There's nothing like a great, chewy bagel for starting your day off right. The only thing better would be…a great, chewy bagel that you made yourself with delicious local ingredients! Join instructor Jeff Mao for a hands-on workshop that will take you through the process, beginning to end - measuring and mixing your dough to portioning and shaping bagels, and finally to boiling and baking. He'll even touch on some basic bread concepts including why bakers weigh their flour, dough hydration, and why bagels have holes! During this 3-hour workshop, you'll craft your perfect bagel using Maine Grains flour and mix-ins/toppings from local producers - and even mix your own flavored cream cheese to top it all off. And, of course, you'll have a chance to eat one (or more!) of your bagel creations before the end of class. We'll provide all the ingredients, materials and equipment, plus recipe sheets and product lists to take home.

Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica or Fallopia japonica) is known as one of the most frustrating invasive species in the world. Frequently planted along riverbanks as a means of controlling erosion, it is often favored by pollinators, yet quickly overruns landscapes and smothers native plant species. Knotweed also makes a delicious, healthy and versatile vegetable, similar to rhubarb. We can help to manage the overgrowth of this powerful invasive by eating it! Learn to manage, harvest, gather, process, and eat Japanese knotweed. We'll cover identification, removal, gathering, processing, cooking over an open fire, and future storage. Everyone gets a jar of sweet knotweed sauce to take home, which you may further dehydrate for fruit leather.

Let’s make dumplings! Join instructor Jeff Mao to learn about – and make – a variety of Chinese dumpling styles using Maine ingredients from local farms and producers. Try your hand at making three different kinds of dumpling dough with Maine Grains flour – and then use those doughs to make three kinds of dumplings: steamed, boiled and steam-fried. Mix up some pork and shrimp filling and learn a variety of folding techniques before cooking up your dumpling creations. And, of course, spend a little time making dipping sauces to accompany them! We'll provide all the ingredients, materials and equipment, plus recipe sheets and product lists to take home.

Session 2 on May 21st will be at Brunswick High School

Join Chris Toy, author of Ramen Made Simple for a fun evening of rolling your own fresh ramen with all the fixings. We'll learn about ramen history and culture as we slurp. Signed cookbooks will be available. $10 materials fee included.

Who can resist the smell of fresh bread baking? We will learn how to mix, knead, proof and shape basic yeast dough. Participants will learn how to create cloverleaf rolls, butter crescents, cinnamon swirls, tea rings and whole-wheat rolls, as well as an economically savory braid that comes together quickly. No discounts. $10 materials fee included.

In this workshop, we will make a variety of delightful scone recipes ranging from savory to fruity in one evening. You can choose to gift these or to use as the cornerstone of a brunch or breakfast for your family. No need to buy special equipment or exotic ingredients. This class will fill quickly and class size is limited. Debra will show you how easy these treats are to make and decorate artfully. Bring containers to take home baked goods! No experience necessary! $10 materials fee included.

Join Master Carver Ken Wise and foodie Chris Toy for a weekend of carving and cooking on historic Hurricane Island. You'll cook and eat delicious Asian Fusion recipes using utensils of your own creation. We'll also learn about the history and geography of Maine's most remote granite quarry and settlement.

The fee includes overnight accommodations in cabins, all meals & materials, water transportation to the island. Participants will be able to carve and cook. Recipes will be from one or more of my 6 cookbooks plus some of my favorites not in the books. There will be time for learning the fascinating history of the island plus exploring its trails and sites. Keep those questions coming! Here’s the link to Hurricane Island. https://www.hurricaneisland.net/facilities

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. Enjoy a demonstration featuring several special recipes before trying your hand at making (and tasting!) your own. All materials and recipes will be provided.