Pear Cranberry Conserve

How does one preserve all those great fall pears? The University of Maine Cooperative Extension staff and Master Food Preserver volunteers give you the biz on the many ways to preserve pears. Get hands-on making pear cranberry conserve, a unique, flavor-filled jam. Apply these techniques to preserving other fruits and vegetables. Explore recommended methods for preserving foods, the latest and safest recipes, equipment to ensure safety and how to check for properly sealed jars. Take home a food preservation packet of fact sheets, more recipes and your finished jar of preserves.

Note: Please bring a pot holder.

Kate McCarty, Food Preservation Community Educator at UME Cooperative Extension, served with the AmeriCorps VISTA program and has completed the Master Food Preserver Program, an intensive, hands-on training in all aspects of home food preparation.

For so many, enjoying tea is about being in the moment. Explore ways to slow down and clear your mind, utilizing the qualities inherent in the leaf and making yourself a cup of tea. Then, with intention, let’s develop your meditation practice using tea as a vehicle to practice mindfulness and intention. Optional steeping vessel, $8 each, available from the class instructor. Masks optional.

Marianne Russo is a Certified Tea Specialist and owner of Nellie’s Tea Company. She studied under experts including Pearl Dexter of Tea, A Magazine, and John Harney of Harney & Sons Fine Teas. She has traveled to China and Japan's tea fields and factories, the World Tea Expo and tea rooms in the US and abroad.

Become more accurate with your knife work to create dishes that cook evenly and look professional. Explore proper hand placement and the four fundamental cuts: dice, mince, julienne & brunoise. Chop herbs without bruising or losing flavor and never again cry when cutting an onion. Discover the four knives every chef needs in their kitchen and finish with a lesson on honing and sharpening. Bring a sharpened paring knife, French knife and sharpening steel, if you have one.

Moira Rascati, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has been a professional chef for 40+ years and cooked locally at Joseph’s By the Sea for over 30. She is currently an instructor at SMCC in their culinary arts and nutrition programs.

Some of the most exciting wines come from Europe!

Explore these incredible wines and taste reds and whites made from grapes you have never heard of! These fabulous farms produce a small amount and export even less. Sample four different village wines paired with light, healthy appetizers courtesy of Vic & Whit's.

Register through OOB/Saco Adult Ed only. Free on-street parking available. Proof of registration required.

Gene Barber, a wholesale rep for Devenish wines, started his first wine tasting club in 1974 and has been an avid student since. He deals primarily in low-yield, low-production sustainable, organic and natural wines.

Foods for a healthy diet.Spend the evening incorporating new and exciting foods from Greece into easy-to-prepare meals. Dishes will include Salmon, pork, a delicious appetizer of Mushrooms a la Grecque, hummus, spinach served two ways with a yogurt sauce for all dishes and Pita grilled cheese. This is a hands-on class, so come prepared to cook, taste and enjoy! Tuition includes fee for food.

Note: Please bring an apron and a sharp cutting knife.

Moira Rascati, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has been a professional chef for 40+ years and cooked locally at Joseph’s By the Sea for over 30. She is currently an instructor at SMCC in their culinary arts and nutrition programs.

Develop a personal blend of teas to give as gifts or to serve to your friends and families. Have a blast creating your very own unique brew for you or someone you love! Leave with 1 ounce of a blend you have made to your taste or that of a loved one.

Marianne Russo is a Certified Tea Specialist and owner of Nellie’s Tea Company. She studied under experts including Pearl Dexter of Tea, A Magazine, and John Harney of Harney & Sons Fine Teas. She has traveled to China and Japan's tea fields and factories, the World Tea Expo and tea rooms in the US and abroad.