Build and Bake
Overview
Wood-fired ovens are an integral part of the River Cottage kitchen, and this hands-on course will show you how they can transform your home cooking too. On our one-day Build and Bake course, you will be guided through the process of building your own cob oven and taught how to use it for delicious results.
Be prepared to roll up your sleeves (and trouser legs) and get stuck in, as you’ll work with the cob to build an oven from scratch. You will also make delicious bread and pizza to bake in the River Cottage wood-fired oven at the end of the day. There will be plenty to savour along the way, along with beautiful views of the Devon countryside surrounding River Cottage HQ.
Highlights
- Learn how to build a cob oven from scratch
- Make and cook your own wood-fired pizza for lunch
- Make and bake a loaf of bread to take home with you
- Tuck into the tasters from an afternoon of wood-fired cookery
Your day
10:00 - 17:00
Arrive at River Cottage
Your River Cottage experience will begin with a 10-15 minute walk through the wonderful pathways down to the farm, enabling you to really soak up the views of the valley.
Make yourself at home
You will meet your tutor and start the day with tea, coffee and treats fresh from the kitchen.
SESSION ONE
You'll begin by learning about the importance of material and the building techniques used to build a traditional cob oven.
SESSION TWO
Next, get hands on and start to create the form for the oven, mix the cob to the right consistency and build your oven as a group.
SESSION THREE
Next, you'll find out how to light your oven properly, discuss what wood to use and how best to get the temperature up ready for cooking.
LUNCH
Now it’ll be time to refuel with lunch, with a woodfired pizza you'll create yourself.
SESSION FOUR
After lunch your River Cottage Chef Tutor will guide you through making the most out of your cob oven with seasonal recipes and tasters as you go. You'll also have fun making a bread dough and baking it in the woodfired oven.
DEPARTURE
You’ll have time to marvel at the scent of freshly baked bread, before heading back up the hill. Please note, you will not be taking the cob oven home with you.
Further Information
Directions
This course is run from River Cottage HQ on the Dorset/Devon borders. Full address details of HQ will be provided once you have booked.
Licensed Venue
We are a licensed venue. We have a wide selection of the finest organic wines available to purchase.
Accommodation
If you would like to stay at the heart of River Cottage, we offer overnight accommodation at River Cottage HQ in our beautiful 17th century farmhouse. We have three stylishly refurbished bedrooms for B&B plus the 2-bedroom Gardener’s Cottage. These get booked quickly so for more information go to rivercottage.net/stay to book. Alternatively, we have put together a list of our local accommodation which includes B&Bs, self-catering, hotels and camping.
Suitability
We would advise that this course is only really suitable for 12 years of age and upwards. Under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. We put these guidelines in place for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all our guests.
Allergy Advice
Sorry, we’re afraid this course is not suitable for those with allergies or specific dietary requirements. However we do run courses that are gluten free, vegetarian and vegan friendly. Please get in touch if you have any questions or need further details.
