From Toole County Agent Alice Burchak:

This year’s gardening season has been very productive. It is a seasonal joy to have plenty of fresh produce and really enjoy it in its prime. However with the garden season starting to come to end, you probably are thinking about how to preserve your garden produce to enjoy later in the winter, and your local MSU Extension has just the answer!

 If you would like some hands-on experience canning your produce, come join us for a food preservation workshop scheduled for the first week in September in our area.   This hands-on   workshop will demonstrate the basic principles of both pressure canning and hot water canning and we will discuss the basic equipment needed for both methods. Some folks have never canned, some have canned a little but are in need of a refresher course, and some have canned for years but want to make sure they are following the latest canning and safety recommendations. This workshop will have something for all of you.  In addition, if you have a pressure canner with a Presto gauge that hasn’t been tested for accuracy this year, it can be tested after the class. 

 Participants will go home with several MSU MontGuides featuring research approved recipes, directions for a variety of food preservation methods, and food samples.  The Food Preservation Workshops will be offered at the following locations: Tuesday, September 2 in Shelby at the High School; Wednesday, September 3 in Chester at the High School; and Thursday, September 4 in Cut Bank at the St. Paul’s Lutheran church, with a 6 p.m. start time each night.

The workshops are open to the public and the cost is $10 to help cover supply expenses. For a registration form or other information, please contact the Extension offices in Glacier, Liberty, Pondera or Toole Counties.  Registration forms, available at your local office, are due to the Toole County Extension office by August 28. 

Participants should wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you will be working in the kitchen. 

Pre-registration with your payment is required by August 28, so we can plan for each workshop. For more information or to register please call the Toole County Extension Office at 424-8350. Sign up today, for a few hours of fun and food, and new skills that will last a lifetime.

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