About Nicole Plue

After Nicole won the 2010 James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef, Michael Bauer, former food critic of the San Francisco Chronicle, praised Nicole as “one of the best pastry chefs in the country.” Now, she’s one of the best pastry instructors in the country.

Nicole was on the opening team at Danny Meyer’s Eleven Madison Park and worked at many Michelin-starred restaurants before turning to teaching. For many years, Nicole was the Director of Pastry Arts at San Francisco Cooking School, where she created the curriculum for the program. She now lives and teaches in California’s wine country.

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.

Booking

The cost of the retreat is due in full, along with a signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment to secure your reservation. We accept payment by American Express, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Amazon Pay. Trip prices are in US dollars.

Travel to and from Birmingham

Guests are responsible for getting themselves to Birmingham and to the Valley Hotel on Thursday, June 19. Guests will be responsible for getting themselves from the Valley Hotel to the airport or their next destination on Monday, June 23. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is located a quick 15 minutes away from the hotel.

Costs

The price of the trip includes all hotel accommodations, all baking classes, transportation to/from baking classes, some meals, and cocktail hour at Brian Hart Hoffman’s home.

Single- and double-occupancy rates are available.

Your credit card will be charged by Hoffman Media, the parent company of Bake from Scratch.

Cancellation

Since the trip is nonrefundable, we suggest buying trip insurance.

If you don’t purchase travel insurance, you agree to indemnify us against any charges that might otherwise be covered by your insurance. You further agree that we are not responsible for any costs of cancellation or costs related to travel interruptions or COVID-19. Due to COVID-19, there may be limitations relating to activities. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result of changing circumstances. Please know that we are working closely with our partners to plan and execute a safe baking retreat for our guests, but there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 when traveling. By booking this baking retreat, you acknowledge and assume these risks associated with travel. 

Have a question about this baking retreat? Email events@bakefromscratch.com.

Can I extend my stay at the hotels?

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 and on the retreat?

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.

To reserve your space, email events@bakefromscratch.com. Reservations will be taken in the order in which we receive emails.