In this one-night class we will learn the basic concepts of candy making.  Each student will take home samples of the quick and easy treats we will make.  Grab a friend and treat yourself to a sweet night out learning new recipes.  These include Quick Butter Toffee Bark, No Bake Coconut Candy, and Last-Minute Fudge. Bring covered containers to take home samples. 

Who can resist the smell of fresh bread baking?  In this one-night class we will learn how to mix, knead, proof and shape yeast dough into both savory and sweet treats. Participants will learn how to create cloverleaf rolls, butter crescents, cinnamon swirls, tea rings, caramel pecan rolls and whole-wheat buns as well as an economical savory braid that comes together quickly.  You will learn what gluten is about! Various yeast bread tricks will be shared and discussed. Each student will go home with a basket of yummy warm sample as well as dough to bake at home. All baking levels are welcome for this hands-on class. Bring an apron, and a container to fill and take home.

Debra Arter learned how to bake and shape from her Home Ec. Teacher mother in Minnesota. She participates in cooking contests regularly and her loaves of bread often get blue ribbons at local fairs. Her enthusiasm for food and fun is contagious. Autumn in Maine was made for an activity like this.  You will have a fun delicious evening! ($55 includes $10 materials fee)

Participants will learn how to season, care for, and use a Chinese wok and cleaver. The recipes for the class will include stir-frying, oven-roasting, and preparing steamed rice. Each student will take home a specially selected kit including a lightweight cast iron wok, wok spatula, carbon steel cleaver, honing steel, a heavy-duty cutting board, and one of Chris Toy's 6 cookbooks. The retail value of the kit is $230.  (Those in the know bring containers just in case!)

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. 

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.

Escape to a Grand 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 singer-songwriter, storyteller, and author Gordon Ward. 

Day students are welcome. 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/  

Feedback from recent participants:  “I learned so much from Chris that I can use immediately at home in my own kitchen.”  “Great kitchen hints!”

In this hands-on cooking class, you'll dive deep into the art of making Chinese Steamed Char Siu Bao, the beloved fluffy buns filled with savory Chinese BBQ pork. Learn the secrets of creating the perfect bao dough from scratch. Jeff will guide you through each step, from mixing and kneading to proofing, ensuring you achieve that perfect pillowy texture. Master the rich and flavorful char siu filling. Discover the blend of spices and techniques that make this BBQ pork so irresistible. Take a culinary journey through history as we explore the legend of how bao were first invented. You'll hear captivating stories that add a cultural dimension to your cooking experience. By the end of the class, you'll not only have a batch of delicious Char Siu Bao to enjoy but also the skills and knowledge to recreate this traditional treat at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this class promises to be a fun and educational adventure. Class fee includes a set of traditional Chinese bamboo steamer baskets. (Bao contains gluten and soy) 

If you have had flat or tough dry scones this might be just the class you have been waiting for.

Debra will show you step by step how to make light and tender Chocolate Cherry Scones, Apricot Ginger Scones and Bacon, Cheddar, Chive Scones as well as classic Basic Scones.   This class will be participatory, and samples of all items will  be tasted, and the rest divided among the class.  Remember to bring a container to store all that you will take home. $55 fee includes $10 materials fee.  No experience necessary.

We will make Chinese dumplings with pork filling made from scratch in class. You will learn the multiple styles of folding dumplings using wonton wrappers. Then we will boil the wonton to make a classic wonton soup or chili oil wonton. Additionally, we’ll learn to make our own Sichuan-style chili oil and learn about other common Chinese condiments used for dipping sauces. All ingredients, materials, equipment, and recipes will be provided. (Plant-based ground meat can be substituted for the pork upon request. The dumpling wrappers include gluten.)

Learn the fundamentals of making Chinese Dumplings at home. In this class, you will learn how to make fresh scratch-made dough and roll your own wrappers, then how to fold and pleat them after stuffing with pork filling. We will then water-fry/steam them to create a restaurant favorite - pot sticker dumplings! Additionally, you will learn to make your own ginger-scallion oil and the instructor will talk about other common Chinese condiments used for dipping sauces. All ingredients, materials, equipment, and recipes will be provided. Plant-based ground meat can be substituted for pork upon request. Dumpling wrappers include gluten.