Grainstorm: Regional Grains Get the Spotlight
The Center for Regional Agriculture, Food, and Transformation at Chatham University (CRAFT) will convene a conference of farmers, experts, bakers and makers on Saturday October 22 for the first-ever Grainstorm, a day devoted to the regional grainshed in Western PA with hands-on workshops and roundtable discussions, perfect for industry professionals and everyday enthusiasts of local products. We caught up with CRAFT program manager Cassandra Malis to see what great grain content she’s looking forward to during Grainstorm.
This is the first-ever Grainstorm event for CRAFT. What can people expect?
Grainstorm is a day of learning all about our regional grain system! We’ll have hands-on baking workshops, roundtable discussions, and a happy hour event at the Eden Hall bread oven where participants will be able to taste-test different baked goods, beers, and liquors all made with regional grains. It’s a great event for anyone interested in local food systems, baking, and meeting regional producers and business owners.
Grainstorm is also the culminating event to our USDA Local Food Promotion Program grant, a 3-year grant that focused on helping support the regional grains industry. It’s also the kick-off to “Regional Grains Month,” a partnership between CRAFT and [local grocery delivery service] Harvie for the month of November. We’ll be working with Harvie to showcase the local grain products they sell, share recipes, and even sell a short-term CRAFT product (biscuit mix!) made with regional grains.
What are some of the can’t-miss moments you anticipate?
Amy Halloran’s Ukrainian Pampushky workshop is going to be really special. We’re so excited that Amy is coming in for this event– she is a well-known baker, writer, and activist and is coming in to Pittsburgh from Troy, NY just for Grainstorm. Amy developed this workshop with her friend Ellie Markovitch, using Ukrainian chef, cookbook author, and activist Olia Hercules’ recipe as a springboard. Participants will explore the intersections of baking, activism, and regional grains by learning how to prepare this traditional Ukrainian bread.
What can current Chatham students gain from this experience?
Current students can gain hands-on experience working with regional grains and sourdough at either one of the workshops. The roundtable discussions will also offer students an opportunity to hear from and interact with regional grain leaders and local bakers – students will have time to ask questions, network, and learn more about what it takes to own a business or work in the non-profit sector that supports regional food systems.
Schedule of Events:
12:00pm - 1:30pm - Roundtable Discussion with Regional Grain Leaders - This event will be live-streamed on our website!
Join us for a roundtable discussion with regional grain leaders from across the country as they share about their organizations and the work that they’re doing. We will learn all about the challenges and success stories of these organizations, and speakers will share their thoughts about the local grain movement’s future in their region.
12:00pm - 1:30pm - Workshop: Indian Breads with Regional Grains - Please register for this event separately!
Jayashree Iyengar from Popping Mustard Seeds will demonstrate how to make two popular Indian breads, roti and naan, using regional grains. Participants will be able to taste the bread alongside an Indian chutney and raita made by Jay.
2:00pm - 3:30pm - Workshop: Ukrainian Pampushky - Please register for this event separately!
Join baker, writer, and regional grain leader Amy Halloran in a baking class exploring Ukrainian Pampushky. These garlic buns have intense flavor from a cold leavain, and are commonly served with borscht. Amy developed this recipe and class with her friend Ellie Markovitch, using Ukrainian chef, cookbook author and activist Olia Hercules' recipe as a springboard. Participants will explore the intersections of baking, activism, and regional grains by learning how to prepare this traditional Ukrainian bread.
2:30pm - 3:30pm - Ask a Baker: Roundtable Discussion with Bakers Using Regional Grains - This event will be live-streamed on our website!
Join us for a roundtable discussion with Pittsburgh bakers who frequently use the grains that this region has to offer. We’ll discuss recipe development, what their favorite products are, their best advice for sourcing, price differences, and more! Come ready with questions and you’ll learn from these experienced bakers how to better incorporate more regional grains into your own business.
4:00pm - 6:00pm - Happy Hour & Networking Event!
Come enjoy pizza from the Eden Hall Bread Oven, some favorite local brews, and meet other grains industry professionals. Open to all!
Registration for the event is highly encouraged; please register here. Tickets for Grainstorm will be sold on a “pay what you can” basis, with a suggested donation of $20 per ticket. All are welcome to join, regardless of ability to pay. Revenue from this event will go directly to paying student employees at Chatham University. CRAFT engages students across all of their programming, serving as a practicum space for students to gain work experience alongside their coursework.
