The Land Connection and Common Ground Food Cooperative have partnered again for a new class series teaching how to incorporate local herbs in everyday, useful ways. Whether from your own garden or local farmers market, Illinois is a great place to find an abundance of fresh local herbs. This class series will leave you ready to use a wide range of herbs in diverse ways from the comfort of your home kitchen. Class registration links will be updated as registrations open.
Preserving Herb Harvests | Saturday July 29 at 2-3pm
Learn how to preserve your herbs and make your own products for around your home! This virtual class will cover skills including drying and preserving herbs for the maximum flavor retention and converting herbs into infused oils and culinary vinegars. This class will be taught by Amy Wertheim of Wertheim’s Gardens, a longtime herbal expert and farmer of educational, culinary, and medicinal gardens in Logan County. Class registration is free with an option to purchase a class kit to use during the live virtual class. This class will feature fresh rosemary and Thai basil and dried calendula and rosemary. The $15 base class kit includes six plastic containers for infusing, 18 oz of grapeseed oil, balsamic vinegar, cheesecloth, twine, rubber bands, and kitchen gloves and require participants to source their own herbs from their garden or local farmer. There is also an option to select a $30 class kit that includes everything in the base class kit plus bundles of fresh and dried herbs that are featured in the class.
Herbal Bug Sprays | Saturday, August 19th at 2pm – 3pm
Learn how to craft custom bug repellants from herbs found in your garden or local farmers market! This virtual class will cover skills including selecting herbs, working with carrier oil, working with dried or fresh herbs to create bug sprays, and optionally discussion of wild foraging for herbs. This class will be taught by local herb enthusiast Annette Davis Campbell, a member of the local CU Herb Society and resident of Champaign-Urbana. Class registration is free with an option to purchase a class kit to use during the live virtual class. This class will feature Yarrow, Catnip, Basil, Mint, and Lemongrass with information provided on additional herbs. The base class kit requires participants to source their own herbs from their garden or local farmer. There is also an option to select a complete class kit that includes everything in the base class kit plus bundles of fresh and dried herbs that are featured in the class.
Register Now! Tune in for the virtual Zoom live class on Saturday, August 19th from 2-3pm. If you receive SNAP, you may be eligible to receive your class kit for free. For more information, please reach out to Kelly Lay at [email protected].
Salts, Rubs, and Butters | Saturday, September 16th at 2pm – 3pm
Elevate your culinary endeavors with a few simple recipes that bring out the natural flavors of any dish using the herbs from your own garden. This class will teach how to infuse the flavors of fresh and dried herbs into your culinary endeavors. Create high-end herbal-infused salts, compound butters that will make your meals sing, and secret ingredient rubs that pack a punch of flavor. Amy will even share her award-winning BBQ rub or secret herb infused mustard recipe! Class registration is free with an option to purchase a class kit to use during the live virtual class. This class will feature Thai basil, sweet basil, parsley, oregano, lemon thyme, garlic, and more. There is an option to select a $30 kit that includes unsalted butter, Pacific Blue Flake Sea Salt, six fresh herbs, spices for Rib Rubs to use to make each recipe during the class.
Register Now! Tune in for the virtual Zoom live class on Saturday, September 16th from 2-3pm. If you receive SNAP, you may be eligible to receive your class kit for free. For more information, please reach out to Kelly Lay at [email protected].
Salves, Lip Balms, and Lotions | Saturday, October 21st at 2pm – 3pm
Make your own salves, lip balms, and lotions at home with ingredients from your home garden and local farmers. This class will teach you how to use infused oils to make your favorite personal care salves and lotions. This class will be taught by Amy Wertheim of Wertheim Gardens. Class registration is free with an option to purchase a class kit to make during the live virtual class. Kit Information and Registration will be updated soon.
Herbal Teas & Steams | Saturday, November 18th at 2pm – 3pm
Learn the secrets behind a truly excellent herbal tea. Make your own or single servings for great gift giving! This class will teach you the skills of how to use herbs for tea, blending herbs, plus herb storage and packaging for teas. This class will be taught by Amy Wertheim of Wertheim Gardens. Class registration is free with an option to purchase a class kit to make during the live virtual class. Kit Information and Registration will be updated soon.
