Vintage Sills International provides a variety of classes focused on traditional skills. Check out our list of workshops currently available for us to bring to your group of loved ones. For inquiries about scheduling and hosting one of these workshops in your area, feel free to reach out to Wendy at 941-209-9356 (text).
- 1.5 – 2 hour workshop includes: handouts, samples, recipes. Bonus: Resources for fermenting supplies
Farm the Garden Within (Gut Health)
In this class, you will discover the importance of a healthy gut and how it is connected to overall well-being. We will explore the factors that can damage our gut, such as poor diet, stress, antibiotics, and environmental toxins. You will learn how these factors can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in our gut, leading to digestive issues, inflammation, and even chronic diseases.
But fear not, because we will also delve into the power of fermented foods in restoring and maintaining a healthy gut. Fermented foods like sauerkraut and pickles are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help rebalance our gut flora. You will learn how to make your own fermented foods at home using simple ingredients and techniques that have been used for centuries.
Join us for this informative and hands-on class, and take the first step towards building a healthier gut and a happier you. Your gut will thank you!
- 2 hour in person workshop includes: handouts, samples, recipes
Home Grown Calorie Crops = Real Food Security
In this class, you will delve into the concept of real food security and what it truly means to have a secure and sustainable food system. We will begin with a PowerPoint overview that will define real food security and highlight the importance of growing and harvesting your own grain & calorie crops.
You will learn practical tips and techniques for cultivating grain & calorie crops in your own garden, empowering you to take control of your food supply and reduce your dependence on store-bought processed foods. From planting to harvesting, you will gain valuable insights into how to successfully grow and harvest calorie crops such as wheat, cassava, and potatoes.
Next, we will transition into the kitchen for a live demo on making and tasting various traditional breads. You will discover how to transform your homegrown crops into delicious and nutritious flat breads, a versatile and satisfying staple that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Furthermore, we will explore the art of bread-making using different types of flours, including wild-harvested flours that add unique flavors and nutrient profiles to your baked goods. You will learn how to experiment with various flours to create breads that are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.
Join us for this enlightening and hands-on class, and take a step towards real food security by learning how to grow, harvest, and prepare your own calorie crops. Your taste buds and your health will thank you!
- 1 hour workshop includes: lesson outline, handout, samples, recipes.
Hyper-Nutrition from Green Leaves!
In this class, you will uncover the incredible power of greens and how they can positively impact your health and well-being. While many people enjoy green smoothies, they may not fully understand the nutritional benefits that greens provide or the various ways to incorporate them into their diet beyond a simple salad with store-bought, soybean oil based, dressing.
We will begin with a PowerPoint presentation that delves into the nutritional powerhouse that greens are. You will learn about the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that greens offer, as well as their potential health benefits, such as improved digestion, boosted immunity, and increased energy levels.
Next, we will move into the kitchen for a live demo that showcases creative and delicious ways to increase your greens consumption. From smoothie bowls to salads, soups, and stir-fries, you will discover how to incorporate greens into your meals in exciting and flavorful ways. You will learn how to balance the flavors and textures of different greens to create satisfying and nutritious dishes that will leave you feeling nourished and energized.
Join us for this engaging and informative class, and unlock the full potential of greens in your diet. You will leave with a newfound appreciation for these nutrient-dense foods and practical tips on how to make them a delicious and essential part of your everyday eating habits.
- 1 hour workshop includes: handout, samples (if possible), recipe. Bonus: take home a Kombucha Starter Kit
Kombucha? U Betcha!
In this class, you will discover the significant health differences between store-bought and home-brewed kombucha. While store-bought kombucha can still offer some health benefits, brewing your own kombucha at home allows you to control the ingredients and fermentation process, resulting in a beverage that is even more potent in beneficial probiotics and nutrients.
We will guide you through the simple and rewarding process of brewing your own kombucha, from selecting the right tea and sugar to fermenting and flavoring the brew. You will learn how to care for your SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) and troubleshoot common issues that may arise during the fermentation process.
Moreover, we will introduce you to the concept of making a second ferment of kombucha, which can enhance the flavor and fizziness of your brew while adding additional health benefits. You will see how easy and fun it is to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create unique and delicious kombucha variations.
To make the learning experience interactive and engaging, we will incorporate a fun “true or false” game into the class, allowing you to test your knowledge of kombucha and fermentation. This game will deepen your understanding of the health benefits of kombucha and how to maximize its potential through homebrewing.
Finally, the class will culminate in a live kitchen demo where you can witness the brewing process firsthand and sample tastings of freshly brewed kombucha. You will have the opportunity to taste the difference between store-bought and homemade kombucha, experiencing the full spectrum of flavors and health benefits that come with brewing your own batch.
Join us for this enlightening and hands-on class, and embark on a journey to unlock the true potential of kombucha for your health and well-being. You will leave with the knowledge and confidence to brew your own kombucha at home, enjoying a delicious and nutritious beverage that supports your gut health and overall wellness.
- 2 hour workshop includes: handouts, samples (if available), recipes, optional grape stomping experience
Restoring Creator’s Medicine: Wild Wine
In this class, you will uncover the fascinating world of wild-fermented wines and their potential medicinal properties. Unlike commercially produced wines that often contain a myriad of additives and chemicals, wild-fermented wines can be likened to a tincture, as they are rich in beneficial probiotic organisms that can support gut health and overall well-being.
You will learn about the traditional art of wild fermentation, where natural yeasts and bacteria present in the environment initiate the fermentation process, resulting in a unique and complex flavor profile in the wine. These wild-fermented wines are not only free from additional chemicals but also teeming with probiotics that can promote a healthy gut microbiome.
We will delve into the differences between conventional winemaking and wild fermentation, highlighting the benefits of choosing a more natural and holistic approach to wine production. You will gain insight into the various health-promoting properties that wild-fermented wines can offer, from improved digestion to enhanced immune function.
During the class, you will have the opportunity to witness a live demonstration of making wine at home using wild fermentation techniques. You will learn the step-by-step process of fermenting grapes or other fruits without the need for commercial yeast strains or additives, allowing the natural flavors and health benefits of the ingredients to shine through.
By the end of the class, you will have a newfound appreciation for the art of wild fermentation and the potential health benefits of consuming wild-fermented wines. You will be inspired to explore the world of natural winemaking at home, creating your own probiotic-rich beverages that not only delight the palate but also nourish the body.
Join us for this immersive and educational class, and embark on a journey to discover the healing power of wild-fermented wines. Cheers to your health and well-being!
- 2 hour workshop include: handouts, samples, and recipes. Bonus – Resources for grinding your own grain at home.
Correct Grains Consumption
In this class, you will learn about the potential drawbacks of biotech-altered grains and why they may not be the best choice for building health and sustaining life. These altered grains are a relatively new addition to our food supply and are man-made.
We will begin the class with a PowerPoint presentation that delves into the problems associated with biotech-altered grains and offers easy-to-implement solutions for incorporating ancient, God-made, grains back into your diet. You will learn about the importance of choosing whole, unprocessed ancient grains, in order to optimize your health and well-being.
Additionally, we will provide practical tips on how to prepare and cook whole grains in a variety of ways, including milling your own grains for maximum freshness and nutrition. You will discover the benefits of eating whole grains while traveling and how to easily incorporate them into your meals on the go, ensuring that you maintain a nutritious and balanced diet no matter where you are.
By the end of the class, you will have a deeper understanding of the impact of biotech-altered grains on health and the environment, as well as the importance of choosing whole, unaltered grains for optimal well-being. You will leave with practical knowledge and skills to confidently incorporate a variety of healthy grains into your daily menu, promoting a balanced and nourishing diet for yourself and your loved ones.
Join us for this informative and empowering class, and take a step towards a healthier and more sustainable approach to grain consumption. Your body and the planet will thank you!
- 2 hour workshop includes: outline & handouts
Soil Building
In this class, you will delve into the essential process of rebuilding depleted soils and understanding the intricate soil food web that supports plant growth and ecosystem health. Our PowerPoint presentation will guide you through the “hows” and “whys” of soil regeneration, highlighting the importance of nurturing a thriving soil ecosystem for productive and sustainable gardening.
You will learn about the diverse and dynamic community of organisms that make up the soil food web, from bacteria and fungi to earthworms and other beneficial microorganisms. Understanding these soil inhabitants is key to creating healthy and fertile soil that can support vibrant plant growth and overall garden vitality.
One practical method we will explore is the practice of composting and utilizing vegetable scraps to enrich your garden soil. By saving and composting your kitchen scraps, you can create nutrient-rich compost that replenishes the soil with essential minerals and organic matter, reducing the need for store-bought plastic bags of soil amendments.
By the end of the class, you will have the knowledge and skills to transform depleted soils into thriving, nutrient-rich ecosystems through the power of composting and soil regeneration. You will gain a newfound appreciation for the life teeming beneath the surface of the soil and the crucial role it plays in supporting healthy plants and sustainable gardening practices.
Join us for this enlightening and hands-on class, and take the first step towards becoming a steward of your soil and garden ecosystem. With the right techniques and understanding of the soil food web, you can create a vibrant and sustainable garden that flourishes for years to come. Say goodbye to plastic bags of soil and hello to a more natural and regenerative approach to gardening!
- 2 hour workshop includes: class outline, handout, samples, recipes. Bonus: how eating beans can help balance hormones.
The Unknown Superfood? = Beans!
In this class, we will explore the fascinating world of gut bacteria and how important it is to maintain a diverse and thriving microbiome for optimal health. Research shows that the average American only harbors a relatively low number of gut bacteria strains, ranging from 300 to 1000, while studies suggest that this number could potentially be as high as 36,000 different strains.
One key way to increase the diversity of gut bacteria is by incorporating beans into your diet. Beans are a rich source of fiber, and approximately 90% of the fiber in beans is utilized by our gut bacteria rather than being absorbed by our bodies. By consuming beans, you can provide essential nutrients to support the growth and diversity of beneficial bacteria in your gut.
During the class, we will have a round table discussion format where participants can share their experiences, concerns, and questions about eating beans to improve gut health. We will discuss the potential issues that individuals may face when trying to incorporate beans into their diet, such as digestive discomfort or unfamiliarity with cooking methods.
Moreover, we will explore practical solutions and strategies for increasing bean consumption in a way that is enjoyable, delicious, and beneficial for gut health. Whether it’s learning new bean recipes, understanding the different types of beans available, or discovering creative ways to incorporate beans into your meals, this class will provide valuable insights and tips for optimizing your gut microbiome through bean consumption.
By the end of the class, you will have a deeper understanding of the importance of gut bacteria diversity, the role of beans in supporting gut health, and practical guidance on how to increase your bean intake for a healthier microbiome.
Join us for this engaging and interactive discussion, and take a step towards nurturing a diverse and resilient gut ecosystem through the power of beans.
- Full day workshop; usually 9 am – 4 pm.
Mastering the Florida Garden
Gardening in Florida can indeed present unique challenges, particularly for those accustomed to gardening in northern climates. However, Florida also offers a wealth of opportunities for year-round gardening and the ability to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers throughout the seasons.
One of the key advantages of gardening in Florida is the state’s warm climate, which allows for extended growing seasons and the opportunity to cultivate crops year-round. With mild winters and ample sunshine, Florida provides an ideal environment for many plant species to thrive and produce abundant harvests.
Additionally, Florida’s diverse microclimates offer a range of growing conditions, from the humid subtropical climate of South Florida to the more temperate climate of North Florida. This diversity allows gardeners to experiment with a wide selection of plants that are well-suited to their specific region within the state.
While gardening in Florida may come with its own set of challenges, such as high humidity, intense heat, and pest issues, there are also numerous resources and strategies available to help gardeners navigate these obstacles successfully. By selecting the right plants, implementing proper watering and soil management practices, and utilizing techniques like mulching and shade cloth, gardeners in Florida can create thriving and productive gardens year-round.
Overall, gardening in Florida offers a rewarding and fulfilling experience for individuals looking to connect with the land, grow their own food, and enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the year. With a bit of knowledge, preparation, and perseverance, gardeners in Florida can cultivate bountiful and sustainable gardens that provide fresh, nutritious produce for their families and communities.
Come and learn:
• Components for successful gardening in Florida.
• Gardening solutions from apartments to RVs to home backyards!
• Identifying which plants flourish in Florida.
• Ditch the plastic bags (Make your own soil & fertilizer).
• Dealing with Florida insects (Pest Pressure Solutions).
• Tools and supplies you simply must have!
• Planning for a successful harvest.
• Yes, you need a butterfly garden!
• Sprouting IS gardening!
• And much, much, more.
Each participant receives a folder with:
• All class outlines
• Handy handouts
• Garden journal template forms
• Lunch made with Wendy’s garden foods
- 1 – 2 hour workshop includes: class outline, handouts, samples, and recipes. Bonus: Resources for purchasing Sprouting Supplies
Sprouting & the Power of Grass
Sprouts are indeed a powerhouse of nutrition and offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable addition to any diet. These tiny, germinated seeds and legumes pack a punch when it comes to concentrated nutrients, enzymes, and health-promoting properties. Here are some key reasons why sprouts are considered a superfood:
- Concentrated Nutrition: Sprouts are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. During the sprouting process, the nutrient content of the seeds increases significantly, making sprouts a nutrient-dense food that can support overall health and well-being.
- Enzyme-Rich: Sprouts are abundant in enzymes that aid in digestion and support various biochemical processes in the body. Enzymes are essential for breaking down food and maximizing nutrient absorption, and sprouts provide a concentrated source of these beneficial enzymes.
- Pest-Free: Growing sprouts at home requires minimal space and equipment, and since sprouts are typically grown indoors, you don’t have to worry about garden pests or harsh weather conditions affecting your crop. This makes sprouting a convenient and accessible way to grow fresh, nutritious food year-round.
- Quick Harvest: Sprouts are quick and easy to grow, with many varieties ready for harvest in as little as four days. This rapid growth cycle allows you to enjoy fresh, homegrown sprouts within a short time frame, making them a convenient and efficient option for adding fresh greens to your meals.
- Portable and Travel-Friendly: Sprouting is a versatile and portable way to incorporate fresh greens into your diet, even when you’re on the go. Sprouting kits are compact and easy to transport, making it simple to maintain your sprout-growing routine whether you’re at home or traveling.
- Nutrient Density: Studies have shown that sprouts can contain significantly higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients compared to their mature plant counterparts. In fact, some research suggests that sprouts can contain up to 400 times the amount of certain nutrients found in the mature plant, making them a nutritional powerhouse.
Overall, sprouts offer a convenient, cost-effective, and nutrient-rich way to enhance your diet and support your health. Whether added to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, or other dishes, sprouts can provide a flavorful and nutritious boost to your meals. Consider incorporating sprouting into your culinary repertoire to experience the many benefits of these tiny, yet mighty, superfoods.
Class starts with a PowerPoint and then moves into the kitchen.
- 1 – 2 hour workshop includes: class outline, handout, samples (if possible), and recipes.
Vintage Vinegar Making
In this class, you will discover the ancient art of fermenting vinegar and the myriad benefits it offers for both health and household use. Thousands of years ago, vinegar was revered as one of the top 10 necessary foods, valued for its versatile applications in cooking, cleaning, disinfecting, medicinal purposes, food preservation, and more.
We will begin the class with a PowerPoint presentation that explores the history, health benefits, and practical uses of homemade vinegar. You will learn about the fermentation process that transforms simple ingredients into this versatile and valuable liquid, as well as the diverse types of vinegar that can be created through different fermentation techniques and flavorings.
Next, we will transition into the kitchen for a live demonstration on how to make a wide variety of vinegars at home. From apple cider vinegar to pineapple vinegar, date vinegar, and beyond, you will learn the step-by-step process of fermenting and aging vinegar using simple ingredients and equipment that you may already have in your kitchen.
During the demonstration, you will gain hands-on experience in crafting your own vinegar, understanding the fermentation timeline, flavor development, and storage considerations. You will also explore creative ways to infuse vinegars with herbs, fruits, and spices to create unique and flavorful blends that can elevate your culinary creations and household routines.
By the end of the class, you will have the knowledge and skills to produce a range of homemade vinegars that can enhance your health, cooking, and cleaning practices. You will leave with a newfound appreciation for this ancient elixir and the satisfaction of creating your own vinegars that are both delicious and beneficial for your well-being.
Join us for this informative and hands-on class, and embark on a journey to rediscover the magic of homemade vinegar. Whether you are a novice fermenter or a seasoned enthusiast, there is something for everyone to learn and enjoy in this exploration of the art of vinegar-making.
- 2 hour workshop includes: lesson outline, handout, recipes, and samples!
Heat Retention Cooking
In this hands-on practical class, you will discover a portable and efficient way to cook without electricity, offering you the freedom to prepare delicious meals wherever you go. This innovative cooking method not only produces superior results but also utilizes only 20% of the fuel typically required, making it a sustainable and cost-effective option for outdoor activities, travel, or emergencies.
During the class, you will be introduced to several different cooking device options that are designed for off-grid cooking and can easily travel with you. These devices provide a convenient solution for cooking without the need for electricity, allowing you to enjoy hot and freshly cooked meals even in remote locations or social gatherings where outlets may be scarce.
One surprising aspect that will be revealed in the class is the method to cook, not just keep warm, your meal in a thermos. You will learn how to harness the insulating properties of a thermos to cook food slowly and gently, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes that are ready to enjoy whenever you are. This technique will open up a world of possibilities for preparing meals on the go without the need for conventional cooking appliances.
Through hands-on demonstrations and practical guidance, you will have the opportunity to explore and experience this portable cooking method firsthand. You will learn valuable tips and tricks for maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of these cooking devices, as well as how to adapt your favorite recipes to suit this unique cooking style.
By the end of the class, you will have the knowledge and skills to cook delicious and nourishing meals without electricity, enabling you to enjoy the convenience and versatility of portable cooking wherever your adventures take you. Say goodbye to searching for outlets and hello to a new way of cooking that is both sustainable and satisfying.
Join us for this enlightening and hands-on class, and discover the joy of portable cooking that empowers you to create culinary delights anytime, anywhere. Your taste buds and your sense of adventure will thank you!