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Fundamentals of Home Canning

with Allison Carroll Duffy

Mar
10

Next session: March 10th, 2026

Have you ever wanted to try canning, but were unsure how to get started? Or perhaps you are concerned about food safety, and wondering how to ensure that your canned food is both delicious and safe. Well, this is the class for you! Join Allison Carroll Duffy, Master Food Preserver and cookbook author, for this hands-on workshop covering all that you need to know to get started canning your own food. Well cover the basics of safe home canning, including proper procedures, techniques, and use of tools and equipment. Then we’ll learn hands-on--working together as a group and going step-by-step--to make and can a big batch of jam. We’ll use the boiling water bath method, which is the same method you’ll use for making many other canned goods you might want to make at home, including pickles, salsas, chutneys, and fruit. While this class will focus primarily on the boiling water bath method of canning, pressure canning will also be discussed. At the end of the class, there will be plenty of jam to taste, and each participant will go home with a jar of jam to enjoy...as well as all the know-how you need to start canning confidently at home! *A materials fee of $10 must be paid to the instructor on the first night of class.

Waiting list available
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Deliciously Sustainable: An Introduction to Edible Insects

with Maine Tasting Center

Jun
10

Next session: June 10th, 2026

Discover why insects are the protein of the future in this hands-on cooking class! Learn about global traditions, explore sustainable insect-based ingredients, and get creative in the kitchen as you prepare and taste two dishes featuring both dried and fresh edible insects from Maine companies. All materials and recipes provided. *Those with shellfish allergies may also be allergic to insects. Presented by Sara Gross of Maine Tasting Center.

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The Art of Preparing Fiddleheads

with Maine Tasting Center

May
29

Next session: May 29th, 2026

Learn how to safely cook and enjoy Maine’s beloved spring delicacy – fiddleheads - in this class led by a Master Food Preserver. Explore proper preparation methods before cooking them up into soups, sides and even a main course. All materials and recipes provided. Presented by Liz Gross of Maine Tasting Center.

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Entertaining with Maine Ingredients: Mocktail Mixology

with Maine Tasting Center

Jul
15

Next session: July 15th, 2026

Explore Maine-made syrups, shrubs, infusions, and more while learning to craft beautiful, non-alcoholic mocktails. This hands-on class introduces local ingredients, creative techniques, and mixology tips, then gives you a chance to get hands-on with a few special recipes. All recipes and materials provided. Presented by Sara Gross of Maine Tasting Center.

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Learn to Shuck & Serve Maine Oysters

with Maine Tasting Center

Jun
6

Next session: June 6th, 2026

Learn to shuck like a pro with a local oyster farmer. In this relaxed, hands-on class, practice shucking with your own dozen oysters, test out raw and grilled preparations, and learn about oyster farming straight from the source. Your local oysters are some of the best in the world - start shucking them yourself! Taught by Jean Vande Moortel, presented by Maine Tasting Center. *All equipment provided for use during class. If you would like to purchase a set of gloves and shucking knife to take home ($10), please let us know in advance by emailing Maine Tasting Center at sara@mainetastingcenter.com.

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Maine’s Heritage Beans & Beanhole Suppers

with Maine Tasting Center

Jun
24

Next session: June 24th, 2026

Taste your way through Maine’s heritage beans - like Jacob’s Cattle, Cranberry, and Marfax - in this tasting and lecture exploring traditional recipes, beanhole supper history, and the farmers keeping these heirloom varieties alive today. Learn what makes each bean unique and enjoy a hearty sample of Maine Tasting Center’s own beanhole-style beans. Presented by Sara Gross of Maine Tasting Center.