February 26, 2021 – Colorado State University Extension El Paso County announces their calendar of events for February. The classes and programs are listed below by date. ONLINE REGISTRATION is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/colorado-state-university-extension-el-paso-county-3307878188
All programs require pre-registration and online.
Home Food Preservation: Water Bath Canning
From preserving your garden harvest to putting up locally purchased produce, canning is a great way to preserve the season’s bounty. With rising levels of food insecurity, canning is not only important but can serve as a solution to food challenges. Unlike baking, home canning requires knowledge of the science behind food preservation. In this introductory class, participants will learn about the risk of botulism, an overview of proper techniques, and a review of the proper tools for canning.
After attending this class you will be able to safely can high acid foods such as fruit, salsa, pickles, tomatoes, jams, jellies and more.
Pre-registration required. Registration closes on March 16th at 5:00 pm. No refunds.
Date: March 17, 2021 (Noon-1:00pm) – Online
Home Food Preservation: Jam Technique Class
This Jam Technique class will teach you how to make and preserve flavorful jam. Feel confident and proud to give your homemade fruit jam to friends and family. You will learn tested and researched based techniques to safely process and can jams. Covers water-bath canning basics to ensure safe preservation.
Date: March 16, 2021 (Noon-1:00pm) – Online
Cottage Foods Food Safety Certification – Online
Start you own home business with the Cottage Foods Food Safety Certification! Now offering online training to acquire a 3-year certification. Participants learn food safety guidelines and the specifics for operating a small home-based cottage food business from a home kitchen. Learn about the most current Colorado Cottage Food Act.
Training provides information in:
- Foods permissible in the Colorado Cottage Foods Act
- Ingredient labeling requirements
- Basic Food Safety
- Temperature control for food preparation
- Storage, transport and sales
- Special considerations for food preparation at high altitude
Date: March 3, 2021 (Wednesday, Noon-3:30pm) – Online
Date: March 29, 2021 (Monday, 5:30pm-9:00pm) – Online
Seed to Salsa Series – Online
The Seed to Salsa Series is a three-part series.
We will take you on a journey through your home garden and kitchen.
Along the way, you will learn tips and tricks regarding planting, growing, and caring for your own SALSA GARDEN.Your journey and hard work will culminate with a class in which you will LEARN TO MAKE SALSA using your homegrown(or market-purchased) goodies!
The classes are being taught by Colorado State University Extension – El Paso County professionals with decades of combined experience in growing and preserving food.
You may sign up for all three classes at once and receive a “frequent flier” discount, or you can sign up for individual classes that interest you.
The 2021 Seed to Salsa classes will include:
- March 9: Getting Your Salsa Garden Started (indoor seed starting and growing tips)
- July 6: Growing Concerns and Troubleshooting For Your Salsa Garden
- August 24: The Fruits Of Your Labor – LET’S MAKE SALSA!
Home Food Preservation: Jam Technique Class
This Jam Technique class will teach you how to make and preserve flavorful jam. Feel confident and proud to give your homemade fruit jam to friends and family. You will learn tested and researched based techniques to safely process and can jams. Covers water-bath canning basics to ensure safe preservation.
Date: March 16, 2021 (Noon-1:00pm) – Online
Horticulture Classes
March 3 Vegetable Garden Basics – Hardy or Tender, with the right gardening techniques, you will learn how to grow many veggies in CO. Container Gardening is a great option for small spaces.
March 10 The three T’s of pruning-Tools, Technique and Timing – Pruning is an important part of managing your woody plants, but can feel intimidating. This class will teach the basics of what the best tools to use are, when to prune, and how to prune.
March 17 Soils – the foundation of your garden- 80% of garden problems stem from soil issues. Once you understand the science of soil, you’ll know how to properly manage your soil for good plant growth.
March 24 Spring Lawn Care – learn what you need to know to get your lawn set up for looking great all summer.
March 24 Herbs – Herbs can add beauty to your garden, and flavor to your cooking. You will learn how to grow them in this class.
Food Safety Works Certification –
Online/Self-guided: Free
The Food Safety Works safe food handler certificate training teaches entry-level food workers how to safely handle, prepare and store food. This certification is taught online and is self-guided. Participants with a passing score receive a safe food handler certificate valid for two (2) years.
Benefits for Food Service Workers:
- Increase in confidence and motivation to handle food safely.
- Improve knowledge and awareness of ways to prevent foodborne illness.
- Valued by employers.
- Great incentives towards job promotions.
- Benefits for your business.
- Take pride in being proactive in preventing foodborne illness.
- Increase consumer confidence – show that you value safety.
- Increase employee pride and teamwork in serving food.
- Increase likelihood of improved inspections.
Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite which will have the website address and password to access the Food Safety Works Certification materials. You can download presentation slides, watch training video, and access link to exam. Once exam is completed and scored you will receive an email with your certificate valid for 2 years.
Registration is on-going and class can be started and completed anytime for FREE.
Date: Anytime
Pressure Canner Gauge Testing
Testing your pressure canner dial gauge annually is vital in keeping your pressure canned products safe. Gauges that read high cause under-processing and may result in unsafe food. Low readings cause over-processing.
You can purchase your pressure canner gauge testing with or without The Complete Guide to Home Canning USDA Book.
Brands that can be tested: National, Magic Seal, Maid of Honor, and Presto
After you have purchased a ticket you will be contacted to schedule a time for testing at the El Paso County Extension Office located in Colorado Springs.
Date: Anytime
4H
Newsletter and Updates: https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/4-h-news/.
Families interested in joining El Paso County 4-H can find information here: https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/about-4-h/.
UPCOMING CLASSES!
Dining with Diabetes
Farm Tax Class
Mediterranean Diet
For more information contact visit our website: https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/