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