Cooking Cultures of Southeastern Pennsylvania for adults (virtual)

Five virtual classes on Wednesdays at 2 pm and 6 pm

February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2

*Join us at 2 pm for presentation/discussion only.*

*Join us at 6 pm for presentation/discussion plus cooking demonstrations and recipes to cook along*

Contact btobin@pa.gov with questions.

Southeastern Pennsylvania is the perfect place to taste and savor many early and lasting influences on the foods we grow, harvest and eat. In six weekly workshops, we sample some of Pennsylvania’s heritage groups via their food and gardening traditions.

In each virtual session, we will discuss the historic and cultural significance of the food we are preparing. In the evening classes, we will demonstrate some recipes, and prepare some foods together.  While dishes are cooking, we will continue discussions, questions & answers and share photos and artifacts. Shopping lists will be provided in advance so that you can cook along with us!

After each session participants can access additional recipes and resources to explore our culinary heritage. Follow along if you wish. In each session, the host will create 1-2 simple dishes that can be created with supplies from your own larder.

Feb 2: Pennsylvania German Foodways in the Delaware Valley

Immigrants from Germany were the earliest and largest European groups to settle in Pennsylvania. It’s no wonder that German ideas about food are at the heart of so many “traditional” Pennsylvania foodways. 

Feb 9: The Influence of French Cooks and Cuisines in the Delaware Valley

When French newcomers flocked to America after revolutions in Paris and Haiti, they brought along ideas of fine dining, as well as some of the cheapest, most delicious street food!  From the tables of presidents to the bellies of dock workers, DelawareValley residents have always appreciated French ways with food and cooking.

Feb 16: Chinese Food and Plant Cultures in the Delaware Valley

Historians say Chinese workers in California’s Gold Rush launched Chinatown settlements in every major American city, including Philadelphia. However, Asian foods, plants, and medicines have traveled to North America for thousands of years, with help from human and animal hosts. We explore some of the welcome flavors as well as invasive plants from China that are now at home in Pennsylvania.

Feb 23: Women in the Kitchen: The Birth of Domestic Science in the Delaware Valley.  

Our region celebrates a long history of women as cookbook authors, cooking school directors, and spreading the science of cooking to American homes. Many of today's techniques for healthy cooking, eating and preserving were developed and made popular by women. We sample this history and some of the lessons of healthy foods.

March 2: Philadelphia’s Soda Pop History: The Evolution of Drinks in the Delaware Valley

Philadelphia’s soda tax was supposed to decrease the consumption of sweet, high calorie beverages. But a tax can’t suppress a local craving for soda that goes back hundreds of years and introduced many innovations we still enjoy today.

Presenters: Cassandra Stancil Gunkel, PhD and Bonnie Tobin, MEd

In partnership with Friends Life Care VigR