On Saturday, March 3, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., the OVGC Food Council is hosting Master Food Preserver, Laurie Dill at Casa de Luna (710 S. La Luna, Meiners Oaks) who will present the many uses for a variety of citrus fruit.
From facial scrubs to chutneys, flavored salts and sugars, to jams and marmalades, lemons, blood oranges, tangerines and grapefruits will be the celebrities of the day. Whether you just want to surprise your family or think about starting a small business in citrus condiments, this presentation is bound to please. Tastings, recipes, demos and discussion from an animated presenter, Laurie promises to delight and tantalize your senses.
Most of us have heard about the Master Gardener program through the University of California, but who knew that there is a complementary program, the Master Food Preservers? These programs began as a result of World War II food insecurity when all the farmers went off to war and the kitchen “Victory” garden movement began to feed American families.
While the gardening program continued to modern day, the food preserving program faded into history as easy cash, fast food and microwaves ruled the day. Well, the Master Food Preserver program has been found, dusted off, and is ramping back up through the University of California, as communities like the Ojai Valley strive to grow more of our own food and stretch the harvest. Think peaches in December. Actually, think WAY beyond canning. Canning fruits and vegetables is just one method of preserving food; add freezing, drying, fermenting and non-food products to the list.
$30 OVGC members, $35 non-members payable at the door. RSVPs requested since there’s food being prepared ahead to ojaiculinaryclub@gmail.com. For more information email or call (805) 669-8445.
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DIRECTIONS TO: Casa de la Luna:
Easiest way to get here from downtown Ojai:
Head back out of town as if you are going to Ventura on 150/33 (go west on Ojai Avenue past Vons. The street name will change to Ventura Avenue).
Turn right at the light on Baldwin.
At the second street, turn right. This is S. La Luna Avenue.
Continue on La Luna for nearly a mile. The road will be pretty much straight until you see a yellow 30 mph curve warning sign on the right.
Turn right into the first driveway after the yellow sign.
The address 710 is painted white on a rock, and also is on the wall as you enter. There is also a sign painted on the wall (“Casa de La Luna”).
Drive past the horses, past the first house (guest house), past the greenhouse and apartments, until you reach the large main house. The event will be in the main house.
From Ventura, people would come up the hill (Highway 33) and turn left on Baldwin.