Sourdough Starter Masterclass at The Abbey in December - Holiday Edition

If you're looking for a softer, more peaceful way to step into the holiday season, this class might be just the thing.

There’s something grounding about slowing down this time of year — putting your hands to something simple, warm, and meaningful while the rest of the world speeds up.

Sourdough invites that kind of rhythm. It asks us to pause, nourish, notice, and breathe. And for many people, the very first step — understanding the starter — is where everything begins to make sense.

Over the past year of teaching classes, I’ve realized something:
People love sourdough… but many feel overwhelmed when everything is squeezed into one busy class.

Some have even said:

• “I loved the class, but I still don’t feel confident at home.”
• “I couldn’t remember all the steps.”
• “I wish we had more time.”

So this December, right in the heart of cozy baking season, I’m offering something new — a gentler, slower way to begin your sourdough journey.

I’m hosting my first-ever Sourdough Starter Masterclass, and it feels like the perfect start to the holidays.

---

A Cozy Holiday Morning at The Abbey

Join me on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9:00–11:30 AM, at The Abbey Coffee Shop in Belleville, IL.

The Abbey has graciously offered their private room at no cost — all they ask is that each participant purchase a drink or treat while we gather. It’s a sweet way to support a beloved local space during the holiday season.

Warm lights, good coffee, gingerbread scents in the air… it’s the perfect setting for a cozy December workshop.

---

Why This Is the Perfect Pre-Holiday Class

Because once you understand your starter, you can make simple holiday treats right away — even before you’re ready to bake a loaf of bread.

We’ll talk about several easy, festive goodies made with discard, such as:

• Sourdough chocolate chip cookies
• Sourdough gingerbread cake
• Sourdough brownies
• Sourdough sugar cookies
• Sourdough snickerdoodles
• Sourdough waffles
• Sourdough soft pretzels

All of them are delicious, beginner friendly, and perfect for sharing or gifting during the holidays.

---

What You’ll Learn

This workshop is slow, hands-on, friendly, and beginner safe. You will learn:

• What a sourdough starter actually is
• How it works (in simple, everyday language)
• How to feed and maintain it without stress
• How to keep it mild instead of sour
• How to store it during busy holiday weeks
• How to revive a sluggish starter
• What discard is and how to use it for holiday treats
• How to keep a backup starter
• How to share your starter (a sweet stocking stuffer!)
• How to know when your starter is ready to bake
• A simple feeding rhythm that fits your real life

We’ll compare ripe and hungry starter side-by-side and walk through common troubleshooting questions with plenty of time for conversation.

---

A Holiday Swag Bag to Take Home

Each participant will leave with:

• A jar of mature, active starter
• A baked treat made with mature starter
• A baked treat made with discard
• A printed starter-care guide
• Printed holiday-ready discard recipes
• A few cozy extras

---

Who This Class Is Perfect For

• Complete beginners
• Anyone who’s felt overwhelmed in a previous sourdough class
• People who want to make holiday treats right away
• Home bakers needing a fresh starter
• Those preparing for my Backwards Breadmaking Series
• Anyone craving a slower, more intentional start to the season

---

Registration Details

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 9:00–11:30 AM
Location: The Abbey Coffee Shop — Belleville, IL
Cost: $50 per person

Participants are encouraged to purchase a drink or treat from The Abbey during the class.

Space is limited, so registration is required.

To reserve your seat, send me a message with:
1) Your name
2) Your phone number
3) Number of seats

I’ll confirm your spot and send payment details.

---

A Peaceful Start to the Season

I love teaching sourdough, but even more, I love helping people feel calm, confident, and excited rather than overwhelmed.

This class is a soft, gentle beginning — the perfect way to slow down, learn something meaningful, and enjoy a cozy holiday morning.

I would love for you to join me.