Calling all bakers (home and professional alike!):

Common Grain Alliance invites you to join us for a Baker Meetup, hosted by CGA members Jonathan Bethony of SEYLOU Bakery & Mill and serious home baker Mark Woodward. This month’s meet up is themed around natural leavening and the different ways to leaven bread beyond the traditional sourdough starter. We’ll gather bakers from around the DC-Metro area to exchange tips and tricks, share bread, and chat all about baking. If you would like to return home with some of Seylou's sourdough starter, please bring a small jar for transportation.
Spots are limited! Register below to secure your place. 

When: Monday, May 19th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: SEYLOU Bakery & Mill - 926 N St NW Suite A, Washington, DC 20001

What: This meetup is themed around natural leavening and exploring different ways to leaven bread without using commercial yeast. Explore different types of sourdough starters, including desem - the Flemish technique using buried dough that develops a distinct mild tang and exceptional keeping qualities. Learn about salt-risen and related breads, which use a unique bacterial fermentation process rather than wild yeasts, creating its signature cheesy aroma and dense crumb. We'll also discuss wild yeast waters, an easy way of cultivating yeast from fruits, flowers, or even grains. These traditional methods offer both historical significance and exciting flavor profiles for modern bakers seeking to expand their craft.

Cost: Recommended donation of $10, $15, or $20 to the Common Grain Alliance. CGA members: Admission is free, register via MembershipWorks portal.

Bring:

  • A naturally leveaned bread or baked item of your choice. (bonus points for regionally-sourced flour!)

  • A recipe card card with information about your bake, and ideally a recipe to share. Please include your name on the recipe card. We will collect these cards at the end of the event and share them through the CGA Home Baker Google Group.

  • Please bring your baked goods pre-sliced or divided to share and with something to serve it on (e.g., plate, cutting board, basket, platter, etc.)

Common Grain Alliance has received a Chesapeake Bay Foundation Capacity Building grant to support our 2025 events. This funding is possible with support from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Chesapeake Bay Program, Chesapeake Bay Funders Network, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

REGISTER: