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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.

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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.

Waiting list available
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Chris and Ken’s Awesome Cooking and Carving Adventure!

with Chris Toy

May
15

Next session: May 15th to 17th, 2026

$250 More Info

Join master wood carver Ken Wise and cooking instructor Chris Toy for a fantastic weekend of hands on Carving and Cooking instruction. Come learn how to carve cooking utensils such as chopsticks, spatulas, and spoons. Then learn how to use them to prepare, cook, and eat some tasty Asian fusion recipes from Chris Toy's cookbooks! The retreat happens on the shores of Merrymeeting Bay in the Butler Head Nature Preserve. A limited number of AirBNB style overnight accommodations with shared bathrooms are available. Contact Chris Toy at christoy.net@gmail.com FMI. About the instructors: Ken Wise has been carving spoons, turning bowls and making Wildlife Art in Mid-Coast Maine for many years. He enjoys sharing the fun and challenges of working with wood through classes and private instruction. Chris Toy, long time cooking instructor, Maine Guide, and author of 6 Asian cookbooks has taught community education, in kitchen stores, and privately around midcoast Maine for many years. Stay On-Site or Drive In: Limited private rooms with shared baths are available for the weekend. Ask about special rates for double and triple occupancy! Contact christoy.net@gmail.com to book! *There is a $25.00 non-refundable fee for cancellations.

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Acadian Arts Retreats: Asian Fusion Cooking

with Chris Toy

Jun
5

Next session: June 5th to 8th, 2026

$695 More Info

Your instructor, Chris Toy is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asian-fusion cooking for several Maine community education programs. Cooking students will learn how to prepare a variety of recipes from Asia, Europe, and the Americas incorporating traditional and local ingredients. Each meal will actively engage cooks with the tools, techniques, and stories behind the dishes being created. Please note: There is a $60 cancellation fee for this program.

*More about the retreat location: Escape to a Victorian Inn, the Harbor View House in Prospect Harbor on the coast of Maine, with an intimate group of artists, cooks and creatives! All meals are included in the workshop fee plus special activities to extend your learning from the day’s workshops, including a private house concert by Grammy-balloted sing-songwriter, storyteller, and author Gordan Ward. For more information about the workshop, call Mary at 207-632-2251. To book your stay at the inn call 207-963-9122 or visit https://harborviewhousellc.com/. **Lodgings not included in price.

*More about the retreat location: Step back to a time when President Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor, and their family escaped to their “beautiful little island” in the Canadian Maritimes, Campobello Island. We will be exclusive guests of the international park, staying in historic Victorian cottages. Workshop participants will explore and paint the same coastal scenery enjoyed by the summer residents at the turn of the 20th century. All meals are included in the workshop fee as well as specially planned optional evening activities designed to extend your learning from the day’s workshops. Register for the retreat then call Sherry Mitchell at 506-752-2922 to make room reservations. Acadian Arts Retreats participants will have exclusive overnight access to accommodations in the park. **Lodgings not included in price.

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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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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.