Workshop: Cream, Churns & Cheesecloth

Workshop Description

Fresh milk and cream have always been cornerstones of rural life, and in this hands‑on workshop we’ll explore just how versatile they can be. Inspired by the (literal) foundations of the small dairy shed that once stood just steps from our Summer Kitchen, we’ll use simple, traditional techniques to create an array of dairy treats. You’ll learn to hand‑churn butter until it’s rich and golden, transform cream into a smooth, fresh cheese in under an hour, and prepare a batch of old‑fashioned ice cream using nothing but muscle power and a few clever tools. As we work, we’ll talk about the history of dairying in the Similkameen Valley, the role of small farms in the local food economy, and why these techniques have endured for generations.

Additional Information

All workshops are led by Chris Mathieson, General Manager of the Grist Mill and Gardens Historic Site. Chris is an experienced heritage site interpreter, educator, and culinary leader with a passion for connecting people to history through hands‑on food experiences. These three‑hour sessions take place primarily outdoors—often under the shelter of our Summer Kitchen, in the historic Apple House, or elsewhere on the site—making use of our wood‑fired ovens, open‑fire pits, and other heritage‑inspired cooking equipment. Dress comfortably for the weather and be ready to roll up your sleeves.

Custom, private workshops can be arranged for groups, families, or special events—please inquire for details.

For these workshops, we’re offering a range of prices depending on your ability to pay. The more “Benefactor” tickets we sell, the more subsidized ones we can offer.

Series Description

For generations, the summer kitchen was the heart of domestic life during the hot months in the Similkameen Valley—a breezy, shaded space where meals were prepared, chores completed, and crafts undertaken in comfort. At the Grist Mill and Gardens, our own Summer Kitchen continues that tradition, hosting costumed volunteers baking treats, preserving food, or hand‑dipping candles, and occasionally transforming into a charming stage for our intimate summer concerts. This August, join us for a special series of three‑hour, hands‑on workshops celebrating the history, ingenuity, and community spirit of this space. Drawing on heritage cooking techniques, seasonal abundance, and the unique resources of our site, each session blends history with practical skills you can take home.