ABBOTSFORD, BC – April 6, 2021 – BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (BCAITC) and We Heart Local BC, are partnering again to provide a new series of free virtual cook-alongs! The exciting new series will feature a variety of educational cooking demonstrations with Chef Trevor Randle on April 24, May 8, June 21, and fall/winter 2021 (dates TBA).

Registration is now open for the first event in the virtual series! It will take place from 5:00pm to 6:30pm on Saturday, April 24, 2021, and will feature a delicious dinner menu. Chef Randle will provide expert instruction as he guides participants through two BC grown, quick, and budget-friendly recipes: ‘BC Greenhouse Penne with Asiago Cream’ and ‘BC Sour Cream Chocolate Cake with Local Strawberry Preserves and Chocolate Ganache’. British Columbia farmer Grin Cheema of Creekside Hothouse will also join Chef Randle online to provide fun insights on farming in in our province. Plus, webinar participants will be entered into a draw for a chance to win 1 of 3 prize packages valued at $200+ each.

“A cook-along is fun for all ages! This virtual event celebrating Earth Week will help participants learn about how food is responsibly grown and raised, while they cook alongside Chef Randle,” said Pat Tonn, BCAITC Executive Director. “Attend this event (or the entire series) to celebrate BC’s amazing food and agriculture story”.

The April 24 cook-along features easy-to-follow directions and a comfortable cooking pace. Friends, family, and co-workers are encouraged to join together online and take advantage of the fun and educational culinary experience. Everyone can learn from this event including experienced chefs, those new to cooking, or anyone who enjoys food and wants to learn more about where it comes from. It’s a great opportunity to have fun online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“BCAITC and We Heart Local BC held an introductory event on February 23 to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day. We had over 200 viewers participate and that collaboration was very successful – so we’ve decided to build on it and launch this new series,” said Becky Parker, Manager of Community Engagement with BC Agriculture Council. We invite all BC residents to join these free cook-alongs to learn about BC agriculture and food and connect with BC farmers”.

Chef Randle echoed Parker’s thoughts, “I am thrilled to host this new series of culinary events, starting with our April 24 Earth Week themed event. I’m also excited to cook alongside Grin Cheema who will provide education and facts on the greenhouse vegetables that we use to prepare the main dish. Plus, I’ll be answering participants’ cooking questions live during the event”.

This #CookAlongBC event is made possible thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, BC Greenhouse Growers’ Association, representing vegetable farmers in British Columbia. Also, special thanks to our prize donors BC Dairy Association, BC Egg, and The Village Cheese Company.

To register for this free event and find the recipes and menu shopping/equipment list, please visit https://www.bcaitc.ca/blog/cook-along-chef-randle-april-24. Space is limited, so register today!

About BCAITC: BCAITC is a non-profit, charitable organization that works with educators to bring local agriculture to BC’s students. Together with farmers, teachers, and agriculture specialists, we teach students about the story of agriculture and food in BC. To learn more about BCAITC, visit www.bcaitc.ca.

About We Heart Local BC (WHL): We ♥ Local BC is a collaborative initiative undertaken by BC Agriculture Council and its membership. We ♥ Local BC celebrates B.C. agriculture, raises awareness of B.C.’s food system and connects you with local farmers and ranchers. To learn more about We ♥ Local BC, visit www.weheartlocalbc.ca.

For more information, contact: