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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join Chef Chris Toy for a hands-on class to master fresh pasta making! We'll infuse the dough with intense, farm-fresh flavors—creating a colorful medley of mushroom, basil, and tomato pasta. You'll finish your creations with a choice of a rich tomato-red wine or a creamy vodka sauce. Get ready to roll, knead, and eat!

*This is a Family-Friendly program, which means this workshop is open only to adults with minors. To participate in this program, adults need to register themselves and at least one child. An adult can register multiple children (up to 3).

In this special family session, children ages 6+ and their adults will pair up and get hands-on making Needhams, Maine’s iconic potato candy! Learn the story behind this sweet treat, make your own batch with Maine-grown potatoes, and explore creative flavor twists. Everyone leaves with recipes and handmade Needhams to share. All supplies provided. Presented by Liz Gross of Maine Tasting Center.

CALL US AT 729-7323 TO REGISTER!