The Pike County Family and Consumer Sciences recognized the need for hands on food production classes in the county. Scratch baking teaches essential skills for beginner and intermediate cooks to learn that are easily applied to most types of food production. A 3 session workshop was offered to the community featuring different forms of bread products, production processes and ingredients.

Session evaluations for Beginner’s Breadmaking showed positive results in participant’s level of understanding. It revealed that 100% (12 participants) improved their understanding of ingredients , baking processes, standards of measurements, the role of gluten, using whole grains, and making substitutions. Baking confidence also increased 100% in that participants felt they could incorporate what they’d learned into their cooking routines and their willingness to attempt new and different recipes. Over 90% of respondents were more confident in evaluating baked goods, sharing what they’d learned and in trying new ideas. All participants were ‘likely’ or ‘extremely likely’ to take action toward making cooking and baking a regular part of their home routine. 

Several participants commented that their time in Beginner’s Breadmaking helped them feel more comfortable about asking for help with baking and cooking issues. They also felt more adventurous and willing to try something new. Beginner’s Breadmaking is a confidence booster that helps families begin to start using their cooking skills again to provide meals at home, which saves money and is more healthy than eating away from home.