following instructions, and trying something new. The series so far has included Soup in a Jar, Energy Bites and Spice Blends & Popcorn Toppings.

The workshops are welcoming, beginner-friendly, free to attend and all supplies are provided.

Learn more about the workshops, see photos and get the recipes below!

These programs are in partnership with Vancouver Island Regional Library and Island Health.

Special thanks to Island Health Dietician Brenna Jefferson for generously creating and testing the recipes! 

Soup in a Jar

The Soup in a Jar workshops have been a wonderful success, with approximately 90 jars of soup prepared across recent sessions at the Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Sointula and Woss libraries with enthusiastic participation from community members of all ages. Participants were excited to discover this easy, nutrient-rich meal option that costs only about $1.25 per jar and requires only water to prepare. Many were surprised by the flavour, affordability, long shelf life, and nutritional value packed into each jar. 

“The workshops sparked lots of conversation and excitement, with many participants already asking when the next sessions will be offered,” said Adult Literacy Coordinator Jeanne James-Hory. 

One participant shared, “This was a really tasty soup. I bought more of the ingredients and made extra batches to keep on hand!” 

Another described it simply as “a fantastic workshop!”

Energy Bites

Our Energy Bites workshops have quickly become our biggest hit so far, with packed sessions and overwhelmingly positive feedback in Port Hardy and Port McNeill. 

Participants created delicious, nutrient-dense energy bites using sunflower seed butter to make the recipes accessible to as many people as possible. Flavours included Lemon Lavender, White Chocolate Blueberry, and Cranberry Chocolate Chip, each rolled in a choice of dehydrated raspberry powder, blueberry powder, or coconut. 

“These tasty little treats were almost too good to stop eating,” said Jeanne, “while still being full of nourishing ingredients and practical food ideas participants could recreate easily at home. Communities have responded with tremendous enthusiasm, and the workshops continue to create joyful, hands-on learning experiences centered around food, health, and connection."

Next Energy Bites session is in Port Alice on Thursday, June 11 at 5:00 p.m.

Spice Blends & Popcorn Toppings

Learn how to create healthy, affordable seasoning blends for meals and snacks in this hands-on Cooks & Books workshop. Participants will make a variety of spice blends like Ranch, Taco, Pumpkin Pie Spice, Gingerbread Spice, Nooch Popcorn, and Seaweed Popcorn seasonings while practicing practical food and literacy skills such as reading recipes, measuring ingredients, and following instructions. Everyone will enjoy freshly made popcorn for an opportunity to try out thier recipes, as well as take home their own spice blends and new ideas for adding flavour to everyday foods.

• Port McNeill: Tuesday, June 23 at 1:00 p.m.

• Port Hardy: Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 p.m.

• Port Alice: Thursday, June 25 at 5:00 p.m.

At local Vancouver Island Regional Library branches.

---

The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society works with communities, schools and organizations to support literacy and learning for all ages on North Vancouver Island. Visit the MWFLS website to learn about their free programs at: mwfamilyliteracy.org