Thanks to the people who have contributed to this week’s newsletter: Bruno Tigani, Delldint Fleming, Jaimie Sweetman, Jane Juliff, Megan Cassidy and Toni Myers.
If you are Gmail user and didn’t successfully receive our newsletter last week, read this short guide.
Jaimie’s unusual plant of the month – perennial sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius)
[Jaimie Sweetman is Head Gardener of the Edible Forest located on the Yarra Valley Estate in Dixons Creek. Tours of the Edible Forest, often led by Jaimie, take place on Fridays and Saturdays – read more and book your place on a future tour.]
For March, I have chosen perennial sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius), also known as American sunflowers as they are native to the USA.
Whilst they are not edible, they are a great addition to food gardens, both for their flower displays and as a bee attractor.
The flowers appear in late summer to autumn and therefore prolong a garden’s period of flowering. They look good in borders, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens or swamps. Whilst they grow best in wet or boggy areas, they will also grow in normal soils as long as there is some moisture though summer. They can get up to 3 metres tall and are quite the show!
A true perennial, they should be cut down after flowering and will then re-shoot late spring.
I have often seen little native bees having a nap in them and they are really good for attracting pollinators in the garden, which is particularly useful as a lot of other flowers will have finished of the season. At the food forest, we aim to have something flowering at all times throughout the year and the perennial sunflowers help us to achieve this.
Interested in community gardening in Whittlesea?
Whittlesea Council is looking to support residents wanting to set up new community gardens (and, maybe, existing community gardens). More specifically, they have developed a 10-week training program that will provide people with “the skills needed to create and maintain a thriving community garden“. Read more and potentially apply.
The leek seedlings have now all gone!
Well done to everyone who was not put off by the typo in my email address and still managed to send me an email asking for some leek seedlings. I hope that they grow successfully for you Amanda, Andrew, Carmen, Cath, Chris, Dianne, Karen, Mardi, Maria, Monique, Pam, Robin, Robyn, Shibani, Soo Mei, Susan, Thais, Vicki and Victoria!
Victoria has already sent in a photo of her planted seedlings.
Thanks again, Bruno Tigani, for supplying the seedlings!
As Bruno illustrates in this 30 second video, he plants his leek seedlings in deep holes and then, with rain and wind, the soil collapses in gradually. The reason that he does this is that he prefers white leek to green leek and it is only that part of the stem which is underground which will remain white, so he wants to have as much of the leek as possible to have been grown underground. For the same reason, you can hill up the soil around the plant as it grows.
More on rat poisons
Delldint Fleming writes in: “The best poison for rats is Racumin as it does not cause secondary poisoning in other creatures such as owls, reptiles, chooks, etc. Whilst it is expensive, I think that it is worth it to be responsible in the ecosystem. It’s the only poison recommended by my friend George Paras of the Warringal Conservation Society, who used to care for the wildlife reserve at Latrobe Uni.”
Toni Myers: “See this Better Homes and Garden article on how to get rid of rats in your garden without poison or traps.” The methods discussed are: peppermint oil; catnip; removal of food and water sources; keeping your garden clean; soil netting; and sealing gaps.
By the community for the community
We have discussed both of these initiatives before but they are worth discussing again.
Mitcham Community Meal
Mitcham Community Meal provides a free community dinner every Sunday at 18 Edward Street, starting at 5.30pm. “Each Sunday, a different local club, business or church group provides and serves a meal to people in the Mitcham community.” Since they started in October 2018, that’s around 100 different teams who have prepared and served a meal! The organiser is someone called Ben Frawley (email Ben). Read their Facebook page.
It would be a great initiative if it were just the meal. But the fact that it is different groups from the community who make (and pay for) the meals is what makes it a wonderful initiative. Why not go there one Sunday evening and see for yourself?
We maintain a gallery of all the teams on our website.
Reground
As we have discussed before, whilst some of you are a bit wary of using spent coffee grounds in your garden, others of you are extremely enthusiastic.
As the Darebin Food Harvest Network recently reminded its readership, a local organisation called Reground collects spent coffee grounds from a lot of the local cafes and then delivers it to home gardeners. The minimum drop-off amount is 800kg, which is a large pile about 2m wide x 1m high (roughly 2 cubic metres). They deliver to anywhere within 30km of Alphington. Register for a free bulk coffee ground delivery.
Given their minimum amount of 800Kg, taking advantage of Reground’s offer only potentially makes sense if you are committed to using large amounts of spent coffee grounds. If you want smaller amounts, we maintain a list of local cafes who will give your their spent coffee grounds for free.
Moreland Community Gardening
Libby Harper (President) and Richard (Composting King) from Moreland Community Gardening were recently interviewed on “the joy of community gardens, why to get involved and all about composting and worm farms.” Watch the 1 hour video.
Joke (or pun) of the week
Me: “Do you serve vegetarians here?”
Waiter: “Of course, how would you like them cooked?”
Regular activities over the coming week
Farmers’ markets
- Saturday: Abbotsford and Coburg.
- Sunday: Alphington, Carlton, Eltham and Yarra Valley.
Food swaps
- Saturday: Box Hill, Brunswick East, Bulleen, Coburg North, Fairfield, Forest Hill, Greensborough, Macleod, Reservoir and Rosanna.
- Sunday: St Andrews, Surrey Hills / Balwyn and Warranwood.
Community gardens
- Thursday: Diamond Valley Library (Greensborough), Edible Hub (Hurstbridge) and Whittlesea.
- Friday: Reynard Street (Coburg) and West Brunswick.
- Saturday: Greensborough, Links (Lalor), Macleod, Panton Hill and Thrive (Diamond Creek) (also a garden tour).
- Sunday: Bellfield, Fawkner Food Bowls, Pentridge (Coburg), Regent (Reservoir) and Reynard Street (Coburg).
- Monday: Whittlesea.
- Tuesday: Watsonia Library.
- Next Wednesday: Living & Learning Eltham, Macleod, Newton Street (Reservoir) and Span (Thornbury).
Upcoming face-to-face events – not cooking
’50 Shade of Pinot’ wine masterclass; Saturday, 26th March, 2-4pm; $53 ($25 per hour); Northcote.
Discover the many different varietals of Australia’s most popular grape family. Explore 6 varietals. Hosted by Broc Willems.
In-depth mushroom cultivation workshop; Sunday, 27th March, 10am-4pm; $165 ($28 per hour); Alphington.
You will learn the growing methods for oyster mushrooms, including inoculation, sterilisation and be introduced to basic mycology. You will undertake practical sessions and learn how to start master cultures. You will also be given a tour of the mushroom farm. Take a clean 2-10L bucket with a lid and some gloves. Organised by The Mushroomery.
Nillumbik wine tour; Sunday, 3rd April, 10.30am-5pm; $149 ($23 per hour); Research.
You will be driven to Shaws Road Winery, where you will be given a wine tasting followed by lunch. Then you will be taken to two other local wineries.
Setting up a worm farm; Saturday, 30th April, 2-3.30pm; free; Edendale.
This workshop will cover both the theory and practice of worm farming in a household setting. It will be useful for those wishing to recycle household food waste in order to produce worm products for use in the improvement of soil in gardens and pot plants.
Waste, organic recycling and life cycle analysis; Wednesday, 4th May, 10am-4pm; $120 ($20 per hour); CERES.
What you will learn: how to reduce your waste; e-waste and Life Cycle Analysis; and organic recycling and food waste. Presenter: Lauren Kaszubski. Topics to be covered will include: how to reduce your waste, 4Rs; e-waste & life cycle analysis; organic recycling & food waste; simple actions, big impacts; litter and plastics; waste campaigns and actions; how to teach about waste; and create your own waste education activity.
Edible weeds walk; Thursday, 5th May, 2-3.30pm; free; Warrandyte.
Join Adam Grubb, co-author of The Weed Forager’s Handbook, for a fascinating walk on the wild side, foraging for edible weeds. Organised by Warrandyte Library.
Bush foods & herbs for courtyards & balconies; Thursday, 5th May, 6.30-9pm; $55 ($22 per hour); Bulleen Art and Garden (BAAG).
What you will learn: which native produce-plants are suitable for growing in pots and small spaces; what to harvest and when; and how to use bush foods and herbs to flavour your dishes. Presented by Karen Sutherland of Edible Eden Design.
Complete urban farmer (14 sessions); weekly, starting Friday, 6th May, 9am-3pm; $880 ($10 per hour); CERES.
14 sessions over a period of a 14 weeks. Presenters: Justin Calverley and Donna Livermore. The topics to be covered will include: permaculture; fruit production; soil preparation; beekeeping; composting, worm farming and fertilisers; vegetable growing; propagation; seed collection; pest & disease management; bushfoods & berries; chooks; and community gardens.
Food photography; Saturday, 7th May, 9.30am-12.30pm; $109 ($36 per hour); Eltham.
This class is for food bloggers, bakers or restaurant/cafe owners. It will focus on taking great images of food using your own, or easily obtainable, equipment. It will cover such aspects as: the right equipment; the best camera settings to make your food look good; choosing the right backgrounds; lighting; basic food styling; being creative; the perils of incorrect white balance; and using software to enhance colour and presentation.
Composting workshop; Saturday, 7th May, 10-11am; free; Ringwood.
Learn how to set up, maintain and use a compost bin at home. All types of compost bins will be discussed, including the popular eco tumbler. There will also be examples of composting bins and other systems to help you decide what best suits your household. Attendees will also receive a free kitchen caddy to assist them in recycling their food waste at home. Organised by Realm Library.
Edible weeds; Saturday, 7th May, 10am-midday; $50 ($25 per hour); CERES.
What you will learn: how to identify edible weeds; and how do use them in your everyday life. Presenter: Lauren. Learn about seasonal edible weeds that thrive in Melbourne inner north, and gain knowledge about the plants’ culinary, medicinal and ecological uses.
Worm farm workshop; Saturday, 7th May, 11.15am-12.15pm; free; Ringwood.
Learn how to set up, maintain and use a worm farm at home. There will also be examples of worm farms and other composting systems to help you decide what best suits your household. Attendees will also receive a free kitchen caddy to assist them in recycling their food waste at home. Organised by Realm Library.
Digestion composting workshop; Saturday, 7th May, 12.30-1.30pm; free; Ringwood.
Digesters like bokashi buckets, pet poo composters and green cones are another way of composting. Learn how these systems can help reduce your food waste at home. There will also be examples of digestors and other composting systems to help you decide what best suits your household. Attendees will also receive a free kitchen caddy to assist them in recycling their food waste at home. Organised by Realm Library.
Winter fruit tree maintenance; Sunday, 8th May, 9.30am-midday; $55 ($22 per hour); Bulleen Art and Garden (BAAG).
What you will learn: pruning – formative and maintenance of new and established fruit trees. Also, selection and planting of new fruit trees; Winter fruit tree maintenance practices for pest and disease prevention, control and treatment; and pruning tool maintenance.
In March
- Food forest gardening; Thursday, 17th March, 6.30-8pm; free; Edendale.
- Veggie gardening for beginners; Thursday, 17th March, 6.30-9pm; $55 ($22 per hour); Bulleen Art and Garden (BAAG).
- Panton Hill Community Garden drop in; Saturday, 19th March, 9-11am; free; Panton Hill.
- Pest and disease drop-in session; Saturday, 19th March, 10am-midday; free; Hurstbridge.
- Thrive Community Garden tour; Saturday, 19th March, 10am-2pm; free; Diamond Creek.
- Community garden tour and seed saving workshop; Saturday, 19th March, 10am-2pm; free; Greensborough.
- Autumn plant sale; Saturday, 19th March, 10am-4pm; free; Eltham.
- The Herb and Chilli Festival; Saturday, 19th March, 10am-5pm; $25; Wandin.
- Bees wax wraps; Saturday, 19th March, 2-4pm; $50 ($25 per hour); Mount Evelyn.
- Tequila & Mezcal Festival; Saturday, 19th March, 5.30pm-midnight; $38; Preston.
- The Herb and Chilli Festival; Sunday, 20th March, 10am-5pm; $25; Wandin.
- Growing mushrooms at home; Sunday, 20th March, 10am-12.30pm; $95 ($38 per hour); Alphington.
- DIY mushrooms; Sunday, 20th March, 10am-4pm; $165 ($28 per hour); CERES.
- Starting winter veggies from seed; Sunday, 20th March, 11am-1pm; $30 ($15 per hour); Edendale.
- Mushroom cultivation workshop; Sunday, 20th March, 1-4pm; $70 ($23 per hour); Park Orchards.
- Wine appreciation (3 sessions); 3 consecutive Mondays, starting, 21st March, 7-8.30pm; $80 ($18 per hour); Brunswick.
- Suburban permaculture garden tour; Tuesday, 22nd March, 5-6.30pm; $5; Kilsyth.
- Plant your own food; Thursday, 24th March, 4.30-5.30pm; free; Nunawading.
- Make a bee hotel; Thursday, 24th March, 6.30-8pm; free; Preston.
- Produce in pots; Saturday, 26th March, 9.30am-midday; $55 ($22 per hour); Bulleen Art and Garden (BAAG).
- CERES Harvest Festival; Saturday, 26th March, 10am-3pm; free; CERES.
- The Prosecco (and Sparkling) Festival; Saturday, 26th March, 11am-8.30pm; $70; Abbotsford.
- ’50 Shade of Pinot’ wine masterclass; Saturday, 26th March, 2-4pm; $53 ($25 per hour); Northcote.
- Beekeeping workshop; Saturday, 26th March, 2.30-5pm; $85 ($34 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Beginners backyard beekeeping; Sunday, 27th March, 10am-3pm; $220 ($44 per hour); CERES.
- In-depth mushroom cultivation workshop; Sunday, 27th March, 10am-4pm; $165 ($28 per hour); Alphington.
In April
- Urban foraging; Friday, 1st April, 10am-1pm; $75 ($25 per hour); Forest Hill.
- About the bees – closing down the bees for winter; Saturday, 2nd April, 9.30am-12.30pm; free (gold coin donation); Kinglake.
- Seed harvesting; Saturday, 2nd April, 10.30-11.30am; free; Eltham.
- Queensland fruit fly – train the trainer; Saturday, 2nd April, 10am-3pm; free; Hurstbridge.
- Healthy productive compost and worms; Sunday, 3rd April, 9.30am-12.30pm; $50 ($17 per hour); Bullen Art & Garden (BAAG).
- Growing nutrient dense food; Sunday, 3rd April, 10am-3pm; $115 ($23 per hour); CERES.
- Nillumbik wine tour; Sunday, 3rd April, 10.30am-5pm; $149 ($23 per hour); Research.
- Winter vegetable gardening; Sunday, 3rd April, 11am-midday; $5; Watsonia.
- Urban foraging; Sunday, 3rd April, 1-4pm; $75 ($25 per hour); Forest Hill.
- Reusable beeswax food wraps; Wednesday, 6th April, 6.30-7.30pm; free; Nunawading.
- Brain food; Thursday, 7th April, 11am-midday; free; Bulleen.
- The joy of backyard chooks; Thursday, 7th April, 6.30-9pm; $50 ($20 per hour); Bullen Art & Garden (BAAG).
- The art of espalier; Saturday, 9th April, 9.30am-midday; $55 ($22 per hour); Bulleen Art and Garden (BAAG).
- Herb and companion planting; Saturday, 9th April, 10am-3pm; $115 ($23 per hour); CERES.
- Farming for our future; Thursday, 21st April, 10am-midday; free; CERES.
- Community seed library workshop; Thursday, 21st April, 7.30-9.30pm; $51 ($26 per hour); $25 concession; Preston.
- Working to achieve a sustainable organic community garden; Thursday, 21st April, 2-3pm; free; Lilydale.
- Brewers Feast Festival; Friday, 22nd April, 5-11pm; $18; Abbotsford.
- Edible weeds walk; Saturday, 23rd April, 10.30am-12.30pm; $25 ($13 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Brewers Feast Festival; Saturday, 23rd April, midday-11pm; $18; Abbotsford.
- Urban wine walk; Saturday, 23rd April, midday-4pm; $80; Richmond.
- Australian Distillers Festival; Saturday, 23rd April, midday-7pm; $75; Abbotsford.
- Edible weeds walk; Saturday, 23rd April, 1.30-3.30pm; $25 ($13 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Beekeeping workshop; Saturday, 23rd April, 2.30-5pm; $85 ($34 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Native fruit; Thursday, 28th April, 6.30-9pm; $50 ($20 per hour); Bulleen Art and Garden (BAAG).
- Organic vegetable gardening; Saturday, 30th April, 10am-3pm; $115 ($23 per hour); CERES.
- Edible weeds walk; Saturday, 30th April, 10.30am-12.30pm; $25 ($13 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Edible weeds walk; Saturday, 30th April, 1.30-3.30pm; $25 ($13 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Setting up a worm farm; Saturday, 30th April, 2-3.30pm; free; Edendale.
In May
- Urban food gardening (8 sessions); Tuesdays, 10am-2.30pm starting 3rd May; $60 for all 8 sessions (Government subsidised fee); Eltham.
Regular events
- Bakery Hill whisky distillery tour and tasting; various days and times; $64 ($43 per hour); Bayswater North.
- Cocktail masterclass by Naught; Saturdays, either midday-1pm or 3-4pm; $70 ($70 per hour); Bayswater North.
- Flavours of Coburg food tour; various Saturdays, 10am-1pm; $49 ($16 per hour); Coburg.
- Ratio Cocoa Roasters behind the scenes chocolate factory tour; various Fridays and Saturdays; $15 ($10 per hour); Brunswick.
Upcoming face-to-face events – cooking
Miss Penny Cakes; Thursday, 17th March, 7-8.30pm; free; Coburg.
Penny Kerasiotis, owner of Miss Penny Cakes, will demonstrate how to make Greek cakes and sweets. Organised by Coburg Library
Mixed herbs workshop; Monday, 28th March, 7.30-8.30pm; $5; Watsonia.
Learn from Lisa how to make your own herb bowl. Organised by Watsonia Neighbourhood House.
Sourdough for everyone; Wednesday, 30th March, 6.30-9.30pm; $122 ($41 per hour); Richmond.
This workshop will cover sourdough ingredient selection, starter care and the processes of sourdough fermentation and baking. At the end, you will receive a 90-year-old starter and a baker’s banneton basket. Organised by The Fermented Mumma.
Cook Indian by the creek; Friday, 1st April, 6.30-8pm; $49 ($16 per hour); Diamond Creek.
Menu: chicken saagwala (spinach based purée chicken) and palak paneer (veggie version).
Inner peas – cooking program (4 sessions); 4 weekly sessions starting Wednesday, 6th April, 5.30-7pm; free; Hawthorn.
Inner Peas is a 4-week social cooking program for people aged 16-25. The program aims to help you make easy, healthy and affordable recipes as well as make new friends and learn strategies to take care of your mental health. Each week, you will make and then share a meal. Week 1: Italian. Week 2: Mexican. Week 3: Indian. Week 4: Korean.
Ricotta festival; Sunday, 1st May, 11am-midday; $120; Thomastown.
Make your own ricotta gnocchi with Julia Busuttil Nishimura, author of Ostro at either 11am or 1pm. The ticket includes 1 ricotta calda, 1 ricotta gnocchi, 1 salsiccia and 1 cannolo. There will also be live music and a petting farm for the children.
The mighty booch – DIY kombucha; Wednesday, 4th May, 6.30-8pm; $80 ($40 per hour); Fitzroy.
The Fermented Mumma will discuss the process and benefits of fermentation, the problems with pre-packaged kombucha, and the endless flavour combinations for your custom booch. She will introduce you to a scoby (which stands for ‘symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast’) and what you do with it.
Italian cooking (4 sessions); 4 weekly sessions starting Thursday, 5th May, 6-8pm; $250 ($31 per hour); Surrey Hills.
Each week for four weeks, Lucia Silverii will lead a combination of demonstration and hands on cooking, before you all sit down and enjoy the food together. Week 1: gnocchetti sardi (traditional Sardinian gnocchi). Week 2: versatile dough for pizza bases and bread. Week 3: biscuits plus a pasta of tuna and zucchini. Week 4: risotto and arancini balls. Organised by Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre.
Middle Eastern cooking; Friday, 6th May, 6.30-9.30pm; $65 ($22 per hour); Park Orchards.
Learn about the flavours of Middle Eastern cooking. Try out recipes and cooking methods while preparing a three course menu. Stay and share your freshly prepared dinner with the group. Organised by Park Orchards Community House.
Sicilian brunch; Sunday, 8th May, 2-4.30pm; $99 ($40 per hour); Fitzroy.
Family Food Fight Contestants Concetta Pluchinotta-Varone and her mother Pina Pluchinotta will show you how make crispy, golden cannoli pastry shells from scratch plus how to make a traditional ricotta filling. Once you have created your masterpieces, you will then plate and devour your creations with your new found foodie friends!
Sri Lankan cooking class; Tuesday, 10th May, 6-9pm; $90 ($30 per hour); Surrey Hills.
Experience the tastes, smells and sounds of Sri Lankan cooking. You will make two different curries, coconut sambal and a side dish. Afterwards, you’ll sit down and enjoy a Sri Lankan feast. Organised by Balwyn Community Centre.
In March
- Ladies day in the kitchen; Thursday, 17th March, 9.30am-midday; $32 ($13 per hour); Yarra Glen.
- Miss Penny Cakes; Thursday, 17th March, 7-8.30pm; free; Coburg.
- Sourdough bread workshop; Saturday, 19th March, 9-11.30am; $185 ($74 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Preserving; Saturday, 19th March, 10-11am; free; Whittlesea.
- Chocolate discovery class; Saturday, 19th March, midday-1pm; $48 ($48 per hour); Yarra Glen.
- Passata day; Sunday, 20th March, 10am-1pm; $15 ($5 per hour); Watsonia.
- Feta and haloumi cheese making; Sunday, 20th March, 10am-4pm; $170 ($28 per hour); CERES.
- Truffle workshop at Ratio Cocoa Roasters; Sunday, 20th March, 11am-12.30pm; $75 ($50 per hour); Brunswick.
- The art of salad making; Tuesday, 22nd March, 7-8.30pm; $40 ($26 per hour); Hawthorn.
- Gozleme and baklava; Thursday, 24th March, 6.30-8.30pm; $65 ($33 per hour); Balwyn North.
- Sourdough bread making workshop; Saturday, 26th March, 9am-midday; $61 ($20 per hour); Panton Hill.
- Sourdough bread; Saturday, 26th March, 10am-12.30pm; $65 ($26 per hour); Park Orchards.
- Sweet preserves workshop; Saturday, 26th March, 10.30am-1.30pm; $159 ($53 per hour); Forest Hill.
- Italian marzipan sweet-making workshop; Saturday, 26th March, 11am-1.30pm; $30 ($12 per hour); Brunswick.
- Dumpling journey; Saturday, 26th March, 2.30-4.30pm; $40 ($20 per hour); Brunswick.
- The food of central Vietnam; Sunday, 27th March, 10am-2pm; $160 ($40 per hour); Panton Hill.
- Cooking up culture with Rita Erlich; Sunday, 27th March, 10.30am-midday; free; Kew.
- Pasta sauces from your garden; Sunday, 27th March, 1-4pm; $25 ($8 per hour); Forest Hill.
- Mixed herbs workshop; Monday, 28th March, 7.30-8.30pm; $5; Watsonia.
- Sourdough for everyone; Wednesday, 30th March, 6.30-9.30pm; $122 ($41 per hour); Richmond.
In April
- Italian Easter treats cooking class; Friday, 1st April, 1-4pm; $68 ($46 per hour); Surrey Hills.
- Cook Indian by the creek; Friday, 1st April, 6.30-8pm; $49 ($16 per hour); Diamond Creek.
- Sourdough bread baking; Saturday, 2nd April, 9am-5pm; $180 ($23 per hour); CERES.
- Fermenting made simple; Sunday, 3rd April, 9am-midday; $120 ($40 per hour); Kinglake.
- Cannoli making masterclass; Sunday, 3rd April, 11am-1.30pm; $100 ($40 per hour); Northcote.
- Middle Eastern desserts; Sunday, 3rd April, 2-5pm; $65 ($22 per hour); Park Orchards.
- Kombucha workshop; Monday, 4th April, 6.30-8pm; free; Nunawading.
- Inner peas – cooking program (4 sessions); 4 weekly sessions starting Wednesday, 6th April, 5.30-7pm; free; Hawthorn.
- Easter thermomix workshop; Sunday, 9th April, 2-4pm; $25 ($13 per hour); Eltham.
- Vegan cheese making; Sunday, 10th April, 10am-4pm; $115 ($19 per hour); CERES.
- Sicilian arancini cooking class; Sunday, 10th April, 2-4.30pm; $95 ($38 per hour); Fitzroy.
- Truffle and praline workshop; Wednesday, 20th April, 6-10pm; $180 ($45 per hour); Blackburn
- Gluten free gnocchi making masterclass; Sunday, 24th April, 11am-1.30pm; $199 ($40 per hour); Northcote.
- Sourdough basics; Wednesday, 27th April, 6.30-8pm; $100 ($66 per hour); Fitzroy.
- Sourdough bread workshop; Saturday, 30th April, 9-11.30am; $185 ($74 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Chocolate discovery class; Saturday, 30th April, 11m-midday; $48 ($48 per hour); Yarra Glen.
In May
- Artisan bread making; Sunday, 1st May, 8am-2pm; $220 ($37 per hour); Abbotsford.
- Introduction to fermenting at home; Sunday, 1st May, 10am-1pm; $70 ($23 per hour); CERES.
- Ricotta festival; Sunday, 1st May, 11am-midday; $120; Thomastown.
- Ricotta festival; Sunday, 1st May, 1-2pm $120; Thomastown.
- Sri Lankan street food experience; Sunday, 1st May, 2-4.30pm; $99 ($40 per hour); Fitzroy.
Regular classes
I have found a new regular cooking class: Al Dente Cooking in Chirnside Park has a cooking class on most Saturdays, 9am-1pm, where they demonstrate various Italian dishes. For those of you who don’t know, ‘al dente’ describes pasta (or rice) that is firm to the bite and is Italian for ‘to the tooth’.
- Al dente cooking (Italian); most Saturdays, 9am-1pm; $155 ($39 per hour); Chirnside Park.
- Become a junior chocolatier; various days and times; $40 ($53 per hour); Yarra Glen.
- Beginners bread making; various Sundays, 8am-2pm; $220 ($37 per hour); Abbotsford.
- Chocolate making workshop; various Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; $152 ($38 per hour); Blackburn.
- La Cucina di Sandra (Italian); various evenings, 6.30-10.30pm; $105 ($26 per hour); Richmond.
- Nonna & Mum’s cooking class; monthly on the 4th Thursday, 6-10pm; $20 ($7 per hour); Thornbury.
- Otao Kitchen (various classes); various dates, times and prices; Richmond.
- Rosa’s traditional Italian cooking class; various Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; $155 ($39 per hour); Bundoora.
- The ultimate biscuit class; various Tuesdays, 10am-3pm; $162 ($32 per hour); Blackburn.