Hands-on cooking and baking class in Albuquerque hosted by Sherwood Coffee n Bread at IPEC.

Launching Our New Cooking & Baking Classes at IPEC: Lessons from the Oven

June 14, 2025

At Sherwood Coffee n Bread, we believe the kitchen is more than a place to make food -it’s where confidence grows, traditions are shared, and even mistakes turn into something beautiful.

Igor from Sherwood Coffee n Bread welcoming students to new cooking classes at IPEC in Albuquerque.

And this season, we’re excited to bring that spirit to a new space: Sherwood’s hands-on cooking and baking classes at the Indian Pueblo Entrepreneur Complex (IPEC) in Albuquerque!

If you’re a local home baker, food enthusiast, or someone who’s always wanted to learn how to cook from scratch - this is your invitation to grow, learn, and connect.

A Test Bake… and a Humbling Lesson

Instructor Igor standing next to the commercial Baxter oven used for baking classes at IPEC.

Just a few days ago, I went to test my first batch of bread at IPEC. The oven? Let’s just say… it humbled me.

No matter what I did, the steam wouldn’t kick in and if you’ve baked bread before, you know that steam in the first 20 minutes is crucial. It helps your dough rise, form an open crumb, and creates that golden crust we all crave.

But instead of perfect bread, I got a lesson. And that’s exactly why this story matters.

From 8-Year-Old Baker to Instructor

The struggle reminded me of my very first baking experiment when I was just 8 years old. I wanted to surprise my mom, and someone had told me that if I mixed vinegar and baking soda, I’d get bubbles - perfect for rising dough, right?

Not quite. The dough didn’t rise, the bread didn’t bake, and I ended up hiding the mess before my mom came home.

But that moment stayed with me.

Because I learned something powerful - failure teaches us what not to do.

And that’s what makes our classes special. You’ll learn the how, but also the why. You’ll mess up. You’ll laugh. And eventually, you’ll get it right - and that’s what makes the bread (and the meal) taste even better.

Why Join Our Cooking and Baking Classes in Albuquerque?

Students participating in a hands-on cooking class at Sherwood Coffee n Bread’s kitchen in Albuquerque.

Whether you join us at IPEC or outdoors at our home base in Albuquerque’s Westside, each cooking class is:

Hands-on: You’ll shape, mix, and cook your own food — not just watch a demo.
Beginner-friendly: No experience required.
Community-focused: You’ll connect with others, share stories, and create something together.
Rooted in tradition: From Uzbek flatbreads to sourdough and classic American dishes, we teach recipes with deep personal and cultural meaning.

🍞 Upcoming Class Topics

We’re expanding beyond bread to offer:

Classic American brunch dishes
Taco nights featuring handmade tortillas and barbacoa
Flatbreads from around the world
Seasonal specialties during Balloon Fiesta Week
Private group experiences and team-building classes

Whether you're looking for a sourdough class in Albuquerque or a beginner-friendly cooking class that fits your schedule, there's something for you.

Mistakes Are Part of the Recipe

Sourdough bread dough resting in a banneton basket during a baking class in Albuquerque

Here’s the truth no one talks about: mistakes are part of every great recipe. Burnt crust? Over-kneaded dough? Dough that doesn't rise? We’ve all been there. What matters is showing up, learning, and trying again.

That’s the environment we’re building at Sherwood - where curiosity is welcome, perfection isn’t expected, and everyone leaves with something meaningful.

🥣 Join Us in the Kitchen

Sherwood Coffee n Bread’s shared-use kitchen at IPEC filled with students learning to cook together.

We’re now taking signups for hands-on cooking and baking classes in Albuquerque. Come make something delicious. Come make a memory. Come make a mistake and laugh about it.

Because the reward is waiting - fresh from the oven.

📍 Learn more and join a class at Sherwood Coffee n Bread

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