Last Thursday, Frecon Farms held their first Bread Making Class.
“It was a blast,” said Josh Smith of Frecon Farms. “Everybody’s turned out great.”
The class involved making Rosemary Olive Oil bread and a multi-grain bread. Participants were taught best practices for mixing, rolling, shaping, finishing, scoring and baking.
Every Thursday – now through April – Frecon Farms will be hosting bread making, quiche making and pie making classes.
Smith says baker Holly Haas is driving the bakery’s ship and he’s by her side to assist. “It’s been something we’ve talked about for a number of years. Everything we sell and promote is about getting creative in the kitchen,” said Smith. “We were finally able to pull it together this winter.”
Folks of all cooking backgrounds are welcome.
“Classes are a 101 level,” says Smith, explaining how the basics are covered and participants take part in each step of the process.
The Pie Making Class will involve making fine pie crust from scratch with your hands. Echoing the bread-making class, those taking part in the pie-making class will select their apples, core, choose a topping, combine ingredients and bake. The first of these classes will take place this Thursday, Jan. 21.
In February, classes and events will include a Quiche Making Class on Feb. 4, Fasnacht Day on Feb. 9, Pie Making Class Valentine’s Day edition on Feb. 11, and a Bread Making Class on Feb. 18.
“With each class we try to a bonus, [for the pie class] we’ll be making whipped cream,” said Smith. For the bread class, the bonus was butter. “Folks go home with everything we make.”
So far, the bakery is pleased with the public’s response to their classes. If the momentum keeps up, via feedback and participation, these classes may become a regular commodity at Frecon Farms
There are 12 spots available for each class. Those interested need to sign up and pay in advance in order to secure a spot. Smith recommends signing up about a week and half ahead of time.
“Right now we’re focusing on fundamentals,” said Smith, noting they’ll be working with different ingredients at harvest time.
Classes run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Frecon Farms, 501 S. Reading Avenue.
For more information, visit <freconfarms.com> or call 610-367-6200. Follow Frecon Farms on Facebook to receive updates about upcoming classes and events.
On Saturday, Jan. 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Frecon Farms will be hosting their annual Winter Warmer Open House. This event is free and open to the public. Check back with Berks-Mont News for more information about this open house.
