Guided by Sherida, a UCCE Master Food Preserver, this series will take you on an enlightening journey through the world of sourdough. Sherida's passion for food preservation, combined with her extensive knowledge and experience, makes her the perfect mentor to guide you in becoming a successful sourdough baker.
Upcoming Sessions: Register here for the upcoming sessions
1. Science of Sourdough and Flours
- Originally held on 6/1/24, this session dives into the fascinating science behind sourdough. Discover the different types of flours, how to keep them fresh, and the importance of food safety and avoiding cross-contamination. The recording is available on our website for those who missed it. (Recording Available Here)
2. Crafting and Maintaining Your Healthy Starter
- Date: Saturday, 7/6/24 Time: 10:00-11:30 AM PT
- In this session, Sherida will guide you through the process of making your very own sourdough starter. Learn the secrets to maintaining a healthy starter and avoid the dreaded pitfalls that can lead to a sourdough starter doomsday.
3. Crafting Artisan Breads, Sandwich Breads, English Muffins, Bagels, etc.
- Date: Saturday 8/3/24 Time: 10:00-11:30 AM PT
- Take your skills to the next level by learning how to craft a variety of breads, from artisanal loaves to everyday sandwich breads, and even English muffins and bagels.
4. Share Baking Triumphs and Troubleshooting
- Date: Saturday 9/7/24 Time: 10:00 – 12:00 PM PT
- Join this interactive session to share your baking successes and troubleshoot any challenges you've encountered along the way. Gain valuable insights from Sherida and your fellow sourdough enthusiasts.
Why Join Our Series? Sourdough breadmaking is more than just a hobby; it's a rewarding experience that combines science and art. Our series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to bake sourdough bread with confidence. Plus, you'll join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for baking.
Sign Up Today! Don't miss this opportunity to learn and embark on your sourdough journey. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our virtual series has something for everyone. Register here for the upcoming sessions
Additional Information About Sourdough: Sourdough bread is known for its unique, tangy flavor and chewy texture, which comes from the natural fermentation process. This method of breadmaking dates back thousands of years and has been cherished for its health benefits and delicious taste. A well-maintained sourdough starter can last for years and even be passed down through generations.
By participating in our series, you'll not only learn how to make sourdough bread but also understand the science behind fermentation, the importance of different flours, and how to troubleshoot common issues. Join us and become part of the rich tradition of sourdough breadmaking.
![Sourdough Sandwich Loaf Sourdough Sandwich Loaf](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/PreservationNotes/blogfiles/107521.jpg)
A Brief History: Established in the early 1980s, the UCCE Master Food Preserver Program has been a part of the community fabric for decades. It was born out of a need to provide accurate, research-based information on food safety and home food preservation—a critical skill that not only promotes healthier eating but also reduces food waste.
Local Roots: San Joaquin County's Journey: The San Joaquin County branch of the program was established in 2013, adding to the rich tapestry of the statewide initiative. Linda Driver, a founding member, led the program as the volunteer coordinator for three years, setting a strong foundation for its future. Bill Loyko succeeded her, dedicating his time and expertise until his retirement at the end of June 2024. As we step into July 2024, the baton has been passed to new volunteer co-coordinators, Kathy Anderson and Colleen Young. Both Kathy and Colleen have been with the program since 2018, and their passion for sharing food safety and preservation knowledge is unmatched. They are committed to continuing the legacy of educational outreach within our community.
Mission and Education: The program's mission is clear: to educate the public on safe home food preservation methods. This is achieved through a network of trained volunteers who share their expertise on everything from canning and pickling to drying and fermenting. These Master Food Preservers serve as a bridge between the university's research and the community's needs, ensuring that the information disseminated is both current and scientifically sound.
Community Engagement: Volunteers are the heart of the program, engaging with the community in various ways:
- Answering Queries: They provide answers to pressing questions about food safety and preservation, ensuring that the community's food preservation efforts are successful and safe.
- Educational Outreach: By staffing booths at local events, such as county fairs and farmers markets, they bring the knowledge directly to the people.
- Workshops and Classes: Hands-on classes and workshops as well as virtual presentations are a staple of the program, offering practical experience in food preservation techniques and food safety.
- Social Media Presence: Find us on various social media platforms, sharing tips and announcing workshops.
- Blogs and Newsletters: Many programs maintain blogs and send out seasonal newsletters.
Looking Ahead: The San Joaquin County program eagerly anticipates a new year filled with opportunities to serve the community. Plans include in-person workshops, virtual presentations, a help desk service, and the quarterly Preservation Notes Blog/Newsletter. For those inspired to become a Master Food Preserver, the program offers an annual training session.
Impact and Goals: The impact of the UCCE Master Food Preserver Program is multifaceted:
- It fosters a Healthy Environment by teaching skills that reduce food waste.
- It aims to Decrease Healthcare Costs by minimizing foodborne illnesses through proper preservation techniques.
- The program Engages Cultural Communities, respecting and incorporating diverse food traditions.
- It forms Strong Community Partnerships, working alongside other organizations to enhance its reach.
- By increasing Food Security and enhancing Food Resource Management Skills, the program contributes to the well-being of Californians.
As we look to the future, the UCCE Master Food Preserver Program stands as a testament to the power of knowledge and community in helping to create a sustainable, health-conscious California.
This idea comes from Jennifer, a Humboldt County Master Food Preserver, and it's too good not to share!
The Magic Recipe:
1. Gather Your Veggies: Slice up your zucchini, onions, and any other vegetables you have on hand (think red or green peppers, eggplant, etc.).
2. Roast to Perfection: Place the sliced veggies in a roasting pan, toss them with olive oil, and roast them uncovered in a 450°F oven. Stir frequently until they caramelize and fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
3. Blend Away: Once roasted, pop the veggies into a food processor. For every 2 cups of roasted vegetables, add 1 tablespoon of chicken Better than Bouillon. Blend well to create a concentrated soup base.
4. Freeze the Gold: Portion the soup base into 1/2 cup servings and freeze each portion in an airtight container.
To ensure the safety of your frozen food after a power outage, especially when you're away from home, use the Frozen Penny Test. This method is a reliable indicator of whether your food has thawed and refrozen during your absence.
- Fill a small cup with water and place it in the freezer.
- Once the water is completely frozen, place a penny on top of the ice.
- If you return from vacation and find the penny still on top, your freezer's contents remained frozen, and your food should be safe.
- If the penny has sunk to the bottom, it indicates that the food has defrosted and then refrozen, suggesting that it may not be safe to consume.
Why It Works: The penny acts as a simple gauge for the state of the ice. If the freezer loses power and the ice melts, the penny will sink. When the power returns and the water refreezes, the penny will be trapped at the bottom, signaling that the contents have been compromised.
Remember, when in doubt, it's always safer to discard questionable food to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses. This test provides a quick and easy way to make an informed decision about the safety of your frozen goods.
- Author: Marcy Sousa
There's something magical about the long, sun-soaked days of summer that calls for gatherings around the grill,
Zesty Peach Barbeque Sauce is excellent on chicken or fish! (It is also great over a brick of cream cheese with crackers or chips as an easy appetizer).
Spiced Tomato Jam is great on burgers and chicken.
Apricot Chiplote Sauce would be excellent over meatballs or chicken wings.
This spicy plum sauce would be great on shrimp, pork or chicken.
Traditional BBQ Sauce, National Center for Home Food Preservation
Creating your own BBQ sauces and spreads is not only fun but also a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your summer gatherings. Using tried-and-true, research-based recipes ensures that every drop of your homemade BBQ sauce delivers a burst of flavor, honed to perfection. Along with using researched-based recipes, you also want to keep friends and family safe from foodborne illnesses. For safety tips and information on keeping everyone safe, visit the US FDA document Eating Outdoors: Handling Food Safely.
Whether you're hosting a large cookout or a cozy family dinner, these homemade delights will ensure your barbecue is the highlight of the season. So, fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and let the culinary adventures begin!