Learn the art of sourdough baking in Oshawa with Melina of ‘Sourdough Simplified.’ This beginner-friendly workshop equips you with everything from starter care to scoring techniques, setting you up to bake your own crusty loaf at home.
Learn the art of sourdough baking in Oshawa with Melina of ‘Sourdough Simplified.’ This beginner-friendly workshop equips you with everything from starter care to scoring techniques, setting you up to bake your own crusty loaf at home.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site
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Operated by Parkwood National Historic Site · Oshawa, Ontario
In the heart of Oshawa, Ontario, the Beginner Sourdough Workshop led by Melina of ‘Sourdough Simplified’ offers an inviting gateway into the rewarding craft of sourdough baking. Set within the cozy Carriage House, this two-hour workshop is carefully designed for those taking their first step into the world of naturally leavened bread, transforming flour, water, and time into deeply flavorful loaves fresh from your own oven.
Oshawa, an industrial city just east of Toronto, brims with a mix of urban charm and welcoming community spaces. This workshop stands out as a unique hands-on experience where participants not only learn essential techniques but also discover the science and rhythm behind creating and sustaining a healthy sourdough starter. Melina's approach strips away the intimidation often associated with sourdough, making it accessible to novices eager to bake bread bursting with character.
What makes this workshop particularly special is the comprehensive kit you receive: ripe, organic starter cultures, a dehydrated starter for safekeeping, a proofing basket, bowl, and scoring blade. Beyond just a class, it’s a full starter kit that supports your baking journey from the first rise to the day you proudly pull your own crusty loaf from the oven. The lessons embrace not only technique but also maintenance—learning to feed your starter and keep it thriving indefinitely.
The workshop is hosted inside a space that is wheelchair accessible, welcoming a diverse group of up to 40 participants. Whether you're a complete beginner or seeking to refine your baking skills, the friendly, hands-on format ensures you leave with both knowledge and confidence. Plus, sampling sourdough along the way adds a delicious incentive to master the craft.
Parking in the area can be tight, so organizers encourage carpooling, and additional parking options nearby mean no hassle for your visit. Located in Oshawa, this workshop offers a refreshing break from the city’s industrial pace and an opportunity to connect with local culinary culture in a meaningful way.
From the evolving wild yeast ecosystems managed in your starter to the satisfying crackle of a perfect crust, this beginner sourdough class enriches your connection to food and tradition. Ideal for anyone curious about baking or seeking a new hobby that is both practical and creatively fulfilling, this workshop is a standout experience in Oshawa’s local scene and a must for bread lovers craving to master the art of sourdough.
easy.
2 hours.
No physical fitness required; suitable for all ages 13 and up.
No prior experience is necessary; the workshop is designed for complete beginners.
Yes, you receive both a ripe organic starter and a dehydrated starter to maintain at home.
Yes, the Carriage House venue is wheelchair accessible.
Groups are capped at 40 participants to ensure a personal learning experience.
You can refrigerate the dough to bake within a few days, but prompt baking yields best results.
Onsite parking is limited; carpooling and nearby parking options are recommended.
Oshawa’s Carriage House reflects the city’s heritage, linking culinary traditions to local history.
Participants are encouraged to minimize waste and bring reusable containers to reduce environmental impact.
Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, Ontario preserves a rich cultural setting and offers a broad calendar of public programming that blends historic interpretation with hands-on experiences. The site presents guided tours and interpreted performances such as Servants' Tours and themed walks, alongside practical workshops in crafts, food, and floral design. Programming includes seasonal markets like Retro Fest Vendor Market and Winter Fest Vendor Market, community-focused events such as Parkwood Christmas Tours and The Way Home Film Location Bus Tour, and creative workshops covering stained glass, candle making, holiday wreaths, pottery, perfume making, and culinary demonstrations. Several workshops are taught by named instructors or partners noted in event listings — for example, stained glass sessions led by Emilie Shipman-Wight and Meghan Murphy and perfume-making presented by Dakaari Fragrance House. Parkwood also stages horticultural programs in its greenhouses, including floral arrangement workshops and guided garden tours led by site staff. Parkwood’s event listings show a mix of ticketed and free events and seasonal sell-outs, reflecting active community engagement. The site's public programs combine interpretive tours with hands-on learning opportunities across craft, food, horticulture, and holiday-themed experiences. All descriptions and event listings are presented in third person and reflect the programming and partnerships publicly listed for Parkwood National Historic Site.
Book with Parkwood National Historic Site