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Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education



Cooking

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.

Make Art / Share Food: Learn to Draw & Cook

$595

with Mary Laury

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 $200 per person (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 in the list price.

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 available 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.

Gifts from the Kitchen

$60

with Deb Arter

Calendar Next available session starts Dec 8, 2025 at 6 pm, runs for 1 week

Who needs another lottery ticket or turtleneck? In this one night class Debra will guide you through the steps to make Peanut Butter Buckeyes, Haystack Cookies, Spiced pecans and Quick Toffee Brittle. All recipes will be made in duplicate so participants can take home little gifts that are packaged with flair. Come with containers for taking home your creations. All materials included.

Chocolate Extravaganza

$60

with Deb Arter

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 14, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 1 week

Chocolate is good for you!! It's full of antioxidants not to mention flavor that can't be beat. Debra will tell you the history of this important ingredient and guide you through making decadent fudge sauce (perfect gift idea!), white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, and molten lava cakes. Recipes and generous samples guaranteed. We will be able to eat these items warm from the oven with ice cream. Sign up early so you guarantee a spot in this yummy fun class. All materials included.

Prosperity and Good Fortune: Chinese Wonton Dumplings

$74

with Jeff Mao

Calendar Next available 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.

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

$89

with Jeff Mao

Calendar Next available 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.





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