I am VERY EXCITED to announce that Kate McDermott, Pie Chef from ART OF THE PIE in Seattle will join me on the weekend of October 16th and 17th for a Walla Walla Bakes Weekend! Together we will be teaching the both the art of pie baking and bread baking. You can learn more about Kate by visiting her website www.artofthepie.com. Kate’s classes have been voted “Best Cooking Class in Seattle” for 2010″ by Seattle Weekly. She has received high accolades from such cooking greats as Ruth Reichl , Editor in Chief of Gourmet Magazine, Liz Pearson, Kitchen Director of Saveur Magazine, Beth Krucklauer, Senior Editor of Saveur Magazine and many more. I am truly honored to have her join me to help revive the art and fun of baking. In order to make sure that everyone gets all the attention they need or want, the classes will be limited to 4 people. Depending on demand we may be able to offer two sessions of the classes. Watch my blog and my class schedule to find out more details. You can also e-mail me to learn more about this fabulous weekend in Walla Walla. We are still in the planning stages so make sure you check back often to find out the details.

What Happened to July?

How did it get to be almost August? I sure don’t know. But I do know that I miss baking. I’ve been busy with family, friends and vacations; in general, having a great summer. But I must admit I’m really looking forward to August and the start up of my baking classes. I have some new classes scheduled- even one for kids. I am also teaching baking at the Community Center for Youth in Walla Walla. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Come enjoy the fun.

As May draws to an end I always find myself totally worn out. “What is making me so tired?” I complain to my husband. “Oh” I remember, “It is May.” Somehow these days, May seems to be like December. The end of the year teacher gifts, graduation gifts, wedding gifts, Mother’s Day gifts, and all the events that go with each of these special days. Phew! Then there are summer plans to be made. Arranging kids’ camp schedules, day care schedules, vacation schedules. Phew again! No wonder I feel the NEED TO KNEAD. There is something so comforting and relaxing about the rhythm of kneading bread dough. Whether you do it alone or with friends or family, it has a way of creating order in one’s life, slowing us down and giving us time to think. By the time I’m finished kneading dough for a recipe, even if I started in a huff, all is right with the world. I don’t really know how that happens but I’m sure that the NEED TO KNEAD is a real thing! Thank goodness for bread baking.

In anticipation of the arrival of my new foal I did not schedule any baking classes for the month of May. But after one week I realized once again how much I love sharing the fun of baking. I have decided to offer a bagel class on Saturday,May 15. This is my most popular class as it just seems like magic to see the bagels develop right in front of your eyes. You will take home lots of yummy, fresh bagels! You will also take home bagels that will rise in your fridge overnight to be ready to boil and bake on Sunday! Not only will you have a fabulous time making the bagels but you will be able to enjoy all the “oohs and aahs”  that you will receive when you serve your family the fresh, hot out of the oven, bagels. If I can get 4-6 people who want to come experience the magic I will have the class. You can contact me at neal@detourfarm.com if you are interested.

For me, spring is the time of new arrivals. The robins arrive, the white pelicans make the river their home, the osprey appear and baby animals arrive in the world. The predictable arrival of all these things helps to keep us humans grounded and aware of the mysteries that surround us every day. Yesterday, I had the honor of helping bring a new foal into the world. When I realized that the baby was going to arrive in the field, I just watched in awe. The little palomino colt arrived at 4:00 pm in the  nice lush field. Mom and baby are both doing great ! So what does this have to do with bread? Well my June classes have arrived and are posted on the website. (sort of a stretch, but…). Anyway check out the classes and come experience bread baking and meet our newest arrival, “Walking on Sunshine” ( Sunny).

Is it really all about the bread? Not in these classes! Of course it is always great to smell fresh baked bread and even better to taste that first bite of warm bread with just a bit of butter melting on it. But the surprising and even more exciting thing that happens in the bread baking classes is the energy, smiles and friendships that are created during the morning here at Detour Farm. Whether you know all the people or none of the people, somehow in that 4 hours,  bonds are formed- just like the bonds that form within the bread- (maybe I’m getting a bit philosophical). And yes you will taste some unbelievable bread and  yes you will take home some of your creations, but you will take home something way more lasting and good for you– friendship, laughter and smiles!

As many of you know, I have been baking bread for over 30 years. Most of that time I have been baking bread by myself. It not only fed my family but somehow it fed something deep inside me. I felt satisfied and somehow more complete. Now that I am sharing that experience with others by offering small classes, I’m noticing  that same feeling in the people who come to bake bread. There really is something magical about baking bread. Something that touches some primal need. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it is powerful and even addicting. My good friend, Carol Peterson, showed me a quote recently that may help explain this phenomenon. In his book, Baking Bread With Children, Warren Lee Cohen says, “To bake is to live-to share bread is to love.” You might want to come experience it for yourself. It is  truly something strange and wonderful.