This explores beans from different origins, the fundamentals of roasting and the factors that affect coffee freshness. We will cover tasting coffee, flavor profiles, and  different types of brewing methods. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply a basic understanding of the flavor profiles of coffee from different origins and different roast levels, be able to brew coffee using three different methods, and apply these factors to make truly great tasting coffee! Both two night sessions offer  the same information.

Instructor: Mark Peterson, owner of Black Point Coffee located on Black Point Road. 

Location: Scarborough High School, Room A103

Dates: Session 1:Tuesdays/2 weeks, September 17 & 24, 6-8pm

Session 2: Tuesdays/2 weeks, October 15 & 22, 6-8 pm

Both 2-night sessions offer the same information

Cost: $25

Learn to make great tasting espresso and lattes! Identify the best beans for these specialty drinks, learn about the best machines, and create latte art like a pro. It’s a great idea to attend “How to Make Great Tasting Coffee” and to have an espresso machine to practice on at home, but these are not required to take this class. Each session offers the same course information.

Instructor: Mark Peterson, owner of Black Point Coffee

Location: Scarborough High School, Room A103

Each session offers the same information.

Zoom or in-person

You could buy a $4 bottle of kombucha, or you could make your own for pennies. It's simply sweetened black or green tea with a culture added. We'll make a primary ferment in class. A secondary one will be demonstrated so you can make it at home once your primary has developed. We'll discuss kombucha's fascinating history, troubleshooting, glassware and SCOBYs (provided). This hybrid class will include the microbiology and the ferment creation. 

Wednesday October 2nd, 6-7:15 pm

Location: Zoom link, in-person address, materials list shared upon registration.  

Instructor: Emma Holder, Masters in Micro/Immuno, McGill '93. 

Date: Wednesday October 2nd, 6-7:15 pm

Cost: $24 

Zoom or in-person

You’ll learn a basic tried and true sauerkraut recipe, technique and troubleshooting. Then we'll add different flavor principles: Fennel, Fresh ginger, Cumin, Fiery peppers, It’s your choice!

Local delicious cabbage makes ferments that last for months, and maintains flavor and nutrient content. You'll learn about the marvelous microorganisms that surround us, give us “terroir” and keep us healthy by replenishing our microbiomes. This hybrid class will include both microbiology and ferment creation.

Instructor Emma Holder, Masters in Micro/Immuno, McGill '93. 

Location: Zoom link, in-person address, materials list shared upon registration.  

Instructor: Emma Holder, Masters in Micro/Immuno, McGill '93. 

Date: Wednesday October 9th, 6-7:15 pm

Cost: $24 

Zoom or in-person

I wondered about fermenting potatoes, but they are delicious! Fermented, tossed with olive oil and salt, and baked, they have almost a vinegary-french-fry flavor! Since this is a very simple vegetable ferment, we’ll have time to add a more complicated one; Fermented apple and pear chutney with aromatics and spices. This tangy chutney makes a great gift or to have in the fridge to add zing to a familiar meal. (I love it on hearty bread with a sharp cheese toasted over the top). This hybrid class will include the microbiology and the ferment creation. 

Instructor Emma Holder, Masters in Micro/Immuno, McGill '93. 

Wednesday October 16th, 6-7:15 pm

Location: Zoom link, in-person address, materials list shared upon registration. 

Instructor: Emma Holder, Masters in Micro/Immuno, McGill '93. 

Date: Wednesday October 16th, 6-7:15 pm 

Cost: $24

Participants will learn how to season, care for, and use a Chinese wok and cleaver. Each student will have the opportunity to pre-order and purchase a specially selected range of tools including a seasoned wok, wok spatula, sharpened cleaver, honing steel, and a cutting board at 1/2 the list price. Those in the know bring containers for leftovers just in case!

Instructor: Chris Toy, author of Easy Chinese Cookbook: Restaurant Favorites Made Simple

Location: Scarborough High School, Room A103

Tuesday, October 22, 6-8pm

Cost: $40. (Equipment purchases payable to the instructor.)

In this session we will explore tea traditions in 2-3 different countries which might include China, Japan, Korea, and/or Middle Eastern Countries like Morocco or Turkey. We’ll look at and taste the types of tea served, any special equipment or décor used, and perhaps sample a small bit of food that might be served. We’ll discuss and view diagrams of any special requirements for the room or setting as well as any expected behavior or decorum on the part of the host or guest.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. Many do not understand that all teas (white, green, oolong, and black) come from the same plant, and that there are almost always special customs associated with the practice. We offer an introduction to various customs associated with tea in two separate sessions. It is not necessary to take both classes, though each class offers unique instruction on the cultural traditions of tea. Marianne Russo, founder of Nellie’s Tea Company, has studied and traveled around the world to learn first hand the secrets of growing and making good tea, and delights in sharing her passion for this humble leaf. 

Instructor: Marianne Russo

Location: Scarborough High School, Room A103

Date/Time: Monday, November 4, 6-8 pm

Cost: $25

In this session we will explore tea traditions of the West which might include Britain, Russia, North America, East Frisia (Germany), and perhaps France. We'll view and taste the types of tea, special equipment and décor. We’ll discuss special requirements for the setting and expected social behavior at tea in the West.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. Many do not understand that all teas (white, green, oolong, and black) come from the same plant, and that there are almost always special customs associated with the practice. We offer an introduction to various customs associated with tea in two separate sessions. It is not necessary to take both classes, though each class offers unique instruction on the cultural traditions of tea. Marianne Russo, founder of Nellie’s Tea Company, has studied and traveled around the world to learn first hand the secrets of growing and making good tea, and delights in sharing her passion for this humble leaf.

Instructor: Marianne Russo

Location: Scarborough High School, Room A103

Date/Time: Monday, November 18, 6-8pm

Cost: $25