I’m so pleased to announce the new series of low-cost OSU Extension Master Food Preserver classes in Eugene. As many of you know, OSU Extension is undergoing severe financial pressures with the reduction of local funding, and there will be a bond measure on the ballot this May to keep Extension alive. To showcase some of our offerings, the MFP volunteers are hosting a series of special, cut-rate classes this spring. Please sign up right away if you’re interested! Having an experienced cook available to provide tips you won’t find on the internet and answer your individual questions makes these classes invaluable.
I’m particularly excited about the pie classes, since I know I need some help on my pie crusts, and about the summer sausage class, since my husband loves this picnic classic, but each and every class will be excellent.
Which one am I teaching? Why, thanks for asking! I’m offering the March 29 “Roll Your Own Sushi” class. Sushi originated in Japan as a preservation technique and convenience food, and it’s now enjoyed around the world. I’ve lived in Japan and have a degree in Japanese literature, but more importantly, I can roll a mean sushi roll. We’ll discuss sushi’s history, then delve into buying sushi ingredients in Eugene, making perfect sushi rice and homemade pickled ginger, and hosting a sushi party. You will practice rolling techniques for hosomaki (small rolls) and temaki (hand rolls, the ones that look like ice cream cones). We’ll be using vegetable fillings, so vegetarians, vegans, and raw fish averse participants are warmly welcome. By the time we’re done, you will want to host your own sushi party!
OSU Extension Service – Lane County
Master Food Preserver Program
Presents
KITCHEN QUICKIES
A new series of classes being offered for only $5.00 per class!!
March 29, 6-8 PM – Roll Your Own Sushi (taught by me!)
April 9, 6-8 PM – Perfect Pies and Pie Crusts
April 15, 9:30 – 11:30 am – Ancient Grains
April 30, 6-8 PM – Stuff It! Savory Pies
May 1, 10 AM- noon – Going Nuts!
May 7, 6-8 PM – Oodles of Noodles
May 8, 10 am – noon – Summer Sausage
May 13, 6-8 PM – Simply Sauerkraut
To register for any or all of these classes and find out more, just download the online registration sheet.
23 March 2010 at 5:14 pm
Hi Eugenia! These sound really fun, I’m going to sign up for one or 2. As I’m trying to decide, do you happen to know if any of the other instructors have written little blurbs like you did here about your sushi class so I can make a slightly more informed decision? Thanks!
23 March 2010 at 5:26 pm
Hi Amy! They will be fun, I promise. I don’t think there are other blurbs (but if any instructors are reading this, please feel free to post a comment).
The pie classes will focus on making perfect crust and delicious fillings, and the “Ancient Grains” class will be ways to use obscure grains like quinoa and spelt. The nuts class will most likely focus on preserving nuts and making things like nut butters.
The “Oodles of Noodles” class is a pasta-making class; I think they’re making regular pasta and something stuffed, like ravioli.
The sauerkraut class will be a basic fermentation class focusing on cabbage, and I’m sure there will be a discussion of strange ways to use kraut, like sauerkraut soup and cake.
My thought is that the classes are 5 bucks, take a few and see! :)
23 March 2010 at 5:34 pm
Great, thanks! Printing out the form now… Will spread the word too!
24 March 2010 at 6:53 am
Thanks so much!
31 March 2010 at 2:42 pm
The class was a load of fun, thanks again! I can’t stop thinking about sushi now.
1 April 2010 at 10:23 am
Thanks, let me know what you make, Brandon! You roll like a pro.
29 April 2010 at 4:38 pm
[...] hours for free, research-based, local advice about a plant you bought at the market. Sign up for a $5 Kitchen Quickies class on savory pies, nuts, pasta-making, summer sausage, or sauerkraut. Drop by the office during opening hours (M-Th 10-5:00 with 1-2:00 closed for lunch) to have a [...]