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Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education



Cooking

Cheese-Making: Feta

$45

with Sharon Gilsleider

Calendar Next session starts Oct 23, 2025 at 5 pm, runs for 1 week

Impress your friends & family when you tell them you made it yourself! Learn to make healthier, better tasting, fresh Feta Cheese—and it doesn’t take months!! You will be impressed with the creamy rich flavor and will never go back to “store bought”. Traditional Feta is made with sheep or goat’s milk but you will also learn how to make it with cow's milk. We will discuss different flavors to add after, how to brine it and store it, as well as some ideas for recipes. You will bring a gallon of milk and take home approximately a pound of cheese. *Starter kit included. A supply list with basic kitchen tools will be sent out before the start of class.

Full Course

Chris and Ken's Awesome Cooking and Carving Adventure!

$250

with Chris Toy

Calendar Next available session starts Oct 24, 2025 at 8 am, runs for 1 week

Join master wood carver Ken Wise and cooking instructor Chris Toy for a fantastic weekend of hands on Carving and Cooking instruction. Come learn how to carve cooking utensils such as chopsticks, spatulas, and spoons. Then learn how to use them to prepare, cook, and eat some tasty Asian fusion recipes from Chris Toy's cookbooks! The retreat happens on the shores of Merrymeeting Bay in the Butler Head Nature Preserve. A limited number of AirBNB style overnight accommodations with shared bathrooms are available. Contact Chris Toy at christoy.net@gmail.com FMI. About the instructors: Ken Wise has been carving spoons, turning bowls and making Wildlife Art in Mid-Coast Maine for many years. He enjoys sharing the fun and challenges of working with wood through classes and private instruction. Chris Toy, long time cooking instructor, Maine Guide, and author of 6 Asian cookbooks has taught community education, in kitchen stores, and privately around midcoast Maine for many years. *There is a $25.00 non-refundable fee for cancellations.

Wok & Cleaver Bootcamp

$200

with Chris Toy

Calendar Next available session starts Oct 27, 2025 at 5 pm, runs for 1 week

Participants will learn how to season, care for, and use a Chinese wok and cleaver. Each student will take home a specially selected kit with a seasoned wok, wok spatula, sharpened cleaver, honing steel, and a cutting board. Those in the know bring containers just in case! The Wok is the most versatile pan in the world. Join Chris Toy, author of the award winning The Complete Wok Cookbook and learn all about its 3000 year old history. Materials kits included! *However, since kits are ordered ahead of time, there is a $100.00 non-refundable fee for cancellations to cover the cost of the kits. If you cancel, your kit will be sent to the adult ed office for pick-up.

Simple Scones

$60

with Deb Arter

Calendar Next session starts Oct 29, 2025 at 6 pm, runs for 1 week

Join Debra to try 5 new scone varieties. We will make Savory Hotel standard as well as Butterbeer Scones (like Harry Potter!), Pistachio Cranberry, Rosemary Cheddar and Carrot Cake Scones. All ingredients provided. Bring your apron and containers to take home samples! Class size limited so sign up early! All materials included.

Full Course

So You Want to Run an Airbnb?

$45

with Deb Arter

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 3, 2025 at 6 pm, runs for 1 week

Did you know that the number of people turning to Airbnb for lodging in Maine has almost doubled from just a few years ago?! The revenue earned by Airbnb owners in Maine was roughly $40 million. If you have entertained the idea of opening up your guest house or summer camp for short term rentals, this is a class not to miss! Debra has operated River Escape for two years in Damariscotta as an active and popular Airbnb.

Acadian Arts Retreat: Make Art / Share Food

$595

with Chris Toy

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 7, 2025 at 8 am, runs for 1 week

This is a Drawing Workshop & Hands-On Asian Fusion Culinary Adventure on Merrymeeting Bay. Escape to Maine for a unique retreat where you get to try both drawing and hands-on Asian Fusion cooking! Truly embody Making Art & Sharing Food on the scenic shores of Merrymeeting Bay. Join drawing instructor Mary Laury to learn the art of seeing and translating observations to paper. Then, with chef Chris Toy, dive into hands-on culinary exploration, where everyone gets to eat the delicious creations! Set your own pace amidst Maine's natural beauty, with kayaks and nature trails available. Feel free to bring musical instruments to share your talents! On-site AirBnB-style accommodations are $300 per person for the weekend (contact Chris Toy at christoy.net@gmail.com), with local hotels and B&Bs also an option. Spaces are limited! Register today for an unforgettable journey of art, food, and discovery. For $595, all workshops and meals are included. Lodging is NOT included. *There is a $50 cancellation fee (no exceptions).

The Art of Har Gow: From Scratch Crystal Shrimp Dumplings

$84

with Jeff Mao

Calendar Next available session starts Nov 17, 2025 at 5:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Love Har Gow? Learn the secrets to their beautiful translucent skin in this hands-on, in-person class! Master one of dim sum's most popular items by making Har Gow (crystal shrimp dumplings) completely from scratch – including the flavorful shrimp filling and the special 'crystal' dough. In this fun session, you'll learn essential techniques: handling the unique wheat starch dough, rolling delicate wrappers, executing classic pleats, and achieving perfect steaming. Perfect for dim sum lovers, you'll leave with the skills, recipe, and tasty results. All ingredients & equipment provided. Allergen Info: Contains shrimp. Wrapper uses wheat starch which may contain trace amounts of gluten.

Deliciously Gluten-Free: Chinese Dumplings

$84

with Jeff Mao

Calendar Next session starts Dec 3, 2025 at 5 pm, runs for 1 week

Craving homemade Chinese dumplings but need to keep it gluten-free? Dive into this comprehensive hands-on class where you'll master the art of creating delicious Gluten-Free Chinese Dumplings from start to finish! Learn the essentials for GF success: You'll make your own tender gluten-free dumpling wrappers completely from scratch, and prepare a savory pork filling (plant-based option available upon request). We'll guide you through multiple folding styles suited for gluten-free dough, ensuring your dumplings look as good as they taste. Elevate your meal by learning to make authentic Sichuan-style chili oil from scratch! We'll also delve into the world of dipping sauces, discussing common Chinese condiments, identifying hidden gluten, and exploring flavorful GF substitutes. Finally, you get to choose your favorite cooking method – boil, pan fry, or steam your handcrafted dumplings! You'll leave with newfound skills, fantastic recipes, and a belly full of your own delicious GF dumplings. All ingredients and tools provided. Allergen Info: Contains soy.

Full Course




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