Preserving Class Testimonials

I got a canning course for my wife as her birthday present and it was a huge hit and a terrific way to spend a fall Sunday.  

 From a knowledge standpoint, Christine is second to none.  While my wife already had a basic knowledge of canning and pickling passed down through her mom, Christine helped bring it to a whole new level for her.  For the canning newbie in me, it was an awesome to be a part of the whole experience - from prepping ingredients, to sanitizing the jars, to learning about all the possibilities for canning.  We're now eager to put our home canning kit to more use and emboldened to explore new treats and recipes. 

From a comfort standpoint, Christine is someone who excelled at fitting into our home and making it seem like she's a long-time friend visiting for the day.  She was engaging and personable, making it feel less like a class, and more like an afternoon spent relaxing in the kitchen, hanging out with good people while something amazing is bubbling on the stove. 

 We highly recommend her, the course and the product and look forward to finding another opportunity to do it again soon.  AJ G., Toronto, ON

A hands-on group lesson in preserving was the gift my husband and I gave to 6 of our friends this past Christmas. After setting the date for the class, Christine asked me a few questions about what the group would enjoy making and we settled on herb-infused Orange Onion Jam. Christine arrived with a virtual mobile kitchen in tow, including all the ingredients. The group – an equal mix of men and women – gathered informally in our kitchen. Over the next three hours, while we enjoyed cocktails and snacks, Christine walked us through the key lessons in preserving. It was very much a hands-on class, and we were all assigned tasks throughout the whole process, such as  peeling, slicing, measuring, stirring,  bottling and – yum,  tasting.  We laughed, we cried (that was the onions) and we all learned more than we thought we would about the true art of preserving. Each of us walked away with a jar or two of our delicious handiwork, plus some very useful hand outs that explained the process and, of course, the recipe.

Christine is very personable, extremely knowledgeable, and a great teacher. Her class is so entertaining, you forget you’re actually learning something – even first time preservers are guaranteed to succeed! If you’re thinking of something different to do, I highly recommend that you round up a few fun-loving (and food-loving) friends, book a class with Christine, and settle in for an afternoon of fun.  Barbara B, Toronto, ON

Everything I knew about pickling and preserving had been either passed down to me through my family or learned through various websites. As a HUGE fan of the Manning Canning's pickles and preserves (unbeatable raspberry jam and grapefruit marmalade!), I was thrilled for the chance to learn at the hand of a new master. In just a few classes, Christine convinced me to discard my old ways and adopt the new food-safe ways that she teaches. Not only do I feel safer sharing the fruits (or veg) of my labour, but the consistency in the quality of my pickles and preserves in remarkably better! While her instructions and recipes are fantastic, the real fun comes from working with a community of like minded people to create some outstanding results. It's fun and a reward all in one evening!   Allen B, Toronto, ON

I recently decided to participate in a series of canning and preserving classes Christine taught at The Deppaneur on College St. in Toronto. Suffering from a bit of preservaphobia, and coming in the "ultimate canning newbie," I approached the classes with excitement and apprehension. Canning and preserving was a mystery to me. No one in my family was versed in the art and science of it, and while I had an interest, that interest had never yet quite nudged me to explore – until now. Making sure she balances education, instruction and practical tips with real-life stories about what canning means to her, Christine helps beginners find their feet and an inspiration for the beauty and possibility that make it into each jar. For the seasoned canners in the room, Christine offers resources, insight into the latest up-to-date preserving practices and a fresh perspective on food-sourcing. Her classes are exactly like her – upbeat, practical, straightforward, colourful and infused with a sense of fun and respect for the art of preserving.  

I’m so pleased that I joined in on her classes. Not only did I walk away with recipes, facts and tips, delicious tomato jams, pickled cauliflower and carrots, I came away with a great deal of respect for preserving and for what Christine does at Manning Canning. Rebecca L, Toronto, ON

Retail Store Testimonials

I had just moved back into the Riverdale neighbourhood and on a bright sunny Saturday my partner and I hit The Withrow Farmers market. I had just accepted a managers job at the the local butcher shop....The Meat Department. I wanted to get out and explore the hood and see what gems were hiding at the market. I immediately found one. Christine Manning was behind a modest booth. As I approached the table with my partner, Christine 's huge and warm smile captured me. Unaware that she possessed liquid gold under the wasps net that had small crackers laden with her labours of love, I had the garlic onion jam while my partner gobbled back the spicy tomato jam. Instant tastebud rushes for both of us and no words were spoken but mini moans escaped our lips. We agreed that the other must and needed to try the other one. Again not much words left our lips. We knew we were going to be taking a few jars home.
I then noticed how sexy the Manning Canning packaging was. Simple yet striking. Not only did I just taste one of the best jams I had in some time, but the whole look of Manning Canning intrigued me. I put an offer on the table to Christine that she needed to stop by the shop so we could discuss selling her products.
Christine is well known from the farmers market and it was a simple sell that if you missed her at the market, you could get her goodies at The Meat Department. People knew the product well and it was becoming a staple of every fridge.
A chef like myself can stand behind a product when it is effortless to sell. The contents of each jar are simple. Locally grown and picked ingredients throughout their harvest seasons. Christine's family recipes with her own twist and sexy packaging.
Thus began my love affair with Christine and Manning Canning. Always cooking up new ideas and dropping off samples. Asking for my chef advice. Taking her preserving classes and introducing friends to her.
Then the famous Bacon Jam happened. On a whim, i asked Christine to create a bacon jam exclusively for The Meat Department. Gave her the bacon and in one shot she came back to the shop and blew my palate profile off the charts. The bacon Jam is made every few weeks and people place orders for it. It comes in warm and we sample it.....the jars start flying off the shelf. I have customers that hoard it, mail it and have admitted they have an addiction. I have friends requesting it be brought with me whenever we gather. Asking me to post it etc.
Each jar of Manning Canning preserves contains passion and love. You can taste it. When you open a jar and place it on your table it is like you have invited Christine right into your home and she is sharing your meal with you.

Cheryl T, Manager at The Meat Dept