Daily Archives: July 6, 2011

Saturday, July 16, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Secrets of the Tudor Stillroom

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Travel to Plimoth Plantation on Saturday, July 16, from 9 – 5, for a seminar led by renowned herbalist Christina Stapley, entitled Secrets of the Tudor Stillroom.  Learn about the activities of the Tudor still-house while making recipes from distilled aromatic waters, as well as scented powders, cough sweets, herb infused honeys, a salve, herb sugar, sweetmeats, vinegars, and more.  Featured herbs include rose, rosemary, elecampane, pot marigold, frankincense, marshmallow, yarrow, hyssop, betony, St. John’s wort, and angelica.  You’ll also learn about repelling pests, washing clothing, and herbal remedies.  Fee for Museum members: $95; nonmembers: $120.  Register at www.plimoth.org, or call 508-746-1622, ext. 8359.

Wednesday, July 13, 7:30 pm, and Thursday, July 14, 9:00 – 12:00 noon – Gardening with Native Plants

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Join author and native plant enthusiast Carolyn Summers for an evening lecture (Wednesday, July 13, 7:30 pm)  and morning workshop (Thursday, July 14, 9 – 12) on designing and gardening with native plants.  Based on her book Designing Gardens with the Flora of the American East, Ms. Summers will show how to increase biodiversity in our gardens, for beautiful, sustainable results which also benefit wildlife.  The events will be held in the Far Barn at the Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard, and the cost to attend the Wednesday evening talk is $5 for PHA members, $10 for nonmembers, and the Thursday seminar will be $30 for PHA members, $35 for nonmembers.  For more information, log on to www.pollyhillarboretum.org.

Saturday, July 9, 2:00 pm, and Tuesday, July 19, 7:00 pm- Ancient Grains for Modern Meals

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Williams-Sonoma Copley, at 100 Huntington Place in Boston, will host a special book signing and cooking demonstration with Maria Speck this coming Saturday, July 9, beginning at 2 pm.  Maria will be signing copies of her cookbook Ancient Grains for Modern Meals.  This is a unique opportunity to meet a leading chef and author.  No reservations required, and the event is free.  Maria will also appear at Porter Square Books, 25 White Street, Cambridge, on Tuesday, July 19 at 7. Food writer Maria Speck’s passion for propelling Old World staples such as farro, barley, polenta, and wheat berries to the forefront of new American cooking is beautifully presented in Ancient Grains for Modern Meals. In this inspired and highly personal book, Speck draws on food traditions from across the Mediterranean and northern Europe to reveal how versatile, satisfying, flavorful, and sophisticated whole grains can be.

Speck grew up in Greece and Germany before moving to the US as a young adult. She is a writer and journalist, and has contributed to Gourmet, Saveur, and Gastronomica, as well as Marie Claire and Elle. Her popular cooking classes in Cambridge focus on the flavors and cooking styles of the Mediterranean.