Master Artisan Baking in Chicago: 4-Week Boot Camp with Baker Bettie
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours per session
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages 16+
Overview
Join chef Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman in Chicago for a 4-week baking boot camp designed to elevate your skills from quick breads to artisan loaves. Perfect for beginners looking to master the craft and take home delicious creations.
Baking Boot Camp with Baker Bettie (4-week series)
4-Week Class | Great for Beginners | Ages 16+
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About This Adventure
Join chef Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman for an immersive 4-week baking boot camp, where you'll master essential techniques and recipes. From quick breads to artisan yeast loaves, each session offers hands-on learning and delicious creations to take home. Perfect for aspiring bakers eager to elevate their skills!
Join chef instructor Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman for this 4-week baking boot camp!
Duration
- 3 hours every Wednesday evening beginning on February 4
February 2026 Session Dates: February 4, 11, 18, & 25; 6-9PM
About
Each week, participants will learn mixing methods, ingredient functions, classic baking techniques, approachable baking science, and master recipes that can be used for endless variations.
Topics and recipes covered in this baking boot camp include:
Week 1: Quick Breads
-Mise en place
-Function of ingredients in baking recipes
-Importance of ingredient and baking temperatures
-Quick bread mixing methods
-Flaky buttermilk biscuits
-Fudgey brownies
-Drop Cookies (Create your own flavor!)
Week 2: Cake Baking 101 -Function of eggs in baking -Cake mixing method -Buttercream frosting -Basic cake icing & piping
Week 3: Pies & Pastries -Function of fat in baking -How steam works as leavening -Perfect pie crust -Rough puff pastry -Fruit Pies -Cream cheese danish
Week 4: Yeast Breads -What yeast is and how it functions -Lean dough master recipe -Enriched dough master recipe -Function of gluten in baking -How to knead dough by hand -Rustic artisan boule -Dinner rolls -Chocolate babka
Students will take home the baked goods they make in class.
More Info
- This boot camp is for ages 16+.
- All tickets are priced per person as we keep our classes small.
- All tickets are final sale and non-refundable or transferable to another date. If you are unable to attend after purchase, you may gift your ticket to a friend.
- Allergens & dietary restrictions: This class includes wheat, dairy, and eggs. Please note that our kitchen regularly uses most major allergens.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Prepared
Bring an apron and note-taking materials to maximize your experience during hands-on sessions.
Ask Questions
Baker Bettie encourages curiosity—don’t hesitate to clarify steps or techniques during class.
Practice Patience
Baking takes time—respect proofing and resting times for best results.
Use Local Ingredients
Incorporate local Midwest flour and dairy for authentic flavors and peak freshness.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- City pigeons
- Urban squirrels
History
Chicago’s culinary roots include a long tradition of bread baking influenced by its diverse immigrant communities.
Conservation
The boot camp emphasizes using sustainable, locally sourced ingredients to support regional farmers and reduce environmental impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Apron
Protects your clothing during mixing and baking.
Notebook and Pen
Helps record recipes, tips, and personal notes.
Closed-Toe Shoes
Provides safety and comfort in the kitchen environment.
Storage Containers
Useful for bringing home baked goods safely.