In my 30 + years as an educator, I have weaved opportunities to welcome students in the kitchen all the time! Whether it was with my peer leadership groups baking treats to sell at community fundraisers, cooking together as part of mental wellness strategies, or running weekly cooking sessions with newcomers, the kitchen was the perfect classroom. A delicious way of building community, the food that we prepared did so much more than just satisfy hunger. Skills in self-care, communication, problem-solving, and resilience were all wrapped up in the kneading of dough for pizza, crushing tomatoes for sauce, and forming chickpea patties for falafels. Sitting together to enjoy the fruits of our labour allowed for story-telling, the sharing of cultures, and most importantly, the forming of new friendships. The powerful connections created were not just with others in the group but with life itself. Lessons in nutrition and budgeting were gently folded in with promoting gratitude and diversity. Even a pot that boiled over or cupcakes that burnt in the oven provided a glimpse into useful life strategies! Any way you stir the pot, cooking and sharing what you’ve created can leave a lasting positive impact on the individual and the community.