Blacksmith's Breads - Bread Baking Classes

Raymond Smith has over 20 years of culinary experience ranging from catering halls, to wood-fired ovens, high volume seafood on the North Fork to his current home-base as Chef/Baker and Co-Owner of Blacksmith's Breads in Long Beach, NY. He brings a wealth of knowledge to table which he looks forward to sharing with you.Meet Raymond Smith, the founder, owner, head baker, and executive chef of Blacksmith’s Breads. As a devoted family man, Raymond delivering love in every load by crafting exceptional bread for the Long Beach community.Raymond’s journey began with a modest pop-up at a local restaurant, followed by a successful bread delivery program and a strong presence at the Long Beach Farmers Market. With overwhelming community support, he established a permanent location in the vibrant West End area. After eight years, Blacksmith’s Breads has grown into a distinctive, enduring establishment.What sets us apart is our specialization in sourdough bread, made with locally sourced, stone-ground flour from Trumansburg, NY. Our three-day fermentation process breaks down gluten proteins, making our bread more digestible for those with autoimmune issues and gluten sensitivities.Raymond is a pioneer in using fresh, locally milled flour on Long Island. His commitment to quality ingredients, rooted in his culinary background, ensures that our bread and pastries are both flavorful and nutritious. After training at Blue Hill at Stone Barns with Michelin Chef Dan Barber, Raymond’s approach to baking has embraced local grains and slow fermentation, offering nutrient-dense, preservative-free food.Our stone-ground flour process preserves the whole wheat berry, including bran, germ, and endosperm, resulting in naturally fortified flour. By working with regional mills and farmers, we honor the terroir of our grains and deliver breads that reflect traditional, localized methods of production. This approach counters the fast-food culture and supports a return to the rich, historical ways bread was made before industrialization.