My dream is to open a bakery. And while I do listen and hear everything my mother says when she tells me about the terrible hours, I haven't been able to shake the dream. I think about names for my baked goods. I dream about chairs, tables, dishes, mugs and flatware that will be used. I try to imagine the type of menu board I will have. I listen to music and think of how it will sound in my bakery. But I know I have to go to pastry school. I research schools, programs, prices, course schedules, guest teachers, externship locations, and the list goes on.
I have been presented with a challenge. On one of my rants about my future bakery and my need to save money for pastry school, Paul told me I was being ridiculous. As he said, "I couldn't care less if someone went to pastry school, as long as it tastes good." Well, put. Part of my desire to go to school would be to learn the chemistry and techniques that can be considered a tedious part of baking. But why waste the time I have now? Paul has challenged me to a year of baking.
I have to bake at least one new thing every week. Each of my concoctions will be tasted by other people, usually my coworkers who are obsessed with anything I bring in. Everyone that tastes it must give me some type of feedback.
My challenge has begun. I have baked my first creation, chocolate crackle cookies. I don't love the name for my bakery, but I have already been given a few suggestions on the evaluation form I created. I have a pile of recipes that I am looking forward to baking, but nowhere near 52! Any suggestions? I know you won't be able to taste, but you can look, and I can tell you how it tastes. And with my coworkers' feedback, hopefully I can have it perfected by the time I am back in the States. Anything you are dying to have at the next Garvey Christmas? Because I promise, pinky swear, cross my heart, I will be home next Christmas.
hi from ellie
ReplyDeleteHave you seen "Top Chef - Just Desserts" from this fall? There was one baker on it, the rest pastry chefs. Interesting to note how far each could stretch their skills. Plus the end products all looked incredible! I share your love of baking - if you'd like my cake recipe from your October visit (this time with rum included!), let me know! Love you, and have fun when Garv visits! Kiki
ReplyDeleteMmmm. Not quite the "Mmmm" sound one would make tasting something delicious, but the "Mmmm" sound of pondering and wonder. The crackle cookies look like some landscape out of National Geographic or dried elephant dung on the African plains possibly also seen in National Geographic. Seriously, how'd they taste? Maybe you could specialize in ugly yet tasty things. Now, there's niche marketing.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with Garv!!!