I’ve never been much of a baker, let alone a bread baker. It requires too much precision, too much time, and techniques I’m all together unfamiliar with. Give me some beans, maybe some sausage, some spices and tomatoes, and I’ll put together a savory soup. And I’ll run to the Wegman’s bakery for some freshly baked bread.

Then I met Melinda, who recently started Knead and Know, Loudoun-based bread making classes where she teaches her students the art of making really good bread at home. Melinda makes the most beautiful bread I’ve ever looked at and tasted. Melinda invited a few of us to come by her bright, home-studio and learn how to make croissants. I was terrified, not being a baker and all. Like, I really don’t bake. But Melinda walked us through the process, teaching about fermenting and yeast and dough hydration and lots of other fancy things. Most importantly, she taught us how to make croissants, one step at a time. We weighed our ingredients (so that’s how they do it!), mixed, formed the dough, let it chill, rolled it, chilled it, rolled it, etc. While we waited for our dough to chill and then our croissants to bake, we munched on a gourmet spread, all homemade by Melinda. Whether we were standing around the work table or munching around the coffee table, we shared stories and life lessons and talked about food. Lots of food.

When I got home (with baked croissants AND the dough I made during class, to bake at home), Joe couldn’t believe that I had made croissants. And he told me we’re never buying them from the store again.

I cannot wait to take more classes – I want to learn how to make baguettes!

Melinda and I love teaming up (she made bread for several of last year’s Kinfolk Workshops), and we’ve got something to share today! She’s giving one lucky reader the chance to attend any one Knead and Know class, for free! To enter the giveaway, please complete the following:

– Like Knead and Know on Facebook
– Follow Knead and Know on Instagram then regram this photo and tag @dailysomething and @kneadknowcom
– Share the giveaway on your Facebook, tagging A Daily Something and Knead and Know

You do not have to enter all four ways, but each entry increases your chances of winning!

I’ll announce the winner next Wednesday, March 12. This giveaway is open to US residents within a reasonable distance from Loudoun County, Virginia, home of the Knead and Know studio.

Photos by Rebekah J. Murray!