Classes
Following is a list of current and upcoming classes. For more information, to register for a class, or to inquire about special group classes, please contact Neal at neal@detourfarm.com. All classes are held at Detour Farm in Lowden, WA. Take a look at Neal’s blog to see photos and posts about the farm, baking classes, and more.
After School Bread Baking
When: September 7, 4:00 pm
Cost: $200
This class will meet after school every Tuesday during September at Detour Farm in Lowden. Students must be between 14 and 18 years old. Students will learn the basics of baking bread by hand including proofing yeast, kneading dough, shaping the loaves and baking the bread. Each week students will take home samples of bread that they have baked. They will be encouraged to bake bread at least once during the week between classes. The students will learn how to shape loaves, boules, braids and bagels. Each class will include healthy snacks/light dinner and will conclude at 7:00 pm. This class is limited to 4 people. Since the first Tuesday in September is the first day of school for many people, we may have to schedule that first class for another day that week. Contact Neal at neal@detourfarm.com for more information
"Healthy Bread"
When: September 18, 9:00 am
Cost: $50
The title of the class is "Healthy Bread" but in my opinion all homemade bread is healthier than store bought bread. But this class will focus on whole grains, mixed rices, and interesting and unusual flavors. This class includes lunch to enjoy while on the porch, in the "secret place" or wherever you would like. You will go home with samples of all the bread we make plus a loaf to take home and bake in your own oven. This way you not only get to taste the bread but you will also get to smell the bread baking! There is nothing better on a crisp fall day. Contact Neal at neal@detourfarm.com for more information.
Bagels and Bagel Buttons
When: September 25, 9:00 am
Cost: $50
As many of you know, this is the most popular class I teach. I think it is so popular because you get to taste some unbelievably wonderful bagels but you also get to experience the whole process of making bagels and the magic that happens while they are in the oven. You will also take home a dozen bagels that will rise in your fridge overnight to be ready to boil and bake on Sunday morning. Come find out what bagel buttons are. I promise you will have a great morning. Contact Neal at neal@detourfarm.com for more information.
Baguettes and Apple Pie
When: October 16, 9:00 am
Cost: $200
I am VERY EXCITED to announce that Kate McDermott, Pie Maker 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 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. You will start your weekend at Detour Farm learning how to make authentic french baguettes. We will use the method taught by Richard Bertinet who is a world renown french baker who now lives and teaches in England. He is the author of two bread baking books, "Dough" and "Crust". He uses a very unusual method that is sure to surprise you. Before we go to a local orchard to pick apples for the pie, you will enjoy a simple lunch on the porch overlooking the Blue Mountains. After you have picked your apples you are free to enjoy the many wineries that Walla Walla has to offer (your fresh baguette will taste great with the wine) or explore the many shops and art galleries in downtown Walla Walla. On Sunday you will return to Detour Farm to learn how to make the most unbelievably delicious homemade apple pie. Kate is very excited to share her beautiful and delicious art with you. What a perfect way to spend a fall weekend. Arriving home with a freshly baked apple pie will be a treasured memory for your family and friends for sure. (If you can resist eating the pie until you get home) Space is limited so sign up early to make sure you get a spot. If you are coming from out of town contact me to find out what Bed and Breakfast Inns are offering discounts to those who are here for the baking weekend. This class is Full. Please contact me at neal@detourfarm.com if you would like to be placed on the waiting list or if you would like to be notified when another class is offered.