Illinois Renewable Energy Association

IREA food workshops:

Have you ever dreamed of planting a beautiful garden, enjoying delicious seasonal meals using its produce and preserving the excess abundance to use later? If so, three short classes offered  by the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (IREA) may be of interest to you. All will meet on Saturdays from 10 am - 3 pm at 1230 E. Honey Creek Rd., Oregon. The instructors have over a half century of pooled experience

The first class, on February 20, will focus on planning, planting and caring for a garden: What will you enjoy harvesting and eating? How much will you (realistically) consume? How large an area are you prepared to work on? When should various produce be planted and harvested? Seed saving techniques covered. Experiences will help you learn what to expect.

The second class, on March 6, will be devoted to preparing the garden’s bounty: menu planning, food preparation methods, and sharing preparation and consumption with others. Includes basic bread baking. The instructors’ time and money saving techniques and favorite recipes will be shared.

The third class, on March 20, will concentrate on preserving food for use throughout the non-gardening part of the year: freezing, drying, canning and storing. Actual preservation techniques will be taught and tried.

All classes will be hands-on and will stress actual involvement and experience. Class members will share in preparing a light lunch (part of the instruction) for each session.

Donations to IREA (a non-profit organization) are $40 per class for IREA members and $60 for non members, which includes membership. Materials and meals are included. Advanced registration is essential.

For more information or to register, email sonia@essex1.com or phone 815.732.7332.