Can someone please tell me how it is December 1st already? November snuck by me and I was a bit shocked to wake up this morning and discover that it is December 1st!
Last year I counted down to Christmas with gifts that I would love to give (and receive) and this year I’m doing it again! Those who read my blog know that I focus on living a creative lifestyle and raising my kids in a creative environment. This year I’m focusing my gifts on great ideas for those living a creative lifestyle.
Gift Suggestion 1: Foodie Dream Gift- A Cooking Class!
Yesterday I took a cooking class at Well Seasoned. The class was a Pork Perfection experience with Johnston’s. During the class we:
- Learned about the importance of supporting local farmers (Johnston’s has 125 employees at their facility and gets their hogs from 17 BC Family Farms that employs more locals.)
- Learned that pork shouldn’t be overcooked until it’s tough and dry (pork should be cooked to 145F and there should be a blush of pink when you cut into it. The last case of Trichinosis was over 55 years ago and with modern farm regulations isn’t a concern anymore.)
- Learned how to make 6 different recipes using different types of pork (more about that below.)
- Drank delicious wine from Okanagan Crush Pad (I found a new favorite wine in the Narrative White)
- Met and mingled with other local foodies!
Pork has never been our “go to” meat at our house. We eat a lot of chicken and beef, but only buy pork every few months. I’m used to pork that has been cooked to high temperatures and has had all of the moisture sucked out of it. Never again! A cooking class on how to cook pork wouldn’t have been the first cooking class I would have signed up for, but I’m so glad that I stepped outside of my foodie box and tried something new. Pork is definitely going to be regularly offered on the menu in my home from now on.
Here is what we learned how to make:

Blackened Johnston’s BC Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Artichoke Garlic Sauce Pasta. This pork was so moist and tender. Definitely adding pork tenderloin medallions to my grocery list.

Perfect Pork Loin. The crust on this pork loin was so good. Perfectly cooked at 145F with a hint of pink left. Oh and the pan sauce? Out of this world!

Simple Asian Inspired Johnston’s Pork Patties with a Thai noodle salad. These pork patties have no filler or preservatives and you cook them from frozen. They were so moist and the flavors in the noodle salad were delicious. I want to make these for my family ASAP.

Angie’s World Famous Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you like sweet and salty (like me) this cookie is a must make. They made the Vancouver Magazine list of 101 things to eat before you die.
My recommendation to you if you have a foodie on your gift list:
If you have a foodie on your gift list, try to find a foodie experience for them. The classes at Well Seasoned are fabulous and they have a wide range of courses to chose from depending on where you food interests lie. If you don’t live in the Vancouver area, look for stores, restaurants and schools that offer cooking classes in your city. Having a hard time? Go to your local gourmet store and ask them. I’m sure they will have a recommendation.
If you live in the Vancouver area…
We have a special treat for you! We are giving away 2 seats at the Johnston’s Pork Perfection Cooking Class with chef Romy Prasad at Well Seasoned on Saturday, December 6! Enter to win below.
*Thank you to Well Seasoned, Johnstons, Angie, Bonnie and Town Hall for treating me to a fabulous BC Pork cooking class. All thoughts and opinions on this site are 100% my own.
Please check back each day for more of my favorite gift ideas, you can find my Countdown to Christmas suggestions here!











Salma says
I love the idea of taking a cooking class, I’ve never done that before. It would be a pretty fun date night too!
Tara says
I love cooking classes – I always learn so much and try things that are out of my comfort zone.
Louise Chapman says
I would bring my husband and I’d love to learn how to make pork picadillo! Date night!!