By Kate Bartlett
Emily Theresa has been hosting classes at her Homestead in Machais for about a year, each one a bit more enriching than the last. She started Lucky Day Homestead in 2013 with a dream of a more sustainable lifestyle for her family. Now, 10 years later, Lucky Day Homestead is a fully sustainable farm hosting various classes and events year-round.
Located at 5111 Roszyk Hill Rd. in Machias, The Homestead currently consists of a small farm stand, hay barn, country home and Airbnb tiny house. Emily keeps the farm stand well stocked with baked goods and primitive gifts made by herself and other local women and children. The hay barn utilized for small events as well as workshops during warmer months. In the winter, Emily welcomes small groups inside the country home for cooking classes, including the bread making class we participated in this past Saturday.
weekends throughout the winter months. Emily
currently is focusing on an overnight Sourdough,
but welcomes input on interests for oather breads as
she is familiar with many types including focaccia,
toasted oat honey wheat and sliced Italian sandwich
bread.
Emily has been baking homemade bread for almost 10 years. “The recipes have changed a bit, but the principle remains the same,” says Emily. To produce a wholesome product with simple ingredients; a labor of love if you will. You can really taste the difference between homemade bread and any other. There’s no comparison. It’s so gratifying and provides so much confidence for homemakers.”
Emily also loves the creativity of baking breads. “My recipes have evolved throughout the years; I love experimenting and adding different ingredients. My favorites are still the simplest, but I love creating new flavor combinations.”
Bread classes are currently offered various weekends throughout the winter months. Emily currently is focusing on an overnight Sourdough, but welcomes input on interests for other breads as she is familiar with many types including focaccia, toasted oat honey wheat and sliced Italian sandwich bread.
She was inspired to start classes at the homestead in order to teach the community an easy, healthy recipe that’s cost efficient. “It’s great to watch guests in the class gain confidence in their skills. I genuinely hope they walk away with more self-assurance in their abilities, and I’m honored to be able to offer that.”
Other winter classes at the Homestead include ‘What to Stock in your Home Apothecary,’ which focuses on medicinal herbs for health, ‘Drying and Preserving Edible Flowers and Herbs, along with tea making. Her ‘Raised Bed Gardens and Planting by the Moon Phases’ class helps folks get their home gardens planned and plotted for good yields. “Spring, Summer and Fall we dig into foraging and hike the area to discuss what is found on the trails and in our backyards.”
Emily invites readers to come experience the Homestead, and the satisfaction of a slower, simpler life. For more information follow on Facebook and Instagram @ LuckyDayHomestead for event and class information.