Welcome to the October issue of the “Hot Off the Grill” Culinary Federation Newsletter!

We hope October is bringing our members all the Fall feels, with time to reflect on what we are all thankful for. The Culinary Federation National Board of Directors and Administrative Team are certainly thankful for all of you. 

We look forward to seeing our members in action this month as we celebrate International Chefs Day! Make sure to tag us @culinaryfederation and #ICD2024 so we can reshare your “Growing Great Chefs” activities!

Membership Renewal Season is almost upon us. We look forward to the 2025 membership year, as we continue to bring value and added benefits to our membership. Watch for your renewal notice next month!

Thank you to everyone who participated last month in the Chicken Farmers of Canada’s “Great Canadian Coopstar Contest”. The submissions from our Young Chefs were incredible! High fives to everyone who shared a Canadian Chicken recipe on social media, you did the Culinary Federation so proud. The Chicken Farmers of Canada had their hands full, picking the winner of the contest. 

Huge congratulations to Ifeoluwa Olubode, from the CF Ottawa branch, for her winning entry of Nigerian Inspired Tacos. Truly an amazing dish, a super entertaining and endearing video, and a gorgeous spread with your family and friends! We look forward to having you at the CF25 National Culinary Federation Conference in Moncton, New Brunswick next May as an ambassador for Chicken Farmers of Canada!

As always, thank you for your continued support and membership. If there is anything you want to discuss regarding the Culinary Federation and your membership experience, please contact me at president@culinaryfederation.ca

Thank you sincerely,

Ryan Marquis

National President

Calling all chefs and restaurateurs! The Culinary Tourism Alliance needs your help to identify how to grow Canadian cuisine. Please take 10 minutes to fill out the survey. Anyone who fills out the survey has the option to enter into a draw to win a pass to attend the 2025 Taste of Place Summit (April 28-29, 2025 @ George Brown College, Toronto). Fill out the survey here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/canadianchefsurvey  

World Chefs has some fantastic resources for you on their website – CLICK HERE

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?

Here are some ideas on how we can celebrate International Chef’s Day with children:

Cooking Workshops: Organize interactive cooking workshops for kids where they can learn simple and fun recipes. Encourage them to get hands-on experience in the kitchen and discover the joy of preparing their own meals.

Nutrition Education: Host educational sessions on the importance of balanced diets and nutrition. Teach children about the various food groups and the benefits of incorporating fresh, local produce into their meals.

Food Safety Awareness: Emphasize the significance of proper food handling and safety practices in the kitchen. Instill in children the habits of cleanliness and good hygiene while cooking and handling food.

Farm Visits: Take the children to visit local farms or community gardens to show them where their food comes from. Teach them about sustainable farming practices and the importance of supporting local producers.

Food Art and Creativity: Encourage kids to express their creativity through food art. Have them design and create their own visually appealing dishes using various colorful ingredients.

Chef Mentorship: Pair up young aspiring chefs with experienced members to provide mentorship and guidance. Inspire them to pursue their culinary dreams and support their passion for cooking.

Chefs from around the globe are invited to host their very own Growing Great Chefs workshop in their region. Remember, the impact of our celebration goes beyond just one day. Let’s strive to create a lasting impression on these young minds, fostering a love for cooking, nutrition, and sustainable practices that will stay with them for a lifetime.  

If you have questions, you can contact our friend Vanessa Marquis, Chair of Worldchefs International Chefs Day Committee at internationalchefsday@worldchefs.org

Hello Culinary Federation Members! 

In today’s fast-paced foodservice world, providing simple yet high-quality options can make all the difference. At the heart of the dairy industry in Canada, Lactantia has been providing foodservice professionals with premium dairy products since 1947. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Lactantia continues to meet the demands of today’s culinary professionals while delivering exceptional taste and performance. 

With this in mind, we’re excited to showcase Lactantia’s indulgent offerings – Lactantia Milkshakes! Available in two classic flavours - Vanilla and Chocolate - these milkshakes offer a rich and creamy experience that’s sure to satisfy. What sets them apart isn’t just their great taste; they also feature a new lower-sugar recipe, addressing the growing demand for healthier options without sacrificing flavour. 

Unlike many refrigerated dairy products, Lactantia Milkshakes offer the advantage of ambient storage, allowing them to be stored at room temperature. This feature is a huge benefit for busy foodservice operations, freeing up refrigeration space and providing flexibility in how and when they’re served.  

Staying true to Lactantia’s focus on “simplicity and good ingredients,” these milkshakes are a perfect balance between indulgence and convenience, making them an easy sell to customers craving something sweet and comforting. By adding Lactantia Milkshakes to your offerings, you’re not just serving a dessert, you’re delivering a premium experience that your customers will remember. 

At Lactalis Canada Foodservice, we take pride in delivering products that combine quality, taste and convenience. You can trust us to provide reliable products that meet your operational needs. 

Please take a look at our website (https://www.lactalisfoodservice.ca/en/)  to learn more about our dairy portfolio, recipes, and ordering options. 

Craft the best foodservice experience with Lactalis Canada Foodservice. Inspiration starts here. 

A Day in the Life

with Rachel Sheffield (third-generation chicken farmer)

Rachel Sheffield, a proud third-generation chicken farmer from Nova Scotia, continues the family legacy started in 1958 by her grandparents. Alongside her brother and two uncles, she is determined to nurture and expand their family farm. Follow Rachel's journey as she builds her career in the world of chicken farming.

Transform Your Fall Menus with U.S.-Grown Rice: Affordable, Nutritious, and Versatile

This fall, we're spotlighting a versatile and sustainable ingredient that can elevate your menus: U.S.-grown rice. Not only is this staple grain affordable and packed with nutritional value but it is also a sustainably farmed crop - which aligns with demands from chefs and discerning diners alike. Here's why U.S.-grown rice should be your go-to for crafting innovative, seasonal dishes:

Origin: U.S.-grown rice offers Canadian chefs a high-quality, close-to-home option, reducing the carbon footprint compared to imported varieties. Its proximity ensures both freshness and a positive impact on the environment. 

Affordable: With rising food costs, U.S.-grown rice is a budget-friendly, high-margin ingredient that provides excellent plate coverage. Its versatility allows for creative, profit-boosting applications across various cuisines.

Culinary Versatility: Rice is an essential component in many global dishes, making it perfect for a diverse Canadian palate. From rich risottos and aromatic pilafs to flavourful sushi or paella, U.S.-grown rice serves as a blank canvas that enhances a range of global cuisines. Its ability to absorb spices and sauces creates endless possibilities, allowing you to innovate with seasonal flavours and signature dishes that reflect culinary trends.

Nutritious Powerhouse: Today’s diners are health-conscious, and U.S.-grown rice is a perfect fit for their needs. Naturally gluten-free, sodium-free, and low in fat, it provides fibre, vitamins, and essential minerals, making it a nutritious choice that caters to diverse dietary preferences. 

Sustainability for the Future: Sustainability is not just a buzzword — it's a standard. U.S. rice farmers have significantly improved their growing practices over the past 36 years, reducing land use by 39%, energy consumption by 34%, and water use by 52%, while increasing yields. By integrating U.S.-grown rice into your menu, you’re making a conscious choice to support a product that aligns with both consumer values and global sustainability goals.

This fall, embrace the opportunity to craft exciting dishes that resonate with today’s savvy diners. Explore more about the benefits of U.S. rice and partnership opportunities here.

To keep up to date with the latest food trends, recipe ideas and trade activities, subscribe to the USA Rice newsletter.

Chef Works Canada is proud to be an official apparel partner of the Culinary Federation. Offering a wide variety of high-quality, stylish, and functional workwear, the Chef Works product lineup is constantly evolving. Supporting all uniform needs from fashion-forward to traditional styles, Chef Works can supply coats, aprons, shirts, pants and accessories to enhance the image of any establishment.

With comfort, movement, and sustainability in mind, Chef Works introduced the innovative Flex Series of chef coats to the industry. Consisting of four distinct styles, these ultra-flexible coats are designed to move with you throughout your busy day. Featuring Cool Vent™ Technology, four-way stretch, men’s and women’s options, and utilizing recycled fabric, you’ll feel as good as you look. The modern fits and minimalistic designs offer the function and freedom to keep up with the action around the kitchen and beyond.  

Check out this video to see Flex Series coats in motion, providing a range of colours, sleeve lengths, and closure options. 

Whether you are a longtime customer or are curious about what Chef Works has to offer, we invite you to visit our website to see what is new!

As a member of the Culinary Federation, take advantage of exclusive pricing on ALL Chef Works Canada apparel (including the revolutionary Flex Series). Use the code TRYFLEX20 at checkout and receive 20% off your entire order.

Visit https://www.chefworks.ca to start shopping now.