Culinarian’s Day is June 25th, and at One Family Illinois, we’re celebrating it with our partners at Swissôtel Chicago, who’s hospitality and culinary expertise continue to nourish our community of youth in foster care.
Swissôtel Chicago is Making a Difference for Youth in Foster Care
Swissôtel Chicago has demonstrated long-time, dedicated efforts in promoting culinary education, welcoming and hospitality, and health and wellness to the communities we serve.
“Working with the One Family Illinois students is a very rewarding part of my job. It’s always fun interacting with the children at the events put on by Swissôtel Chicago. I have been able to see them grow up and become great young adults.
Over the past few years, my team and I created a Culinary Training Program for the high school students with the hope to find a child who truly wants to be a chef. Our goal is to create a mentorship program with a Chef on my team and help them through culinary school.” – Dan McGee, Executive Chef, Swissôtel Chicago
From teaching youth in foster care exclusive techniques and recipes through culinary classes to their participation and generous assistance with gardening days and Harvest Day, the relationship that Swissôtel Chicago has fostered, with not only One Family Illinois, but also the youth in our communities, has empowered children in foster care and the families we serve in astounding and wonderful ways.
The Roosevelt Square Community Center Culinary Kitchen
At One Family Illinois, our commitment towards building the next generation of culinary superstars through nutrition and culinary education is exemplified best through our Roosevelt Square Community Center Culinary Kitchen. The Culinary Kitchen features 3,000 square feet of kitchen and dining space, enough to support the educational and needs of the children and families served by the center.
The space was designed around creating the ability to host culinary demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and special event entertaining space. We are proud to know that Swissôtel Chicago will continue supporting our programs as we expand in the new community center.
Make Your Own Swissôtel Gourmet Dish with This Incredible Recipe
Swissôtel Chicago’s gourmet dishes are the perfect way to get children and teens involved in the kitchen, and they’re recipes the whole family can enjoy! Try your hand at creating this wonderful dish straight from Chef Dan.
Swiss Birchermuesli Recipe from Amuse Restaurant
Recipe for 4-6 Servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of whole milk (2% or skim milk optional)
- ¼ cup of heavy cream or half & half
- ¼ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp of lemon juice
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 cup Bircher Muesli Gastronome (Familia Brand — available in supermarkets or at health food stores. Ingredients in the mix are: oat flakes, whole wheat millet, dry raisins, ground hazelnut, wholemeal flour from wheat rye barley, wheat germ, and fruit powder.)
Fruits:
- 1 red apple with skin on, grated
- 1 green apple with skin on, grated
- 1 banana, diced
Method:
- Combine orange and lemon juice with the shredded fruits in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, cream, honey, and bircher muesli mix.
- Let it stand for 10-15 minutes to rise. Then mix all of it together.
- Additional tips: Make Muesli mix fresh every day for flavor and nutritional value. Garnish with your choice of fresh berries and serve in a glass bowl.
How You Can Support One Family Illinois and Youth in Foster Care
If you’d like to be a part of the continued education, growth, and community environment found at One Family Illinois, consider supporting our mission in either one or both of these ways:
Make a contribution to our Roosevelt Square Community Center Project
By donating to our Community Center Project, you will assist in the continuation of funding the programs and services that will help build the next generation of culinarians. If you’d like to make your contribution online, you may do so here.
Consider booking your stay at Swissôtel Chicago during your next visit to Chicago
Swissôtel Chicago provides a special booking rate which contributes a portion of its proceeds to the youth in foster care at One Family Illinois. For more details on how you can take advantage of this special rate, check out their page here.