CULLMAN, Ala. – Wednesday, Oct. 14, was National Dessert Day, and plenty of Cullman residents likely celebrated with a slice of pie or a scoop of ice cream. But for those whose sweet tooth leans toward a warm, crusty slice of homemade bread slathered in butter and honey, Mavens & Makers in downtown Cullman has just the thing.
The kitchen and home store will host “Sourdough Class with Anett” on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at its shop, 302 Second Ave. SE. The two-hour, beginner-friendly class is presented with Danube Delights Bakery and costs $100.
“Ready to learn how to make beautiful, crusty sourdough bread from your own kitchen?” the event listing asks.
From starter to loaf
Participants will learn:
- How to feed and maintain a sourdough starter
- How to mix, shape, score and bake a loaf in a Dutch oven
- How to fit sourdough baking into a busy weekly schedule
Each participant will take home a live sourdough starter to keep baking long after class ends. Light refreshments, tea and water will be provided.
“Just bring your curiosity – we’ll take care of the rest!” the listing reads.
A gathering place for home cooks
Mavens & Makers describes itself as a curated kitchen and home store born from “a love of gathering around the table.” According to its website, the shop “began as a simple idea: create a place where people could find the tools and ingredients to make extraordinary meals at home.”
Owned by Ashlea Chance, the store moved to its current downtown location on Second Avenue Southeast in June 2025. Chance previously told the Tribune the shop is “a cross between Williams-Sonoma and Whole Foods.”
Shelves are stocked with premium cookware and kitchen tools from brands such as Staub, Demeyere, Made In, Castaway Carbon, USA Pan and Mason Cash, along with Messermeister knives and Peugeot salt and pepper mills. The store also carries artisan pantry goods, including Fiore olive oils, Ocean State Seasonings and Real Salt, as well as local and regional favorites such as stone-ground grits and cornmeal from McEwen & Sons, small-batch teas from Huntsville’s Piper and Leaf Tea Company, and pastured meats from The Farm at Hidden Springs.
The shop’s values center on “Quality First,” “Local Roots” and “Community,” with a focus on partnering with Alabama farmers and artisans.
More than a store
Mavens & Makers’ demonstration kitchen hosts both hands-on classes, where guests prep, cook and eat what they make, and demonstration classes focused on technique, tips and tasting. Each session includes instruction, recipes and a shared meal.
The kitchen is also available for private events, including birthdays, bridal showers, corporate team outings and casual get-togethers, with menus customized to each group. To inquire about a private event, email info@mavensandmakers.com.
How to sign up
Space in the sourdough class can be reserved online at www.mavensandmakers.setmore.com. For more information, call 256-297-1097 or visit www.mavensandmakers.com.
Mavens & Makers is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Follow the shop on Facebook and Instagram at @mavensandmakers.
