Two-Part Workshop To Utilize The Three Sisters

Amagansett Food Institute (AFI) and Slow Food East End (SFEE) are partnering to pay homage to the three sisters (corn, beans and squash), bounty that is commonly planted together in many indigenous cultures – as each plant offers a benefit that assists with the growth of the trio, during a two-part series.

On Wednesday, November 7, Cooking with our Culinary Heritage will cover cooking methods that highlight heirloom varieties of the three sisters. Part two, Preserving our Agricultural Heritage, on Wednesday, November 14 will explore processing and preserving the three sisters, and also include a discussion about seed saving.

For the immersive experience, AFI and SFEE will bring in a group of local experts. Shane Weeks, an artist, educator, and member of the Shinnecock Nation, will speak about indigenous agricultural and seed saving practices. He will also lead attendees in a blessing. Mimi Edelman, of I&Me Farms in Orient Point, will discuss the Ark of Taste, a global initiative to curate a “living catalog of delicious and distinctive foods facing extinction,” seed saving options, and how to process and preserve the variations to prolong seasonality throughout the winter. During part one, Chef Jay Lippin of Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor will whip up a meal for attendees, while Chef Lippin will showcase preservation techniques using local produce in the second class.

“These workshops capture the compelling stories of foods that are disappearing from our plate,” noted Edelman. “Foods originating from the First People’s and immigrant populations that are in need of preservation.”

The workshops will be held at South Fork Kitchens by Amagansett Food Institute – located inside the student center of Southampton Stony Brook College. It is encouraged that participants attend both sessions, but not required.

“The AFI/SFEE workshops provide the audience with a sensorial and enlightening experience, honoring the past and inspired by the East End’s autumn harvest,” Edelman added.

The workshops will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is $50 to $75.

Southampton Stony Brook College is located at 39 Tuckahoe Road in Southampton. For more information, visit www.amagansettfoodinstitute.org.