The Master Food Preservers of Coos County will hold a “Kids in the Kitchen” workshop on Saturday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This workshop will teach kids (along with their adult chaperone) the fundamentals of boiling water canning with the making of jam. Participants will get hands-on experience with preparing fruit, filling jars, loading the canner, and seeing the boiling water canning process. The how-tos and what-ifs of canning will be thoroughly explored, as will food safety and the proper care of canning equipment as well as tips to get your kids involved in the food preservation process. Each participant will leave with a jar of jam as well. Also on the agenda are tips for preparing prize-winning preserved foods. Those who hope to enter items in the county fair, or are just striving to improve their preservation techniques, will appreciate the advice given on how to properly process, prepare and label fair-quality foods. Information will be shared on what fair judges look for in preserved foods, and rules and regulations for entering foods in the fair’s Culinary Department. Participants will get to watch an actual mock judging session to hear what criteria are considered in judging canned and baked goods. The workshop will be held at the OSU Extension Service, 631 Alder Street in Myrtle Point. Cost of the class is $15 and includes one adult and one child. An additional child may attend for an extra $5 but no more than 2 kids per adult please. Class size is limited so preregistration is recommended by calling 541-572-5263, ext. 25292.
