Sourdough Bread Baking Class – Olive Oil Tasting

Sourdough bread baking is a true art form, and Veerna’s Kitchen offers an exceptional opportunity to master this craft. Over the course of three hours, you will dive into the intricacies of maintaining a sourdough starter, mixing the dough, and baking in a wood-fired oven. But the experience doesn’t stop there – guests will also indulge in a tasting of rich, local extra-virgin olive oils, exploring the nuances of flavor and harvesting techniques. This immersive class promises to be a delightful and educational journey for foodies, revealing the secrets behind creating the perfect loaf and enhancing their culinary knowledge.

Key Points

• 3-hour sourdough bread baking class with wood-fire oven baking and olive oil tasting, located in Nerokourou, Crete, 10-15 minutes from Chania center.
• Class includes instruction on maintaining a vibrant sourdough starter, dough mixing, bulk fermentation, shaping, and proper wood-fire baking techniques.
• Olive oil tasting experience focuses on local extra-virgin olive oil flavors, harvesting methods, and pairing with freshly baked sourdough bread.
• Optional olive grove visit provides hands-on learning about olive oil production processes, including olive picking, herb infusion, and understanding regional factors.
• Class rated 5/5 based on customer reviews, praised for its friendly atmosphere, accessibility, and enjoyment of the delicious, freshly prepared food.

Class Overview

The Sourdough Bread Baking Class with Olive Oil Tasting takes place just 10-15 minutes from the center of Chania, in the neighborhood of Nerokourou.

Priced from Kč2,003 per person, the 3-hour class is held at Veerna’s Kitchen, on the terrace of the church of Saint Ephraim.

Taught in English, the class is wheelchair accessible.

Participants will learn the secrets of sourdough bread making, prepare and bake a unique bread loaf in a wood-fire oven, and enjoy an extra-virgin olive oil tasting.

The experience also includes a visit to an olive grove, where guests can learn about olive oil harvesting and mixing with herbs.

Booking and Cancellation

Guests can reserve their spot in the Sourdough Bread Baking Class with no upfront payment. This "reserve now & pay later" option allows visitors to secure their place without an initial financial commitment.

On top of that, the class offers a flexible cancellation policy – guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind for travelers who may need to adjust their plans.

The class also allows guests to check availability for starting times, ensuring they can find a session that fits their schedule.

Bread Making Secrets

A key highlight of this Sourdough Bread Baking Class is the opportunity to learn the secrets behind crafting artisanal sourdough bread. The instructor will guide participants through the crucial steps of sourdough preparation, from maintaining a healthy starter to shaping the dough and achieving the perfect bake. Participants will witness firsthand the magic of fermentation and how it transforms simple ingredients into a robust, flavorful loaf. To emphasize the nuances of the process, the class includes the following informative table:

Step	Objective
Starter Maintenance	Ensure a vibrant, active starter
Mixing	Develop gluten structure
Bulk Fermentation	Allow dough to rise and develop flavor
Shaping	Create the desired loaf shape
Baking	Achieve a golden, crisp crust

This hands-on experience empowers participants to recreate the artistry of sourdough bread at home.

Wood-Fire Oven Baking

During the class, participants have the opportunity to bake their freshly prepared sourdough loaves in a traditional wood-fired oven.

The instructor will guide them through the process, explaining the benefits of this ancient baking method. The intense heat of the wood-fired oven creates a crisp, golden crust and a soft, chewy interior in the bread.

Participants will learn how to manage the oven’s temperature and ensure even baking. This hands-on experience allows them to appreciate the art and skill involved in mastering the wood-fired oven technique, which is essential for producing the perfect sourdough loaf.

Olive Oil Tasting

After baking their sourdough bread in the traditional wood-fired oven, participants move on to explore the rich flavors of local extra-virgin olive oil.

The class includes an olive oil tasting where they’ll learn about the harvesting and processing of this regional specialty. Guests will visit an olive grove and discover how different herbs can be mixed with the oil to create unique flavor profiles.

They’ll then put their newfound knowledge to the test, selecting the perfect olive oil to complement the homemade bread they’ve just prepared.

This hands-on experience provides a comprehensive understanding of Cretan culinary traditions and the versatility of high-quality olive oil.

Olive Grove Visit

Following the olive oil tasting, participants venture out to a nearby olive grove to learn firsthand about olive oil harvesting and production.

In the grove, the instructor explains the process of picking olives, highlighting the importance of timing and technique. Guests then observe the mixing of freshly harvested olives with various herbs, experiencing the vibrant aromas that infuse the oil.

The instructor shares insights into the region’s unique microclimate and its influence on the flavor profile of the olive oil.

Cretan Salad Prep

Next, participants turn their attention to preparing a traditional Cretan salad. Under the instructor’s guidance, they harvest fresh vegetables from the onsite garden.

Chopping crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and pungent onions, they assemble the salad base. The class then dresses the greens with the robust extra-virgin olive oil they learned about earlier.

Seasoning the salad with sea salt and dried oregano, they create a simple yet flavorful dish. Participants take pride in crafting this authentic Cretan side, which perfectly complements the hearty sourdough bread they’ll soon enjoy.

Customer Feedback

Travelers consistently rave about their experience at the Sourdough Bread Baking Class.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 1 review, it’s clear this class is a hit with visitors. Reviewers highlight the warm welcome, user-friendly experience, and the delicious, fresh food they enjoyed.

The class is recommended for all traveler types – couples, friends, solo travelers, and families alike. Guests particularly appreciate the opportunity to learn the secrets of sourdough bread making, prepare and bake their own loaf in a wood-fire oven, and enjoy an extra-virgin olive oil tasting.

With generous amounts of local wine and a tasty dessert offered at the end, this class provides a truly memorable Cretan culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Class?

The class doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. Participants can book individually or as a group. The class is designed to accommodate both solo travelers and small groups.

Can Participants Take the Sourdough Bread Home After the Class?

Participants can take the sourdough bread they’ve baked during the class home with them. The class includes all necessary ingredients, and participants get to enjoy the freshly baked loaf as part of their lunch.

Is There an Option to Purchase the Bread or Olive Oil After the Class?

Yes, participants can purchase the sourdough bread or olive oil they make during the class. The class includes the opportunity to take home the loaf of bread you bake, as well as buy extra bottles of the olive oil.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies Accommodated?

The sourdough bread baking class accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies. Participants can notify the organizers of any special needs when booking, and the class will provide suitable alternatives for all participants.

Can Participants Leave the Class Early if Needed?

Participants can leave the class early if needed. The class is designed to be flexible, and the instructor is happy to accommodate any schedule constraints or special requirements participants may have.

Recap

Veerna’s Kitchen’s sourdough bread baking class is an immersive culinary experience, teaching essential techniques and offering a taste of Cretan traditions. Participants craft their own loaves while indulging in a rich olive oil tasting and exploring the local olive grove. This hands-on class is a must-try for foodies seeking an unforgettable journey into the art of sourdough baking.