Kitchen Participation Class
Photo courtesy of iStock
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, 1-4 p.m.
$95 member/$115 non-member, includes Arboretum admission plus all supplies and ingredients.
Registration coming soon.
Program location: Farm at the Arb - Kitchen Classroom (Myers Education Center)
Adult 18+
Join host Chef Beth Fisher and special guest instructors Becky DeLaCruz, Mary Webber, and Patti Marrin — Hennepin County Master Gardener Volunteer Certified Food Preservation Consultants through the University of Minnesota Extension — for a hands-on workshop celebrating the flavors of apple season. The class begins with a shared recipe of maple-bacon and apple marmalade on crostini before diving into the art and science of preserving the orchard harvest. Through research-based instruction and hands-on experience, you’ll learn how to transform apples into three delicious creations: canned applesauce, apple butter and fermented apple cider vinegar.
The class covers essential food preservation principles, including acidity, proper equipment, food and jar preparation, boiling-water canning techniques and the science behind fermentation. Educational, practical and fun, this workshop offers a delicious introduction to preserving the apple harvest.
Class Overview:
- Learn the basics of safe home food preservation.
- Explore the two-stage fermentation process used to create apple cider vinegar.
- Understand the differences between cooking fruit into a sauce versus a butter.
- Practice proper food and jar preparation.
- Get tips on selecting equipment, jars, and lids for home use
- Take home professional recipes and three apple creations to enjoy.
Menu:
- Maple-bacon and apple marmalade on crostini prepared by Chef Beth Fisher.
- Canned applesauce guided with hands-on instruction.
- Apple butter guided with hands-on instruction.
- Fermented apple cider vinegar starter to begin at home.
Please note: We are unable to accommodate individualized changes to the menu.
Instructor Bios:
Chef Beth Fisher is thrilled to bring her experience to her role as Culinary Manager at The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Known for her years of teaching at various cooking schools and creative culinary work at several popular Twin Cities restaurants, Beth is now focused on enhancing the Arboretum's fast growing culinary offerings and kitchen classroom educational experiences. Join Beth and discover the joy of learning and cooking in the kitchen!
University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and Certified Food Preservation Consultants:
Becky DeLaCruz has been sharing her food preservation expertise since 2020. She teaches engaging, research-based classes covering everything from food preservation basics to boiling water and pressure canning, pickling, fermenting, jam and jelly making, dehydration and freezing. Becky’s mission is to empower people to preserve food safely while rediscovering the joy of working with seasonal ingredients.
Mary Webber is a vegetable gardener in addition to a Master Gardener (2024) and Food Preservation Consultant (2025). Mary seeks to preserve her summer harvest whether that be through pickling, dehydrating or canning. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge regarding safe, research-backed food preservation methods.
Patti Marrin is a research-driven educator who designs and delivers high-quality instructional programs for diverse audiences. She is known for creating supportive, hands-on learning environments that empower adult learners to build confidence, develop practical skills and apply evidence-based methods. Patti is assionate about community education, lifelong learning, and promoting the safe, joyful use of seasonal ingredients.
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Directions: Farm at the Arb Entrance
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Myers Education Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.