What we’re about
Whether you are Michelin Star level or can't boil water, we want you at the NEO Cultural Cooking Club! We are part of an initiative of NEO (Nature and Eclectic Outdoors), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. NEO's primary mission is to help people of all ages and backgrounds lead more outdoor-oriented lives for better health, well-being, and resilience. But since our members are so diverse, we celebrate this diversity and promote cultural appreciation and understanding through cooking events, eating amazing food from around the world, and learning about each other's cultures, histories, religions, music, and more!
We are a diverse group of people who meet at various locations around the greater Austin and Houston regions to cook/bake a recipe, or two, or ten, while learning about varying cultures from around the world and a bit more about each other. We also delve into regional American dishes. Events range from our signature Cultural Cooking events to food festivals, interesting restaurants, quick weeknight potlucks, and our Culinary Crawls that allow us to sample signature dishes at multiple restaurants and eateries.
Our delicious Cultural Cooking events look something like this: We decide on a region or culture we want to learn more about, choose several traditional recipes from that region, and chip in to purchase all of the ingredients and supplies necessary to cook a feast together. During the event, we all cook together while learning about and discussing things like the region's history, religions, music, etc. Sometimes members may even wear clothing from that region. For example, the saris some people wore to one of our Indian Cultural Cooking events were stunning. At Pakistani night, we danced together with Dandiya sticks that one of our Pakistani members brought. At Filipino night, we broke out a karaoke machine to honor a popular pastime in Filipino culture.
We also explain the science that makes certain recipes work. Knowing things like why your eggs have to be at room temperature to cook a proper Tres Leches Cake will change the game for you! You'll even learn the best places to buy exotic ingredients as well as good substitutes you can easily find at HEB.
All ages, backgrounds, and experience levels are welcome...seriously. Come cook and bake with a group of people who you will never have to apologize to when the smoke detector goes off. We've all been there. We are your people! Kids are welcome at events as well.
So grab your tackiest apron and sign up for an event! We'll see you soon!
FYI: This isn't a singles meetup. It's great if you meet "the one" during an event, but don't act creepy. It won't be tolerated.
If you enjoy outdoor fun and activities like camping, kayaking, archery, trips, and more, please join our outdoor groups!
www.meetup.com/NEOaustin
www.meetup.com/NEOhouston
To find out more about Nature and Eclectic Outoors and the amazing work we do, visit www.neoproject.org.
Upcoming events
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- $30.00
Cultural Cooking: Moroccan! (Dripping Springs)
Wilson AC & Appliance, 4205 East Highway 290, Dripping Springs, TX, USCome learn how to cook a variety of traditional Moroccan dishes! Your rsvp covers the cost of all ingredients to make a fantastic feast with plenty of leftovers for everyone to take home.
This is a limited-attendance event. Payment can be made here via Paypal or Credit Card. You can also pay fee-free via your bank's Zelle feature to Zelle Tag "NEOproject" or email "contact@neoproject.org" or at this QR code link. If you pay via Zelle, please message me so I can add you to the attendee list.
Based on previous event feedback, we are trying something different this time. Participants will be broken up into teams that will each make this full multi-course meal together. Some groups will make a menu starring Tajin al-Dajaj (Chicken Tagine), and some groups will make a menu starring Siga Wat (Spiced Beef Stew). In addition, some teams will make their dishes spicier, and some will make milder options. People will get placed on teams based on their preferences in the order they RSVP. So RSVP early to make sure you get your first choices! As you RSVP, please post in the comments which Main/Dessert option you prefer.
In addition, we have upgraded our single-burner stoves that will supplement the full kitchens we will use to cook. We also have better utensils, pots/pans, etc., along with a much better organization system. I can't wait to try out our new system and goodies!
Please let me know if you need to eat vegetarian, vegan, or Kosher/Halal, and I will be sure to include options for you. If we have enough vegetarians, we may do a special vegetarian team,
All teams will make the following base menu along with one of two main dish/dessert options.
Base Menu:
- Harissa - smoky, spicy staple condiment in Moroccan cuisine
- Msemmen Batbout Bread - Traditional soft flaky bread
- Jibn al-Fita Mahalli - Baked feta cheese with olive tapenade
- Shakshuka - Spicy stewy poached egg comfort food dish
Main Course/Dessert Option 1:
- Tajin al-Dajaj - You'll learn a delicious Instant Pot version of the Chicken Tagine traditionally baked in a tagine pot. You'll get my recipe for a slow-cooked cast-iron version as well.
- Meskouta - Traditional orange cake
Main Course/Dessert Option 2:
- Kefta Mkaoura - Spiced beefy stew
- Mhencha - Stuffed and coiled filo pastry dessert
The location sponsor for this event is Wilson AC and Appliance on Hwy 290. We will use their spectacular demonstration kitchens, so be prepared to have some appliance envy.
Please check out our Signup Genius page to see if you can bring a kitchen tool that will help things go more smoothly.
Feel free to bring any additional goodies you would like. This is a bring-your-own-beverage event. You may bring alcohol as long as we are all being responsible adults.
I hope to see you there! Be sure to come hungry, and bring some to-go containers or zip-lock bags. As usual, well-behaved kids are welcome to attend, and kids under 14 can participate for free.
Because there is substantial planning for this event and supplies are purchased ahead of time, NO REFUNDS CAN BE ISSUED for this event unless it is canceled. If you cannot attend for any reason, you can give your spot to someone else or just consider it a much-appreciated donation. Thank you for understanding.
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The NEO Cultural Cooking Club is part of a NEO (Nature and Eclectic Outdoors) initiative to promote cultural diversity, understanding, and appreciation through delicious food and great conversation. NEO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.21 attendees
Past events
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