Here at Sparrow Early Learning, we acknowledge our staff across our services each month. Donna our cook at Sparrow Early Learning Sippy Downs in Queensland has been awarded for February!
We love Donna and thought we would share some special facts about her, and what she loves most about working for Sparrow Early Learning.
What or who inspired your love for cooking?
I worked on the floor in Nursery for years and I now love preparing food for all the children and being part of that experience for them.
What made you decide to be a cook at Sparrow Early Learning Sippy Downs?
I knew some people who worked for Sparrow and was looking for a place that I could be creative with menus to cater to individual children. I am also very passionate about children being able to self-serve and having autonomy within those meal time rituals.
What’s your favourite recipe to cook for the children?
The families and children love her Chicken Tikka Masala! Find the recipe below!
Ingredients :
1 cup basmati rice
1.5 tablespoons canola oil
700 grams diced chicken thigh.
Half medium onion diced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon freshly ground ginger
1 and a half teaspoons garam masala
1 and a half teaspoons chilli powder
1 and a half teaspoons ground turmeric (I combine these 3 spices together and add half first. Add more to suit taste)
1 can tomato soup
1 cup chicken stock
3/4 cup coconut cream (Can use full cream if not needing dairy free).
Directions:
1 – Cook rice according to packet directions and set aside.
2 – Heat oil in a large saucepan or stockpot. Add chicken and onion and cook until golden. about 4-5 minutes.
3 – Stir in tomato paste, garlic ginger, garam masala, chilli powder and turmeric until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4 – Stir in tomato soup and chicken stock. (You can season with salt and pepper – I don’t use these) Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
5 – Stir in cream until heated through (about 1 minute)
6 – serve with rice and enjoy.
What fills your cup each day?
The educators that spend time with me in the kitchen and all the children who pop in each day to see what they are having for lunch.
Donna’s food for our children is that amazing that Sparrow Early Learning Sippy Downs educators often stop by and ask if she needs taste testers! Looking for care? Book a tour at Sparrow Early Learning Sippy Downs today! Click Here
Do you have a staff member at Sparrow Early Learning that you would like to shine the spotlight on? Let us know!