food preservation workshops (and one more!): FEBRUARY 2011

A few things are happening in OC and LA in the next few months-below is a list.  I am also going to list a few of things that are happening @ the shop that might be interesting as well.

2/5 (11-1): vinegar, yogurt and kombucha, Orange County (with Ernie) @ RLT
2/6 (11-2): Canning Class, Orange County @ RLT
2/12 (11-3): Citrus Class @ Kazi's urban farm in Altadena with Evan Kleiman-SOLD OUT!
2/20 (11-2): Fermentation series @ UCC (perfect if you live in Santa Monica)
2/26 (11-2): Cheese 101, Orange County @ RLT
2/27 (11-2): Pizza, Start to Finish (crust, sauce, cheese), Orange County @ RLT


**We also have a great workshop this THURSDAY at the shop on blogging. If you want to start a blog or like most of us: have one but don't know what the funk to do with it-this will get you ready to work your magic. Fern Richardson of Life on The Balcony (if you are into gardening, check it out!) will hand out advice, up n' downs and how proper planning, content and mojo can make something incredible (like for Fern a book deal)! Contact me directly or call the shop (714.836.8727) and leave a message with your info and we will make room for y'alls.

adventures with Evan Kleiman, Kazi and a citrus class!

The typical Friday is not really the end of the week but the prepping for what i like to call the "short week" (aka the weekend). I usually try to finish the weeks work and prep for classes and events that happen in the next 2 days with an evening cocktail at the computer to make me feel like i am having a night on the town!

(BEWARE: awesome Friday ahead...)

This past Friday was a little different though. I met Evan Kleiman (aka: mera-mera) at Union Station for a little trip to her dear friend Kazi's home in Altadena to check out her AMAZING urban farm and work on an upcoming class.

(starting the day)

We happened to arrive a little early so Gustavo and i decided to take a little trip to Olvera Street to grab a snack and check out some cute potential presents. I've heard that this landmark area might be demolished -WHAT A SHAME, can anyone tell me more about this???

(this place served the first taquito in LA-yummers!)

(bright guitars and a ceramic rooster that i want to buy for the front porch)

After a short walk through the gorgeous Union Station that seemed untouched by time (albeit without the constant cell phone usage all around), Evan pulled up to pick me up with her co-pilot Paco, sitting on her lap ready for an adventure. Paco is her 7yr-old little white fluff-ball of cuteness (i forgot the breed-a stray that is mixed with cuteness is all you need to know), that immediately came to my lap as we took off to Altadena.
Evan has told me about Kazi and her incredible home and as we pulled up to the door, i felt the excitement that reminded me of the times i walked up to the home of Beekeeper Kelly's home: i KNEW i was in a special place. Then off i went for a wonderful backyard tour....

(Evan checkin' out the dehydrator that killz it!)

Kazi's home is filled with more wonder that baffles the mind-not only is she a classical musician, but a chica of astounding knowledge and passion of food that is like opening an encyclopedia called, "everything i wanted to know about an creative urban farm but never had the balls to think about what i could do". i probably seemed like a ghost, because the entire time i was in total amazement and could hardly speak (except from the occasional "holy shazzbah" spinkled with, "what is this!" every 10 minutes).
Kazi took me on a tour of her MANY fruit trees (we are talking at LEAST 15 different citrus, not to mention the rest), 30+ birds (that Paco loved to chase), herbs and a dehydrator that would Shaq-style-smack-down whatever you might have at home-Kazi even roasts her own coffee-HELLO!

(finger lime: my new fave citrus-MUST HAVE)

(Paco workin' it with the birds-they didn't like him too much!)

(yeah, this is PART of the yard in winter...for realz!!)

Kazi also made us an incredible lunch (fresh eggs and bread-every thing from scratch yo) and topped it off with farm-fresh soda and preserves from her trip to Oregon-what a woman. While i was in the restroom i also spotted a signed autograph from Frank Sinatra as well as sheet music from past performances-again, what a woman!

(yummers x3: our lunch)

during all of this bliss we managed to hash out our upcoming class on citrus ON FEBRUARY 12TH 11-3:30 at her home.  totally worth the drive if you are in Southern CA. Kazi will be teaching marmalade, Evan will be making a yummy lunch and i will be teaching citrus spice/herb applications (and booze). if you are interested, here's the info:

Citrus Celebration and Class at Altadena Urban Farm
Join Evan Kleiman and her friends, urban farmer, Kazi Pitelka and master preserver Delilah Snell at Kazi’s urban farm in Altadena.  We’ll walk through the orchard and try 10+ varieties of in season fruit as Kazi shares her breadth of knowledge of Citrus.  Then we move to the kitchen to make learn a basic Marmalade Recipe, a Citrus Liquer and dry Spice Mixtures.  Includes lunch.
Saturday, February 12 from 11-3:30.
Location:  disclosed upon registration
Cost:  $130
To RSVP, please contact Delilah Snell
delilahsnell@yahoo.com
714.836.8727

what a great friday.....

(had margs @ gabbis in Orange after in the Jam Van, then back to work!)

canning and preserving classes-October 2010

lots and lots of classes all over the place for the holidays...this is the perfect time to learn how to preserve food while making some awesome gifts for the holidays!  i have organized the classes by location, but check them all out because some of them are really unique and worth the drive.

*ANGELI CAFFE w/ Evan Kleiman*
-The Art of Fermentation 10/24, 11-2PM: Join Evan Kleiman & Master Preserver Delilah Snell on a trip through traditional fermented foods from all over the world.
Learn about the history, science and techniques that make traditional sauerkraut, Korean kimichi, New York-style Clausen pickles, fermented tea tonics and more.
In addition to recipes, hands-on preparation, take-home starters and snacks, Evan will demonstrate how fermented foods can be incorporated into savory meals like Choucroute Garni. Email me for info on this class.


*SANTA ANA @ The Road Less Traveled Store*
-Pickle party 10/3, 10-3PM: relish, chutney, fermented, quick, spicy...a little of each, plus small meal while we explore the tangy-side of preserves.
-A Season in Jars 10/9, 10-1PM: home food preservation basics.
-Fermentation 1, 10/23, 10-noon: kraut & kimchi making.
-Fermentation 2, 10/9, 10-noon: yogurt, vinegars and kombucha *taught by Chef Ernie Miller
-Foraged Foods: 10/30, 10-2: learn to make acorn bread and preserves from the wild!
to RSVP, CLICK HERE



*SANTA MONICA @ The Urban Craft Center*
-Autumn in a Jar 10/17, 10-1 *THIS CLASS IS SOLD OUT*

*HOLLYWOOD @ The Farmers' Market*
Note: I am in the center of the market available to answer questions, this will not be a class but rather discussion time/problem solving.
-all dates are 9AM-12:30PM :  10/3, 10/31 (maybe in costume!), 12/19

TOMATO CANNING CLASS: mucho mas with Evan Kleiman

On the heels of our awesome pie filling class, Evan Kleiman and I are back at it to celebrate the oh-so-yummy and versatile tomato.  If you haven't noticed already, tomatoes are overflowing at local farmers' markets and the next month is the perfect time to capture the complex deliciousness so that you can savor them in the winter.
This class will focus on canning tomatoes in 2 ways: canning whole tomatoes (from a selection of heirloom varieties) and making a simple tomato sauce with hints of garlic that can be the perfect base for, you guessed it - PIZZA!
Evan Kleiman will be teaching students on how to make a fabulous pizza crust so you can impress your friends with a pie fit for the gods, it doesn't get any better than this!
Students will learn the basics of home food preservation, hands-on preparation, recipes, canned goods to take home and of course yummy tomato snacks while we work.  RSVP now because we are already getting full!

$100 per person

Saturday, September 11 from 11-2pm

Angeli Caffe: 7274 Melrose

to register email or call Delilah Snell

delilahsnell@yahoo.com

714.836.8727

Makin' Pie-SPECIAL PIE CLASS IN LA with Evan Kleiman and me!

a few weeks ago i talked about my class for culinary "mera-mera" Evan Kleiman at the house-hot damn the lady is great!  Evan, as those who are familiar with her/her show (PS if you don't-you need to download that shiz on your MP3 ASAP), is a big-time pie chica, starting last year, she has been on the make for pie everything...the woman has made pie a everyday last Summer-talk about skillz!

(this time it will be peaches, nectarines and apricots!)

well, in the spirit of her Pie-A-Day Summer, on July 31st, Evan Kleiman and i will be teaching a class at beloved Angeli Caffe on pies. know how to make the BEST ever crust EVER from the chica-with-the-mostest and learn how to can the filling (make and take it home y'all) so you can make it for future bragging rights...because, believe me-you do NOT want to miss this.

(the location-Angeli Caffe)

(mera-mera Evan Kleiman)

(woman in action)

space is limited to 15 people so you must RSVP fast.  students will take home their own pie filling, eat samples and maybe a little surprise from yours truly too!

Makin’ Pie workshop

Join KCRW Good Food host and Angeli Caffe owner Evan Kleiman for a special workshop celebrating the beloved pie! A toast to Kleiman’s popular Pie-A-Day Summer series, she alongside Master Food Preserver Delilah Snell will teach how to make the tastiest pie to eat now or to savor later.

Held at Angeli Caffe, the workshop will start with a mouth-watering tutorial on the perfect pie crust, then a hands-on canning session of summer stone-fruits pie filling. Students will learn the art of home-food preservation and take home their own pie filling. Recipes and samples will be included-not to be missed!

$100 per person

Saturday, July 31st, 11-1:30PM

Angeli Caffe: 7274 Melrose

to register email or call Delilah Snell

delilahsnell@yahoo.com

714.836.8727

workshops, sales & lectures -Summer 2010

so far this is the list for preservation workshops, lectures, tables, and sales for summer 2010. check back as some are TBA as of 6/1.

•  Preserving Food Lecture: A Harvest of Hope (Newport Beach)-june 4th (noon)
• PaTcHwOrK arts & crafts fair: SANTA ANA-june 6th
• Fermentation 1-Kraut Kimchi and other old-school foods @ Road Less Traveled Store: 6/12 (11-1)
• Summer in a Jar @ Road Less Traveled Store (santa ana): 6/19 (1-4), 7/24 (10-1), 8/28 (10-1)
• PaTcHwOrK arts & crafts fair: LONG BEACH-june 27th
• Summer in a Jar w/ Farmers' Market tour @ The Urban Craft Center (santa monica): 7/18 (12-4),  8/15 (12-4) *check for time confirmations
• Summer in a Jar @ The Irvine Fine Arts Center: august 26th (6:30-9:30pm)
• Hollywood Farmers' Market table: 6/13, 6/20, 7/4, 7/25, 8/1, 8/22- (9am-12:30 for all dates)
  
  
  

  check back often, because there may be more!

food preservation classes, workshops and more-FINAL

i have a few more dates added in Downtown LA @ KTCHN 105, below is the final class schedule for food preservation. All classes, sales and lectures have been organized by city.

LOS ANGELES
-April 24th-25th: Unique LA Gift Show
-May 2nd 3:30-7: Preserving Spring at KTCHN 105
-May 16th, 9-1PM: Hollywood Farmers' Market Citrus Demo (w/ Chef Ernest Miller)
-May 16th, 3:30-7: Canning Spicy Goodies @ KTCHN 105
-May 23rd: Jam Session @ Urban Craft Center (FARMERS' MARKET TOUR INCLUDED)
-June 16th: 3:30-7: Making Summertime Preserves @ KTCHN 105

LONG BEACH
-May 21st 7-9PM: Food Preservation for Drinkers @ {open} books
-June 6th, 11-5PM: PaTcHwOrK Arts & Crafts Fair, Long Beach

ORANGE COUNTY
-April 11th, 2-5PM: Jam Session @ The Road Less Traveled Store
-April 17th, 10AM-2pm: Lecture on Sustainability in the Textile Industry @ CSUF Social Justice Summit
-April 18th, 1:30-3:30PM: Fermentation 2: Vinegar, Tonics and Yogurt (Taught by Chef Ernest Miller!)
-April 22nd, 6:30-9:30PM: Pickles and Relish @ Irvine Fine Arts Center
-April 23rd, 1-3PM: Organic-Start to Finish: Food Preservation Lecture @ South Coast Plaza Home Garden Show
-April 25th, 3-6PM: Foraged Foods @ The Road Less Traveled Store
-May 1st, 11-2: Working with Chilies @ Road Less Traveled Store
-May 8th, 2-5PM: Pickles and Relish @ The Road Less Traveled Store
-May 15th, 11-1PM: Fermentation 1-Kraut, Kimichi and other Old School Foods @ The Road Less Traveled Store
-May 20th, 6:30-9:30: Savory Spreads @ Irvine Fine Arts Center
-May 29th, 1-4PM: Summertime Food Preservation @ The Road Less Traveled Store
-May 30th, 11-5PM: PaTcHwOrK Arts & Crafts Fair, Santa Ana


* all workshops included: jars of finished product, appetizers while we work and recipes/guide*

food preservation classes, workshops & events APRIL and MAY 2010

lots happening for those interested in food preserving, canning, eco-lectures and sales! this is what is happening for April and May:


*April 11th, 2-5PM: Jam Session @ The Road Less Traveled Store
*April 17th, 10AM-2pm: Lecture on Sustainability in the Textile Industry @ CSUF Social Justice Summit
*April 18th, 1:30-3:30PM: Fermentation 2: Vinegar, Tonics and Yogurt (Taught by Chef Ernest Miller!)
*April 22nd, 6:30-9:30PM: Pickles and Relish @ Irvine Fine Arts Center
*April 23rd, 1-3PM: Organic-Start to Finish: Food Preservation Lecture @ South Coast Plaza Home Garden Show
*April24th-25th: Unique LA Gift Show
*April 25th, 3-6PM: Foraged Foods @ The Road Less Traveled Store
*May 1st, 11-2: Working with Chilies @ Road Less Traveled Store
*May 8th, 2-5PM: Pickles and Relish @ The Road Less Traveled Store
*May 15th, 11-1PM: Fermentation 1-Kraut, Kimichi and other Old School Foods @ The Road Less Traveled Store
*May 16th, 9-1PM: Hollywood Farmers' Market Citrus Demo (w/ Chef Ernest Miller)
*May 21st 7-9PM: Food Preservation for Drinkers @ {open} books
*May 20th, 6:30-9:30: Savory Spreads @ Irvine Fine Arts Center
*May 23rd: Jam Session @ Urban Craft Center (FARMERS' MARKET TOUR INCLUDED)
*May 29th, 1-4PM: Summertime Food Preservation @ The Road Less Traveled Store
*May 30th, 11-5PM: PaTcHwOrK Arts & Crafts Fair, Santa Ana
*June 6th, 11-5PM: PaTcHwOrK Arts & Crafts Fair, Long Beach

there should be a few other classes up in the next week or so-call or email me if you are interested!

food preservation workshops

working like a dog for the past few weeks getting together a line-up of classes. there are a number of locations and interests below.
* if you want to sign up for a class, just click on the link of that particular class and sign up! you can email me too if you have questions or have other class ideas. MORE TO COME!

*FEB 7th: Preserving the Season- KITCN 105, downtown LA, 2:30-5:30
General canning from fresh-from-market goodies in an amazing culinary space! Shopping locally tips and produce selection also covered.

*FEB 13th: Fermentation 1: old school foods-kraut and kimchi- Road Less Traveled Store, 1:30-3:30
Learn the basics of food preservation while making sauerkraut and spicy kimichi. Class will cover fermentation basics, recipe guide, samples and a short history of this old-school method of keeping food alive. All materials included.

*FEB 28th: Foraging and Preparing Wild Foods- Road Less Traveled Store, 11-1PM
Naturalist Joel Robinson and MFP Delilah Snell will be lecturing on what foods you can harvest from our local wild areas while you feast on a lunch made up of various harvested goods. Identification/field guide and recipes will be included.


*MARCH 4th: Fermentation 2: Vinegar, Tonics and Yogurt-Road Less Traveled Store, 6:30-8:30PM
This course is a follow-up to Fermentation 1 (not required). Learn how healthy bacteria create savory vinegars, Kombucha and natural yogurt. Mother cultures, samples and take-home procedures are included in workshop. Taught by Chef Ernest Miller, Master Food Preserver.

*MARCH 7th: Farmers' Market Canning Demo-Hollywood Farmers' Market, 9-1pm
Join me and Ernest at the Hollywood Farmers' Market as we do outdoor demos on simple canning techniques.

*MARCH 7th: Pickles and More-KTCHN 105-downtown LA, 2:30-5:30PM
Learn how to make fermented and fresh-packed pickles of all types. Course covers: preparation, food safety, equipment operation, recipes and samples. Students receive an instruction pamphlet and products from the class.

*MARCH 20th: Food Preservation 2, Chilies- Road Less Traveled Store (link coming soon)
Make your own hot sauce! Learn to preserve chilies in a number of different methods. Course covers drying, canning variations and making a few hot sauces. Samples, recipe book, take home samples and discussion of pepper varieties will be covered.

We also have a number of classes at the store too, please click here if you want to see the full calendar...check often as things will be added weekly...hope to see you soon!