Freshly whipped butter, ice-cold folded gelato, hot bread straight from the oven. What can be better than simple joys like that? Having the satisfaction of creating these things with your own hands is a pretty good feeling. Melbourne is crazy about artisan food and we’ve found a few classes where you can learn just how to make them yourself.

Butter & Ricotta Making Class with Steps Australia

Want to know how to make milk into deliciously decedent butter? Or perhaps ricotta is more your thing? Steps Australia (now with Katrina Higham – ex chef at Joe’s Diner and Windsor Deli) has joined forces with The Myrtleford Butter Factory to teach keen students how to make their own butter and ricotta.

Naomi Ingleton, owner of The Butter Factory will be there to share her knowledge while students sip a glass of wine. You’ll leave with your own recipes and a few skills in the bag.

13 November 6.30PM – 9.30PM, Hobba: 428 Malvern Rd, Prahran VIC, $55 per person, call 0417 669 724 for bookings. 

Gelato Messina Melbourne – Talk and Taste Classes

Gelato Messina has been running classes in Sydney for a while now, and with the new store opening up in Collingwood, they are bringing the classes south. Think science lesson, gelato making and gelato tasting all come together for three hours of sugar heaven. You’ll get an idea of what goes on behind the scenes at the artisan gelato store and just what goes into making one of the country’s most famous gelatos. Classes will be run by Simone Panetta named ‘gelato pioneer’ by Carpihiani and local manager and partner of Gelato Messina.

Check Gelato Messina for dates, times and availability.

Artisan Baking at Home with Brasserie Bread Melbourne

Eating freshly baked bread is a beautiful thing. Brasserie Bread in South Melbourne has a range of classes teaching the art of artisan baked goods from sourdough to tarts and teacakes. They also have kids classes, to get the little ones started early.

Artisan Baking at Home will teach you all the skills you’ll need to use fresh yeast and guide you through recipes for your own breads, Unearthing Sourdough will teach you the ins and outs of sourdough starters and fermentation while Artisan Pastry – Tarts & Teacakes will give you tips on sweet and savoury pastries and friands.

Check Brasserie Bread for dates, times and availability.