Our Classes

Join us at Gathering Grains Farm for a delightful and educational bread baking experience. Secure your spot today and unleash your baking potential with expert guidance from Dianne Kressin!

Fundamentals of Bread - Beginner Level Class

Overview: Join us for a delightful and hands-on introductory class designed for individuals eager to delve into the art of bread baking. This 6-hour session focuses on the fundamental principles of bread-making, providing you with the knowledge and skills essential for more advanced techniques. From understanding ingredients to mastering dough handling, this class is your gateway to the joy of crafting your own delicious bread.

What You'll Learn:

  1. Introduction to Ingredients:

    • Explore the role of key ingredients in bread baking.

    • Understand the significance of flour types, yeast, water, and salt.

  2. Hands-on Techniques:

    • Engage in the entire bread-making process.

    • Gain practical experience in mixing, kneading, and shaping dough.

  3. Bread Types:

    • Make a classic white sandwich loaf using a poolish.

    • Create wheat dinner rolls using the straight dough method.

    • Craft a flavorful yeasted focaccia.

  4. Dough Development:

    • Learn the stages of dough development and fermentation.

    • Understand the impact of fermentation on flavor and texture.

  5. Shaping Techniques:

    • Master the art of shaping different types of bread.

    • Explore decorative and functional shaping methods.

Class Details:

  • Duration: 6 hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

  • Included: Light lunch featuring freshly baked bread.

  • Takeaway: Your own loaf of sandwich bread and rolls.

Registration:

  • Individual Price: $99

  • Group Discount: Register as a group of 6 and receive a 10% discount.

Limited Availability: To ensure a personalized experience, each class is limited to 6 persons. Reserve your spot early to guarantee your spot in this immersive bread-making journey.

Note: Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or allergies when registering.

Embark on a culinary adventure and uncover the secrets behind the perfect loaf of bread. Register now to secure your place in our Fundamentals of Bread class!

Cinnamon Rolls & Dinner Rolls – Beginner Level Class

Unlock the secrets of delightful cinnamon rolls and flavorful dinner rolls in this hands-on beginner level class. Led by experienced instructor DianneKressin, you'll dive into the foundational rules of bread making, gaining practical skills and knowledge that will elevate your baking expertise.

What You'll Learn:

  1. Perfecting Cinnamon Rolls:

    • Craft delicious cinnamon rolls with just the right balance of sweetness.

    • Master the art of making soft, gooey cinnamon rolls from scratch.

  2. Incredible Dinner Rolls:

    • Create dinner rolls that are not only flavorful but also versatile.

    • Learn the techniques for shaping and baking perfect dinner rolls.

  3. Cream Cheese Frosting Mastery:

    • Discover the secrets behind the perfect cream cheese frosting.

    • Learn how to use it not only for your rolls but also for other favorite desserts.

  4. Hands-On Experience:

    • Engage in the entire process of making cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, and crescent rolls.

    • Take home the delicious rolls you create during the class.

Class Details:

  • Duration: 4 hours

  • Time Options: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Price: $79 per person

  • Group Discount: Register as a group of 6 and receive a 10% discount.

Registration Information:

  • Classes are limited to 6 persons for a personalized experience.

  • Secure your spot by gathering a group of 6 and enjoy a 10% discount.

Join us for a morning or afternoon of baking bliss, and take home not only new skills but also the delicious rolls you create! Reserve your spot now and embark on a culinary adventure with Gathering Grains Farm.

Whole Grain Baking – Intermediate Level Class

Elevate your baking skills and embrace the nutritional goodness of whole grains in this intermediate level class. Led by seasoned instructor DianneKressin, this 4-hour session delves into the world of fresh-milled wheat and other grains, offering a unique opportunity to create nutrient-dense and delicious breads and baked goods.

What You'll Learn:

  1. Whole Grain Benefits:

    • Understand the nutritional advantages of baking with fresh-milled wheat and other whole grains.

    • Explore the diverse vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and phytochemicals they offer.

  2. Sourcing and Milling:

    • Learn the art of sourcing and milling whole grains for optimal freshness.

    • Understand proper storage techniques to preserve the integrity of your grains.

  3. Dough Development Techniques:

    • Experience the 2-stage sponge technique for robust dough development.

    • Master the art of proper kneading, mixing, shaping, and baking with 100% whole grains.

  4. Bread and Scones Creation:

    • Craft a 100% wheat bread that is both hearty and flavorful.

    • Create delectable whole grain scones that showcase the versatility of whole grains.

Class Details:

  • Duration: 4 hours (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

  • Includes: Light lunch featuring wholesome ingredients.

  • Takeaway: Your own loaf of Honey Wheat Bread and a selection of scones.

Price:

  • $94 per person

  • Group Discount: Register as a group of 6 and receive a 10% discount.

Registration Information:

  • Classes are limited to 6 persons for personalized instruction.

  • Enjoy a 10% group discount when registering as a group of 6.

Important Notes:

  • This is an intermediate level class; prior experience in bread baking or completion of a beginner level class is recommended.

Embark on a flavorful journey with whole grains and hone your skills in creating nutrient-rich, delicious baked goods. Register now and join us for a morning of wholesome baking at Gathering Grains Farm!

Introduction to Sourdough Breads – Intermediate Level Class

Embark on the exciting journey of sourdough bread baking with our hands-on intermediate level class. Led by experienced instructor Dianne Kressin, this 3-hour session is designed for individuals eager to dive into the basics of sourdough without feeling overwhelmed. Discover the art of creating our signature soft-crusted Sourdough Sandwich Loaf and gain valuable skills in sourdough maintenance, levain building, gluten development, shaping, and more.

What You'll Learn:

  1. Sourdough Starter Mastery:

    • Learn how to feed and maintain a sourdough starter.

    • Understand the crucial role of a healthy starter in sourdough baking.

  2. Levain Building Techniques:

    • Master the art of building the levain for your sourdough recipe.

    • Explore the science behind creating a robust and flavorful levain.

  3. Gluten Development:

    • Engage in mixing, stretching, and folding techniques for optimal gluten development.

    • Understand the importance of gluten in achieving the perfect texture.

  4. Shaping and Baking:

    • Learn the art of shaping sourdough bread to bake in a loaf pan.

    • Gain insights into the baking process for a beautifully crafted Sourdough Sandwich Loaf.

  5. Utilizing Sourdough Discard:

    • Discover creative ways to use sourdough discard in other recipes.

    • Minimize waste and maximize flavor with smart discard utilization.

Class Details:

  • Duration: 3 hours (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

  • Includes: Enjoy samples of fresh-baked bread during the class.

  • Takeaway: Receive a bowl of sourdough bread dough to shape and bake at home the following day. Take home enough sourdough starter for future bread-making adventures.

Price:

  • $59 per person

  • Limited to 8 persons (No group discount for this class)

Registration Information:

  • Classes are limited to 8 persons for personalized instruction.

Important Notes:

  • Intermediate level class; prior experience in bread baking or completion of a beginner level class is recommended.

 Join us for a morning of sourdough exploration, and take home the knowledge and dough to continue your sourdough journey at home. Reserve your spot now and become a sourdough enthusiast at Gathering Grains Farm!

Artisan Sourdough Breads – Advanced Level Class

Delve into the artistry of artisan sourdough breads and elevate your baking skills with our advanced level class. Led by expert instructor Dianne Kressin, this 7-hour immersive experience is designed for enthusiasts aiming to master the intricacies of creating beautiful and delicious artisan sourdough loaves.

What You'll Learn:

  1. Flour and Ingredient Mastery:

    • Explore various flours and ingredients for artisan sourdough.

    • Understand the impact of different components on flavor and texture.

  2. Temperature, Hydration, and Levain Percentages:

    • Learn the science behind temperature, hydration, and levain percentages.

    • Discover how these factors influence the fermentation process and final product.

  3. Bakers’ Math and Formula Development:

    • Dive into bakers’ math to develop your own artisan sourdough formulas.

    • Gain the ability to customize recipes based on your preferences.

  4. Gluten Development Techniques:

    • Master gluten development crucial for forming artisan loaves.

    • Learn advanced techniques for achieving the desired texture.

  5. Shaping Techniques:

    • Explore shaping techniques for boules and batards.

    • Add artistic flair to your sourdough creations.

  6. Home Oven Baking:

    • Learn how to bake artisan breads in your home oven.

    • Achieve the beautiful crust and crumb characteristic of artisan loaves.

Bread Varieties:

  • Rustic Sourdough Bread

  • Country Loaf with inclusions like Cranberry Walnut

  • Sourdough Wheat Boule

  • Sourdough Focaccia

Class Details:

  • Duration: 7 hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

  • Includes: Light lunch and refreshments.

  • Takeaway: Round banneton, dough scraper, bread lame, shaped loaf to bake at home, and additional bread varieties baked during the class.

Price:

  • $159 per person

  • Class size is limited to 6 persons.

Prerequisites:

  • Completion of the Introduction to Sourdough Breads class or working knowledge of sourdough starter maintenance, feeding, and baking. Experience making yeasted or naturally leavened breads.

Embark on a journey of advanced sourdough mastery. Join us for a day of intricate learning, delicious creations, and the joy of baking artisan sourdough breads at Gathering Grains Farm! Reserve your spot now to ensure your place in this exclusive class.

Registration Information

Payment Options:

Cash, Check, Venmo, Zelle are accepted.

Sign-Up:

Email: GatheringGrainsFarm@gmail.com

Text: @ 713-855-3639

Registration Deadline:

Registration closes 5 days before each class.

Payment Details:

Classes are non-refundable due to limited availability.

Classes can be rescheduled two weeks prior to your scheduled date.

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy:

We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule a class for any reason, including instructor emergencies, low enrollment, or unforeseen events.

In the event of cancellation, you will receive a full refund.

Age Requirements:

Classes are for individuals 18 years or older.

Students aged 14-17 may attend if accompanied by an adult.

*If there is interest in a class geared towards 9-14 year olds, please contact us*

Your Instructor:

Hello! I'm Dianne Kressin, your guide into the world of bread baking and culinary nutrition at Gathering Grains Farm. With a passion that spans over 50 years, I've been crafting the art of bread making since my early days on a farm in western Kansas, surrounded by golden wheat fields.

My journey into bread baking began in the youth 4-H club, where the humble ingredients of flour, water, salt, and yeast transformed into the cornerstone of my lifelong love for the craft. Inspired by European bread-making traditions during my travels in the early 90s, I embarked on the challenge of mastering the intricacies of artisan sourdough breads, a journey I undertook independently.

The path led me to the bustling streets of Las Vegas, where my husband and I owned and operated the Artisan Bread Shop, immersing ourselves in the dynamic world of bread baking. Seeking to enhance my skills for larger-scale production, I pursued further education at the renowned San Francisco Baking Institute.

As a homeschool mom, I extended my love for cooking to teaching children in homeschool coop classes for several fulfilling years. My culinary journey took a holistic turn as I developed a passion for natural health. I earned the title of Certified Natural Health Practitioner through Trinity School of Health, followed by a deeper dive into health and nutrition at the Academy of Culinary Nutrition, where I became a certified Culinary Nutrition Expert and Instructor.

In 2020, the serene town of Brenham became my home, and with it, a vision to cultivate a culinary nutrition and bread baking business at Gathering Grains Farm. In early 2023, I launched my micro-bakery, treating customers to the delight of "Fresh Bread Fridays."

Yet, amidst all these accomplishments, the most rewarding aspect remains the opportunity to teach others. There's pure joy in guiding someone through the alchemy of turning a simple bowl of flour, water, salt, and yeast into a loaf (or two) of delicious, life-giving food.

Join me at Gathering Grains Farm, where the magic of bread baking meets the wisdom of culinary nutrition. Let's embark on a journey to understand the profound connection between good food and good health.