Mindful Bread

There is something very satisfying about bread baking; about kneading and shaping dough and creating something from scratch that you can share with others. It gives you a sense of achievement and relaxation.

Ian always aimed to spread the word with ‘breaducation’ initially in his bakery and then more widely in the community, online and at The School of Artisan Food, where he teaches a number of short courses and was a founding tutor on the Foundation Degree in Artisan Food Production. He has developed a real passion for the therapeutic aspects of bread making and enjoys sharing the lessons he learned from establishing and running his own bakery.

The bread journey Ian embarked on, has now come full circle as he became The School of Artisan Food’s Managing Director, whilst continuing to teach on a part time basis.

Ian teaches the theory and practice of mindfulness, combined with the knowledge and practical skills to make your own mindful bread.

Mindfulness topics covered will include:

• The history of mindfulness and its origins in Buddhism
• Mindful breathing
• Senses and mindfulness
• Mindfulness in practice
• Benefits of mindfulness

Bread baking topics include:

• Flour varieties
• The no-knead method
• Shaping and baking tips
• How to be a mindful bread baker

No prior experience of either mindfulness or baking bread is necessary; just enthusiasm and a willingness to work alongside other food lovers to make real bread.

The School of Artisan Food is nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest on the Welbeck Estate, Nottinghamshire, just a few minutes from the A1 and M1.

The School of Artisan Food makes a conscious effort to reduce waste and packaging. Students are encouraged to bring their own containers to transport their food home.

Refreshments will be available on arrival and throughout the session as well as a seasonal buffet lunch, served at the end of the workshop. All ingredients, equipment and recipes will be provided.

What is the difference between our Mindful Bread and Therapeutic Baking courses?

Mindful Bread explores mindfulness and gives students the opportunity to practice some mindfulness techniques. In contrast Therapeutic Baking puts mindfulness into a much wider framework of strategies for positive mental health, exploring how baking can be therapeutic within this context.