Artisan baker Shawn Saunders, above, supplies Ranch Foods Direct with creations like artisan sourdough and chile cheese bread.

Local baker and Ranch Foods Direct bread supplier, Shawn Saunders, shown above, returns to the faculty of this month’s annual “Grain School” put on by UCCS and several partnering organizations. The public grain forum on Saturday, Jan. 13, is open to anyone who wants to hear presentations by the guest instructors and sample rustic grain-based foods and beverages. So get inspired, then come by Ranch Foods Direct and peruse the offerings at the bulk station, where you can find sourcing information on each item and handy written directions for preparing the wide range of grains, beans and legumes.

Some of the options include wheat kernels, oats, barley, triticale or rye. One of the more unique selections is the seven-grain mix ($2.49 per pound) and shoppers can also buy the same organic whole wheat flour, ($1.99 a pound) Shawn uses in his own breads at the Sourdough Boulangerie.

CLICK HERE for details on the UCCS Grain School.