The lectures will both take place at Medford Leas.
Medford Leas welcomes guests to become connoisseurs of chocolate and beer this spring with two upcoming lectures. Much more than guilty pleasures, both chocolate and beer are carefully crafted so that even the most refined palettes can enjoy the intricacies of their flavors.
Two guest speakers at Medford Leas this March will talk about how each are made, in addition to other details that will help consumers become more informed when they reach for their next sweet or pint.
Melissa Crandley, owner of MECHA in Haddon Township, will host the lecture “Chocolate: Give into that Craving and Learn the Basics” on Friday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Here, guests will explore what makes chocolate appealing to so many. They will even get to sample some of Crandley’s confections.
Crandley promises a lecture that not only provides tips for cooking with chocolate, including infusing chocolate desserts with various natural ingredients, but one that also makes attendees feel good about eating a creation. She will cover the range of health benefits associated with eating dark chocolate.
“Chocolate comes from cocoa, which is a tree. That makes it a plant. Chocolate is salad,” Crandley said.
Crandley’s lecture is free, but participants must register by Friday, March 17.
Bill Grossman, the principal librarian of the Philadelphia Orchestra whose world travels have enhanced his interest in beer and brewing, will host the lecture “Colonial Brewing Practices in the 17th and 18th centuries” on Monday, March 27 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Grossman will share the captivating history of brewing as well as tips as an accomplished home brewer.
In his lecture, Grossman will begin with a look at 17th and 18th century British brewing styles. His history lesson will include how early settlers were influenced by their dependency on fermented beverages, a necessary alternative to tainted water supplies in England. They brought with them a great appreciation for alcoholic beverages, a perspective derived from a long brewing tradition, founded in folk wisdom, herbal pharmacopoeia and religious practices by various churches.
Grossman’s hobby of home brewing begins in his very own organic garden. He will share his own experiences with brewing as well as discuss the steady growth of micro and nano brewing and how such diversification within the beer industry over the years has increased interest and pleasure in enjoying a pint of beer.
“We are in the middle of a brewing revolution with the revitalization of craft brewing,” explains Grossman. Audience members will get an inside look into this revolution through Grossman’s extensive knowledge.
Grossman’s lecture is also free, but participants must register by Friday, March 24.
Both lectures are offered as part of the Medford Leas Spring 2017 Pathways to Learning Program. They both take place in the Medford Leas Campus Theater.
For a full listing of lectures and programs, or to register for a program, visit www.medfordleas.org or call (609) 654–3588.
