Kneading Conference 2024: Full Schedule

We envision a world where local grain economies that are
good for people and good for the planet can thrive.

6:30pm EDT

Presenters Dinner Sponsored by Maine Grains

Wednesday July 24, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

A Welcome Dinner presented by Maine Grains and the Miller's Table Café, we will greet our presenters, volunteers, Board of Directors, and ticket holders with a meal that features some of the best locally sourced products in our local grain economy.

Wednesday July 24, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
185 Water St

7:30am EDT

Registration & Breakfast

Thursday July 25, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

185 Water St

Farm-to-Table breakfast features pastries and locally sourced yogurt, granola, and fruit.

Thursday July 25, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
185 Water St

9:30am EDT

Baguettes Three Ways

Thursday July 25, 2024 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT

185 Water St

Learning how to make a good baguette is a window into understanding some of the basic principles of bread-making—hydration, time and temperature. The lessons learned can be applied to many different styles of bread. Join Karen Bornarth, Executive Director of the Bread Bakers Guild of America, to explore three different baguette formulas based on three distinct processes: a straight dough, a poolish, and pate fermentee. We will also incorporate whole grains into our baguettes and try different shaping and scoring practices.

Speakers

Karen Bornarth

Executive Director, Bread Bakers Guild of America

In my work as Executive Director for the Bread Bakers Guild of America, I support bakers in achieving success in their baking practices and businesses through education, training and community-building programs and events.Before joining the Guild, I worked with Hot Bread Kitchen... Read More →

Thursday July 25, 2024 9:30am - 12:00pm EDT
185 Water St

12:00pm EDT

Local lunch

Thursday July 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT

185 Water St

Thursday Options:

The Maine Meal:
- Main Course: Chicken & Veggie OR Just Veggie Pesto Pasta Salad over Fresh Salad Greens
- Sides: Fresh Sliced Oranges, Cookie
- Contains wheat, egg, dairy
The Bankery:
- Main Course: Minestrone Soup (Made with local vegetables, Gluten-free and dairy-free)
- Sides: Biscuit (Crafted with local flour), Cookie (Oatmeal Raisin featuring local oats and flour)
The Miller's Table at Maine Grains:
- Main Course: Crop Rotation Black Bean Burger (Crafted with Maine Grains organic oats, black beans, Cabot cheddar cheese, and chipotle mayo; vegan option available)
- Sides: Side of sourdough country bread, Cabbage slaw, Morse’s sour pickle, Chocolate Rye cookie
Joe's Flatiron Café:
- Main Course:
  - Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad (Featuring local produce, served alongside a toasted garlic asiago bagel with hummus)
  - OR
  - Turkey Sandwich (Nestled between the warm embrace of a toasted plain or asiago bagel, features locally sourced Gouda cheese, succulent tomatoes, crisp mixed greens, onions for a zesty kick, all crowned with a crunchy pickle)

Thursday July 25, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
185 Water St

1:30pm EDT

Salt-Rising Bread using Heritage Grains

Thursday July 25, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

185 Water St

Discover the secrets of salt-rising bread, uncovering the magic of microbes and the incredible taste of locally sourced Maine Grains Heritage Flours. From a live demonstration of starter preparation to savoring freshly baked bread, this immersive experience will illustrate the importance of preserving traditional bread-making techniques and using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. This class will include a discussion of how microbes other than yeast contribute to the bread's unique flavor and texture. It will also offer insights on the bread’s history and cultural significance. Join us as we celebrate culinary heritage and empower you to create your own delicious salt-rising bread masterpieces.

Speakers

Sean Doherty

Chef

Sean Doherty is a Maine native and passionate bread enthusiast with a deep appreciation for traditional techniques and heritage grains. Using locally-sourced Maine Grains Heritage Grains flour, Sean crafts artisanal breads that celebrate the rich history and flavors of Maine's agricultural... Read More →

Thursday July 25, 2024 1:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
185 Water St

6:00pm EDT

Local Supper

Thursday July 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT

185 Water St

Check back soon to learn more about this year's supper!

Thursday July 25, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
185 Water St

6:00am EDT

Sunrise Grain Walk with Richard Roberts

Friday July 26, 2024 6:00am - 7:00am EDT

185 Water St

Embark on an excursion with MGA's esteemed Director of Rare & Heritage Seed Restoration. Delve into the heart of East Madison as we explore exemplary grain restoration endeavors and engage in insightful discussions with industry leaders at the forefront of this vital field.

Meeting time and meeting place will be announced on Thursday.

Speakers

Richard Roberts

Heritage Seed Restoration Project Coordinator, MGA Director of Rare and Heritage Seed Restoration

A gardener, mechanic/ fabricator, tinkerer, and high school teacher, Richard became intrigued with the idea of a gristmill in Skowhegan and volunteered there and became a part time employee. He attended the Kneading Conference and worked as one of the original farmers in the MGA’s... Read More →

Friday July 26, 2024 6:00am - 7:00am EDT
185 Water St

Organic Farmer Track

7:30am EDT

Breakfast

Friday July 26, 2024 7:30am - 8:15am EDT

185 Water St

Farm-to-Table breakfast features pastries and locally sourced yogurt, granola, and fruit.

Friday July 26, 2024 7:30am - 8:15am EDT
185 Water St

8:30am EDT

Nixtamalization & Masa-Infused Baguette Baking

Friday July 26, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am EDT

185 Water St

This workshop will be centered around the art of nixtamalization and masa-infused baguette baking. Participants will embark on a journey through the ancient technique of nixtamalization, exploring its cultural significance, followed by hands-on masa preparation. The highlight will be crafting unique masa-infused baguettes, finished in a wood-fired oven!

Speakers

Arturo Enciso

Gusto Bread

Friday July 26, 2024 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
185 Water St

12:00pm EDT

Local lunch

Friday July 26, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT

185 Water St

The Bankery:
- Main Course: Chicken Pesto Wheat Berry Salad (Highlighting Maine grown grains)
- Sides: Oatcake (Made with local whole wheat flour)
The Maine Meal:
- CHARCUTERIE Selection:
  - Main Course: Lemon Chicken OR Lemon Hummus
  - Sides: Fresh Cut Veggies, Crackers, Sliced Sharp Cheddar, Fresh Rosemary Ricotta, Cookie
- Contains wheat and dairy
Joe's Flatiron Café:
- Main Course:
  - Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad (Featuring local produce, served alongside a toasted garlic asiago bagel with hummus)
  - OR
  - Turkey Sandwich (Nestled between the warm embrace of a toasted plain or asiago bagel, features locally sourced Gouda cheese, succulent tomatoes, crisp mixed greens, onions for a zesty kick, all crowned with a crunchy pickle)
The Miller's Table at Maine Grains:
- Main Course: Crop Rotation Black Bean Burger (Crafted with Maine Grains organic oats, black beans, Cabot cheddar cheese, and chipotle mayo; vegan option available)
- Sides: Side of sourdough country bread, Cabbage slaw, Morse’s sour pickle, Chocolate Rye cookie

Friday July 26, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
185 Water St