Master the Art of Sourdough Baking with Baker Bettie in Chicago
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness needed; suitable for all ages 16+ with general mobility.
Overview
Discover sourdough baking hands-on with Baker Bettie in Chicago. Learn starter maintenance, baking techniques, and enjoy fresh sourdough pizza in this engaging vegan-friendly workshop.
Sourdough for Beginners with Baker Bettie
Workshop | Naturally Vegan | Ages 16+
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About This Adventure
Join head chef Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman for a hands-on sourdough workshop where you'll master the art of sourdough baking. Learn to create delicious loaves, maintain starters, and adapt recipes, all while enjoying freshly made sourdough pizza for lunch. Take home your own baked loaf and essential baking tools!
Join head chef instructor Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman for an in-depth understanding of basic sourdough theory and techniques. Sourdough pizza is included for lunch.
Duration
4 hours
About
Participants will learn:
- All about sourdough starters
- How to maintain a sourdough starter
- How to adapt a sourdough master recipe
- The process of creating a sourdough loaf from start to finish
- How to make a rustic boule (round loaf) from start to finish
- How to adapt dough to fit your schedule
- How to create tension when shaping dough
- Baking methods
- How to use sourdough discard
Each participant will take home:
- Learning materials with detailed notes
- A jar of sourdough starter
- A loaf of sourdough baked in class
- Dough made during class to take home and bake later in the week
- A stainless steel bowl (to take dough home in), bench knife, and bowl scraper
More Info
- This class 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: Sourdough is naturally vegan but lunch is not. Please let us know if you are vegan and we will have an alternative for you. This class includes wheat. Please note that our kitchen regularly uses most major allergens.
Adventure Tips
Bring a notebook
Jot down recipes and starter care tips to perfect your sourdough journey at home.
Arrive prepared to get hands-on
Wear comfortable clothing that can handle some flour dust and kneading action.
Ask questions
This is a great opportunity to clarify techniques tailored to your kitchen setup.
Take home your starter
Ensure your starter kit stays cool and contained during transit to keep it healthy.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons commonly found around Chicago’s parks where the workshop is located
- Squirrel sightings in nearby green spaces during breaks
History
Chicago has a rich immigrant baking heritage that informs its artisanal bread culture, with sourdough gaining popularity as the city’s food scene diversifies.
Conservation
Baker Bettie emphasizes sustainable ingredients and waste reduction by encouraging home baking and natural fermentation without preservatives.
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Adventure Hotspots in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Apron
Protect your clothes during mixing and kneading flour and dough.
Notebook and pen
Helpful for recording recipes, tips, and starter care instructions.
Reusable container or bread bag
For safely transporting your freshly baked loaf and starter kit home.
Comfortable shoes
You will be standing for several hours, so wear supportive footwear.