Step into a partial hands-on culinary experience centered around the beauty and versatility of mushrooms, in partnership with Elaine, owner and director of Heartland Organics—a local farm known for growing organic, nutrient-dense mushrooms right here in Western New York.
This class is designed to help you learn all about mushrooms —teaching you how to select, prepare, and bring out their rich, savory depth in everyday cooking.
Together, we’ll create two seasonal plant-based dishes that highlight different varieties and techniques, while learning how to incorporate mushrooms into your routine in a way that feels approachable and delicious.
This is a partially hands-on experience, allowing you to both observe and participate—so you leave feeling confident, inspired, and ready to cook.
What You’ll Learn
How to properly clean, store, and prepare different mushroom varieties
Cooking techniques that bring out rich flavor and ideal texture
Two approachable, seasonal recipes you can recreate at home
Simple ways to incorporate mushrooms into your weekly cooking routine
From Farm to Kitchen (with Heartland Organics)
How mushrooms are grown locally
The difference between common and specialty mushroom varieties
Why organic growing practices matter for flavor and nutrition
How freshness impacts taste, texture, and cooking results
Tips for sourcing high-quality mushrooms and what to look for when buying
Wellness Benefits of Mushrooms
How mushrooms support immune health and overall resilience
The role of mushrooms in brain health, focus, and cognitive support
Why mushrooms are a powerful source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
An introduction to functional mushrooms and their health benefits
INSTRUCTOR: Ciara + Susan of HER Kitchen and Elaine of Heartland Organics
CLASS TYPE: Partial Hands-On
PRICE: $65/person
ABOUT HEARTLAND ORGANICS…
Located in the heart of Niagara County, NY, our farm was founded in the early 1800s. Although it is gone now, for decades the family’s business, Fink’s Flower Shop and Greenhouse, was a staple for countless local families.
In 2017, director Elaine Barnett restored her family’s farm and renamed it Heartland Organics. The farm’s new focus is on certified organic specialty mushrooms and vegetables (in season), and carries on the tradition of fresh, cut flowers (also in season).
At Heartland Organics, there are big plans underway to help us become a stand-out locale for organic food production. Restoration has begun on a century-old building to house and grow specialty mushrooms year-round. A second building, which used to be a second generation flower shop, has now been converted into our store. We kept the main structure of the building and took the time to renovate and restore as much as we could. The cooler in the store is the original flower shop cooler and many other aspects of our past generations proudly stand out on the farm
