In our laminated dough master class, you’ll learn from James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Nicole Plue. From making a butter block to folding and shaping with precision, you’ll make croissants and kouign amann from start to finish. Enjoy the opportunity to use a Brod & Taylor dough sheeter designed for home kitchens and baking enthusiasts. Plus, you’ll learn how to make a “blitz” dough or “rough puff” that can be utilized to shape a variety of pastries. This retreat is an intensive course in lamination over the course of three full days of baking and is limited to 14 bakers.

Each registered baking participant will receive a one-year subscription to Bake from Scratch. If you’re already a subscriber, you may extend your subscription or gift it to someone who loves baking.

Accommodations in Birmingham

The Valley Hotel is located in downtown Homewood, just over the mountain from our test kitchen. From the hotel, you can walk to dozens of locally owned boutiques and restaurants. The hotel has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a cozy area to relax outside by the firepits.

Guests are responsible for getting themselves to Birmingham and to the Valley Hotel on Thursday, October 1. Guests will be responsible for getting themselves from the Valley Hotel to the airport or their next destination on Monday, October 5. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is located a quick 15 minutes away from the hotel.

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due July 1, 2026

• Payments accepted: ACH direct deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, and Union Pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

• Hotel accommodations in Birmingham

• All baking classes 

• Light breakfast and lunches

• Cocktail hour at The Valley Hotel

• Transportation to/from the Bake from Scratch test kitchen 

• One-year subscription to Bake from Scratch

• Gift bag with some of our favorite baking items

• Airfare/travel to Birmingham

• Airport transfers

• Some meals

Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a charge-back or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

We are not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

In the event that we must cancel this retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, our liability will be limited to a refund of amounts paid to us, or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses.

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided.

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

Can I extend my stay at the hotel?

If you’d like to inquire about additional nights at the hotel, please email events@bakefromscratch.com.

Is breakfast included?
Coffee, tea, and a light breakfast will be provided each morning. 

Are children able to attend this retreat?

All participants must be 18 years old or older to attend this baking retreat. 

What will I bake?

This retreat dives deep into laminated dough. You’ll bake kouign amann and croissants from start to finish as well as make a blitz dough to use for various pastries. 

What should I plan to wear during baking classes?

Casual clothing and nonslip, closed-toe shoes. Long hair should be pulled back. Aprons will be provided. 

Are the baking classes hands-on?

Yes, all baking classes will be intensive and hands-on. You will complete each recipe on your own, from start to finish. In addition, you will have your own kitchen space, stand mixer, equipment, and oven to use. 

Is this retreat better suited for professionals or home bakers?

Our retreats are geared toward passionate home bakers, but professionals are always welcome. Since this retreat is an intensive in laminated dough, the baking days are long and require stamina. 

Will we have any free time?

You will have some free time in the evenings to explore Birmingham and downtown Homewood.