Want to Brew Beer, Grow Mushrooms? Check Out These Community Ed Classes

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Ever heard of a school district's Community Education office offering a home brewing course? Neither had we, until now.

School District 196 is offereing a handful of off-the-beaten-path cooking classes in February, including a home brewing course and a class on mushroom cultivation. Check out the course descriptions below, or click on a link to register for a class. Information courtesy of School District 196.

Home Brewing

When/Where: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 22 at the Redwood Community Center in Apple Valley.
Description: All aspects of beginning home brewing will be covered and discussed in this hands-on class. Learn how to brew and bottle beer. Two batches of beer will be created during class. Sample several beers covering range of commercial and home-brewed styles to develop tastes for various styles. Learn the importance of yeast, hops, malt and other ingredients. Divide up class beer and take home. Course covers all supplies, samples and take home bottles. Hands-on and tasting. Tim Loesch, home brewer for more than 20 years, blue ribbons in brew competitions, has sampled beers across the U.S. and Europe, has an appreciation for the traditional brews, as well as the new breed of craft brews that are emerging across the US.
Cost: $59 per person. Ages 21+. Click here to register.

Growing Mushrooms at Home

When/Where: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at Scott Highlands Middle School in Apple Valley. Rm. 134.
Description: Harvest mushrooms to enhance any meal. Learn mushroom reproduction, basic cultivation techniques and  how to grow on various substrates. Receive Oyster mushroom spawn and within three or four weeks harvest and enjoy! Learn methods of growing gourmet mushrooms including Shiitake and more. Supplies included in fee. Lecture and demonstration. Ronald Spinosa, past president, Minnesota Mycological Society, newsletter editor, The Toadstool Review, popular presenter.
Cost: $25 per person. Click here to register.

Traditional French Cuisine

When/Where: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at Dakota Hills Middle School in Eagan. Rm. K222
Description: Experience exquisite French classics. Start with French Onion Soup topped with toasted croutons and gruyere cheese browned to perfection. Soup is followed by Coq au Vin, tender breast of chicken sautéed with fresh pearl onions, mushrooms and bacon in a rich burgundy wine sauce. Chicken is served with a delicious wild rice blend and Green Beans Almondine. Finish with Crepes Suzette, thin French Pancakes served in a delightful butter, citrus and brandy sauce. Demonstration and tasting. Jeff Sandino, 28 years experience, Founder of Flavors from the Home, Inc., in-home cooking instruction and catering services, executive chef with the original Buca Di' Beppo and served as executive sous chef with Figlio restaurant, Le Cafe Royal in L'Hotel Sofitel, and Sunsets on Wayzata Bay. 
Cost: $39 per person. Click here to register. 

Easy Artisan Breads

When/Where: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at Scott Highlands Middle School in Apple Valley. Rm. 134.
Description: Tired of eating breads with little flavor or texture? Learn to make savory, healthy breads using dough mixed in minutes and stored up to two weeks in your refrigerator. Understand the basic theory of artisan breads using wet dough. Taste deli rye and multi-grain in class. Bake a loaf in class to take home plus a batch of dough to make two more loaves over the next two weeks. Receive recipes for various breads. Bring a five quart mixing bowl with cover, a set of measuring cups and spoons, and a large wooden spoon. demonstration, hands-on and tasting. Carol Schaub, avid bread maker, teaches in 15 school districts, skilled instructor.
Cost: $39 per person. Click here to register.