Chicago Locavores and Leena Trevedi-Grenier (leenaeats.com) are putting together some canning classes/parties, starting in September when we all are most anxious to store up summer's bounty. There will be a small fee to pay for supplies, but everyone will get to go home with some jars of pickles, jams, fruit butters, and whatever else is on the menu! Currently, the first class is scheduled for:

Saturday, September 20th

Since this is still in the initial stages of planning, we are trying to get an idea of the interest level for this event. We would like to keep the class small (no more than 10 people), but if there are more people than that who are interested we may add a second date on Sunday, September 21st.

If you are interested in learning to can and would like to attend, please fill out this short form to let us know and we will be sure to keep you in the loop!

Well folks,

The August newsletter has gone out, chock full of interviews, tips, recipes, updates, and more. For those of you that aren't subscribed, the web version should be available within the next week or so. Be sure to check out our featured interviews this month:

• Homegrown Wisconsin - an interview with Katrina, CSA Coordinator
• Newleaf Natural Grocery - an interview with Karen, grocery owner
• Mado - an interview with Rob, restaurant owner
• Herbally Yours - an interview with a vinegar/herb producer

Cheers!

Pasta Puttana is a new local pasta maker using 100% organic ingredients. Recently, True Nature Foods announced that they will be carrying their products:

"Pasta Puttana is a local Chicago company providing you with fresh, hand crafted pasta. 100% organic, and local ingredients including herbs and Country Cottage Farm eggs. Available flavors: Seasonal Herb Taglietelle, Fiery Red Chile Linguine, White Wine Taglietelle, Golden Egg Paparadelle."

Also, Pasta Puttana will now be selling at the Green City Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Be sure to go check them out!

We just wanted to pass on the information for the Eat Local Challenge website, which every year encourages people to see how much local food they can eat for 30 days. For those of you thinking of starting to eat more locally, this is a great way to jump right into the fray and connect with other people who are doing the same thing!