Cook County Extension invites the community to two free workshops this fall, covering practical skills for preserving food and understanding the Minnesota Cottage Food Law.

The first workshop, “Dry it out: Preserve your Produce with a Food Dehydrator,” will take place on Tuesday, September 23, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants will get hands-on experience using food dehydrators from the Northwoods Food Project Equipment Library to confidently preserve garden produce and farmers market finds.

A second workshop, on Wednesday, October 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., will focus on Cottage Foods. This session is for anyone interested in preparing and selling non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchen. The workshop will explain the Minnesota Cottage Food law and what foods are exempt from licensing (like jams, jellies, and bread), and direct participants to resources for becoming a registered producer.

Extension Educator Sarah Waddle highlights the value of the sessions: “Whether you're looking to keep fruits and vegetables shelf-stable for the winter or are interested in possibly selling food you prepare at home, these workshops are useful and informative.”

Registration is required for both free events. Please register online at z.umn.edu/dryitout and z.umn.edu/cottagefood2025.

For more information, contact Sarah Waddle at 218-387-3015 or [email protected].