I have two weeks of vacation left this year and I'd like nothing more than to take a bunch of baking classes to learn more techniques AND (hopefully) learn more about the business side.
King Arthur Flour has an "education center" in Vermont that is PERFECT...except practically EVERYTHING is already sold out. I don't want to take *a* class...if I'm going to travel somewhere I want to invest some serious time and energy.
Is there anywhere else that has something similar?
https://apps.jwu.edu/chefschoice/clt/resultsections.aspx
Like all classes such as this they are expensive and sell out quickly. Good luck and hope this helps.
The Science of Bread Instructor: Emily Buehler https://classes.folkschool.org/class_details.aspx?pk=15078 Home bakers - if you desire a deeper understanding of bread-making and improved techniques, join us to fully examine each step of the process. Beginning with a basic white dough, we'll cover bread science, preferments and recipe structure, mixing, fermentation/rising, shaping, proofing, and baking. Then try these essential steps on new doughs, such as a wet ciabatta or whole wheat. Some bread-baking experience recommended. Buy her book if you don't already have it - it's a must have http://www.twobluebooks.com/index.php a better price directly through Emily
Baking Traditional Breads Instructor: Carla Owen https://classes.folkschool.org/class_details.aspx?pk=15491 Investigate European and American bread making from the simplest, leanest rustic loaves to rich celebration breads. Sourdough and sweet breads, wild and baker's yeasts, black bread and white bread - bake them all using specialized tools, variations, and traditional decorations that make them authentic or personal. Bake in woodfired bread ovens and learn to use home ovens to get hearth-bread results. All levels welcome.
https://classes.folkschool.org/Browse.aspx check the box for cooking classes
www.sfbi.com has weeklong workshops - http://www.sfbi.com/workshops.html.
I would definitely recommend the San Francisco Baking institute. Their week long courses are amazing.
I only could dream of going to SFBI for their classes. But the cost is out of my range. Flight, room, food, course cost adds up fast. That's why the King Auther and the ones in Charlotte are more reachable.
Has anyone gone to KAF in Vermont? If so...how did you travel?
I'm coming from Charlotte, NC and can't find an airport near them!
I looked at Johnson and Wales...they have more cooking than baking classes...and the prices are extreem.
KAF was so desirable because a whole week would cost about $500...versus $2,500 at J&W...
My sister and I took an "all things bread" trip by car just about 1 year ago, stopping at operating grain mills, bread bakeries, etc. that we could find from SC through the VA's, PA to NY (we stopped at Bread Alone in the Catskills) and then looping back along the east coast. KAF was a stop on our list (we did not take a class - maybe next time) and although they were undergoing some major construction, it was one of the high points. I realize if you take a class at KAF, it will be a destination trip but if you have the extra time, there's a lot of bread related spots to see between the south up through to the New England area. As far as the KAF area, great B&B's, restaurants, and you're just across the river from Dartmouth College. Vermont is also Gerard Rubaud area!
This looks to be the closest airport via Boston if you can get a flight out of Charlotte:
Lebanon Airport LEB (Lebanon, NH)
About 5 miles, or 15 minutes driving time, from campus
Cape Air connects to Lebanon to Boston. To get to Dartmouth from Lebanon Airport:
oops, see below
The Manchester NH (http://www.flymanchester.com/) airport is about 1 hour from Lebanon. Rte 293 to 93N to 89N. I suspect there may be bus routes to Lebanon (or even, look at the Dartmouth website to see how they advise people to travel - it's nearby. Or, perhaps better, see if the school has such advice.)
Manchester will get you an hour or more further north than Boston, plus much less hassle and traffic.
Regards,
Tom C