Braided Strudel Pie Demonstration
There is nothing quite like the smell of warm spices, buttery pastry, and sweet, crisp apples bubbling in the oven. Join in for a cozy, demo style class and follow along with me as I show you how to take the timeless comfort of a classic apple pie and elevate it into a striking, edible work of art using braiding techniques.
program overview
There’s something magical about turning simple, everyday sugar into molten golden candy. Just in time for Halloween, step into the kitchen for an evening of sweet science as we explore the foundational art of caramelized sugar! In this 1.5-hour demonstration, I’ll demystify sugar cookery and show you how to transform caramelized sugar into three distinct treats right on your home stove.
What We’ll Make
- We’ll start with a flaky, tender crust. I’ll share my best tips for keeping your butter cold, handling dough with confidence, and incorporating locally grown whole grain flour to add a rich, nutty depth of flavor.
- Leaning into peak harvest season, we will toss crisp heirloom apples from Hopland Heirloom Farm with warm spices, lemon, and a touch of brown sugar to create a delicious fruit forward filling. Using the scraps to make an apple butter, this pie will not disappoint.
- Here’s where the real fun begins! I’ll guide you step-by-step through trimming, braiding, applying egg wash for that golden shine, and adding decorative pastry cutouts that will make your pie look straight out of a bakery window.
Learn and Enjoy
Snacks and beverages will be provided. I will have printed recipes for you to reference and take notes throughout the demonstration. At the end we will enjoy a slice of pie and a take home gift! Along with the recipes you will get a dry pie dough mix kit highlighting Farmer Mai Flour in Sebastopol as well as a bundle of locally grown apples from Hopland Heirloom Farm.
Discover fresh local seasonal ingredients from our neighbors, celebrate the holidays, cozy up in community, and eat a bit of pie.
instructor Overview
Leila Clement
I am a professional pastry cook and baker who believes the best way to connect is through something made by hand. My own culinary journey began as a self-taught learner, which gives me a unique perspective on how to break down complex skills effectively. Having worked in fine-dining pastry departments and award-winning bakeries, I now focus on bridging the gap between professional technique and the home kitchen.
Because I started exactly where you are, I find so much joy in helping students break through technical barriers and grow their confidence. I am a firm believer in staying in a ‘student mindset’. I view class as a collaborative space where we can all learn from one another. I can’t wait to see what we create together!
Through teaching, I now focus on bridging the gap between professional technique and the home kitchen.
Membership Has Its Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Monday, November 9, 2026 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Experience Level
BeginningAll ages welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Total Registration Cost:
$50
