Did you say a canning class taught by MM Local hosted by Door to Door Organics Colorado? Will I attend? Absolutely!
I was beyond thrilled to be included in this fun, educational event. And to top it off, the day could not have been more perfect. The scene was set at the beautiful Lyons Farmette, and the weather was well played by Colorado. It was one of those gorgeous Colorado Fall days.
Here are a few images from around the farmette as I strolled into the class.
Sarah Hinckley, Production Supervisor for MM Local, led us through our day sharing her passion for good food and her respect for working in cooperation with Mother Nature to create a bountiful harvest. She is extremely knowledgeable about canning, and was able to answer everyone’s questions with ease and grace.
I was curious about Sarah and where her passion came from. She shared with me that she grew up in rural Maine where her mom grew huge gardens for a subsistence living. Sarah’s mom canned and froze a good portion of their bounty to feed their family of 6 during the winter. It wasn’t until she was at least 30 years old before she realized how privileged she had been. Sarah shared they didn’t have much as a family, but there was ALWAYS good food!
Sadly, her mother passed, almost 4 years ago. Shortly after, Sarah moved to Colorado with a goal of becoming involved in Colorado’s Local Food movement. She met Ben Mustin, co-founder of MM Local, at a farmers market and explained what she was hoping to do. It didn’t take long and Sarah was soon working with the folks at MM Local, finding work that brought many skills and passions she had to the forefront. Sarah added, “Canning, preserving food, appreciating the harvest and the seasons and understanding that food – good food – is only available after much work and cooperation from Mother Nature are all things I wish to impart onto our next generation. I take creating food lovers very seriously and I wish for children to be as privileged as I was growing up and having access to garden-fresh food, not only at harvest time, but through the winter as well via preservation. This is my contribution to a sustainable future for our planet and a mission I believe my mom would be proud of.”
I simply adore her for this. Sarah’s story and connection with food made me love MM Local that much more.
At MM Local, their mission is simple, “making it easier for all of us to eat local food, all year round.” They believe “that the value they create is in the relationships they build. Their strength as a company, their value as a brand, and the deliciousness of their food will only be as strong, as valuable and as good as the relationships they build along the way.”
Don’t you love what they stand for?!? I value companies that think in this way and I could not wait to learn more.
As the education session with Sarah on the basics of water-bath canning commenced, she shared some good resources to help us all get started at home. She made it clear that following a recipe is highly recommended. According to her, “recipes are scientifically proven to be safe and should be followed until you understand the principles of water-bath canning.”
Here are a couple good books to check out if you are just getting started:
I was paying close attention to the class, but all the while I could smell the sweet, earthy scent of beets from Door to Door Organics simmering away. When Sarah wrapped up the classroom portion, we all rolled up our sleeves and got working in the Lyons Farmette kitchen.
I am a hands on learner, so this was perfect for me. I am still quite the novice and I am sure I will wish I had Sarah there to help if/when I do tackle this at home.
We created two recipes from MM Local Foods –
- Gingery Pickled Beets
- Pears in Syrup (with the option to add Ginger)
They turned out really well! My fave was the beets 🙂 If you want to give MM Local products a try but aren’t sure where to buy – click here for retail locations in Colorado. You can also buy online through their site and from Door to Door Organics here.
Courtesy of Door to Door Organics Colorado, I present to you the guests of honor:
Speaking of Door to Door Organics and good food, they are sponsoring a giveaway for my readers! If you have not tried their services and have been thinking about it, now is the time!
Confession time… don’t laugh, okay?
I am sort of a produce snob.
This is an absolute truth!
I had been wanting to give Door to Door Organics a try, but I was worried because I like to pick out what I think is the very best of each type of fruit or veggie I purchase. I can assure you, the team at Door to Door Organics is on top of it! Only the best makes the cut. I have received two shipments recently and have been so happy with all of it. Give it a try. Thank me later.
You could even try their smallest box, the “Bitty Box”, and if you like it keep the subscription and increase as you go. You can skip a shipment or cancel at anytime. They also deliver more than just organic produce! Save a trip to the store with two kids – yes, please! More info here on their services and DON’T forget the GIVEAWAY entry at the end of the post!
And here is one of the finished canning products…
Gingery Pickled Beets
Gingery Pickled Beets | MM Local Foods
Door to Door Organics Colorado Giveaway!
Contest Rules & Disclaimer
Colorado Residents only. In order to redeem gift certificate, winner needs to live or work in Door to Door Organic's delivery area. Click here to see if they deliver to you: https://colorado.doortodoororganics.com/content/delivery. You must be 18+ to enter.
In health ~ Sarah
Kennith
If you are interested in topic: earn money online competitions – you should read about Bucksflooder first