Seeds & Sourdough at Parkwood: Knead, Flavor, and Take It Home

OSHAWA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE

Seeds & Sourdough at Parkwood: Knead, Flavor, and Take It Home

A focused, hands-on workshop that teaches sourdough fundamentals and how to elevate loaves with seeds, nuts, dried fruit and herbs.

Seeds & Sourdough at Parkwood: Knead, Flavor, and Take It Home.

Duration
2 hours
Location
Oshawa
Operator
Parkwood National Historic Site
Category
Workshop
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

At Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa, an evening workshop condenses the slow craft of sourdough into a structured, hands-on session led by instructor Melina. Participants learn fundamentals, test flavor combinations, taste finished bread, and leave prepared to finish and bake their own loaf at home.

Highlights

Workshop Highlights

Step‑by‑step instruction with an experienced baker
THE CLASS

Step‑by‑step instruction with an experienced baker

Melina guides the class through sourdough fundamentals and practical techniques designed to build confidence—whether you’re new to sourdough or refreshing your skills.

Customize loaves with seeds, nuts, fruit and herbs
THE FLAVORS

Customize loaves with seeds, nuts, fruit and herbs

The workshop focuses on inclusions—choosing and incorporating seeds, nuts, dried fruit and herbs—to create flavorful, textured loaves you’ll be proud to bake at home.

Starter, tools and a loaf ready to finish
TAKE HOME

Starter, tools and a loaf ready to finish

Everything needed to continue baking is provided in class: an organic sourdough starter, ingredients, a proofing basket and bowl, dehydrated starter, a scoring blade and a detailed recipe and instruction book; you’ll leave with your own loaf ready to bake the next day.

What the day feels like

An evening of hands‑on making and tasting

The class unfolds as a practical, intimate session: gather at the Carriage House, mix dough and select inclusions, sample baked sourdough paired simply with olive oil, balsamic and butter, and prepare a proofed loaf to carry home. The emphasis is on learning efficient techniques that help you bake successfully with less guesswork.

Step‑by‑step instruction with an experienced baker

THE CLASS

Step‑by‑step instruction with an experienced baker

Melina guides the class through sourdough fundamentals and practical techniques designed to build confidence—whether you’re new to sourdough or refreshing your skills.

Customize loaves with seeds, nuts, fruit and herbs

THE FLAVORS

Customize loaves with seeds, nuts, fruit and herbs

The workshop focuses on inclusions—choosing and incorporating seeds, nuts, dried fruit and herbs—to create flavorful, textured loaves you’ll be proud to bake at home.

Starter, tools and a loaf ready to finish

TAKE HOME

Starter, tools and a loaf ready to finish

Everything needed to continue baking is provided in class: an organic sourdough starter, ingredients, a proofing basket and bowl, dehydrated starter, a scoring blade and a detailed recipe and instruction book; you’ll leave with your own loaf ready to bake the next day.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this workshop suits—and why.

1
First‑time bakersPerfectly suited: the class is designed for people new to sourdough and aims to build confidence with practical, step‑by‑step instruction.
2
Longtime bread loversA good refresher: experienced bakers can refine inclusion techniques and pick up time‑saving tips from the instructor.
3
Home cooks & food loversHands‑on, sensory and creative—this workshop appeals to anyone who enjoys experimenting with flavors and textures in bread.
4
Seasonal celebrantsFramed as a spring renewal, the class is a tidy, social way to mark the season with healthier, homemade bread.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is an evening workshop with a class duration listed as 2 hours.

What’s provided

All starter, ingredients and tools are provided: fresh organic starter, ingredients to mix and prepare your loaf (including inclusion choices), a proofing basket, bowl, dehydrated starter, scoring blade and a detailed instruction and recipe book.

Food & tasting

Sourdough samples are served during class alongside an olive oil and balsamic dipper and a butter board.

Meeting point

The workshop meets at the Carriage House at Parkwood National Historic Site.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Will I leave with bread I can bake at home?

Yes. You will leave with your own prepared loaf that will be ready to bake the next day.

Are materials provided or do I need to bring anything?

Everything needed to get started is provided, including a fresh organic starter, ingredients, proofing basket and other tools, plus an instruction and recipe book.

Who teaches the class?

The instructor for the workshop is Melina, who leads step‑by‑step instruction and shares practical tips.

Will there be tastings during the class?

Yes. Participants enjoy sourdough samples served with an olive oil and balsamic dipper and a butter board.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. The class is described as perfect for first‑time bakers and is designed to build confidence and creativity.

What kinds of inclusions can I work with in class?

The workshop covers inclusions such as seeds, nuts, dried fruit and herbs, and you’ll choose your preferred mix when preparing your loaf.