As we wrap up the month of October, I’d like to introduce you to one of our new additions to the Hope House Family. Celi Berdales is one of our new cooking instructors that came onboard last month after several requests by our women to learn recipes that could produce big profits with minimal investment. Celi volunteers at the Sisters’ of St. Vincent De Paul complex on Thursdays selling picarones (fried doughnuts) outside the main entrance. The proceeds from her sales go towards paying for many of the patients’ medications and treatments. Last month Celi taught her first class on how to make two delicious appetizers, stuffed potatoes and tequeños. The class was a hit and we all went home with our bellies full. In October, the women learned how to make Celi’s specialty, picarones, as well as coconut candy and banana muffins. What inspires me most about Celi is her patience, gentle demeanor, and love for sharing her best kept secrets. She’s a self-taught cook who had to learn the hard way. Growing up she never laid a hand in the kitchen and didn’t know what to do with herself. Her love of teaching developed as she began to learn how to make pastries, appetizers, and traditional Peruvian cuisine. Now our women are benefiting from her passion. If we could all follow Celi’s example, imagine what the world would be like! You may be wondering what the women will be learning next month. We have a list on Christmas inspired recipes—empanadas and a Christmas bread known as Pan de Yema.
~Desy
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