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Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education



Cooking

Prosperity and Good Fortune: Chinese Wonton Dumplings

$74

with Jeff Mao

Calendar Next session starts Feb 2, 2026 at 5:30 pm, runs for 1 week

We will make Chinese dumplings with pork filling made from scratch in class. You will learn the multiple styles of folding dumplings using wonton wrappers. Then we will boil the wonton to make a classic wonton soup or chili oil wonton. Additionally, we’ll learn to make our own Sichuan-style chili oil and learn about other common Chinese condiments used for dipping sauces. All ingredients & equipment provided. Plant-based ground meat can be substituted for the pork upon request. The dumpling wrappers include gluten. Allergen Info: Contains soy and gluten.

Full Course
Chinese Cuisine: Beginner's Course
Online Registration Unavailable

Chinese Cuisine: Beginner's Course

$120

with Shufang Liao

Calendar Next session starts Feb 26, 2026 at 4:30 pm, runs for 3 weeks

In this class, you will make some iconic traditional dishes— including Fried Rice, Handmade Noodles, and Zongzi (Rice puddings). Each recipe highlights its cultural significance, traditional symbolism, and regional variations while guiding learners through authentic preparation methods and essential cooking techniques. The course emphasizes both culinary skills and cultural appreciation, allowing students to explore Chinese traditions through hands-on experience. From wrapping dumplings to shaping mooncakes, participants will gain practical understanding of the artistry, history, and values embedded in Chinese food culture, fostering deeper connections between cuisine and cultural identity.

Master the Art of Xiao Long Bao: Soup Dumpling Delight!

$89

with Jeff Mao

Calendar Next session starts Mar 2, 2026 at 5 pm, runs for 1 week

Ready to conquer the ultimate dumpling challenge: Xiao Long Bao? Join our fun, hands-on cooking class and unlock the secrets to making authentic Soup Dumplings entirely from scratch, discovering how that incredible burst of savory soup gets inside! We'll guide you step by-step through the entire fascinating process: creating the flavorful, gelatinized soup filling (the key secret!), making the perfect pliable dumpling dough, rolling your own delicate, paper thin wrappers, preparing a classic, savory pork filling, mastering the intricate folding, filling, and shaping techniques to seal in the soup, and steaming the dumplings to perfection. Perfect for dumpling enthusiasts and adventurous cooks! You'll leave with the skills, confidence, and a tested recipe to recreate these restaurant favorites at home. Plus, you'll get to enjoy tasting your amazing handmade soup dumplings in class! All ingredients and equipment provided. Allergen Info: Contains soy and gluten.

Full Course

Fundamentals of Home Canning

$65

with Allison Carroll Duffy

Calendar Next available session starts Mar 3, 2026 at 5:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Have you ever wanted to try canning, but were unsure how to get started? Or perhaps you are concerned about food safety, and wondering how to ensure that your canned food is both delicious and safe. Well, this is the class for you! Join Allison Carroll Duffy, Master Food Preserver and cookbook author, for this hands-on workshop covering all that you need to know to get started canning your own food. Well cover the basics of safe home canning, including proper procedures, techniques, and use of tools and equipment. Then we’ll learn hands-on--working together as a group and going step-by-step--to make and can a big batch of jam. We’ll use the boiling water bath method, which is the same method you’ll use for making many other canned goods you might want to make at home, including pickles, salsas, chutneys, and fruit. While this class will focus primarily on the boiling water bath method of canning, pressure canning will also be discussed. At the end of the class, there will be plenty of jam to taste, and each participant will go home with a jar of jam to enjoy...as well as all the know-how you need to start canning confidently at home! *A materials fee of $10 must be paid to the instructor on the first night of class.

Chinese Cuisine: Mooncakes
Online Registration Unavailable

Chinese Cuisine: Mooncakes

$50

with Shufang Liao

Calendar Next session starts Mar 19, 2026 at 4:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in style! In this no-bake class, you’ll craft delicate Snow Skin Mooncakes—modern variations of a centuries-old symbol of reunion and gratitude. Using glutinous rice flour, you’ll make the smooth, chewy “snow skin” and fill it with sweet lotus paste, red bean, or fruit flavors before molding them into beautiful designs. Learn about the cultural stories behind the mooncake while enjoying a creative, hands-on experience. All ingredients & equipment provided.

Bao Down to Flavor: Mastering Char Siu Bao
Online Registration Unavailable

Bao Down to Flavor: Mastering Char Siu Bao

$84

with Jeff Mao

Calendar Next session starts Mar 23, 2026 at 5 pm, runs for 1 week

In this hands-on cooking class, you’ll dive deep into the art of making Chinese Steamed Char Siu Bao, the beloved fluffy buns filled with savory Chinese BBQ pork. Learn the secrets of creating the perfect bao dough from scratch. Jeff will guide you through each step, from mixing and kneading to proofing, ensuring you achieve that perfect pillowy texture. Master the rich and flavorful char siu filling. Discover the blend of spices and techniques that make this BBQ pork so irresistible. Take a culinary journey through history as we explore the legend of how bao were first invented. You’ll hear captivating stories that add a cultural dimension to your cooking experience. By the end of the class, you’ll not only have a batch of delicious Char Siu Bao to enjoy but also the skills and knowledge to recreate this traditional treat at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and educational adventure. All ingredients and equipment provided. Allergen Info: Contains soy and gluten.

Spring Scones
Online Registration Unavailable

Spring Scones

$65

with Deb Arter

Calendar Next session starts Mar 24, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 1 week

Join Debra to try 5 Spring 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 is limited so sign up early! All materials included.

Chinese Cuisine: Dumplings
Online Registration Unavailable

Chinese Cuisine: Dumplings

$50

with Shufang Liao

Calendar Next session starts Mar 26, 2026 at 4:30 pm, runs for 1 week

Love dumplings? Learn the secrets behind China’s most iconic comfort food in this hands-on class! You’ll make dumplings from scratch—creating soft dough, preparing flavorful fillings, and mastering various wrapping styles like crescent and pouch shapes. Explore the cultural meaning of dumplings as symbols of reunion and wealth, traditionally enjoyed during Chinese New Year. By the end, you’ll be able to boil, steam, or pan-fry your own perfect dumplings and take home the authentic techniques and recipes to recreate this festive dish anytime.





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