Chef Susie Buckley
Two new programs at the Garden of Ideas will take advantage of seasonal crops harvested there: Fruits of the Garden: Basic Cooking Class and Garden Lunch: Feed the Body, Expand the Mind. The Garden of Ideas is located at 653 North Salem Road, near Ridgefield High School.
Once a month, beginning May 2, chef Susie Buckley of Ridgefield will give basic cooking classes demonstrating how to make the most of garden bounty.
“In the first class, we’ll learn how to use greens that are available in spring, including cleaning lettuce in a way that keeps it fresh longer,” she said. “Then we’ll do a simple dressing. I’ll provide class members with ingredient proportions so they can work with what they have at home without spending a lot of money on unusual ingredients.” Future topics include herbs, tomatoes, the fall harvest, soups, and side dishes. The monthly classes, which will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m., will continue through Nov. 7.
The cost for each class is $25, or $22 for community-supported agriculture (CSA) members; children ages 8 to 12 are admitted free, with a maximum of two children per family.
The Garden Lunch program is offered in collaboration with the Ridgefield Library and No. 109 Cheese & Wine. Each Wednesday, May 6 to Sept. 30, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., attendees can enjoy lunch, salads and sandwiches made by 109 Cheese, using the garden’s bounty — and hear reflections on everyday life.
Weekly readings by members of creative writing groups will alternate with those from Garden of Ideas founder Joe Keller. The $10 cost excludes lunch.
For information, call 203-431-9914. The Garden of Ideas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.