Try your hand at baking desserts, pastries, and breads with these five classes around the Hudson Valley.Â
Baking is such a relaxing pastime. Especially in the warmer months as seasonal produce becomes available, baking pastries, pies, bread, or tarts (sweet or savory) with Hudson Valley fresh produce is sure to tickle the taste buds. Whether you are an advanced baker and want to pick up some new skills or need all the help you can get when it comes to baking, these five Hudson Valley classes are perfect for you.
*Please note, all classes require online registration prior to the event.
Intro to Sourdough
Gather Culinary – Yonkers (Other classes offered in home and online in Westchester County)Â
May 9, 6:30 p.m. Â
This in-person class is for those who want to start making sourdough bread at home. Arnie Adler, the Bread Baker of Riverdale (and self-taught baker), will guide you through the 36-hour process of making a sourdough loaf in a two-hour class. The class will be hands-on, and each student will get their own container of sourdough starter and a bag of dough to bake at home. Printed handouts will be given as well, so you can follow the process step-by-step. Class is limited to eight people. Â
Crostadas, Galettes, Freeform Tarts With Mimi Beaven
Hillsdale General Store & HGS Home Chef – HillsdaleÂ
June 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.Â
Whatever you want to call them (Italians say crostata, the French say galettes, and the British say freeform tarts), these baked goods are rustic and perfect for any occasion. Chef Mimi Beaven will start the class by demonstrating how to make a sweet and savory pastry. Then she will show you how to take that pastry and finish it off with fillings of sweet and savory (vegetarian) local produce. The class is limited to 10 participants.
Italian Bakery Class
Gió Culinary Studio – AlbanyÂ
May 18, 6:15 p.m.Â
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make authentic Italian pastries? This class by Chef Gió will teach you to make delicious Italian treats at home. From cannoli to pasticiotti, zeppole di San Giuseppe, and various creams, fillings, and doughs, you will have the perfect dessert to follow Sunday dinner. This hands-on experience will teach you to make everything from scratch, with the use of traditional and professional techniques.
Chef Du Jour Class – American DessertsÂ
Ulster Adult Career Education Center – Port EwenÂ
May 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m.Â
In this class, learn how to make delicious American desserts from around the country. Chef Elise Macur will walk you through the process of making perfect cheesecakes, banana puddings, hummingbird cakes, and more regionally acclaimed desserts. All class participants are required to wear a hair covering and bring an apron. You must be 18 years of age or older to register for this class.
Pies and Tarts
Culinary Institute of America – Hyde ParkÂ
June 10, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.Â
Pie can be a challenge to bake, so this class can help you learn the skills to make a perfect pie every time. A CIA chef instructor will teach you tips and techniques to prepare flaky pie and tart doughs. You will also learn how to make sweet and savory fillings, as well as a variety of crimping techniques for the crust. At this time, you can sign up to be on the waiting list for this class. Â
Related: Sweetie Pies Does Homemade Pop Tarts in the Hudson Valley