Intrigued by the descriptions of the fruit spreads and pickled vegetables that I make in my kitchen? Would you like to learn how to preserve the best of summer’s bounty? Perhaps you have a garden overflowing with zucchini or tomatoes or love to go to pick-your-own farms, but are stumped with what to do with all those berries when you get home.
If so, I am available for private and semi-private canning lessons in the comfort of your own kitchen. I will bring my equipment with me, so that you do not need to invest in any expensive gadgets before you try it out. Lessons typically take two to three hours and at the end you will have a detailed recipe and several delicious jars to eat or share. Canning is a wonderful activity to do with your elementary-school aged child. I am happy to do family lessons as well.
My rates begin at $75 for a private lesson and an additional $10 for each extra person, up to four people total, plus the cost of supplies. (You can provide your own supplies, which include jars, and ingredients, or I can purchase them for you.) For a parent-and-child lesson, I do not charge for the child. I will charge a slightly higher rate if you are out of the Oak Park-River Forest area and I have to drive more than 15 minutes to reach you.
At this time, I do not have access to a facility large enough to offer group lessons. If you are interested in a group lesson (more than four people) and have a large demonstration kitchen available for your event, I would be happy to accommodate you. For a group lesson, I charge $40 per person, which includes a copy of the recipe and a jar to take home.
If you love the idea of homemade jams and pickles, but don’t have time to learn how to do it yourself, I would be happy to make something just for you. Perhaps you have a hankering for an old-fashioned strawberry rhubarb jam, or a watermelon rind pickle. I will be happy to whip up a batch of your favorite. Prices start at $5 a jar, but generally will depend on the nature of the project.
West of the Loop Canning has been featured on Wee Windy City and Examiner.com. I have been invited to do a canning demonstration at Oak Park’s Mid-Week Market.
If you are interested in scheduling a lesson or have any questions, please contact me at westoftheloop@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
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