The cooperative workshop will take place over two full days, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the home of Cassandra Purdy in Bridgewater. Participants will build an Italian-style traditional masonry oven on the back of a trailer, and also fire up a finished oven.

"Bakers and builders alike will enjoy themselves, from mixing cement to kneading dough," said Ms. Purdy.

"The oven we build is destined to be a community oven based on the French tradition of 'four communal,' an oven that is usually in the center of the village and fired up on a certain night of the week," she said.

"Townspeople bring their family's dough and everyone bakes off their week's supply of bread together." Cassandra would like to use her oven for similar events around Litchfield County.

The cost of the two-day workshop includes two local organic woodfired meals, which participants will make together. Families with children are welcome.

Those seeking additional information or wishing to register may call 203-770-6253 or e-mail casserolepur@hotmail.com.