Workshop and Events

After a brief break in November, we were delighted to return in December with another Simply V Cooking Class with VCAI. Participants had the opportunity to learn two remarkable dishes that showcased creativity and flavour.

The first dish, Peanut Delight with Agar-Agar and Veggie Medley, was a wholesome creation blending the creamy richness of ground peanuts with the silky texture of agar-agar. Topped with sautéed mushrooms, tender carrots, and vegetables, this dish was a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence—ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.

The second dish, Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls, brought the fresh and vibrant flavours of Vietnamese cuisine to life. These delicate rolls, filled with fresh vegetables, rice noodles, and pan-fried tofu, were paired with a delectable dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetiser or light meal, they offered a healthy and customisable treat.

The session concluded with the second Confucius class which explored key ideas from Confucian philosophy, encouraging thoughtful discussions and reflections.

It was a day of culinary discovery and intellectual enrichment, leaving everyone inspired and satisfied.

In November we had another exciting cultural adventure! We began with our Mandarin greetings and then honed our skills in writing names, focusing on the correct stroke order for beautiful calligraphy. The children also continued learning hanyu pinyin, improving their pronunciation and confidence. This session introduced the Winter Solstice, a significant Chinese festival, and the kids got hands-on making glutinous rice balls, a traditional treat that they enjoyed tasting together. To cap it off, we explored traditional emperor costumes, sparking curiosity about Chinese history and fashion. It was a delightful blend of language, culture, and creativity!

This year’s VegoFest 2024 was another unforgettable celebration of vegetarianism, community, and love, and Nurtureland was thrilled to be part of the magic once again. Hosted by the Vegetarian & Cultural Association Incorporated (VCAI), the event was alive with energy, offering an array of plant-based delights, live performances, and family-friendly activities.

At our Nurtureland stall, Kind Kitchen, we served up a trio of delicious offerings that delighted visitors throughout the day:

Margherita and Pesto Pizza
Our handcrafted pizzas were a true highlight, featuring fresh, vibrant flavours that captured the spirit of a wholesome vegetarian lifestyle. The classic margherita, with its rich tomato base and cheese, was a hit. Equally popular was the pesto pizza, topped with fragrant pesto and mushrooms.

Minestrone Soup
Comforting and hearty, our minestrone soup was the perfect choice for those seeking a warm, nourishing meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, it offered a wholesome taste that left everyone satisfied.

Cold Brew Coffee
To keep the energy up, we also served refreshing cold brew coffee, made with premium beans and perfectly chilled. Smooth and invigorating, it paired beautifully with our savoury dishes, keeping visitors fueled as they explored all that VegoFest had to offer.

A Day of Connection
As always, VegoFest was about more than just food. It was a day to connect, learn, and celebrate the many joys of vegetarian living. From engaging workshops to live performances that brought people together, the event was a beautiful reminder of the power of community.

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who stopped by our stall to share in this meaningful experience. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm—it’s your love for great food and compassionate living that inspires us.

We’re already looking forward to VegoFest 2025! Until then, let’s continue spreading the joy of vegetarianism, one delicious meal at a time.

The third class of our Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group was a lively blend of language, movement, and cultural discovery! We kicked off with our Mandarin greetings, and the kids had fun dancing around and making silly moves. The children learned about the Chong Yang Festival and even explored the sweet scent of chrysanthemum flowers, which are a significant part of the festival. The highlight of the day was introducing the kids to Chinese calligraphy, and they practised writing their Chinese names with calligraphy brushes. It was a joyful mix of learning, laughter, and hands-on cultural exploration!

The second series of Simply V Cooking Class featured two delicious plant-based dishes: a rich, decadent Chocolate Mousse and a savory Plant-based Honey-glazed Pork. Participants learned step-by-step how to prepare these recipes, which are perfect for anyone looking to explore vegetarian alternatives without sacrificing flavour.

After the cooking session, attendees were treated to a fascinating talk on Confucian Philosophy. The speaker introduced the life and teachings of Confucius, followed by an engaging group discussion based on a thought-provoking case study. The combination of culinary creativity and philosophical reflection made for an enriching and memorable experience.

After the first series of six classes, we conducted a survey and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with nearly perfect scores for the class arrangements and learning processes. Participants expressed a strong understanding of the benefits and importance of vegetarianism and are eager for future classes. One common request was for more frequent sessions, ideally weekly instead of monthly. We are excited to provide more classes in the future!

Our second class was an enchanting dive into the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival! The kids learned about the legend of Chang E and Hou Yi through a delightful mini-performance, brought to life by our volunteers with lots of enthusiasm and creativity. Afterward, the children channeled their artistic energy into making colourful paper lanterns. To top it all off, everyone got a chance to enjoy delicious mooncakes, a special treat that sparked smiles all around. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the festival while learning Mandarin and deepening their knowledge of Chinese culture!

We held our first Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group last month, where kids had fun using playdough to make vowels. The children quickly bonded over these learning activities, and their excitement was contagious! We can’t wait for the next adventure!

We are thrilled to host another exciting cooking class in collaboration with VCAI, and this time, it’s all about mooncakes! In this special edition, participants learned how to make these iconic Chinese pastries, which are traditionally enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time-honoured celebration of the full moon, harvest, and family reunions. Falling on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, the moon is at its brightest and fullest, symbolising harmony and unity. Mooncakes, with their beautifully round shape, represent completeness and togetherness, making them a perfect treat to share with loved ones.

Join our free monthly Mandarin and Cultural Adventure Group, designed for children aged 4 and above! This exciting programme offers a unique opportunity for kids to explore the wonders of Mandarin language and Chinese culture in a fun and engaging environment. Whether your child is a beginner or already has some experience, our group is the perfect place to build language skills while making new friends. Come and be a part of this enriching journey!

To register your interest, email us at info@nurtureland.com.au