Living close to our food supply seems to be taking on importance once again in our communities and the lives of our families. There's a young woman I know and love like a daughter who is a farmer at heart, but first a Navy wife and mother to three amazing little girls and she's my friend. She's a Small Farm Teams Educator.
Kitsap has its share of small farms!!
Shannon Harkness, of Central Kitsap, recently became certified as a "Master Jammer". Okay that's not the real title and that's not a DJ stint, it's a qualification to teach you how to keep what you grow!!
Juicy ripe pears, easy homemade applesauce, sweet fruity jam, kickin homemade salsa, and zesty dill pickles, nothing tastes better than foods preserved at home. And nothing guarantees that your family will have plenty of healthy food than a well-stocked pantry! Preserving food sounds a little daunting to those who have never learned how to safely do it. Perhaps you grew up helping in your Grandmother's kitchen but have never tried it on your own. Home Preservation does require knowledge, equipment, and time.
WSU Kitsap County Extension is pleased to announce a new series of workshops designed to help you stock up on the bounty of the season! Beginning in July, you can learn how to safely preserve foods in workshops offered twice a month to accommodate your schedule. The same workshop will be offered one Saturday a month and one Tuesday evening a month.
Small Farms Team Educator, Shannon Harkness, will share her knowledge and passion for preserving nutritious, local foods. Each session will cover the basics of food safety and canning skills, including food spoilage and bacteria, canning equipment, as well as the topic of the month. Each student will leave with one take home treat!
Preserving the Harvest
When:
July 17 and 20th DONE
August 14th and 17th DONE
Time and Location:
All classes will be held at the Silverdale Community Center Evergreen Room.
Saturday Classes: 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Tuesday Evening: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Cost:
$30 per class, or any four classes for $100Registration Required:
345 Sixth Street, Suite 300Bremerton, WA 98337
Phone: (360) 337-7157
http://kitsap.wsu.edu
shannon.harkness@wsu.edu
JAMMIN'
Saturday, July 17 and Tuesday July 20
thThis class is designed to learn the basics of preserving fresh berries and fruits from all over the Northwest. We will cover how to preserve fruits in simple syrups, freezer methods, and have a hands-on demonstration of raspberry freezer jam. The Saturday class will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Tuesday class will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
IN A PICKLE
Saturday, August 14th and Tuesday August 17
thLearn how to make great crunchy pickles of all types! We will be making basic cucumber dill pickles, discuss fermenting foods, as well as making quick pickles. The Saturday class will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Tuesday class will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Note from KJ: Shannon's pickles are the best!)
Tuesday September 21st and Saturday,September 25
thConquer your fear! Learn how to safely pressure can low acid foods such as vegetables, seafood, and meats. We will be canning low-acid vegetables. The Saturday class will run from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. The Tuesday class will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 2
ndThis is a special one day class to help you add a little spice to your cupboards to get you through the chilly winter months. This single class will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This looks great!!
Saturday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 19th
The fruit that makes Washington famous is the fruit in most abundance this month! Dehydrated apples make a perfect snack to add to lunches. Applesauce is a pantry staple to be enjoyed straight from the jar or in baking. Come see how easy it is to make fruit sauces and learn the basics of food dehydration. The Saturday class will run from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Tuesday class will run from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
