Upcoming workshops to focus on ‘Old Skills, New Foods’

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Tioga was awarded a grant to bring to the county “Old Skills, New Foods.” They will be holding hands-on workshops for middle and high school students that combine science, cooking, and gardening.  

Since this is a Floyd Hooker grant, there is no fee for participating in these workshops. These workshops are stand alone, but they welcome kids to come to every one!  

This is a multigenerational class, so if you are a grandparent or parent, please come, bring your kids or grandkids and have a blast while learning together and creating community around the kitchen table. All classes will be in the kitchen space and run from 9 a.m. to noon.

The following workshops are being offered. 

Potato leek pizza will lead guests through making pizza dough, discuss the microbiology of bread, mill our own flour, discuss how leeks and potatoes can be grown at home, and learn basic knife skills. This class will take place on Jan. 5.

Yogurt, berry and granola parfaits workshop guests will make their own yogurt and granola, discuss how yogurt is created using live bacteria, learn how to plant and care for blueberry bushes and strawberry plants, and learn about vitamins and minerals in your diet. This workshop will take place on Jan. 12. 

Caprese salad workshop guests will make mozzarella cheese, and pair it with tomatoes and basil for a yummy salad. Participants will also make balsamic and maple salad dressing, discuss how to grow tomatoes and basil, and learn how to read a nutritional label. This workshop is planned for Jan. 26. 

Canning Applesauce workshop participants will focus onthe basics of safe food preservation by canning applesauce. Guests will learn a bit about how to grow apples, and practice peeling fruit. The workshop will also discuss buying food in bulk and how to store it. This class takes place on Feb. 2. 

Combining plant-based proteins will introduce basic nutritional science and why you need a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Participants will prepare a protein rich vegetarian meal and learn place setting as they serve it.  The workshop will also discuss vegetable gardening and introduce the concept of Katie’s Krops and Seed to Supper. This workshop will be held on Feb. 23. Learning from Indigenous Cultures will be held on a date to be announced.

This program was funded by a grant from the Floyd “Vic” Hooker Youth Fund of the Community Foundation of the Twin Tiers, made possible by generous donors since 2003. 

Call (607) 687-4020 to register or email ban1@cornell.edu.