Cooking Class Anyone?

Hello,

I was having a brainstorm the other day...some people have mentioned to me that they would like to learn how to preserve produce from the garden. My mind jumped immediately to the fact that the knowledge from my Grandmother's generation is nearly extinct. People in previous generations survived, literally, from local (if not self) production of most everything they used or needed in their everyday life.

Many people are amazed when I tell them that most everything my family eats comes from a local source, is preserved by us, or is baked or cooked by Mike, the kids or me. Unfortunately, coffee, chocolate and Indian spices will never (at least, hopefully, in my lifetime) grow in Northern NY. Oranges, pineapples and MacKenzie's favorite, grapefruit, will also forever be tropical fruits. So, there are a few purchases made from the grocery store. Almost, everything else is either grown on our land or by people we know. In short, we cook and thrive on the knowledge that we know how to feed ourselves wholesome, healthful food. Ian and MacKenzie will go out into the world with this knowledge to pass onto another generation.


So back to the brainstorm, I was thinking it would be fun to offer cooking classes, to teach people how to cook with basic, non-processed, unboxed ingredients. I would offer a class in late June or early July to teach folks how to use fresh veggies from the garden at the height of the season. There would be a canning class in August, to demystify the pressure canning process. Many folks have told me they are truly frightened of the pressure canner because of some story they heard about their grandmother or great grandmother having one blow up. Todays canners are so much safer. If used properly, there are no worries. I would hold a third class in the late fall to show folks how to use the food they have on hand in their kitchens, that has been preserved from the harvest or purchased in bulk.

I need some feedback, now. Is this a good idea? How many people would sign up? Let's start a dialog.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Maria

Farmers Markets

Zen Garden Gate

This coming Saturday, May 15th, is the grand opening of the Potsdam Farmer's Market. The market has moved,this year, to the back of the parking lot next to Ives Park.

Up until Saturday when it got cold and snowed on the gardens, again, we had planned to have quite a selection (for early May) available for sale.

We will have: wild leeks, rhubarb, mint, chives and eggs for sure. We were hoping for radishes and lettuce. Unless it gets really hot in the next few days, don't count on those.

See you at Market