Meet Gayle Gilliss, Volunteer Gardener

My name is Gayle Gilliss and I share my time living between Peachland and Calgary.  I work part-time as a Life Coach for young people starting their independent lives as adults.  I love encouraging people to learn to cook and become aware of foods that they can grow themselves or buy locally.  I have a large flower and vegetable garden, and this year I am trying a technique called Straw Bale Gardening.

What is your favourite locally-sourced food?

I love patty-pan squash, sliced and fried in butter, and topped with parmesan cheese. Delicious!  This year I am attempting to grow some in my own garden.

If you were a vegetable, what would you be?

I would be a carrot. I am a strong grounded person, yet useful in many ways.

What’s something you’ve learned from Chefs in the Classroom?

I learned that there are 350 types of bees living in the Okanagan – I had no idea!! And I really enjoyed making the Spring Pea Soup.  It was a dish I would never have made myself but enjoyed thoroughly.  

Do you have a favourite kid-friendly recipe you’d like to share?

This banana bread is a favourite in our house. I change the recipe slightly to add mashed banana rather than sliced.  And of course we always add chocolate chips! Click here for Gayle’s favourite banana bread recipe.

What makes volunteering with Chefs in the Classroom awesome?

I love the enthusiasm from the students.  They are willing to try new foods and skills.  I appreciate that they show up every Monday eager to participate in the activities of the day.

Anything else you’d like to share with the class?

Thank you for the opportunity to spend time with the students and the other volunteers