Welcome to my cozy home on the island of Niinisaari on Lake Saimaa! In this workshop, we will bake authentic Karelian pies together, share stories and enjoy a delicious meal. We will use a wood oven to bake the pies, in the charming setting of a 1700s log cabin. We will start by making the dough together, and you will learn how to fill and crimp the pies like a pro. This workshop is suitable for both beginners and more experienced bakers who want to polish their skills. At the end, we will drink tea/coffee and savor the pies with egg butter. You will also get the recipe and a bag of pies to take home. I have been organizing this workshop since 2015, and I use local, D.O. Saimaa-labeled Rapion Mylly rye flour for baking. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let me know in advance and I will try to accommodate them.
Workshop flow: I will greet you at my home, which is next to my restaurant, ”Niinipuu.” The yard is a heritage site with beautiful plants and flowers. Depending on the weather, we will have a non-alcoholic welcome drink under the maple tree or in the house. The workshop will take place in my home, which is a 1700s log cabin with a lot of character. You don’t need to bring anything, as I will provide aprons and all the supplies. I will show you how to make the dough, fill and crimp the pies. I will also give you tips and tricks along the way. We will bake the pies in a traditional wood oven, which gives them a wonderful flavor and texture. When the pies are ready, we will brush them with butter, drink tea/coffee and enjoy them with egg butter. You will also receive a printed recipe and a paper bag with the remaining pies.
Who is this workshop for? Anyone who loves baking and wants to have a fun and relaxing time. Families, friends, couples, groups, or solo travelers are all welcome. The cabin has a few steps at the entrance, but it is otherwise accessible. Children and babies are also welcome, and children under 4 years old can join for free. Group size: 1-12 people.
When can you book? You can book this workshop all year round, but please note that you need to make a reservation at least five days in advance. The workshop starts at 10.00, unless we agree on a different time. Duration: approx. 2.5 h
Why you should book this workshop:
You will learn how to bake Karelian pies, which are a traditional Finnish delicacy and have a EU product protection as an Authentic Traditional Product.
You will have a fun and memorable experience with a friendly and knowledgeable host.
You will enjoy a cozy and rustic atmosphere in a 1700s log cabin with a wood oven.
You will taste the delicious pies with tea/coffee and egg butter, and take home a recipe and a bag of pies.
You will discover Puumala, a beautiful town in South Savo, which is only 1 h 15 min drive from Imatra, Mikkeli or Savonlinna.
The workshop leader is Paula Okkola, a Karelian pie expert who moved from Kitee to Puumala, and who loves to share her passion and skills with others.
You can also add a soup lunch for an extra 15 € / person, if you want to extend your stay and enjoy more food.
The basic fee of 330 € covers 6 participants, and each additional participant is 55 € / person (children 4-12 years old are 40 € / person). The fee applies to everyone who enters the workspace.
