Jordan Cooks for the "Dining for Women" Organization, and Makes a Difference, One Dinner at a Time!

“If you can’t take the heat then get out of the kitchen!” Well, that is exactly what I have done my entire life. I have run from any kitchen or cooking experience, however, if the cooking is in the name of charity, then you can count me in!

This week I put on my brand new apron and ventured into the home of Jill Pierce to cook for a charitable cause; "Dining for Women". "Dining for Women" is a giving circle where women come together once a month and dine in. Each woman brings a dish to pass, and the money that would have been spent on dining out, is collected and sent to international programs to empower women living in extreme poverty.

Through the members combined dinner donations, the organization supports grass-roots programs for women fostering good health, education, vocational training and economic development. By educating members about the circumstances of women living in some of the poorest countries in the world, women become inspired to make a difference through the power of collective giving.

This month, "Dining for Women" decided to focus on Ugandan women, thus we themed the evening and dishes around the Uganda culture. With the much need help of my friend and world renowned chef Tommy Fitzgerald , we decided to make an African Yam Peanut Stew with Ginger Pineapple.

Even though I consider myself foreign to the kitchen, the recipes were fairly easy, and the dishes were a hit among the women. I’ve always believed that helping others is a necessary, contagious, and powerful way to live.  An evening of cooking with friends and family tonight can make a world of difference tomorrow.

The women that I had the opportunity to cook for were kind enough to present me with a beautiful gift appropriate for the evening. I was presented with a beaded necklace and bracelet from the Bead for Life Organization , which helps to eradicate poverty one bead a t a time. "Bead for Life" creates opportunities to lift women and their families out of extreme poverty by connecting people through the art of beaded jewelry.

Women from Uganda and other parts of the world make handcrafted paper beads. The beads are made from recycled paper to use in bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
Even if you’re no good in the kitchen, this is a mission that we can all take part in.

Remember, each of us is something, but none of us is everything.  For more information on how you can help change the world one dinner at a time log onto Dining for Women .