Baking and Pastry Specialization

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Baking and Pastry Specialization: Course No. 8279

One year, three credits: Advanced Career Education Center at Hermitage

Prerequisite: Culinary Arts I

ACE Center at Hermitage instructor: Kate Chidester

Virginia course title: Baking and Pastry Specialization.

If you love baking and pastry, you might be wondering why you should take classes to learn more about them. After all, you can find plenty of recipes and tutorials online, right? Well, there are many benefits of taking baking and pastry classes that you might not have considered:

  • You will learn the science behind baking and pastry. Baking and pastry are not just about following recipes, but also understanding how ingredients interact with each other and how different techniques affect the final product. By taking classes, you'll learn the principles of baking and pastry, such as leavening, gluten-development, caramelization, emulsification and more. You'll also learn how to trouble-shoot common problems and how to adapt recipes to different situations.

  • You will develop your creativity and artistic skills. Baking and pastry are not only delicious, but also beautiful. By taking classes, you'll learn how to decorate cakes, pies, cookies and other treats with various tools and techniques, including piping, fondant, chocolate work and sugar art. You'll also learn how to design your own recipes and experiment with different flavors, textures and colors.

  • You'll make new friends and have fun. Baking and pastry classes are a great way to meet people who share your passion and interests. You'll work with others in a friendly and supportive environment, exchange tips and ideas, and enjoy the fruits of your labor together. You'll also have fun learning new skills and discovering new things about baking and pastry.

The curriculum continues to place a strong emphasis on science and math knowledge and skills, critical thinking, practical problem-solving and entrepreneurial opportunities within the field of culinary arts.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

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