"Free cooking classes offered around Capital Region" by Food Forum

Free Culinary Classes Offered

Williams-Sonoma is hosting a series of technique classes at its Crossgates Mall location in Albany.

Each class will take place at 11 a.m. and is dedicated to a single topic and led by a culinary expert. The classes are free. For reservations, call 456-0201.
The schedule is as follows:

— “Make-Ahead Meals,” will take place Sunday, Sept. 7.
Now that school’s back in full swing, make-ahead meals will help you ease through the busy weeks. Learn effective ways to use your slow cooker and Dutch oven to make weeknight meals delicious and stress free.

— “Always All-Clad,” is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14.
Learn how to use the pots to deliver satisfying results, and the best uses for each shape, from saucepans to frypans and sauté pans, when to use a nonstick surface versus traditional stainless steel, and how to care for your cookware.

— “Comfort Foods,” is slated for Sunday, Sept. 21.
With cold weather fast approaching, learn how classic comfort foods can satisfy the entire family.

— “Cocktail Mixology,” is slated for Sunday, Sept. 28.
Enjoy restaurant– and bar–quality drinks at home for a fraction of the cost. The class will walk participants through the essentials, how to stock and how to learn to mix flavors to make your own creations.

Hannaford Healthy Living classes

Hannaford stores around the Capital Region will be offering a series of “Healthy Living Classes” throughout the month.

All classes will be taught by a certified and registered dietitian. The schedule is as follows:

— “Bone up on Good Health: Osteoporosis Prevention 101,” will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Clifton Park Hannaford, 9 Clifton Country Road. Call to register at 383-4136.

— “Get Ready For Baby: Healthy Prenatal Nutrition Class,” will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Glenville Hannaford, Saratoga Road, Route 50. Call to register at 384-0156.

— “Spend Less Save More: Smart Shopping Ideas & Free Menu Planner,” will take place from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Clifton Park Hannaford, 9 Clifton Country Road. Call to register at 383-4136.

— “Learn About Whole Grain Fiber,” is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, or 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at the Glenville Hannaford, 262 Saratoga Road, Route 50. Call to register at 384-0156.

HarvestFest in Salem

Salem’s first HarvestFest will take place Saturday, Sept. 13. The all-day festival marks the end of the growing season with local food, music, art and activities for the family, and it showcases the farmers, artists, organizations and groups of Salem.

All events will take place at Salem Art Works on Cary Lane off West Broadway from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The festival will feature local produce and homemade goods for sale throughout the day and a dinner made from locally-grown food in the evening. Local artists will give demonstrations of their trade as well as sell locally made crafts.

Visitors can also walk through Salem Art Work’s growing sculpture park or see an exhibition of antique and contemporary tractors and other farm equipment.

Lunch is for sale from local vendors and civic organizations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. HarvestFest will conclude with a dinner featuring locally grown food and a barn dance, with the bluegrass band BlueGrassic Park of Vermont.

Admission to the day’s activities is free. Dinner (appetizers from 4 to 5:30 p.m.; dinner following from 6 to 8 p.m.) is $15 for adults. Children under 10 are $5 at the door. Tickets for the dinner are available at area businesses displaying the HarvestFest logo or can be purchased at farmers markets throughout southern Washington County. Local beers and wines will be available at the dinner as well.

For information call Salem Art Works.