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From a series of cooking classes over the Academic year. These classes are for chefs who are interested in different food trends who would like to spend time with chefs at their restaurant kitchens and learn authentic recipes (that can be scaled for larger catering).

Overview

Who is this for? 

Chefs, amateur cooks, menu planners / creators and anyone interested in increasing their recipe bank!

Why should I take part?

You will spend time with like minded colleagues from the industry, using authentic recipes under the guidance of chefs who have authentic knowledge of the ingredients and menu items. After cooking your menu, you will consume the food you have created and take away the recipes from the day to take back to your institution.

Nena Ubani at the Made in Hackney Community Cookery School

Nena Ubani, also known as Duchess Nena, is a self-taught vegan chef, TV personality, author, and master herbalist. Her culinary journey began 20 years aNena 2go as a sous chef, but her passion for cooking reignited when she adopted a vegan lifestyle seven years ago. Nena sees food as medicine and infuses healing herbs into her recipes. Her passion for cooking and creating recipes was reignited when she adopted a vegan lifestyle eight years ago. Nena is also a master herbalist who believes that food is medicine, and she incorporates healing herbs into her cooking.

Nena is the editor of Vegan Melanated magazine and the founder of Uziiza.com, the UK’s first online African vegan store. She is an accomplished author with three books to her name. Notably, her textbook, Plant-based Food and Nutrition Guideline for Schools, is now part of the syllabus in schools in Nigeria.

An activist dedicated to promoting the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Nena uses her voice and platform to educate and inspire. Her contributions to the community and the media have earned her numerous awards and nominations over the years.

Nena's media career includes being a popular voice on Voice of Africa Radio as a co-host on The Woman2Woman show and later hosting her own talk show, Tea with the Duchess. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to interview many prominent African and international figures, including Stevie Wonder.

Authentic Dish

Jollof Rice with Plantain and Spiced Tofu/Mushroom: A classic West African dish known for its rich flavours and vibrant colour. It is typically made with rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers and a blend of spices that give it its authentic, smoky flavour.

Scalable Dish:

Egusi Soup: A popular West African dish made with melon seeds, vegetables, and spices. It's both cost-effective and appealing to a wide audience. Egusi soup can be easily scaled up for large groups and served with rice, fufu, or pounded yam, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option.

Or 

Okra Stew, also known as Okro Stew or soup, is enjoyed across West Africa. It is popular because it is highly nutritious and ingredients are easily accessible . It features fresh okra, various vegetables, and a blend of traditional spices. It is both cost-effective and appealing to a wide audience, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option for any meal.

How will it help me?

During the event, you will...

  • Get hands-on demonstration of recipes
  • Understand West African cuisine and traditional menu items
  • Develop your skills with an authentic culinary expert
  • Engage with like-minded colleagues and enjoy the fruits of your labour

Following the event, you will...

  • Take away the scaleable recipes 
  • Be able to replicate the menu at your institution (as well as at home!)

What’s included?

  • All ingredients and utensils required for the session
  • Lunch and refreshments (from the recipe you produce)
  • A cope of the recipes and ingredients list

What’s not included?

  • Travel to and from the development day

The Made in Hackney Cookery School can be reached from central London via overground and underground stations. Detailed instructions on how to find the school are here

Itinerary:

09:30 Introductions and theory

10:00 Practical

12:30 Lunch

13:30 End of session

Additional classes will be available for more global food trends including, Korean, Indian and Nigerian over the 24/25 Academic year. Full members can select the option of £100 and this will give access to 3 classes from the series.

 

 

Pricing

Full Member
£49.00
Associate/Affiliate Member
£99.00
Other/Non-Member
£149.00

Location

Liberty Hall
128 Clapton Common
London
E5 9AA

FAQs

  • I can’t see a particular course/training, can you run it?

    If you are interested in receiving training that is not already offered by TUCO Academy, pop us an email or give us a call and we will see if we can source it for you. By going through TUCO Academy you will be able to purchase the training at a subsidised rate and if you can offer the training to other members it will reduce the cost further. 

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

  • Can I request a course or development day be held at my organisation?

    The TUCO Academy has worked hard to offer all training at a subsidised price, agreeing reduced corporate contract rates with hotels etc. - yet still understands the benefits of in-house training. To that end, working alongside the professional trainers, TUCO Academy can arrange for events to be held at your own institution, for no extra cost. 

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

  • Who can use the training with TUCO Academy?

    All professional development events are available for ANY staff in institutions who are members of TUCO, not just employees in the hospitality, catering and commercial services department.

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

  • Can I book on behalf of someone else in my organisation?

    Yes – the person making the booking doesn’t have to attend.

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

  • How do I pay for my professional development event?

    You can opt to pay by credit card on the booking form directly or select to pay by invoice. If you need to submit a purchase order this can be entered in the booking form.

    Does this answer your question? If not, you can contact us directly.

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