Farm Classes

We offer a variety of classes & experiences that showcase the farm and are fun and educational, including Cooking Classes.  We are happy to schedule private ones.  Chefs Tami Grooney and Mary Ellen Forster await the arrival of their cooking class students. Classes include 2-hour instruction, a light dinner and recipes to take home. Limit: 11 people.  BYOB is welcome.

Cancellation Policy:  Due to limited seating, upfront costs, and preparation, cooking classes are non-refundable and non-transferable to another class.  If you are unable to attend your class and there is a wait list, you will receive a refund if we’re able to fill your seat.  If we are unable to fill your seat, you are welcome to send someone in your place.  We will email you the class recipe booklet if we weren’t able to fill your seat or you didn’t send someone in your place.

We appreciate your understanding that in order to offer cooking classes we require a minimum number of seats to be filled.   

 

Nature as Medicine * May 31

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Come explore the natural beauty of the grounds & forests of White Gate Farm as you rediscover the many dimensions of Nature as a Healing Force. 

Through a variety of mindful practices, we’ll learn Rewilding skills, such as forest bathing, sit-spots, & Qi Gong.  As a group, we’ll share our experiences of reconnecting with the natural world via generous listening and reflective journaling.  This essay by leader Mary P Guerrera MD gives a flavor of this class: https://reflectivemeded.org/2021/05/25/the-dahlia-the-mantis-awakening-to-the-healing-beauty-of-nature/. 

The 90 minute class will be experiential and fully outdoors.  Terrain will be gentle grassy/earthen paths.  Dressing appropriately for weather (jacket, sturdy shoes/boots, hat, etc.) will be important, and bringing along a light daypack to carry items (water bottle/snack, journal/pen/pencil, plastic bag/cushion for sit-spot, etc.) is recommended.  The class is limited to 15 people.

Article of interest:    The benefits of ‘awe walks’ as published in the American Psychological Assoc (APA) Journal:

https://doi.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Femo0000876

Mary P. Guerrera, M.D. is Professor Emeritus of Family Medicine and Director of Integrative Medicine at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where she enjoys teaching medical students and residents.  A life-long contemplative and explorer of ways of knowing/healing, she has developed and taught Mind-Body-Spirit classes at UConn med school.  Dr. Guerrera’s honorarium to offer this event will be donated to the UConn Foundation to support holistic, nature-based curricula for medical students.

Photo is by Henry Lord

Register

Forage & Feast * June 1

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Come roam the edges of fields and woods for delicious, nutritious wild plants and then sit down to a multi-course repast  based  on  local  wild  foods..Instructors are Farmer Dan and Farm Owner Pauline.  Chef Tami will prepare lunch.  

  • Knotweed Quick Pickles
  • Salad of Lambs quarters and wild Brassicas
  • Stinging Nettle Chowder 
  • Fried Pokeweed with Wild Sorrel, Vetch and Wild Onion Cream
  • Sautéd Dandelion Greens and Wild Garlic Sourdough Pizza with Freshly Foraged Mushrooms
  • Hot Dandelion Root and Sassafras Tea
  • Forsythia and Mint Iced Tea
  • Knotweed Crisp with Dandelion Syrup & Ice cream       

BYOB is welcome.  25 people max.

Cancellation Policy:  Due to limited seating, upfront costs, and preparation, classes are non-refundable and non-transferable to another class.  If you are unable to attend your class and there is a wait list, you will receive a refund if we’re able to fill your seat.  If we are unable to fill your seat, you are welcome to send someone in your place.  We will email you the class recipe booklet if we weren’t able to fill your seat or you didn’t send someone in your place.

In the event of rain we will refund your money.

Register

Felting/Indigo Dye Class

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Join Fiber Artist Nicole Totino and Chef Tami Grooney for a crafting class collaboration! During this 3 hr class, students will be taught how to needle felt a “painting” and indigo dye a tea towel or sarape…perfect for summer !  Children under 9, supervised by an adult, are free, one child per adult.  A light meal will follow the class.  This class makes a wonderful gift !  Each participant will take home a felted “painting” and an indigo dyed tea towel or sarape.

Register

Sweets to Live For * June 8 * A cooking class for health minded dessert aficionados

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This fun and educational hands-on class will be taught by Chefs Mary Ellen Forster and Tami Grooney. All desserts are gluten free, made without refined sugar, protein focused and gorgeous ! Light vegetarian and gluten free supper is included AND you take home a beautiful box of the creations made in class!  BYOB welcome.

MENU: 

  • Chocolate Brownies
  • Tiramisu
  • Carrot Cake Pops
  • Orange Chia & “Thin Mint” Truffles
  • Gut Healthy Strawberry Marshmallows
  • Pistachio Nougat Bars with White Chocolate

(All Gluten Free, Some Vegan, Some Raw, All Delicious!)

Light Supper:  Butternut Squash & Caramelized Onion Socca with Cashew Raita, Stuffed Mushrooms, House Salad

Cancellation Policy:  Due to limited seating, upfront costs, and preparation, cooking classes are non-refundable and non-transferable to another class.  If you are unable to attend your class and there is a wait list, you will receive a refund if we’re able to fill your seat.  If we are unable to fill your seat, you are welcome to send someone in your place.  We will email you the class recipe booklet if we weren’t able to fill your seat or you didn’t send someone in your place.

Register