*We were hosted by Conner Prairie for this Prairie Pursuits class, but all opinions below are 100% my own*
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Conner Prairie is not just for kids. I was able to go for a tour one day last year with no kids and it was magical. There’s something truly beautiful about the simplicity that is Conner Prairie. It’s calmness, beauty, and history are always welcoming and thoroughly enjoyed.
With that being said, since we all know I love the place, I recently went again with no kids to check out one of their Prairie Pursuit classes. Prairie Pursuits are how-to classes and workshops geared towards adults and teens. Topics range from arts to culinary to trades. I joined my friend Shelly from DIY Mama for the day to learn about making bread!
With our teachers, The Sarah’s (both were named Sarah), we baked basic bread, sweet bread, and biscuits. Honestly, it was really fun. I was a little worried going into it… baking bread for 4.5-5 hours?! Really!? Well, the time flies and you are having fun, laughing, trying new things, and eating of course! So what’s not to like?! We even made our own butter!
*I’ve added some highlights to my Instagram stories so you can see more there too! They are under my Conner Prairie Highlights.
First, we made basic bread.
Next, we made sweet bread.
Then, we made butter.
And finally, we made biscuits.
And I’ve never had biscuits like these. They were so good.
Tips and Tricks I learned :
1. What a Banneton Basket is… It is a bowl used to make those beautiful rings around bread loafs.
2. What it means to bust a seam.
3. Flour cranberries a bit so they don’t float to the top of your sweet bread.
4. By wetting the stove with a wet felt mop after you’ve pushed the coals back, that is what helps create the browned top of the bread.
5. Fold your biscuits very V E R Y gently… The less you mess, the better they are!
I have to admit, I’m not a baker. I wish I was, but I am not. But cooking in a nearly 200 year old kitchen was pretty exciting and immersive. We cooked in the kitchen while the rest of the house was open to the Conner Prairie guests so sometimes we had a peanut gallery. While we did use some more modern tools, we still used a wood burning stove and fireplace to cook our goods.
Can’t wait to try another Pursuit! Pottery sounds fun! But that’s not all that Conner Prairie has to offer… They currently have a new program called “So The Story Goes…” which is something to check out along with their great programs for kids like summer camp and Playtime on the Prairie and so much more!
Visit www.connerprairie.org for more details on programs, things to do, and hours and admission!
In my humble opinion, it’s one of the best spots in Hamilton County for families to enjoy!