Artisan Breadmaking Workshops
Niel Jonker is a self-taught bread maker and oven builder and has helped to pioneer artisan baking in SA. With a passion for processes, Niel looks at the timeless technology and techniques of making real bread simply. The workshops reveal that the baker is but a part of the whole, as the transformative potential of bread making processes is explored. Food technology meeting culinary mysticism!
After researching and building a couple of ovens Niel apprenticed to the late Alan Scott, writer of ‘The Bread Builder’ in California. Jonker also apprenticed to leading US bakers and it is his pleasure to share this ongoing adventure with enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Although these workshops include advanced techniques in making world class bread, the ethos is that a glass of wine in hand enhances learning.
Slow fermentation evokes the grain. Time and temperature are our friends, as are the micro-organisms that do all the work.
Manual techniques that got lost somewhere between the industrial age and the consumer feeding frenzy are rediscovered. So there is no knead to need!
Wood-fired brick ovens provide an invaluable alchemical tool to an already intense range of processes, and for those that are brave enough to build their own ovens, an entirely new adventure waits.
Workshops run over two days at a cost of R 500.00 per day.
Enquire by email here.
Special rates for youths and those with a good story.
Dates:
At the Beeg Baardskeerdersbos Bakoond:
29 & 30 September 2011
27 & 28 October 2011
24 & 25 November 2011
26 & 27 January 2012
23 & 24 February 2012
Every last Thursday and Friday of the month, unless otherwise specified.
What some bread makers have said after attending the workshops:
"I really like your open minded style of "teaching" you are a wealth of information imparting a steady stream of useful invaluable gems!! Part of the enjoyment of the 2 day experience is being welcomed into your amazing recluse - a home that has managed to escape all the shallow material trapping of today's world and focuses on the things that have REAL value, a truly heart warming and inspiring experience!"
"… a big thank you for a terrific workshop - your passion, understanding, and hands on experience do indeed make you a master of this craft."
Accommodation:
Dam Huisie, Leon 0827876779 / 028-3840482
Baardskeerdersbos self-catering:
Oosterlig: 0823211794, 0283819120 cvdm@orcawireless.co.za
Die Kloof: 079 525 1307 alcabeukes@gmail.com
Near Baardskeerdersbos self-catering:
Nieuwedam 028-4821829
Lavendar cottage 0721471574
Stanford:
Stanford Tourism, 028-3410340 ask@stanfordinfo.co.za
Coastal:
Whalesong B&B 0828835793 stanley@whalesonglodge.co.za
Marebella B&B 0826511000 info@marebella.co.za
Casa Ballena Self Catering 0795281919 tolbos@mweb.co.za
"The most important tool in the bakery
is the baker´s body".[Niël Jonker: March 2009]
 Pat A Wet Dog Breadmaking Workshops on Facebook |
African Relish
African Relish is a Recreational Cooking School and a member of the ICTA (International Culinary Tourism Association), set in the Karoo town of Prince Albert.
Ovencrafters
Some years ago I stayed at the Scott household and apprenticed to oven building jobs, worked in nearby bakeries, and collected some of my best breadmaking memories ever!
Aphrodisiac Shack:
Born out of a passion for food and the art of Chacuterie this small concern with a family sized staff compliment are putting in place training programmes for their staff by working alongside the Fair- trade Organisation.
Eureka Mills:
High-quality, locally-produced premium stone ground flour. No additives, preservatives or chemicals. Naturally rich in fibre, wholesome and nutritious.
Platbos Forest:
The bread-bakkie´s carbon footprint is off-set by expanding the nearby Platbos Forest. An ancient indigenous forest situated at the foot of Africa: Offset your carbon footprint by sponsoring the planting of trees at Platbos Forest.
