George Brown Polytechnic's Chef School is proud to highlight the release of Cooking Compassion, a new cookbook created by two long-serving faculty members: Dr. Linda Gillis, registered dietitian and culinary nutrition professor and researcher for the last 30 years, and Chef Warren Ford, a veteran chef instructor with nearly 20 years of teaching experience at the school.
Designed for young adults of all cooking skill levels, Cooking Compassion blends culinary instruction with mental health support. The project emerged from Dr. Gillis's ongoing research, which explores how cooking and nutrition education can enhance mental well-being when paired with traditional treatment approaches. Her findings showed that young adults are looking for ways to engage with food that promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and offers a sense of accomplishment key themes reflected throughout the book.
To bring the project to life, the authors collaborated with Stella's Place, a Toronto-based mental health centre for young adults and partnered with art students from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University. The result is a cookbook enriched with thoughtful recipes, nutritional insight, ingredient photographs and original artwork designed to create a soothing and welcoming experience in the kitchen. All proceeds from the book will support mental health treatment programs for young adults.
A Two-Part Culinary Journey
Cooking Compassion is structured to build confidence step by step.
- Part One, developed by Chef Ford and tested by George Brown Culinary Nutrition students, offers a 12-week progression of recipes that start with simple, approachable dishes and gradually become more challenging helping readers build core cooking skills and boost self-confidence.
- Part Two features more advanced recipes contributed by top chefs and instructors from George Brown Polytechnic's Chef School, showcasing the depth of expertise within the program.
The cookbook also includes nutritional guidance, based on credible research gathered by Dr. Gillis, focused on foods that may help support brain and mental health. Paired with calming artwork from OCADU students, stunning food photography by George Brown food photographer and chef Tony Barone, the book encourages a mindful, enjoyable approach to cooking.
Available Now
Released on October 10, 2025, to coincide with World Mental Health Day, Cooking Compassion is now available in both softcover and hardcover formats through:
- Indigo
- Coles
- Amazon Canada
- Amazon U.S.
- Barnes & Noble
- The FriesenPress Bookstore
- Available soon in all George Brown Polytechnic Campus Stores.
All proceeds are for mental health treatment, making this book a gift for many.
