Thanks to the people who have contributed to this week’s newsletter: Angela Harridge, Ann Stanley, Citu and Isabelle Fouard.
Spiced tomato and lentil soup
[This recipe is by Citu, from Brunswick East, and came to us via CERES Fair Food. CERES Fair Food have numerous recipes on their website.]
Serves 4.
Ingredients
one cup of puy/French lentils, cooked until al dente
3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as sunflower)
one large onion, diced
a thumb size of ginger, finely chopped
two cloves of garlic, finely chopped
5 cloves (or fewer if you are clove shy)
1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon whole all spice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
400g tinned tomatoes
3 cups stock or water
1 teaspoon chilli powder
garam masala, a generous pinch
5 curry leaves or 2 bay leaves
coriander, to garnish
basmati rice or naan, to serve (optional)
Method
In a small dry pan, toast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cloves and all spice for a minute or so until crunchy and fragrant. Mortar and pestle/grind them into a powder (you can use pre ground spices if you’d prefer but whole spices have a fresh intensity when you grind them yourself).
Warm oil over a medium heat. Add the onions and cook gently for about 5 minutes, then add the ginger and garlic and continue to cook for a few more minutes until the onion is translucent and the ginger and garlic are aromatic.
Lower the heat, add the ground spices and allow to bloom for a minute or so, then add the tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally for about five minutes, until it’s a dark brick red – don’t burn it though.
Add the tinned tomato and 3 cups of stock/water and stir to combine. Add the al dente lentils and bay leaves (if using) and season with salt and pepper. If you want a kick of chilli, you can add some powder or flakes at this point.
Simmer the soup gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Just before you turn off the heat, add the garam masala and curry leaves (if using).
Serve immediately with basmati rice, naan or just as it is.
The Baywater North Food Swap is ceasing
After many years, the Baywater North Food Swap is ceasing, with the last swap being on Saturday, 4th November. Congratulations to Karen Cheah and colleagues for organising it over the years.
The Melbourne ‘Local Food Connections’ community radio show
This upcoming Sunday’s episode will feature Paul and Robin Gale-Baker talking about the Transition Movement (part 2 of a two part interview). Listen on 3CR (855 AM) on Sunday morning, 10-10.30am, by tuning into either the station (855 AM) or its livestream.
Audio recordings of previous episodes are available on their website.
A new article by Angelo Eliades
Preparing and preserving green olives.
Read more of Angelo’s food-related articles.
Every newsletter needs a good picture
Rain Szeto is an American artist who creates detailed illustrations that portray the organised chaos of everyday activities in homes, shops and cafes.
Which link was clicked most times in the last newsletter?
The most popular link in the last newsletter was Nillumbik Council’s update on the proposed urban farm at Fabbro Fields.
Word of the month – Fool
‘Fool’, meaning a dessert made with pureed fruit mixed with whipped cream.
Read about previous words of the month.
Proverb (or phrase) of the month
Heard it on the grapevine. Meaning: to learn about something via informal sources. This phrase dates back to mid-18th Century America when telegraph wires were being installed. The wires, which were often suspended between poles placed at regular intervals, supposedly looked a bit like either the wires used to train grapevines or the vines themselves, giving rise to the term ‘grapevine telegraph’. This ‘grapevine telegraph’ was then one of the main ways that rumours spread during the American Civil War, thus giving rise to the meaning of the phrase.
The equivalent Australian phrase is ‘bush telegraph’, which came into existence in the late 19th Century and was modelled on the phrase ‘grapevine telegraph’.
I heard it through the grapevine is also the name of a song released by the Miracles in 1966, by Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1967 and, most famously, by Marvin Gaye in 1968.
Read about more food-related proverbs.
Gardening quote of the month
“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.” by Miles Kington.
Joke (or pun) of the week
Two slices of bread got married. The ceremony was going quite well until someone decided to toast the bride and groom.
Regular activities over the coming week
Farmers’ and other food markets
- Friday: Community Grocer, Carlton and Farm Raiser farmgate (Bellfield).
- Saturday: Carlton, Coburg and Farm Raiser farmgate (Bellfield).
- Sunday: Alphington, Eltham and Yarra Valley.
- Tuesday: Community Grocer, Fitzroy.
- next Wednesday: Really Really Free Market (Coburg).
Eltham-based Seeds of Plenty will be selling tomato and capsicum seedlings at Eltham Farmers’ Market. As discussed in a previous newsletter, they will have a huge range of different varieties for sale.
Food swaps
- Saturday: Brunswick East, Hurstbridge, Mooroolbark and Willsmere Station (Kew East).
- Sunday: Ringwood, St Andrews and Surrey Hills / Balwyn.
Community gardens
- Thursday: Buna (Heidelberg West), Diamond Valley Library (Greensborough), Edible Hub (Hurstbridge), SEEDs (Brunswick) and Whittlesea.
- Friday: Reynard Street (Coburg) and West Brunswick.
- Saturday: Bellfield, Links (Lalor), Macleod, Northcote Community, Rushall open day (Fitzroy North), Tables (Heathmont) and Thrive (Diamond Creek).
- Sunday: Croxton / Marra Guwiyap open garden (Northcote), Fawkner Food Bowls, Pentridge (Coburg) and Regent (Reservoir) (including Your happy vegetable garden memory turned to art).
- Monday: Panton Hill, SEEDs (Brunswick) and Whittlesea.
- Tuesday: Doncaster Hill and Watsonia.
- Next Wednesday: Bellfield, Eltham Neighbourhood House, Macleod, Newton Street (Reservoir), Span (Thornbury) and Sylvester Hive (Preston) .
Not food-related but interesting
Northern Diwali; Saturday, 28th October, midday-9pm; free; South Morang.
Celebrate Diwali. The activities will include: live DJ, fireworks, Bollywood dancing, carnival rides, food stalls, henna tattoos and multicultural stage. Organised by Mission Smile.
Yarra Valley Spring Plant Fair & Garden Expo; Saturday, 11th November and Sunday, 12th November, both 10am-5pm; $15; Wandin.
The plant fair will feature a wide variety of plants showing off flowers and foliage. Top growers from the Yarra Valley and beyond will display and talk about their plants. There will be around 60 stalls. The guest speakers will include Clive Larkman, Merryle Johnson, Reuben Nieuwesteeg, Sophie Thomson and Vasili Kanidiadis.
Upcoming face-to-face events – not cooking
Food waste minimisation tips – from storage to shopping; Friday, 13th October, 12.30-2pm; free; Bayswater North.
Maroondah Council’s Waste Educator will show you how to reduce your food waste, minimise your soft plastics and store food to make it last longer. From how to store herbs, what can go into your freezer and what to look for when you are in the supermarket. Organised by Arrabri Community House.
Weight management – a calorie density approach; Sunday, 22nd October, 11am-12.30pm; free; Richmond.
Jenny Cameron will discuss using a calorie density approach to losing weight and strategies to avoid falling into the ‘pleasure trap’ of our modern food supply. Organised by Green Karma.
Lilydale Community Gardens – gardening talk; Tuesday, 31st October, 2-3pm; free; Lilydale.
Hear about plant propagation, companion planting, embracing beneficial weeds, self-seeding herbs & vegetables, together with a demonstration of cutting methods. Take along your cuttings and seeds to swap. There will also be a plant sale (cash only).
Cheese and wine tasting with Gaëtan from Long Paddock Cheese; Saturday, 4th November, 1.30-4.30pm; $49 ($16 per hour); Brunswick East.
Gaëtan, from Long Paddock Cheese, will run you through how each cheese (5 cheeses in total) is artisanally made and why he has paired each cheese with each wine.
CERES weed dating – for the love of farming; Saturday, 11th November, 5-8pm; $47 ($16 per hour); Coburg.
Go meet a new friend, lover, or anything in between (or beyond) amongst the plants at CERES Joe’s Market Garden. If you like plants and gardening, you’ll know that you and your date will have at least one thing in common! There will be live local music with food and drinks available for purchase from the bar. Your ticket includes a brief farm tour, a dusk weed dating session and a welcome drink.
Eltham Wine Show; Sunday, 19th November, 10.30am-2.30pm; $20; Bulleen.
Australia’s largest amateur wine show. Hundreds of wines will be available for tasting – red, white, sparkling and fortified grape wines. Also, meads, ciders, country wines, kombuchas and liqueurs. Wine awards and presentations. Pay at the door. If you want to enter one of your wines, etc to the show, download an entry form, noting that the closing date is 20th October.
Urban Nanna’s festive hints and tips; Thursday, 30th November, 6-7.30pm; free; Ringwood.
Join Anna the Urban Nanna to learn about low-waste ways to celebrate the festive season, including gift and wrapping ideas, waste-savvy recipes and eco-friendly decorating tips. Some homemade festive snacks will be supplied during the presentation.
Plants and permaculture; Sunday, 3rd December, 10am-3pm; $120 ($24 per hour); CERES.
The subjects to be covered include: regenerative garden design; practical gardening skills and tips; how to increase plant and food diversity in your garden; self cycling garden systems; nutrition and properties of plants; plants for food, medicine, fodder, nectar and habitat; and forest garden systems. Presenter: Taj Scicluna.
Indian cooking – Punjabi (2 sessions); Wednesdays, 6th and 13th December, both 6.30-8.30pm; $99 ($25 per hour); Hurstbridge.
Learn how to cook a healthy North West Indian vegetarian meal from scratch using authentic ingredients. At the end of the session, eat what you have made or take it home. Tutor: Taariq Hassan.
In October
- Reducing food waste at home; Wednesday, 11th October, 5-7pm; free; Preston.
- Growing food at home (10 sessions); Consecutive Thursdays from 12th October, 9.30am-1pm; $93 ($3 per hour); Heidelberg West.
- Fermenting hope in a world out of balance; Thursday, 12th October, 6.30-8pm; $19 ($12 per hour); Fitzroy North.
- Archie Rose x Cheese Culture x Moon Dog pairing experience; Thursday, 12th October, 7.30-9.30pm; $84 ($42 per hour); Preston.
- Urban food gardening (10 sessions); on consecutive Fridays, starting 13th October, 9.30am-1.30pm; $50 ($1 per hour); Brunswick.
- Food waste minimisation tips – from storage to shopping; Friday, 13th October, 12.30-2pm; free; Bayswater North.
- Kevin Heinze GROW Spring Fair (Coburg); Saturday, 14th October, 9am-3pm; gold coin; Coburg.
- Kevin Heinze GROW Spring Fair (Doncaster); Saturday, 14th October, 9am-3pm; gold coin; Doncaster.
- Introduction to bees; Saturday, 14th October, 9.30am-midday; $20 ($8 per hour); Kinglake.
- Citrus tree pruning workshop; Saturday, 14th October, 10am-midday; free; Bundoora.
- Growing great tomatoes; Saturday, 14th October, 10am-3pm; $120 ($24 per hour); CERES.
- Edible weeds walk; Saturday, 14th October, 10.30am-12.30pm; $30 ($15 per hour); Coburg.
- Spring gardening workshop (for children); Saturday, 14th October, 11.30am-12.30pm;free; Macleod.
- Rushall Community Garden open day; Saturday, 14th October, 12.30-3pm; free; Fitzroy North.
- Spring gardening workshop (for children); Saturday, 14th October, 1-2pm;free; Macleod.
- Summer veggies workshop (garden tour); Saturday, 14th October, 1-4pm; free; Park Orchards.
- Composting, worm farming and Bokashi; Saturday, 14th October, 1.30-2.30pm; free; Ringwood.
- Edible weeds walk; Saturday, 14th October, 1.30-3.30pm; $30 ($15 per hour); Coburg.
- Your happy vegetable garden memory turned to art; Sunday, 15th October, 1.30-3.30pm; free; Reservoir.
- Unwrapped – food and beverage quick bites; Tuesday, 17th October, 7-9.15am; free; Epping.
- Composting, worm farming and Bokashi workshop; Tuesday, 21st October, 10-11.30am; free; Bayswater North.
- Awara open garden; Sunday, 22nd October, 10-11.30am; $20 ($14 per hour); Pascoe Vale South.
- DIY mushrooms; Sunday, 22nd October, 10am-4pm; $175 ($29 per hour); CERES.
- Edible weed walk; Sunday, 22nd October, 10.30am-12.30pm; free; Heidelberg West.
- Weight management – a calorie density approach; Sunday, 22nd October, 11am-12.30pm; free; Richmond.
- Watch it grow; Tuesday, 24th October, 4-5pm; free; Edendale.
- Reducing food waste at home; Wednesday, 25th October, 5-7pm; free; Preston.
- Urban food gardening (8 sessions); consecutive Thursdays starting 26th October, 10am-2.30pm; $80 for all 8 sessions; Edendale.
- Community garden tour; Saturday, 28th October, 10am-2.30pm; $10; Banyule.
- Home brewing; Saturday, 28th October, 10am-2.30pm; $100 ($22 per hour); CERES.
- Organic vegetable gardening; Saturday, 28th October, 10am-3pm; $120 ($24 per hour); CERES.
- Foraging workshop; Saturday, 28th October, 1-3pm; $10; Ringwood.
- Oakhill Farm’s 2nd birthday party; Saturday, 28th October, 2-4pm; free; Preston.
- Edible weeds; Sunday, 29th October, 10am-midday; $60 ($30 per hour); CERES.
- Lilydale Community Gardens – gardening talk; Tuesday, 31st October, 2-3pm; free; Lilydale.
In November
- Community soup night; Wednesday, 1st November, 5-7.30pm; free; Preston.
- Edibles in small spaces with Duncan Cocking; Wednesday, 1st November, 6.30-8.30pm; free; Doncaster.
- Cheese and wine tasting with Gaëtan from Long Paddock Cheese; Saturday, 4th November, 1.30-4.30pm; $49 ($16 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Basic inoculation workshop; Saturday, 4th November, 2-4pm; $87 ($44 per hour); Alphington.
- Reducing food waste at home; Wednesday, 8th November, 5-7pm; free; Preston.
- Nutrition and menopause – nourishing the transition; Wednesday, 8th November, 6.45-8.30pm; free; Hawthorn.
- Grounded at TarraWarra; Friday, 10th November, 3-6.30pm; $88 ($25 per hour); Yarra Glen.
- Backyard beekeeping basics; Saturday, 11th November, 11am-1pm; $80 ($40 per hour); CERES.
- Chardonnay + fromage; Saturday, 11th November, midday-3pm; $60 ($20 per hour); Warrandyte South.
- Urban wine walk; Saturday, 11th November, midday-4pm; $82; Fitzroy.
- Setting up a worm farm; Saturday, 11th November, 2-3.30pm; free; Edendale.
- CERES weed dating – for the love of farming; Saturday, 11th November, 5-8pm; $47 ($16 per hour); Coburg.
- Awara open garden; Sunday, 12th November, 10-11.30am; $20 ($14 per hour); Pascoe Vale South.
- Installing drip line irrigation with Angelo Eliades; Sunday, 12th November, 1-3pm; $15; Macleod.
- Food photography; Sunday, 12th November, 2-5pm;$109 ($36 per hour); Eltham.
- Introduction to horticultural permaculture (4 sessions); consecutive Wednesdays starting 15th November, 10am-2.30pm; $50 for all 4 sessions; Edendale.
- Smart storage to reduce food waste workshop; Thursday, 16th November, 6.30-7.30pm; free; Ringwood.
- Kitchen medicine – garden farmacy; Saturday, 18th November, 10am-2.30pm; $120 ($27 per hour); CERES.
- Working with water with Dan; Saturday, 18th November, 10am-3.30pm; $15 ($3 per hour); Edendale.
- Composting workshop and community garden tour; Saturday, 18th November, 10.30am-12.30pm; free; Bellfield.
- Mushroom farm tour; Saturday, 18th November, 2-2.30pm; $27 ($54 per hour); Alphington.
- Eltham Wine Show; Sunday, 19th November, 10.30am-2.30pm; $20; Bulleen.
- Growing native edibles; Thursday, 23rd November, 10.30am-midday; free; Carlton North.
- Beeswax wraps; Saturday, 25th November, 10am-midday; $80 ($40 per hour); CERES.
- Awara open garden; Sunday, 26th November, 10-11.30am; $20 ($14 per hour); Pascoe Vale South.
- In-depth mushroom cultivation workshop; Sunday, 26th November, 10am-4pm; $149 ($25 per hour); Alphington.
Regular events
- Beekeeping workshop; roughly once a month on Saturdays, 1-3.30pm; $85 ($34 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Carlton aperitvio food tour; every Friday, 5-7pm; $139 ($70 per hour); Carlton.
- Classic cocktails; various Tuesdays, 7-10pm; $70 ($23 per hour); Fitzroy.
- Edible Forest tours; every Friday and Saturday, 11am-1pm and again at 1-3pm; $25 ($13 per hour); Dixons Creek.
- Eltham trails (walking food tour); various Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings; $65 ($22 per hour); Eltham.
- Flavours of Coburg food tour; 3rd Saturday of each month, 10am-1pm; $65 ($22 per hour); Coburg.
- Gin making masterclass; most Saturdays, 10am-1pm; $175 ($58 per hour); Nunawading.
- Gin masterclass; most Saturdays and Sundays, midday-1pm; $80 ($80 per hour); Eltham.
- Ratio Cocoa Roasters behind the scenes chocolate factory tour; various Fridays and Saturdays; $20 ($14 per hour); Brunswick.
- Truffle workshop at Ratio Cocoa Roasters; 3rd Sunday of each month, 11am-1pm; $75 ($38 per hour); Brunswick.
- Wine tasting masterclass; various Saturdays, 3-4pm; $86 ($86 per hour); Preston.
Upcoming face-to-face events – cooking
Cookie decorating demonstration; Wednesday, 18th October, 10-11am; free; Croydon.
Steph and Tanja, from Choice Cakes & Decorating Centre, will demonstrate cookie decorating. Learn tips and tricks, and be inspired to take your decorating to the next level.
Aussie eats – cooking for CALD; Saturday, 28th October, 12.30-4.30pm; free; Kilsyth.
This demonstration is designed for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) participants to share in a favourite Aussie meal with a twist while practising their English skills. Organised by Japara Living & Learning Centre.
Mood and food workshop (4 sessions); on consecutive Tuesdays, starting 14th November, 11am-1pm; $25 for all four sessions; Hurstbridge.
For those aged under 65. Dive into the world of food and mood, boost your energy, clear your mind, and whip up a tasty, budget-friendly meal in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Delivered in collaboration by Merri Health, healthAbility and Nillumbik Shire Council.
Kimchi workshop; Saturday, 25th November, 10am-midday; $52 ($26 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
Learn how to make kimchi. Take an apron and a medium-sized jar to take home your own freshly made kimchi. Organised by Living And Learning @ Ajani.
Jam and pickles workshop; Saturday, 25th November, 1-3pm; $50 ($25 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
Learn some tips and tricks to get you started on preserving techniques for jam and pickles. Take an apron and two medium-sized jars to take home your seasonal fruit jam and your pickles. Organised by Living And Learning @ Ajani.
Gluten-free kitchen skills; Sunday, 26th November, 10am-3pm; $120 ($24 per hour); CERES.
Presenter: Melanie Leeson, from Mettle + Grace. After an introduction to gluten-free flours and their texture, taste and how to use them, you will have the opportunity to cook a collection of recipes, including: a cake using your own gluten-free flour blend; crackers to pair with a seasonal dip; pizzas; and a short-crust pastry dough for quiche. At the end, the class will sit down to eat lunch together.
Thai condiments made simple; Sunday, 26th November, 10.30am-3pm; $180 ($40 per hour); Panton Hill.
You will learn how to make the following sauces: sweet chilli sauce; three sister’s paste; Thai stir fry sauce; and Thai green seafood sauce. You will then make: Thai fish cakes; stir fried prawns; Thai eggplant; and Thai green seafood sauce with crispy fish. At the end, enjoy your banquet together with a beer, wine or coconut water. Presenter: Kelly Meredith from Under The Pickle Tree.
Buche de noel workshop; Friday, 1st December, 6-9pm; $91 ($30 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
Tish will show you how to make buche de noel (Christmas log). You will be making your own buche de noel to take home and it can be kept in the freezer until Christmas. Take an apron and a container. Organised by Living And Learning @ Ajani.
Sourdough breadmaking; Saturday, 2nd December, 10am-12.30pm; $71 ($28 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
Learn all the steps to make your own sourdough at home with this simple recipe. You will take home a sourdough starter and some dough to bake. Take a 2 litre container with a lid and an apron. Organised by Living And Learning @ Ajani.
Baking for Christmas; Saturday, 2nd December, 10am-2pm; free; Kilsyth.
Bake your own pressies for Christmas this year. Take an apron and reusable container to take your goodies home. Organised by Japara Living & Learning Centre.
Authentic Mexican; Saturday, 2nd December, 10am-3pm; $120 ($24 per hour); CERES.
What you will learn: Mexican cuisine; improve your culinary skills; and work with seasonal ingredients. Presenter: Matt Baker from Whe-Eat. Menu: blackened chicken thighs with quinoa; Mexican corn on the cob; Mexican white bait fritters tortillas with salsa crude; cactus and tomatillos salsa; crispy pulled pork carnitas; and dark chocolate mole.
Sourdough bread baking; Sunday, 3rd December, 9am-5pm; $190 ($24 per hour); CERES.
What you will learn: how to make your own bread; how to make your own handmade pizzas; and more about sourdough. What you will get: handmade pizzas for lunch; your own bread to take home and some leaven; and recipes. Presenter: Ken Hercott.
In October
- Sourdough basics; Thursday, 12th October, 6.30-8.30pm; $120 ($60 per hour); Collingwood.
- Japanese cooking class – curry; Friday, 13th October, 1-2.30pm; $15; Greensborough.
- Food storage workshop with Open Table; Saturday, 14th October, 2-4pm; free; Carlton.
- Sourdough bread making; Sunday, 15th October, 10am-1pm; $55 ($18 per hour); Panton Hill.
- Soft fresh cheese making including goats cheese; Sunday, 15th October, 10am-3pm; $240 ($48 per hour); CERES.
- FFS … ferment four staples; Sunday, 15th October, 11.30am-4.30pm; $425 ($85 per hour); Fitzroy North.
- Cooking with your grandkids; Tuesday, 17th October, 11am-12.30pm; $10; Box Hill.
- Cookie decorating demonstration; Wednesday, 18th October, 10-11am; free; Croydon.
- Jaclyn Crupi; Wednesday, 18th October, 2-3pm; free; Northcote.
- Cooking for one (5 sessions); on Thursdays, starting 19th October, 11am-1pm; $50 ($5 per hour); Lilydale.
- Kombucha / Jun M.O.B.; Thursday, 19th October, 6.30-8.30pm; $150 ($75 per hour); Fitzroy North.
- Warm up with no waste cooking; Thursday, 19th October, 7-8.30pm; free; Thomastown.
- Sourdough; Saturday, 21st October, 10.30am-1.30pm; $130 ($43 per hour); Kinglake.
- No waste cooking on an induction cooktop; Saturday, 21st October, 11am-12.30pm; free; Diamond Creek.
- Croquembouche workshop; Saturday, 21st October, 1.30-5.30pm; $134 ($34 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
- Vegan chocolate making; Sunday, 22nd October, 10-11.30am; $80 ($53 per hour); Collingwood.
- Three ways with red curry paste; Sunday, 22nd October, 10.30am-3pm; $190 ($42 per hour); Panton Hill.
- Pizza masterclass with Antonio; Sunday, 22nd October, 11am-2pm; $86 ($29 per hour); Eltham.
- Water kefir, wild mead and beet kvass; Sunday, 22nd October, 11.30am-2pm; $180 ($72 per hour); Fitzroy North.
- Finger foods to make at home; Tuesday, 24th October, 6-8.30pm; $65 ($26 per hour); Hawthorn.
- Cooking for one; Tuesday, 24th October, 7-8.30pm; free; Eltham.
- Nutrition and food literacy (6 sessions); on Thursdays, starting 26th October, 9.30am-12.30pm; $70 ($4 per hour); Preston.
- Aussie eats – cooking for CALD; Saturday, 28th October, 12.30-4.30pm; free; Kilsyth.
- Croissants workshop; Saturday, 28th October, 1.30-4pm; $64 ($26 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
- Healthy cooking hacks for families; Saturday, 28th October, 2-3.30pm; free; Lalor.
- Tasty meals; Sunday, 29th October, 2-3.30pm; free; Ivanhoe.
In November
- Macarons workshop; Wednesday, 1st November, 6-8pm; $91 ($46 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
- Farmhouse sake (doburoku); Thursday, 2nd November, 7-8.30pm; $125 ($84 per hour); Fitzroy North.
- Growing and cooking with bushfoods; Saturday, 4th November, 10am-3pm; $120 ($24 per hour); CERES.
- Pasta making class with Piera; Saturday, 11th November, 10am-1pm; $140 ($47 per hour); Thomastown.
- Mozzarella, burrata and stracciatella cheese making; Saturday, 11th November, 10am-3pm; $240 ($48 per hour); CERES.
- Christmas cake workshop; Saturday, 11th November, 1.30-3pm; $56 ($38 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
- Vegan cooking Italian style; Sunday, 12th November, 10am-3pm; $120 ($24 per hour); CERES.
- Mood and food workshop (4 sessions); on consecutive Tuesdays, starting 14th November, 11am-1pm; $25 for all four sessions; Hurstbridge.
- Gingerbread house workshop; Tuesday, 14th November, 7-8.30pm; $30 ($20 per hour); Greensborough.
- Japanese cooking class – shiratama mochi rice sundae; Wednesday, 15th November, 1-2.30pm; $15; Greensborough.
- Dumpling making workshop; Friday, 17th November, 6.30-8.30pm; $75 ($38 per hour); Park Orchards.
- Colombian cooking workshop; Saturday, 18th November, 10am-1pm; $65 ($22 per hour); Balwyn North.
- Christmas cookie decorating; Saturday, 18th November, 1-4pm; $50 ($17 per hour); Ringwood North.
- Sourdough breadmaking (2 sessions); on Saturdays, 18th and 25th November, both 10am-12.30pm; $150 ($30 per hour); Park Orchards.
- Gingerbread house workshop; Tuesday, 21st November, 7-8.30pm; $30 ($20 per hour); Greensborough.
- Kimchi workshop; Saturday, 25th November, 10am-midday; $52 ($26 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
- Jam and pickles workshop; Saturday, 25th November, 1-3pm; $50 ($25 per hour); Lower Templestowe.
- Gluten-free kitchen skills; Sunday, 26th November, 10am-3pm; $120 ($24 per hour); CERES.
- Thai condiments made simple; Sunday, 26th November, 10.30am-3pm; $180 ($40 per hour); Panton Hill.
Regular classes
- Al dente cooking (Italian); most Saturdays, 9am-1pm; $155 ($39 per hour); Chirnside Park.
- BBQ classes; various days and times; $135-150 ($45-50 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Bread making; various Sundays, 8am-2pm; $230 ($38 per hour); Abbotsford.
- Brunswick Kitchen (many different classes); various dates, times and prices but mostly 2½ hours long and $120; Brunswick.
- Chocolate making and pastry classes for children; various days and times; various costs; Yarra Glen.
- Chocolate making workshop; various Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; $152 ($38 per hour); Blackburn.
- Chocolate making workshop; various Saturdays and Sundays; $125 ($63 per hour); Box Hill North.
- Kombucha brewing workshop; last Thursday of each month, 7-11pm; $49 ($12 per hour); Brunswick.
- La Cucina di Sandra (Italian); various evenings, 6.30-10.30pm; $120 ($30 per hour); Richmond.
- Margot & Montanez (alfajores biscuits); monthly on Sundays, 10am-1pm ; $109 ($36 per hour); Camberwell.
- Nonna & Mum’s cooking class; 4th Thursday of each month, 7-10pm; $24 ($8 per hour); Thornbury.
- Otao Kitchen (many different classes); various dates, times and prices but mostly 3 hours long and $197; Abbotsford.
- Rosa’s cooking classes (Italian); various Saturdays and Sundays, 10.15am-3pm; mostly $165 ($35 per hour); Bundoora.
- Sourdough bread workshop; roughly once a month on Saturdays, 9-11.30am; $185 ($74 per hour); Brunswick East.
- Taiwanese cooking; 1st Saturday of each month, midday-2.30pm; $126 ($50 per hour); Brunswick.
- Tea blending; various Sundays; $75 ($60 per hour); Brunswick.
- The ultimate biscuit class; various Tuesdays, 10am-3pm; $162 ($32 per hour); Blackburn.