You’ll go for the gumbo. You’ll return for the molasses cookies and herbed butter.
Queens County Farm Museum’s Colonial Culinary Series: African Food starts on Feb. 22. It then runs on select Saturdays until Nov. 8.
The goal is to learn and taste history through food. Two long-time Queens Farm employees – Chris Lord-Barry, who curates the Adriance Farmhouse, and Director of Education Laura Graney – will lead the seven, 90-minute, independent workshops. Participants will learn to prepare authentic dishes using techniques and ingredients from the Colonial Era, which ran from the late 16th century to 1789, when George Washington became the first president of the United States.
Classes are open to anybody above age 15, but there is a limited capacity. Each one costs $58, but those who register for all seven receive a 20 percent discount.
Here’s the schedule. The starting time is always 10 am.
Feb. 22: West African Influences
West African Gumbo and Carolina African Runner Peanut Butter are the highlights.
March 22: Soups and Stews (Sold Out).
April 5: Spices
Prepare a meal with locally grown herbs and some imported European spices, which were precious commodities. Blend spices and learn about their origins.
June 14: Herbed Butter
Churn butter the Colonial way. Make and sample three types of herbed butter on crusty bread. Leave with herbed butter and assorted recipes.
Sept. 13: Cakes and Cookies
Using historic recipes, authentic techniques, and tools reminiscent of the era, attendees prepare, taste, and take home treats like molasses cookies and Johnny cakes.
Oct. 11: Custard
Bake custard in a hollowed-out pumpkin.
Nov. 8: Apples
Learn about apples in Colonial America. Make sweet and savory dishes and mull apple cider.
Lord-Barry has been teaching at Queens Farm for more than 30 years. She thrives on sharing tales of Colonial history, daily life, and cooking techniques. Graney, a former restaurateur and caterer, has been at Queens Farm for nine years.
Queens Farm’s entrance is at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park. A large, free parking lot is on site.
Images: Queens County Farm Museum