Farm & Garden Classes
General Information
Age: Classes are intended for participants 16 years and older unless otherwise noted. (Centennial Farm is open to the public, but we ask that you do not leave your children unattended on the farm.)
Location: Silo Building at Centennial Farm, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Cost: Fees for each class vary and are noted in the class description.
Refund Policy: NO refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class.
DECEMBER
Truffle Making – Cocoa Couture for Your Holiday Party!
Dec. 21
About the Class:
Calling all chocoholics! What could be better than making and eating chocolate? Let’s take your chocolate obsession to the next level with this hands-on class taught by chef Vina at Centennial Farm. You’ll learn about chocolate’s origin, how to make your ganache and decorate with gourmet toppings.
In this two-hour class, we’ll measure, melt, mix, chill and roll truffles made with fair-trade cacao chocolate and silky cream. It’s sure to be a delicious experience to share with your loved one, friend or coworker, and just in time for the holidays! We will also provide gift boxes and ribbons to pack your scrumptious treats!
When:
Saturday, Dec. 21
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Dec. 14
About the Speaker:
Vina DiBernardo is a certified chef and magna cum laude graduate of agriculture and food science from Cal Poly Pomona. She is a hospitality (culinary arts/baking and pastry) instructor at Coastline College in Orange County and is currently teaching at Orange County School of the Arts in the culinary arts & hospitality program. Vina also served as OC Fair’s culinary supervisor in 2021. Vina is passionate about fresh, local ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes.
Tools & materials:
$45 class fee covers ingredients and the use of equipment. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and closed-toed shoes are required.
Refund Policy:
There will be NO refunds for cancellations made within 4 days (96 hours) of the class, as supplies and ingredients will have been ordered. For cancellations made before the deadline, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.
Class Maximum:
20 participants
January
Greek Yogurt Masterclass: Culturing Creamy Goodness at Home
Jan. 11
About the Class:
Celebrate National Milk Day with this hands-on class and make your own creamy, probiotic-rich Greek yogurt with chef Vina! Discover how easy and fun it is to work with fresh milk and everyday dairy ingredients, while learning about the nutritional benefits of yogurt and its role in a healthy diet.
Chef Vina will also share her expert tips for pairing yogurt with California’s seasonal specialty crops by highlighting the vibrant flavors and fresh produce our state is known for. This class offers an opportunity to take home your own jar of homemade yogurt starter and ideas for creative pairings! Participants will work in pairs during the class, so grab a friend and reserve your spots today!
When:
Saturday, Jan. 11
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Jan. 6
About the Speaker:
Vina DiBernardo is a certified chef and magna cum laude graduate in agriculture and food science from Cal Poly Pomona. She is a hospitality instructor at Coastline College and the Orange County School of the Arts in the culinary arts & hospitality conservatory. Chef Vina also served as OC Fair’s culinary supervisor in 2021. Vina is passionate about fresh, local ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes.
Tools & materials:
$45 class fee covers ingredients and the use of equipment. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and closed-toed shoes are required.
Refund Policy:
There will be NO refunds for cancellations made within 4 days (96 hours) of the class, as supplies and ingredients will have been ordered. For cancellations made before the deadline, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.
Class Maximum:
20 participants
Branching Out: Beginner’s Guide to Grafting Fruit Trees
Jan. 18
About the Class:
Curious about grafting your fruit trees but unsure where to begin? This class will introduce you to the art and science of grafting, helping you determine which fruit trees can be grafted and which techniques are best suited for your situation. You’ll explore multiple grafting methods through a hands-on demonstration and learn the ideal timing for grafting different types of trees.
As a bonus, this class coincides with the California Rare Fruit Growers’ annual scion wood exchange beginning at 10 a.m. in the Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm. Plan to arrive before the class to explore this exciting event, connect with local fruit tree enthusiasts and expand your knowledge!
When:
Saturday, Jan. 18
Time:
Noon – 2 p.m.
RSVP online by Jan. 15
About the Speaker:
Isabel Barkman is a local gardening expert and has been a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc. since 1991. She is a former volunteer with the UCCE Orange County Master Gardener program. She has presented at numerous plant and gardening events and is a volunteer at the South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine. She also volunteers at Centennial Farm, focusing on caring for various fruit and deciduous trees.
Tools & materials:
$7 fee covers materials and any handouts.
Refund Policy:
There will be NO refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.
Class Maximum:
40 participants
February
Chocolate Bliss: A Valentine’s Truffle Making Class
Feb. 8
About the Class:
Join chef Vina at Centennial Farm for a delightful two-hour journey into chocolate making. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, you’ll learn to craft exquisite ganache, decorate with gourmet toppings and roll your own truffles with fair-trade cacao chocolate. We’ll provide gift boxes for your handmade treats. Indulge your chocolate passion and create delicious memories! This is the perfect experience to share with a loved one, friend or coworker. Plus, discover recommended pairings with locally grown California specialty crops for a healthy and flavorful addition to your chocolate creations.
When:
Saturday, Feb. 8
Time:
10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Feb. 3
About the Speaker:
Vina DiBernardo is a certified chef and magna cum laude graduate in agriculture and food science from Cal Poly Pomona. She is a hospitality instructor at Coastline College and the Orange County School of the Arts in the culinary arts & hospitality conservatory. Chef Vina also served as OC Fair’s culinary supervisor in 2021. Vina is passionate about fresh, local ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes.
Tools & materials:
$45 class fee covers ingredients and the use of equipment. Aprons are highly recommended. Tied-back hair and closed-toed shoes are required.
Refund Policy:
There will be NO refunds for cancellations made within 4 days (96 hours) of the class, as supplies and ingredients will have been ordered. For cancellations made before the deadline, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.
Class Maximum:
20 participants