Shaker-Simplicity

Farm-to-Table Shaker Cooking Series

Friday, August 9, 2024

5:00 – 9:00 pm

Great Stone Dwelling Dining Room

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the timeless traditions of Shaker family-style cooking with our enriching Shaker-Simplicity: Farm-to-Table Cooking Series. This unique series delves into the Shaker community’s profound connection to self-sustainability, locally sourced ingredients, and the joys of communal dining.

 Learn the Shakers’ meticulous yet simple cooking techniques that emphasize wholesome, hearty, and flavorful dishes. We’ll harvest ingredients from the Shaker Gardens, and embrace the spirit of farm-to-table by utilizing meat and fresh produce sourced from local farms. Each session will highlight the importance of fresh, local produce, and you’ll learn to create mouthwatering meals that celebrate the bounty of the season. You’ll understand the full journey from farm to table, embodying the Shakers’ ethos of living in harmony with the land.

Experience the joy of communal dining, a cornerstone of Shaker life. Share meals with fellow participants, fostering a sense of community and connection. Learn about the Shakers’ dining traditions, where meals were a time for gathering, quiet reflection, and gratitude.

Join us for this journey into the heart of Shaker culinary traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, this workshop series offers a unique opportunity to learn, share, and savor the enduring legacy of Shaker cooking. Embrace the values of simplicity, sustainability, and community through the lens of this timeless culinary heritage.

Session Three: Shaker Simplicity: Mastery of Gravies and Sauces

Unlock the culinary wisdom of the Shakers in our “Shaker Simplicity: Mastery of Gravies and Sauces” workshop. This hands-on class dives deep into the art of creating rich, flavorful gravies and sauces, inspired by the Shaker tradition of simplicity and excellence.

In this workshop, you will:

• Learn the foundational principles of Shaker cooking, focusing on their efficient and straightforward methods.
• Discover traditional Shaker techniques for brining to enhance flavor and tenderness in meats.
• Get hands-on experience creating a scrumptious supper that showcases the harmony of simple ingredients and meticulous preparation.

Join us and bring a taste of Shaker heritage to your kitchen, enhancing your cooking with the timeless techniques of brining, and crafting gravies and sauces that are both simple and sublime. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a home cook looking to elevate your meals, this workshop will provide you with valuable skills and delicious inspiration.

Menu for August 9th Class

Bone in Pork Roast (From Stewart Farm) with Grain Mustard Gravy

Au Gratin Potatoes

Roasted & Herbed Baby Carrots

Blueberry Bread Pudding with Lemon Glaze for dessert

Weather permitting, dine in the Shaker Herb Garden

Enjoy locally sourced ingredients from Stewart Farm, and the Shaker Gardens

Red and White table wine will be offered at dinner.

Groups of four will work together at three work stations to create a meal to share together while learning about Shaker cooking practices and techniques, Shaker self-sustainability, and communal dining.

Class is limited to 12 participants. Advance registration is required.

Shaker Simplicity: Farm-to-Table Cooking Series (see individual listings for details of other workshops in the series):

Handcrafted Pasta & Farm-to-Table Traditions 

Friday, June 7, 2024   5:00 pm  – 9:00 pm

Herb & Hearth-Shaker Secrets to Flavorful Cooking

Friday, July 12, 2024 5:00 pm  – 9:00 pm

Shaker Mastery of Gravies & Sauces

Friday, August 9, 2024   5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Shaker Soups, Stocks, & Stews

Friday, September 13, 2024   5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and join us for a delicious journey into Shaker culinary tradition!

Sign up for this class only:

Museum Member – $90/person

Non-Member – $100/person

Sign up for the series of 4 cooking workshops:

Museum Member – $340/person

Non-Member – $380/person

All proceeds from this workshop go to support the educational mission of Enfield Shaker Museum.

Coming from a distance? Why not plan to stay overnight in the historic Great Stone Dwelling? Check out room availability here.