Microbial Makeover Special Topic Workshops
Our Special Topic workshops offer participants the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge and expertise. While our full-day Fundamentals workshop provides an overview of the microbiota in health and disease, as well as the fundamentals of the Microbial Makeover and the SEED Strategy, Special Topic workshops focus on techniques, methodologies, or specific fields of study. Special Topic workshops are typically 3-hour events, but some topics may be offered in a full-day format. Pricing will vary due to the differing supplies and take-home materials that may be provided.
Microbial Makeover's Fermentation Fundamentals
This 2-hour workshop will teach you all you need to know about lactic acid bacteria and how to use them to make delectable, probiotic, fermented dishes. Guided by our culinary expert Tasha Alison, you’ll observe demonstrations of the process of making not only scrumptious lactofermented vegetable dishes like sauerkraut and kimchi, but also delicious homemade yogurt and kefir. Dr. Steve Fountain will also provide background information on microbes and our microbiota, insight into the science behind lactofermentation, as well as its place in the Microbial Makeover’s SEED Strategy. This informative workshop combines entertaining presentations and demonstrations with tastings of a variety of probiotic samplings. You’ll also take home useful recipes and have the opportunity to purchase some of the materials you’ll need to get started fermenting at home right away.
Microbial Makeover's Microbes, Mood and Memory
Do microbes really affect the way we think, feel and act? This fascinating 2-hour workshop looks at the relationships between the gut and the brain, the interactions between microbes and neurotransmitters, and the ways that we can positively affect our moods and cognitive functioning by targeting our microbiomes. Yogurts and other delicious probiotic goodies will also be provided for tasting.
Microbial Makeover's Make it with Milk: Yogurt and Kefir
Dairy-based ferments like yogurt and kefir are not only delicious and healthful, but they’re also easy to make at home! Join us for a 2-hour hands-on workshop where you will learn the skills you need, and you’ll take home the cultures you need to get started right away. We’ll also explore the health benefits of dairy-based ferments, and share creative and delicious recipes. And as always, there will be tasty samples.
Microbial Makeover's Microbes and Metabolism: Obesity and Diabetes
Diet-related illnesses like obesity and diabetes are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK today. What does the research show about the influence of microbes on the development and progression of disease, and how might lifestyle changes affect these conditions through their effects on microbes? Find out the answers to these questions and more at this informative and fascinating workshop, presented by Steve Fountain, MD, PhD. And as always, there will be yummy probiotic samples for tasting.
Microbial Makeover's Festive Ferments
Ferments are a delicious, nutritious part of a healthy lifestyle, and the holiday season is a great time to add more microbial goodness to your menu! Join Steve & Tasha of Microbial Makeover as we share recipes and ideas that will help you integrate delicious probiotic-packed ferments into your holiday meals--from sweet to savoury, dishes and drinks! And as always, there will be tasty probiotic samples.
Microbial Makeover's LAB-Work: Lactofermentation in Practice
This 3-hour, fully hands-on workshop will teach you all you need to know about lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and how to use them to make delicious, probiotic, lactofermented dishes. Guided by our expert Tasha Alison, you’ll learn—and do—every step in the process of making two scrumptious dishes: kimchi and lactofermented seasonal vegetables. As if that weren’t enough, you’ll also get to take them home with you! During the workshop, Dr. Steve Fountain will also provide insight into the science behind lactofermentation, and its place in the Microbial Makeover’s SEED Strategy.
Microbial Makeover's Drink Up: Probiotic Beverages
Kombucha, kvass, fire cider, lacto-lemonade, lactofermented ginger ale and more! These beverages are not only exotic, delicious and nutritious, but they’re a great alternative to alcoholic drinks as well. Join us for a tasting workshop where you’ll learn how to make all these yummy fermented drinks, explore their health benefits, and take home a complete kombucha kit with everything you need to get a batch brewing at home.