Indian cooking and baby food-making classes are planned for February and March

DAYTON – Fifteen attendees braved icy temperatures and freezing rain to attend last weekend’s Planning Your Garden class at the Blue Mountain Station in Dayton. The class was just one in a series of low-cost classes being offered as part of the BMS Co-Op educational series related to food and sustainable practices.

The gardening class was facilitated by Fred Crowe and Lydia Caudill. BMS Vice-Chair Brad McMasters said participants enjoyed what they were learning and enjoyed communicating and commiserating with other home gardeners. He said attendees discussed the idea of continuing to meet, and possibly touring each other’s gardens.

In February, the co-op will offer a Cooking Authentic Indian Food class. Chef Sarah Mayhew, of Sipid Bites in Walla Walla, will teach the class how to make the authentic Indian dish, Chicken Tikka Masala, and an authentic Indian side dish.

Attendees will learn about Indian spices and participate hands-on before sitting down to a delicious meal with wine.

The class will take place on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The class size is limited and nearly full, so register soon. Participants will be asked to pay in advance for this class. The cost is $18 for co-op members and $36 for non-members. All supplies will be provided.

The March class will be Making Real Food for Your Baby. Suzi Tasker, NTP, of New Thought Nutrition, will teach how to properly prepare nutrient-dense whole foods for your baby. She will also discuss developing digestion and how to set the table for your baby’s health and wellness. The class will be held Sunday, March 10 from 3-5 p.m.

The BMS co-op market, located at 100 Artisan Way, is open to the public. Members receive a 10% discount on the first Saturday of the month, discounts on case or bulk orders, member-only specials, coupons and gifts, and discounts on educational classes. Members also have the ability to vote and/or be a board member, receive monthly newsletters and support the local food system.

Membership is $35 per year, with a commitment of four volunteer hours each month, or $70 per year with no volunteer work required. Memberships are $12 per year with a commitment of four hours of volunteer work each month for low income individuals with proof of government assistance.

Current market hours are Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. To register, or learn more about any of the educational series classes, call (509) 382-2577 or email bmscoopmarket@gmail.com.