Have you ever thought about preserving your own food? Perhaps you enjoy the bounty of farmers markets, and want to find a way to enjoy local produce year-round. Or, maybe you have your own vegetable garden and end up with more produce than you can eat. Whatever your reason, if you want to try preserving but aren’t sure how to get started, this is the class for you! In this four-part, hands-on class, taught by Master Food Preserver and cookbook author Allison Carroll Duffy, we’ll cover all of the primary home food preservation methods you’ll need to get started, including canning, freezing, drying, fermenting, and cold-storage (root cellaring). Each week we’ll focus on a different method (or two), discussing proper procedures, techniques, food safety, and use of tools and equipment. We’ll then practice the method(s) hands-on, preparing and preserving food as a group, enjoying some samples as well. No matter what types of foods you enjoy and are hoping to preserve, this class will provide all you need to know to get started preserving food confidently at home! *A materials fee of $40 must be paid to the instructor on the first night of class.

*NOTICE OF DATE CHANGE: This class will now run on Thursday 5/15.

In this three hour class we will make traditional scones from the Savoy Hotel as well as novel recipes like Strawberry Scones, Lemon Blueberry Scones, Chocolate Chip scones and Orange Cranberry. You will take home samples of all the varieties. Bring your containers and have a Scone-tastic with new friends! Class size limited so sign up early! All materials included.

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.

Embark on a culinary journey where Maine's local bounty meets the vibrant flavors of India. Get hands-on as you learn to craft homestyle Indian dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from Maine farmers, cheesemakers and spice companies – this session will have you making Palak Paneer, a vibrant dish made with fresh spinach and locally-made paneer. Explore essential Indian cooking techniques and flavor combinations before enjoying dinner as a group. All ingredients, supplies and recipes will be provided. Taught by San Rudra of Banyan Tree Food Truck, Presented by Maine Tasting Center.

There’s nothing better than summer in Maine. Bring it on: the heat, the humidity, thunder storms, and getting together to celebrate the season with family and friends. It’s fun and simple to enjoy sharing vegan versions of summer standards. Join Jinger and get to work creating vegan baked beans, traditional potato salad using homemade mayo (made onsite), orange/strawberry/mint salad, and fresh cabbage slaw with a lime-based dressing. And not to neglect one of summer’s highlights, we’ll top off this feast with strawberry shortcake using our own whipped topping. Oh yeah! Be sure to come hungry and bring along containers to take home any leftovers. All materials included.

Mocktails (mixed drinks made entirely without alcohol) are quickly growing in popularity and are a great way to add a little flair to your next event. In this class, explore a variety of mocktail-ready ingredients made right here in Maine - syrups, shrubs, infusions, flavored sugars and more - and learn how to turn them into beautiful non-alcoholic drinks that are sure to impress. After learning about the ingredients and the Maine producers who made them, attendees will get hands-on with mocktail mixology, mixing up (and tasting) several special recipes. All materials and recipes will be provided. Taught by Sara Gross, Presented by Maine Tasting Center.

Dive into the flavorful world of Maine oysters with our friends from Blackstone Point Oysters! Join their expert farmers as they reveal the secrets of oyster cultivation in the renowned Damariscotta River - learn the art of shucking, savor the flavor of fresh Maine oysters in a taste test comparison between oysters from different farms on different parts of the river, and discover the stories of the Mainers responsible for bringing this coastal delicacy to your plate. Bring your questions—they've got the answers! If you've been curious about Maine oysters - or aquaculture - but don't know where to begin, this introductory class is for you! By the end of the class, you will have a new understanding and appreciation of oyster cultivation and the ways farming techniques impact quality and flavor - you'll be ready to go out into the world and act as an ambassador for one of Maine's most prized aquaculture products! Taught by Blackstone Point Oysters, Presented by Maine Tasting Center.

Your instructor, Chris Toy is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asian-fusion cooking for several Maine community education programs. Cooking students will learn how to prepare a variety of recipes from Asia, Europe, and the Americas incorporating traditional and local ingredients. Each meal will actively engage cooks with the tools, techniques, and stories behind the dishes being created. *More about the retreat location: Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century. All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight access to accommodations in the park. **Lodgings not included in price.