Most people eat several meals a day, but taking a full moment to enjoy all the complexity and flavor of a food can elevate a daily experience into a cherished memory. Learning more about food and wine:

• Helps you appreciate the care with which food and wine are grown, produced, and prepared.
• Gives insight into which elements dish change a dish’s flavor and how to order or cook with greater attunement to your own palate.
• Boosts conversation and appreciation potential when sharing food and wine with friends.

˿����Ƶ offers a variety of food and wine appreciation courses that combine a fun classroom experience with the above benefits. These courses can be great for hobby bakers, chefs, or wine enthusiasts. They can also be a boost for anyone working in a hospitality role where an understanding of food or wine can help with customer interactions and satisfaction.

Here are a few courses in the PCC rotation that you can use to eat, drink, and be merry while learning at the same time.

Persian Cuisine

This five-week course helps you understand the overall flavor profile of many Persian dishes while getting to try cooking techniques and discover your own favorite recipes. The rich history of Persian cuisine helps make the flavors even more interesting and fun, and with this many recipes under your belt, you’ll be ready to prepare excellent dishes for friends and family while sharing all that you’ve learned about the cultural roots of the food while you enjoy sumptuous meals prepared the authentic Persian way.

Unique Australian Wine

This 90-minute remote class begins with a fun pick-up of bottle samples of excellent, intricately produced Australian wine. The course, which would be perfect to take with a group during or after a dinner party, teaches you about how to go more in-depth with Australian wines than just the mega-producers you’ve already heard of. Learning about how Australian winemakers overcome the environmental challenges of drought, fire, and excessive heat just makes the wine taste even sweeter.

Great British Baking Class: Signature Desserts

This three-week class gives you a taste of the excitement of the Great British Baking Show without the pressure or the need for perfection! Instead, learn about the kinds of extravagant desserts that you may have only ever seen before on TV, and bake between classes with the opportunity to share and learn during each of the remote video class sessions. You’ll be encouraged to master the basics and then develop your own signature dessert, bringing both your appreciation for great baking and your own creativity together for a flavor that you’re sure to like.

Tea Time: Traveling the Silk Road

Tea has been enjoyed for thousands of years, comes in many varieties, and many brewing techniques. In this two-hour remote course, learn what the benefits of tea are, how to brew loose tea, and how to understand the many different varieties you’ll find in a good tea shop. If you’ve never been a tea fan and are now trying to cut down on coffee or boost your afternoon tea time enjoyment, this class is sure to bring you lots of interesting tidbits to consider while also helping you find the exact tea drink that fits your personality and palate.

Plant-Based  Baking Series

People consider incorporating plant-based baking into their diets for many reasons, from falling in love with a partner who is vegetarian or vegan, to health-related reasons or environmental sustainability goals. No matter why you want to dive into the nutrition and flavors behind great plant-based baking, this 2-hour remote class gives you both a cook-along format to make a meal while also informing you about how plant-based baking can be healthy and delicious.

Ready to Drink Deep of Life? Take a Food and Drink Class Today

PCC has created an in-depth suite of culinary appreciation classes that offer all the benefits of cooking or partaking alongside the instructor but from the flexible comfort of your home in our hybrid models. People who choose to take food and drink courses receive so much more than just a great meal or two – they get to drink deep of what makes life so exquisite, all while preparing themselves to be a great dinner guest or vacation companion in the future with friends who also love to learn.

Calling all Portland backyard gardeners!

Do you find that your plants aren’t performing up to par? Are you encountering hard-to-grow regions of your yard, or saddened by your harvest despite a cultivation season full of hope? Are you looking at unruly shrubs and wondering how to tame them without inflicting unsightly damage?

PCC Community Ed has a revolving series of Garden, Nature & Yard classes that renew each quarter and that cover a variety of seasonal topics. Below we’ll share some of our current classes and we encourage you to check in each season at pcc.edu/community/schedule so you may prepare for the next.

Landscape Irrigation: System Installation and Maintenance
Irrigation for the Home Gardener! Learn the basics of residential irrigation system installation and maintenance including system components and operation. Gain skills to install and maintain PVC pipe, sprinkler heads, nozzles, valves and controllers for your home.

Organic Vegetable Gardening: Basics for Beginners
Excited to grow your own food, but have little to no experience? New to gardening in Portland? Learn organic gardening basics: soil care, site preparation, crop selection, planting and care techniques, crop rotation and companion planting. Organic gardening expert Jolie Donohue will demystify food growing and share her tips and techniques for beginner success.

Small Space Organic Vegetable Gardening
No space is too small to grow your own food. Learn how to grow a victory garden in containers and raised beds. Site your small space garden, select containers, build a raised bed and learn tips for which crops to plant. All gardening experience levels welcome.

Planting a Fall and Winter Vegetable Garden
The mild climate of the Portland metro area allows to grow vegetables year-round. The key to a successful fall and winter harvest is proper planning and timing in late August. Learn about a variety of successful vegetable crops that grow through fall and winter, harvesting them and storage techniques.

Troubleshooting the Organic Vegetable Garden
Did you recently plant a beautiful vegetable garden but are noticing your crops beginning to wilt or die? Never fear…organic gardening expert, Jolie Donohue, will demystify pest, disease and yield problems common in our local vegetable gardens. Students will learn organic strategies for maintaining a healthy and happy vegetable garden.

Organic Culinary Herb Gardening
Herbs are easy plants to grow in the edible garden and can thrive in a range of sites, including containers. Learn how to site your herb garden, culture, harvest and store your herbs. Gain recipes for 20 different culinary herbs that will enhance your culinary creations!

Fall Care of The Organic Vegetable Garden
Learn what vegetables and herbs to plant in fall, tips for seasonal harvest and storage, season extension techniques, garden cleanup, planting cover crops, composting, and organic methods for soil care. All experience levels welcome.

Gluten Free Baking

Start baking your own gluten free baked goods! Students will learn to make a gluten free sourdough starter and use applesauce as an egg replacement for various recipes. Bake along or learn tips and tricks for baking gluten free cookies, cinnamon rolls, naan, muffins and scones.

Home Improvement for Sellers

Add value in the right place to sell faster for more money! Learn how to evaluate what improvements are necessary and find the fastest way to improve your curb appeal based on best practices in real estate, remodeling, and home staging.

Food Freedom

During this 6-week course, you will learn all about the macro and micronutrients that provide nourishment to your body. Which foods to eat and which to avoid for optimal health, the importance of digestion and how to improve it, Which fats improve your health, how to balance your blood sugar, how to read food labels. How to eat healthy on a budget. We will discuss different types of diets and how to determine which is right for you. Your instructor, Karen Davis, is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and is passionate about all things nutrition. Learn in a judgement-free, interactive style class.

Reiki Level 1

Are you curious about energy healing? Come learn this Japanese healing technique in a welcoming and fun environment! The intention is to create deep relaxation, to help speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease other symptoms you may be experiencing. Workshop will include a Reiki 1 attunement and a Reiki 1 certificate.

Barre Fusion

Enjoy a low impact, high energy, music-driven movement experience that blends the best of Dance, Pilates and Yoga. Strengthen and stretch the whole body with standing exercises using a barre (or chair back) and mat-based Pilates moves.

Collage from Your Junk Drawer

Recombine pieces of paper, photographs, fabric and other ephemera — both 2D and 3D — onto one surface to create an original image. Explore how collage can be a tool of visual expression, formal beauty or used for story-telling.

The Personal is Political: Art and Social Justice

Explore Portland through the protest art that local artists are currently making. Via mini-lectures, discussion, and your own experiments, we investigate what makes an artwork political, relevant and effective. Everyone is welcome.

Yoga in French and English

Yoga and French? Body and Mind? Let’s flow together! Enjoy Iyengar/Vinyasa yoga and learn some French. Taught by a native French speaker and longtime yoga teacher. All levels of French and yoga students are welcome.

History of Persia and Modern Day Iran

Learn about the fascinating history of the Persian Empire and modern-day Iran. This course explores the evolution of Persian civilization, including art, culture and historical events that influenced the course of Persian/Iranian history.

Improved Self Talk With Less Conflict

Is your self-talk full of conflicts and criticisms? Have you tried to “think positively” without a lasting effect? Discover tools and strategies to shift your thoughts quickly, resolve internal conflicts and take new perspectives on old conflicts.

De-stressing with hobbies doesn’t just make you feel more relaxed. It can improve your performance on your regular job, give you something to talk about with friends and family, help you learn new skills, and improve your decision-making abilities, creativity, and confidence.

Get started with us!

PCC Community Ed has you covered.

Games

Sewing and Quilting

• Sewing Basics

Knitting and Fiber Crafts

Enrich your life!

Do It Yourself!

Oct.
Electronics for Inventors: Arduino and Soldering
Small Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance
Vinyl Cutting: Stickers, Stencils and Shirts

Nov.
Cat Furniture Construction and Design
Cat Furniture Design Studio

Emergency Preparedness

Oct.
The Big One: Earthquake Ready
Zombie Apocalypse Survival Workshop
Emergency “Grab & Go” Binder, with Cloud Backup!

Food and Drink

Oct.
Cooking with Wood-Fired Outdoor Ovens
Ravioli
Lamb: Complete Fabrication and Cooking Recommendations
Pig: Complete Fabrication and Recipes
The Art of Making Kombucha
Date Night Lasagna
Date Bento
Mexican Moles
What’s Your Sign? I Mean Wine!!

Nov.
Easy Appetizers for the Holidays
Ethiopian Cuisine: Meat and Veggie
Russian Flavors
Japanese for Foodies
Culinary Germany

Dec.
Sparkling Holidays

Garden Nature & Yards

Oct.
Trees, Shrubs and Roses
Annuals, Perennials and Bulbs
Growing Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs
Lawn Care
Pruning
Permaculture Skills: Fall Gardening

Nov.
Nature-based Stress Management
Insects and Diseases
Diseases and Weeds
Winterizing Your Yard
Foundations of Permaculture

Hobbies and Crafts

Oct.
Radio Controlled Aircraft and Drones
Genealogy: Complete Family History
Quilting: Disappearing Summer
Pendleton Needle Felting
Pendleton Wool Rug Crochet

Nov.
The Mysterious Tarot
Bridge 102: Let’s Play
Pendleton Needle Felting
Pendleton Wool Rug Crochet

Dec.
Pendleton Wool Rug Crochet

Home Improvement

Oct.
Drywall Repair: Hands On
Paint Like a Pro
Home Improvements for Sellers
Hardwood Floors: Sand and Finish
Hardwood Floors: Installation
Interior Design

Nov.
Cat Furniture Construction and Design
Catio Design Studio
Color for Your Home
Feng Shui for Your Home
Interior Design

Dec.
Interior Design

Woodworking and Metalworking

Oct.
Welding Fundamentals: MIG Welding (GMAW)
Art Welding Sculpture

Nov.
Welding Fundamentals: MIG Welding (GMAW)

Dec.
Welding Fundamentals: MIG Welding (GMAW)

Swimming

Sept.
Preschool Aquatics: Ages 3-5 Years
Learn to Swim: Ages 6-15 Years
Learn to Swim Adults: 16 Years or Older
Parent Child Aquatics: 6 Months-3 Years

Nov.
Preschool Aquatics: Ages 3-5 Years
Learn to Swim: Ages 6-15 Years
Learn to Swim Adults: 16 Years or Older
Parent Child Aquatics: 6 Months-3 Years

While you wait, you will need to use your personal resources and skills to survive. If you are taking a tally of those things, and coming up naught, then you might benefit from the emergency preparedness courses at ˿����Ƶ.

Earthquakes in the Local News

With its placement over the Cascadia megathrust fault, Oregon remains in the line of fire for the catastrophic earthquake event dubbed the ‘Big One.’ As reported by KATU, scientists claim that the PNW region experiences this massive event every 500 years and, according to their accounts, it is . Predictions state that up to 10,000 people could die as the earthquake and resulting tsunami ravages the land. Although the initial event will cause great damage, most deaths will likely occur in the aftermath, as people struggle to survive while waiting for help to arrive.

With much of Oregon’s infrastructure built prior to the knowledge of these risks, the potential for catastrophic damage is much higher than Alaska, for example, which largely uses seismic-proof buildings across its cityscapes. The lack of structural preparedness could result in more than along with the long-term displacement of more than 250,000 people, according to Oregon Live. With the potential of extra damage comes a much bigger need to prepare your resources and learn how to survive natural disasters.

Why Prepare?

Although 82% of people know they need emergency preparedness training to increase their chances at surviving natural disasters, most still do not make any preparations. In areas without the appropriate structuring to help buildings withstand the shaking, this decision could be especially devastating. Buildings that are not up to code can rapidly turn into rubble, trapping people inside and blocking emergency crews from moving their way through the city. Without proper preparation, many households do not have the capacity to survive the days or weeks it can take for rescue to arrive.

How to Prepare for the Next Quake

You can prepare for the next earthquake, or any other natural disaster, with the emergency preparedness courses at PCC. These training courses can help prepare you, physically and psychologically, to tend to your immediate survival needs as soon as the natural disaster begins. You will learn to:

• Prepare a survival kit and road bag
• Identify and safely store food
• Defend yourself from threats
• Practice basic survival skills
• Plan and follow your evacuation route

The earthquake-centric course will also help you better understand what to expect at all stages of the earthquake and its aftermath. From the initial earthquake and aftershocks to the survival stage and rescue, you will learn how to stay safe as well as the techniques you will need to survive. The survival skills you learn from both courses can also apply to many different natural disasters and other events that demand you to use your resources and skills to make it out unscathed.

˿����Ƶ in Improving Your Emergency Preparedness

Whether you want to improve your ability to survive earthquakes or the zombie apocalypse, learning about emergency preparedness can give you the knowledge and skills you need. Building your survival kit with the right items and knowing how to proceed through every phase of the disaster will serve you well when the ‘Big One’ arrives. You still have time to learn what you need to know by signing up for the emergency preparedness courses at PCC. So, sign up today and increase your chances of survival in the next natural disaster.

Not long ago, it was considered best to hire experts for seemingly everything. The notion was led by family members patiently observing the well-intentioned-yet-befuddled uncles, brothers, fathers, boyfriends of the world – and their fruitless efforts to solve common problems around the household. Now, that rationale is being shifted on a massive level, leading to an entire culture of doing it yourself, or DIY. People are fixing their own houses, making their own household furnishings, and more. PCC Community Ed offers a variety of DIY classes on popular topics. In some, you even get to reupholster your furniture under the watchful eye of a skilled instructor. Be sure to keep checking back, as our offerings may expand in the future.

The problem is that many people are not achieving the desired results from their DIY efforts. They go into projects with little or no advance knowledge, and when the project is complete, it shows. Fortunately, it is easy to fix this problem and improve your DIY skills. Our Do It Yourself (DIY) classes will help you to gain the competence needed to produce good results – without having to fumble through several important projects to gain the needed experience.

What is DIY?

DIY stands for “do it yourself.” It can involve construction and other building, repairing existing things, or even designing old items into new creations through some sort of remodeling or renovation. These processes all involve learning about and gaining the skills that are ordinarily held by professionals.

Most DIY projects involve household objects, like tables, benches and even bookcases. While there are endless online tutorials that show everything from crafts to large-scale DIY projects, they often gloss over the difficulties that can be encountered.

Fixing things on your own also allows you to avoid paying someone else to do it, but doing it well can involve learning a range of skills and techniques. For example, if you own a boat, it’s important to understand certain processes and procedures to maintain its life span. If it has a diesel engine, you can learn how to analyze and diagnose each supporting system of the engine to keep it in top shot. Doing it yourself keeps you from outsourcing these routine tasks to outside professionals.

The DIY Movement

The idea of DIY as a lifestyle or “movement” started in the 1950s, but it didn’t catch steam until the 60s and 70s, when a number of books and TV shows came into the mainstream. At that time, it was a recognized phenomenon, but still on the fringes. In the 90s, the Internet shifted the movement by making it easy to gain the needed information. The advent of YouTube really bolstered the DIY concept since it allowed people to watch skilled demonstrators do everything from making slime to constructing heated seats.

Learn How to DIY

Now, there are several options for picking up the skills needed to DIY a project. There are books, videos, and websites available for free or at a low cost. If you’re a hands-on learner, and need to develop more advanced skills, classroom instruction is the best option.

To get started with a PCC DIY course, check our upcoming schedule. Then register for the next available course to ensure that your next project is completed with pro-grade results!

It’s gardening season again in Portland! Join PCC Community Ed for Home & Garden courses to acquire new ideas to beautify your yard, manage or design your perfect garden, care for your vegetation – or learn to produce your own food! All it takes for success is to know some basic facts about how plants grow best and a desire to get outside and “play in the dirt” on a regular basis. Click here to search for Garden, Nature and Yard courses.

Growing Organic Vegetables

Organic foods from backyard gardens are growing in popularity. People like that they don’t contain mysterious – and potentially dangerous – man-made substances. This form of gardening is also better for the environment. Growing organically lets you tap into two of today’s common concerns: health and sustainability.

Many techniques for growing organic vegetables are similar to those who prefer to garden with assistance from chemicals. Proper pruning, planting times, and variety selection are keys to success.

However, the “organic” aspect requires some adaptations. First, you need to pay more attention to the soil since you won’t be able to simply throw down fertilizer to make up for deficiencies. Build up the soil and improve its drainage by using organic compost, and choose natural fertilizers to beef up its nutritional profile. Compost itself is a fertilizer, but you can add manure, fish tea, and other natural materials for even more soil nutrition.

Choosing the Right Plants

In the Pacific Northwest, you can expect cool and wet weather. This create a great environment for cool-season plants like arugula, spinach, radishes, bok choy, mustard greens, turnips, peas, fava beans, and more. In the summer, plant tomatoes, peppers, and other heat-loving vegetables.

Why Grow Vegetables?

Growing your own vegetables may result in better-tasting produce. You also save a significant amount of money. People who buy organic produce from a store often find it unaffordable, but for a gardener, it is nearly free! In fact, if the time you spend on labor isn’t included as a cost, a vegetable garden is technically a profit source. That’s because for the average $238 spent on supplies, you can expect to get $677 worth of produce back. Finally, you know exactly what, if anything, was put onto the produce before you consume it.

Flowers and Other Non-Edible Plants

Is a garden really complete without a few flowers and ornamentals? For the most environmentally-friendly flower garden, grow native Oregon plants. These are adapted to our local conditions, so they require less fertilizer, watering, and pesticides. This reduces problems with runoff, flooding, and pollution.

Ornamentals are good for wildlife, err, the Portland city limits equivalent. Many produce berries or seeds that serve as food for birds and other creatures. Therefore, planting them leads to more beauty than the plants themselves provide, as colorful wildlife arrives to get the free food.

If you’d like to get started with organic gardening, or you’d like to improve your current gardening skills, check out the Garden, Nature and Yard classes offered by PCC. These will give you the head start you need for beautiful results.

Here at PCC, we also offer a number of other classes on outdoor production, including backyard chicken keeping, beekeeping, permaculture, and herb gardening. These will allow you to produce much of your own food and beautify your landscape in ways that are healthy for both you and your environment. Check them out and sign up for the ones that interest you most!

Other Home, Garden and Yard courses offered this term:
Growing Plants for Fun and Profit
Organic Vegetable Gardening: Basics for Beginners
Cool Season Vegetable Crops
Warm Season Vegetable Crops
Clay Garden Markers
Designing and Planting a Forest Garden
Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy Planet
Foundations of Permaculture
Backyard Beekeeping: Beginning
Culinary Herb and Edible Flower Gardening
Home Gardening Series with Rod Smith
Landscape Design
Trees, Shrubs and Roses
Annuals, Perennials and Bulbs
Growing Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs
Lawn Care
Pruning
Insects and Diseases
Diseases and Weeds
Watering and Irrigation
Permaculture
Maximize your Yard with Permaculture Design
Foundations of Permaculture

As a homeowner, one of the greatest feelings is being able to transform your abode into what you’ve envisioned it to be. This includes having the knowledge, skills and experience to fix issues around the house, which helps save money on home improvement costs. If you prefer to forego the middle man and tackle simple projects on your own, here are a few home improvement projects you may be able to complete:

Going Green

When going green, you’ll be replacing old items with more energy-efficient ones. Homes that meet LEED standards, for example, use 20% to 30% less energy and water, which results in lower utility bills. Switching out your windows for double-pane options, installing energy-efficient appliances, and considering solar panels for your lighting can add more savings to your pocket.

There are additional benefits to going green, such as increasing the value of your home. Some energy-efficient improvements – like double-paned windows, enhanced attic insulation and efficient appliances – can significantly increase home value and attract energy-conscious buyers. Going green also increases comfort and efficiency in a sustainable way.

Flooring

You can completely change the look of your home by swapping out flooring. Floors add dimension to a room, and tile is one of the most popular options available. When choosing tile, there are a number of options, including ceramic, natural stone, porcelain, cement and more. Knowing how to layout, install, and seal tile can save you lots of money. It could be an opportunity for a side gig, too!

Another popular option is hardwood floors. Knowing how to install new floors, refurbish your existing hardwood or tile floors by sanding and finishing or repair damaged floors are skills that will always come in handy as a homeowner.

Home Organization

Home organization is a skill, and taking a course on how to simplify your life and add more space to existing areas can bring a peace of mind you didn’t know existed. After all, organization is key to a clutter-free life, right? At PCC, we offer courses that will help you think and design outside the box, repurpose unused space, and create organization from underused spaces. Couldn’t most of us use a little more space where we can do more?

There’s nothing better than learning new skills that can help you upgrade and enhance your home, whether you are in it for the long haul or just doing something different to increase the value and prep it for sale. Knowing you can do these things is not only useful, but adds a sense of pride to your work once it’s finished. Some projects are easier than others, but it’s always worth the time and effort, especially if you can save a lot of money in the process.

For more information on acquiring these skills, check out our home improvement courses at ˿����Ƶ and see how you can put those skills to good use. Enroll in one of our classes today – just type “Home Improvement” into the search bar to see our latest offerings.

Whatever your taste – if you are a self-proclaimed “foodie” who is passionate about food and drink, Portland is an ideal location in which to live and learn. Internationally known for its food scene, our city has something for even the most refined (or quirky) tastes. To improve your food experiences or culinary skills, or to impress at your next dinner party, consider these food and drink classes from PCC Community Education.

1. Beer and Chocolate Pairing

is quickly taking over the dessert scene in Portland, and this course will teach you which beer styles pair the best with different types of chocolate. In Beer and Chocolate Pairing, you will have the opportunity to taste six beers, ranging from light lagers to imperial barrel-aged ales. Pair them with different types of chocolate to find the ideal mix Whether you’re heading to a chocolate bar or choosing a gift for Valentine’s Day, this course will help you improve your chocolate experience.

2. A World of Meatballs

Do you think of Italian food when you think of meatballs? Be amazed at the different flavors of meatballs found around the world by taking A World of Meatballs. You’ll also learn that not all meatballs are made from beef or turkey, either. Taste Mexican fish-balls in tomato salsa, then move on to the Asian chicken sesame-ginger meatballs and even Persian lamb meatballs. And don’t worry, there will be traditional Italian meatballs included, too. This class is a demonstration class, so not only will you have the chance to sample the food, but you’ll also learn some new culinary techniques.

3. Tapas from the South of Spain

Think you know tapas? Think again! Even the most dedicated food enthusiasts may be surprised by some of the truth behind this hot dining trend. Come to Tapas from the South of Spain to learn the history of the small plate, and then sit back and enjoy learning to make some of the most popular ones. From fried calamari to seafood salpicon and even Seville eggplant, you will get to create and then taste some of the most common tapas dishes. Amaze your friends with your newly learned skills and knowledge at your next dinner party!

4. Home Coffee Brewing

Did you know that many Americans are spending more on coffee than their retirement plans? Learn how to use the most popular brewing methods to make your own cup of specialty coffee, and save some money, with Home Coffee Brewing. Then, taste the different brews side-by-side to give yourself the chance to carefully analyze the different flavors. Discover your favorite brewing method and then take it with you to make your own coffee at home.

5. Ethiopian Cuisine

From the spice of berbere to the flavors of cardamom, Ethiopian cuisine is quite distinctive, and this course will teach you how to use it all expertly. Learn to make the vegetarian dishes that are native to Ethiopia and embrace the rich flavors of Ethiopian spices. You just might come away with some new cooking techniques while you are there!

6. Artisan Bread Baking: French Bread

The crunch of the crust combined with the soft bread makes French bread distinctive, and in this course you can learn the science and art behind making this artisan-style bread. Yet all it takes to make this treat is water, flour, salt and yeast. Learn how to make it in Artisan Bread Baking: French Bread. You will get hands-on training to bake your own fresh loaf of French bread using simple ingredients, and walk away with your loaf and the gratification that comes from mixing, kneading, forming, and baking your own loaf of bread.

7. The Art of Making Kombucha

, and Portland has its own share of Kombucha taprooms where you can sample local brews, but nothing is more local than fermenting your own. If the idea of fermenting kombucha is intimidating, The Art of Making Kombucha will help. Learn how to safely ferment your own kombucha at home, then learn the different flavors available. Leave with a complete brewing kit so you will be ready to go and brew your own safely.

8. Yakimono: Grilling Japanese Style

Take your Portland summer grilling up a notch with Yakimono: Grilling Japaneses Style. This course will teach you how to cook with fire like the Japanese do. Whether grilling on a campfire or a grill, you will learn how to effectively cook dishes like kushiyaki, grilled fish, and even grilled rice!

9. Lamb: Complete Fabrication and Cooking Recommendations

Do you find yourself intimidated by lamb? Lamb: Complete Fabrication and Cooking Recommendations will get you started on this elegant protein. This hands-on course will take you from butchery to preparation and cooking. Walk away with 15 to 20 pounds of lamb cuts, a boning knife, and a cut-resistant glove to help you prepare decedent lamb dishes that are sure to impress.

10. Water Bath Canning: Introduction

Canning not only helps you save money and decrease food waste, but it also allows you to create your own flavors right at home. Get started with Water Bath Canning: Introduction. Learn the right equipment and the safety measures you will need to get great, healthy results.

Which of these food and drink classes catch your eye? Whether you’re looking to expand the cultural flavors of your home-cooked dishes or simply want to experience some new flavors that are expertly crafted, PCC Community Education can help you expand your skills and knowledge of the culinary world, and in a fun, interactive environment. Visit our Food and Drinks Courses page to learn about all of the available food and drink classes.