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!

In this one night class we will learn how to mix, knead, proof and shape yeast dough into both savory and sweet treats. Participants will learn how to create cloverleaf rolls, butter crescents, cinnamon swirls, tea rings, sticky caramel rolls and whole-wheat buns as well as an economical savory braid that is a crowd pleaser. You will learn what gluten is really about! Various yeast bread tricks will be shared and discussed. Each student will go home with samples warm as well as dough to bake later at home. All baking levels are welcome for this hands-on class. Bring an apron, and some plastic tubs/large bags to fill and take home. All materials included.

Dive into the delicious, communal world of Chinese Hot Pot with an exclusive class and dinner hosted by Jeff Mao, author of the Essential Chinese Hot Pot Cookbook. Learn the secrets behind creating an authentic and impressive hot pot experience directly from the expert! In class, students will learn the key components of this beloved meal. Jeff will teach you how to prepare flavorful broths, mix essential dipping sauces, and guide you through prepping the myriad of ingredients traditionally served. Jeff will also share the history of hot pot and tips on the best ways to eat and enjoy this interactive dining style. The evening concludes with a fantastic communal hot pot dinner, where you'll cook, dip, and savor the results of your learning together around a simmering hot pot. Leave with the confidence and knowledge to host your own hot pot gatherings! Allergen Info: Contains soy and gluten. Vegetarian menu available upon request.

What’s your favorite Maine bean? Is it the bold and hearty Jacob’s Cattle Bean? The creamy Yellow Eye? The rich, rustic Marfax? In this one-of-a-kind tasting experience—like a wine tasting, but for beans—you’ll sample a variety of regional heritage beans and discover what sets each one apart. Along the way, you’ll learn where to find them, how to cook them, and why supporting local farmers matters. We’ll also be joined by our friends at Fairwinds Farm, who will share insights into bean farming in Maine and introduce you to the many beautiful and delicious heirloom varieties they grow. As we taste, we’ll explore the history and culture of beanhole suppers—a Maine tradition rooted in Indigenous practices and carried forward by lumber camps, church kitchens, and generations of "upta camp" cooks. And of course, no bean event would be complete without a hearty sample of Maine Tasting Center’s own homemade beanhole-style beans. Come hungry, come curious—and be ready to find your new favorite bean.

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.

Join our immersive cooking class where you’ll learn the time-honored secrets behind New York’s iconic bagels. In this hands-on experience, you’ll craft your own bagel dough from scratch, knead it to perfection, and master the art of hand-rolling. As the dough transforms into those chewy, golden rings, we’ll guide you through the traditional boiling and baking process – the very same steps that make Brooklyn bagels legendary. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious food enthusiast, the class promises a delightful journey into bagel bliss. All ingredients, materials, equipment and recipes will be provided. Allergen Info: Contains sesame seeds, gluten.

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.

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.