Do I need to pay for this class?

No. This class is free and open to the public, thanks to grant support for the UC Master Food Preserver Online Delivery Program.

Who can attend these classes?

While our primary focus is serving California residents, anyone is welcome to join. Classes are free, beginner-friendly, and open to all skill levels. Each class stands on its own—you don’t need to attend both.

Will the class be recorded? Can I get the recipes presented?

Yes. The class will be recorded and shared with registrants after the event. Recipe handouts and resource links are also available.

Are the recipes safe?

Yes. We only teach USDA- and University of California-approved recipes that follow current research-based guidelines for safe home food preservation.

Do I need to bring supplies?

No supplies are required during the live class. Recipe handouts and resource links are available after the session, if you’d like to try them on your own.

Can I ask questions during the class?

Yes! Classes include time for Q&A with UC Master Food Preserver Online Delivery volunteers.

Do I need prior knowledge or experience?

Not at all. Our classes are beginner-friendly and open to all skill levels. Each class is independent, so you can take just one or enjoy the whole series. No prerequisites required.

Sunday, October 26

Spooky Fridge Pickles: Eye of Newt Cukes, Cauldron Carrots & More

By UC Master Food Preservers Online

Conjure up spooky, safe fridge pickles! Learn quick Halloween recipes for “Eye of Newt” cukes, “Brains” cauliflower & “Cauldron” carrots.

Date and time

Location

Online

Good to know

Highlights

1 hour
Online

About this event

Food & Drink • Food

Something crunchy this way comes… 🎃

This Halloween season, we invite you to embrace the practical magic of home food preservation and delve into the art of quick refrigerator pickles.

Spooky Fridge Pickles: Eye of Newt Cukes, Cauliflower Brains & Cauldron Carrots is a free, live online class presented by volunteers of the University of California Master Food Preserver Online Delivery Program. We’ll explore the creative freedom and unique textures possible when stocking your own spooky fridge—while learning the key safety differences between refrigerator pickling and traditional shelf-stable canning.

Together we’ll conjure up three delightfully eerie creations:

Classic “Eye of Newt” cucumber pickles with dill and mustard seed
Vibrant “Frankenstein’s Brains” cauliflower with ginger in a golden turmeric brine
Sweet and spicy “Cauldron Carrots” with fiery jalapeños

Join us to learn how to transform the autumn bounty into wonderfully weird, safe-to-eat pickles perfect for your seasonal celebrations.

Learning Outcomes of the Class

By the end of this class, participants will be able to:

Prepare and safely make refrigerator pickles.
Understand proper vinegar, salt, and spice ratios for food safety.
Apply approved methods for storing and enjoying refrigerator pickles.
Create spooky, seasonal pickles that are as safe as they are tasty.

Key Features of the Class

Free, live Zoom class with UC Master Food Preservers Online.
Step-by-step instructions with recipe handouts available.
Live Q&A with trained volunteers.
Research-based, food safety–focused methods only.

Requirements

No prior experience needed.
No supplies required—watch, learn, and use the resources later.

Who Is This Class For?

Home cooks interested in quick, colorful refrigerator pickles.
Beginners curious about safe, research-based preservation methods.
Anyone who loves Halloween fun and wants to use seasonal vegetables safely.

📌 This class is part of the UC Master Food Preserver Online Delivery Program, bringing safe, research-based food preservation education on specialty crops to Californians—and beyond.

Photo credit:

Pickled cucumbers with dill - H. Shaw

Pickled cauliflower (with blue garlic) - P. Weisskirch

Organized by

UC Master Food Preservers Online

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