Baking Tips Archives - Culinary Classroom

How to Start Baking

Chef Eric — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:51:04 +0000

Starting to bake can be a fun and rewarding journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide on How to Start Baking!

1. Gather Essential Tools:

Invest in basic baking tools such as mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, a spatula, baking pans, and an oven. Link to tools.

2. Understand Basic Ingredients:

Familiarize yourself with fundamental baking ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.

3. Start with Simple Recipes:

Begin with easy recipes like cookies, muffins, or quick breads. These recipes often have fewer ingredients and simpler techniques.

4. Follow Recipes Carefully:

Read recipes thoroughly before starting. “Measure carefully. Bakers prefer to measure by weight because the capacities of measuring cups and spoons can be inconsistent and dry ingredients can be packed into them at different densities. The amount of flour in “1 cup” can vary by almost a whole ounce.”Follow measurements and instructions precisely, especially when it comes to baking, where precision is key!

5. Learn Mixing Techniques:

Understand different mixing methods such as creaming (for cookies and cakes), folding (for delicate batters), and kneading (for bread). These basic techniques will teach you how to start baking!

6. Get to Know Your Oven:

Understand how your oven works. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures, as oven calibration can vary.

7. Experiment with Flavors:

Start experimenting with different flavors and additions like chocolate chips, nuts, fruits, or spices to make your baked goods unique.

8. Practice Patience:

Baking requires patience. Allow ingredients to come to room temperature, let the dough rise, and avoid opening the oven door too often while baking.

9. Learn from Mistakes:

Don’t be discouraged by mistakes. Baking is a learning process. Even if a recipe doesn’t turn out perfectly, you’ll gain valuable experience.

10. Join Baking Communities and/or Join a Baking Program :

Connect with other bakers through online forums, social media groups, local baking clubs, or classes. Sharing experiences and tips can be invaluable. Ready to take a baking class?

11. Keep Trying:

Baking is a skill that improves with practice. Keep trying new recipes, and techniques, and gradually challenge yourself with more complex bakes.

Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen. Baking is a creative outlet, so feel free to experiment and discover your favorite recipes along the way.

We hope you enjoyed reading our “How To Start Baking” blog post. Check out our Master Baking Certificate Program and our recreational baking classes AND don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated!

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Best Baking and Pastry Gadgets Every Kitchen Needs

Chef Eric — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 04:28:50 +0000

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting on your culinary journey, having the best baking gadgets in your kitchen can make all the difference. From creating flaky pastries to crafting the perfect cake, the right tools can elevate your baking and pastry game. Let’s explore Chef Eric’s curated list of the best baking gadgets every kitchen should have.

1. Stand Mixer: Your Kitchen Workhorse
A stand mixer is a fundamental tool for any baker. Its versatility allows you to effortlessly mix the batter, knead the dough, and whip up fluffy meringues. Invest in a quality stand mixer, and you’ll find it becomes the heart of your baking endeavors. A great Mixer makes your baking easy! And they have attachments so you can make Pasta, Grind Meat, Spiralize, and much more!

2. Silicone Baking Mats: Say Goodbye to Parchment Paper
Silicone baking mats are a game-changer when it comes to baking cookies and pastries. Reusable and non-stick, these mats ensure even heat distribution and easy food release. Ditch the parchment paper and make clean-up a breeze.

3. Digital Kitchen Scale: Precision in Every Measurement
Achieving the perfect balance of ingredients is crucial in baking. A digital kitchen scale takes the guesswork out of measurements, ensuring accuracy for recipes that demand precision, such as delicate pastries and artisan bread.

4. Pastry Blender: For Perfect Pie Crusts
Crafting the ideal pie crust requires the right technique and tools. A pastry blender helps you achieve that sought-after flakiness by effortlessly cutting butter or shortening into the flour mixture.

5. Rolling Pin with Thickness Rings: Uniform Dough Every Time
Say goodbye to uneven pie crusts or cookies. A rolling pin with thickness rings ensures that your dough is rolled out to the perfect thickness, resulting in consistent and professional-looking baked goods.

6. Piping Bags and Tips: Decorate with Precision
Take your pastry presentation to the next level with piping bags and tips. From intricate designs on cakes to beautifully piped rosettes on cupcakes, these tools give you the creative freedom to express yourself.

7. Oven Thermometer: Calibrate for Accuracy
An oven thermometer is a small investment with significant returns. Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly for accurate temperature readings, guaranteeing that your baked goods cook to perfection every time.

8. Butane Torch: In the realm of baking, certain tools stand out as indispensable, and a butane torch is undoubtedly one of them. This versatile gadget, typically associated with tasks like caramelizing sugar on crème brûlée, goes far beyond its signature dessert. Here’s why a butane torch is a must for every baker’s toolkit:

Precision in Browning
Quick Glazing and Browning
Creative Decoration
And MORE!

Equipping your kitchen with the best baking gadgets in the market can transform your baking experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, having the right tools at your disposal sets the stage for delicious success in the world of baking and pastry.

What are your favorite baking gadgets? Check out Chef Eric’s Top Amazon Picks https://www.amazon.com/shop/chefericsculinaryclassroom

Thank you for reading our blog post – Best Baking and Pastry Gadgets Every Kitchen Needs! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates https://culinaryclassroom.com and check out our YouTube channel for cooking tips https://www.youtube.com/c/ChefEricsCulinaryClassroom

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REASONS TO JOIN A BAKING PROGRAM

Chef Eric — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 00:12:52 +0000

Rise to Excellence: Crafting Your Culinary Dreams with a Baking Program

Baking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s a delightful blend of art and science that produces the most mouthwatering creations. We hope you enjoy reading our REASONS TO JOIN A BAKING PROGRAM blog post.

If you’ve ever dreamt of crafting perfect pastries, delectable desserts, and heavenly bread, enrolling in a dedicated baking program could be your ticket to turning your passion into a profession. Here’s a closer look at what a baking program can offer you.

Master the Basics: A good baking program starts with the fundamentals. From understanding the chemistry of ingredients to learning the various mixing techniques, you’ll gain a solid foundation that’s essential for any successful baker.

Artistry in Pastry: Pastries are edible works of art, and a baking program allows you to dive deep into the world of delicate puff pastry, buttery croissants, and flaky tarts. You’ll learn the art of creating intricate layers that melt in your mouth.

Bread-Making Mastery: From crusty artisan loaves to soft sandwich bread, baking your bread is a gratifying experience. Baking programs often include in-depth bread-making modules where you’ll learn about yeast fermentation, gluten development, and shaping techniques.

Dessert Divinity: Desserts are the crown jewels of the baking world. With a baking program, you’ll explore the realm of decadent chocolate creations, creamy custards, vibrant fruit tarts, and the magic of plated desserts that leave a lasting impression.

Pastry Plating and Presentation: In the culinary world, presentation is as crucial as taste. Baking programs often include lessons on plating and garnishing, helping you master the art of creating desserts that not only taste divine but also look like works of art.

Exploring Flavor Combinations: Baking is about more than just following a recipe. A baking program encourages you to experiment with flavors, textures, and ingredients, helping you develop your unique signature creations.

Professional Techniques: Baking programs are designed to prepare you for a professional baking environment. You’ll learn how to work efficiently in a kitchen, manage your time, and produce consistent results.

Hands-On Learning: The heart of a baking program lies in hands-on experience. You’ll spend ample time in the kitchen, honing your skills under the guidance of experienced instructors who share their expertise and insights.

Networking Opportunities: Baking programs provide a platform to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion. These connections can evolve into lasting friendships and potential collaborations in the future.

Fueling Entrepreneurial Dreams: If you dream of owning your bakery, a baking program equips you not only with baking skills but also with the business know-how necessary to manage a bakery successfully.

Need any more REASONS TO JOIN A BAKING PROGRAM?

A baking program isn’t just about learning recipes; it’s about gaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence to embark on a journey that could redefine your career trajectory. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast looking to turn your hobby into a profession or an aspiring pastry chef ready to create culinary wonders, a baking program provides the perfect recipe for your success. So, tie that apron, dust the flour, and let your baking journey begin!

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our REASONS TO JOIN A BAKING PROGRAM blog post.

Check out our Master Baking Certificate Program AND Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated!

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Great Baking Mixer Makes Your Baking Easy: Here’s How

Chef Eric — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 23:52:03 +0000

Baking is a wonderful blend of science and art, where precision and creativity come together to create mouthwatering delights. Whether you’re an amateur baker or a seasoned pro, having the right equipment can make all the difference. And when it comes to must-have tools in your baking arsenal, a high-quality mixer is undoubtedly a game-changer.

1. Efficiency and Consistency: Mixing by hand can be time-consuming and physically demanding. A great mixer takes the effort out of blending ingredients, ensuring that your batter is smooth and evenly mixed every time. Consistency is crucial in baking, and a mixer guarantees that your creations turn out perfectly uniform.

2. Precise Mixing: Different baked goods require different mixing techniques. A mixer comes with various speed settings, enabling you to choose the perfect one for each recipe. From gently folding in delicate ingredients to vigorously beating butter and sugar for cookies, your mixer offers precision and control.

3. Time-Saver: In today’s fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity. A mixer significantly speeds up the baking process, allowing you to whip up your favorite treats without spending hours in the kitchen. This is especially handy during busy holidays or when unexpected guests drop by.

4. Incorporating Air: Many recipes, like cakes and meringues, rely on incorporating air into the batter for a light and fluffy texture. A mixer’s powerful motor and various attachments, such as the whisk attachment, make this process effortless and consistent.

5. Kneading Dough: For bread enthusiasts, a mixer with a dough hook is a must. Kneading dough by hand can be a workout, but a mixer does it effortlessly. It’s a game-changer for ensuring your bread has the right gluten development for that perfect rise.

6. Hands-Free Convenience: One of the best features of a mixer is that it allows you to multitask. While the mixer does its job, you can focus on preparing other ingredients or tidying up your workspace.

7. Versatility: “Attachments can make a mixer multifunctional, allowing you to prepare a variety of dishes without needing to invest in other large kitchen tools.” Mixer attachments extend its functionality beyond just mixing. With the right attachments, you can transform your mixer into a pasta maker, a food grinder, or even an ice cream maker. This versatility maximizes your investment.

8. Less Mess: Let’s face it, baking can get messy. A mixer, especially one with a splatter guard, minimizes mess and keeps your kitchen neater. This means less time spent on cleaning up and more time enjoying your treats.

9. Conserve Energy: Baking is meant to be enjoyable, not exhausting. A mixer takes the physical strain out of the equation, allowing you to bake more without feeling worn out.

10. Creativity Unleashed: With a mixer handling the basics, you’re free to focus on experimenting with flavors, fillings, and decorations. It empowers you to explore new recipes and push your baking boundaries.

In the world of baking, precision, efficiency, and creativity intertwine. A great mixer acts as your baking partner, making the process smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re baking a simple batch of chocolate chip cookies or tackling a complex layer cake, your mixer is a reliable ally that transforms your efforts into delightful masterpieces. So, if you’re serious about baking, invest in a high-quality mixer – your taste buds will thank you!

Explore Chef Eric’s Mixer Collection: Top Picks on Amazon.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our A Great Mixer Makes Your Baking Easy blog post.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated! and if you are interested in baking like a pro check out Chef Eric’s Baking Programs

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2022 – THE YEAR TO START COOKING!

Chef Eric — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:04:01 +0000

We hope you enjoy our 2022 – THE YEAR TO START COOKING blog post. Check out our culinary programs that teach you how to cook and give you the skills YOU need to become a chef! AND don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated!

Gastronomy is the art that studies different cultural perspectives, its central axis is food, and the relationship of human beings with it and the environment. If you are passionate about cooking at home and would love to generate unforgettable experiences with your family and loved ones – you’ve come to the right place! Here is why 2022 is THE YEAR TO START COOKING!

Chef Eric gives you 5 great reasons to encourage you to make the decision and start to cook in 2022:

Budget-Friendly – According to Forbes.com “It is almost five times more expensive to order delivery from a restaurant than it is to cook at home. And if you’re using a meal kit service as a shortcut to a home-cooked meal, it’s a bit more affordable, but still almost three times as expensive as cooking from scratch.”
By learning to cook, you will be able to save money, have control over what you spend, and obtain all of the benefits of a balanced and a healthy diet. Having to eat out all the time gradually becomes costly. Cooking at home can help you start saving a little each month to go on that trip you’ve been dreaming about or buy that item you’ve been waiting for!
Remember, most restaurants charge about a 300% mark-up on the items they serve. Cooking and eating out are two different worlds when it comes to budget. The average price per serving of home cooked meals is $4.31 – while the average cost of eating out is $20.37. This should be a great reason to start your culinary journey!
Healthy Eating – Eating out from time to time doesn’t hurt, however it’s important to be aware of what you’re consuming – preparing your own food gives you control of the entire process, including how you prepare the food, and the ingredients.
When you prepare your own meals, you have control over the ingredients. By cooking at home you can ensure that you and your family eat fresh and wholesome meals. This can help you to look and feel healthier, boost your energy, stabilize your weight, and improve your sleep.
There are multiple studies where it has been determined that the decrease in the preparation of meals at home has resulted in an increase in obesity. This is one of the main reasons for learning to cook! Use, and taste natural ingredients! Chef Eric encourages you to incorporate different herbs, vegetables, and fruits. This will help you to cleanse your body, eat a balanced diet, and include minerals and vitamins in your dishes.
Now, if eating healthy helps us with our physical health, there are plenty of benefits for our mental health as well! Preparing food contributes to our mental well-being as it is a method of distraction from our everyday worries, causing stress levels to drop considerably. Many people find cooking a form of therapy after a busy day at the office. Let’s start cooking!
General Culture – Cooking is a hobby that provides you with interesting information from different countries of the world! Beyond the techniques, it goes into the culture, and customs of each country. The knowledge acquired with this art will always be useful – not only for your culinary life but also for your daily life! What are you waiting for?
Cooking is Art – Learning new techniques, new ingredients, and new recipes will make your imagination fly. Enhancing your creativity in the kitchen by preparing your own dishes will take you places! Creativity develops and becomes exponential when a new art is practiced; such as painting, writing, dancing, or cooking. The art of cooking can also help you discover skills and develop your intellect. Cooking definitely creates a new cultural heritage and makes you more creative!
Bonding Time – Cooking courses develop our skills in a very positive way – from learning each ingredient to knowing how to work with different kitchen tools, you’ll be a pro in no time! With the new skills you acquire, you will have unforgettable experiences with family and friends. Whatever the situation might be, cooking for others will always be an experience that fills our souls, and makes us happier!

We hope that you have enjoyed reading this blog post – 2022 – THE YEAR TO START COOKING!

If you’ve been thinking about it, this might be a good time to start your culinary journey! Chef Eric offers different classes where you can learn the basics of cooking, new recipes, and become a master chef!

Don’t miss the opportunity to join us in this amazing experience! Registration is open. Click on the link to see our different classes and program details. https://culinaryclassroom.com/cooking-classes-2/ and Check out our YOUTUBE Channel for great cooking ideas Chef Eric’s YouTube Channel.

CAN’T WAIT TO COOK WITH YOU!

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5 REASONS WHY BAKING IS GOOD FOR YOU

Chef Eric — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 16:26:09 +0000

“Why You need to start baking now”

We hope you enjoy our “Why You Need To Start Baking Now – 5 REASONS WHY BAKING IS GOOD FOR YOU” blog post. Check out our Master Baking Certificate Program AND don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated!

Let’s talk about baking – an excellent way to communicate and express yourself. Baking unlocks all your senses and this increases feel-good endorphins. Baking for others raises a feeling of wellbeing, helps with stress, improves your skills, and more…Let us tell you all of the benefits of baking in this blog post!

If you are interested or have ever wanted to experience the sweet side of the culinary world, this post is for you! Start baking today – Chef Eric shares with you why you need to start baking now – 5 REASONS WHY BAKING IS GOOD FOR YOU!

1. Do what you LOVE and follow your PASSION:

If you have a passion for the culinary arts and a true vocation – learn and experiment! This will definitely lead you to take the right path with excellent results. Don’t forget that constant practice and training will help you achieve your ultimate goals. It is a matter of trial and error. Experiment with textures, flavors, and colors. Be passionate about what you do – “Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.” If you love to bake, GO FOR IT!

2. Release Stress:

Baking for other people – your family, close friends, paying customers, and even strangers helps reduce stress and increases the feeling of well-being. Baking achieves the act of “mindfulness”. This is not simply a good technique to ease stress but also helps keep negative thoughts away. How? By concentrating on your task and discovering new smells and flavors generated by the wide variety of ingredients used in baking. Plus baked items taste great and everyone loves to get baked goods!

3. Sensory Activity:

Baking stimulates all the senses. By experimenting, preparing, plating, and testing – we evoke memories that only with the senses we bring to the present. Does the smell of a delicious dessert remind you of special moments with grandma? Or from a specific place where you spent a special afternoon with a loved one? Use those senses to advance your skills!

4. Mathematical Skills:

One of the ways we use math every day is in the kitchen! Reading recipes, baking, and cooking is full of important math concepts. As you learn and practice the art of baking you will have to read the data of a recipe, calculate the quantities, and keep track of timing. Numbers will always be part of this creative experience.

5. Good Labor Demand:

Pastry Chefs enjoy high demand. Culinary professionals are always needed around the world. In addition to being able to start an independent business with a good strategy or business plan, the income can be very good. Don’t limit yourself, you have options:

Pastry Chef
Assistant Pastry Chef
Baker
Pastry Shop Owner
Caterer
Cake Maker / Decorator

If you have a passion for baking, are ready to increase your confidence in the kitchen, or are considering a career as a professional baker or pastry chef, you have come to the right place! Chef Eric created an amazing baking program for you! His 10-week professional baking program will teach you what you need to know to be successful in today’s professional environment. Discover more: Master Baking Certificate Program and Start BAKING NOW – We hope our 5 REASONS WHY BAKING IS GOOD FOR YOU inspire you to take the next step!

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8 BEST Amazon Kitchen Products

Chef Eric — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 18:02:42 +0000

Equip your Kitchen ONLINE – Check out ALL of Chef Eric’s Amazon Product Suggestions: CLICK HERE

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Chef Eric gives us a sneak peek of his TOP 8 Best Amazon Kitchen Products. Success in the kitchen comes from practicality and good use of kitchen equipment! “You are only as good as your tools.” This popular saying becomes true when we talk about cookware. Kitchen utensils can make your life so much easier and can save you plenty of time. In addition, the right kitchen tools can help you maintain a clean kitchen and can aid you with tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing. Here are the TOP 8 of Chef Eric’s favorite, affordable, and really useful utensils to work in your kitchen like a pro! He’s even added some of his favorite cookbooks.

8 Best Amazon Kitchen Products – Chef Eric’s favorite equipment, cookware, gadgets, tools, and MORE….

Hand Blender – Muller Austria Ultra Stick: The perfect blender for Smoothies, Shakes, Soups, and Baby Food!

The removable blending arm with fixed blade locks into the motor body for easy operation. The stainless steel S-Shaped fixed blade quickly blends ingredients for smoothies, milkshakes, soups, or baby food. The quality whisk attachment is a perfect addition!

Non-Stick Grill – 1800-Watt Double Grill:

Grill your food on the top and bottom at the same time from the comfort of your kitchen. With the simple press of a button, you can adjust the cooking temperature of each Grill Plate independently, giving you complete cooking control.

It’s easy to clean, non-stick and thin enough to transfer heat and grill marks onto your most delicate, unexpectedly grillable foods – even pancakes. Sometimes it’s too hot to grill outside – so this is a great option!

Self–Sharpening Knives – Calphalon 15pc Knife Set:

Built-in ceramic sharpeners, automatically sharpen chef knives, and other straight edge knives with every use. Each time you pull a knife from the block, it is automatically sharpened. The secret: Each storage slot for fine-edged knives (paring, slicing, and chef’s knives) contains ceramic sharpeners that sharpen each blade at the ideal angle. This helps blades retain their optimal cutting properties and quality for a long time. Labeled handles for easy identification in the block. Triple-riveted handles are contoured for a secure grip.

Blender – Nutribullet 1200w:

Three precision speeds, a pulse function, and the extractor program offer full control at the press of a button. 1200 watts of power let you make an endless array of smoothies, juices, soups, sauces, nut butters, and beyond. I also like the two drinking cups so I can drink mine on the go! We use this at least 1-2 times a week.

Subscription Boxes:

The best way to check out great products! Everything for Kids and Adults – These subscription boxes have something for everyone – they are a really great way to check out products. No need to reorder – these items will come to you automatically! Enjoy the variety!

Cookbooks – Baking Books:[6]

We all need a little inspiration in the kitchen and we invite you to review Chef Eric’s favorite books to create new memories for your family. You can find a list of 39 books priced from $5. There are books for everyone in the family…From teenagers “Find The Baking Cookbook for Teens”, to Vegetarians “How to Cook Everything Vegetarian”. Chef Eric’s Cookbook List has it all!

7. WATSABRO Kitchen Blow Torch:

The Blowtorch is great for caramelizing sugar to make creme brulee, roasting bell peppers, and even melting cheese. This torch makes a great gift!

The torch lighters have been designed with double flame and feature a durable aluminum alloy metal body and non-slip handle! The compact safety lock effectively prevents improper operation and accidental ignition.

10-in-1 Air Fryer Oven:[8]

Are you still worried about the lack of oven capacity? This air fryer oven is a spacious 20-Quart unit that allows you to make plenty of food, so you can make enough for the whole family.

The Iconic plus air fryer oven circulates super-hot air around your food instead of using oil to cook, penetrates the inside of the food, cooks evenly and locks in moisture. The 1800 Watts of power makes your food crispy and delicious and it’s healthier, too! I use mine all the time.

These 8 BEST Amazon Kitchen Products are a great addition to your kitchen! Discover Chef Eric’s complete Amazon shopping list at:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/chefericsculinaryclassroom with a variety of recommendations from Chef Eric on equipment, cookware, gadgets, tools, and more needed to cook your next food at home.

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Why Take My Master Baking Program?

Editor — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 22:02:31 +0000

Have you heard of Spago? It is Chef Wolfgang Puck’s world famous restaurant here in Los Angeles. One of my successful students is a Pastry Chef there, which is so exciting! She started out baking at home and people loved what she made. Then she got serious, took my Master Baking Program, worked hard and she is so happy she did.
You can start YOUR career in the Culinary Arts by taking my 10-Week Master Baking Program that starts on Sunday, January 8^th at 2:30pm. I teach the skills you need to get started in the food service industry. If you are passionate about Baking you can achieve, and even exceed, your goals like my student did.
The Program is very comprehensive as many of my students want to enter the Culinary Industry. We work with cookies, breads, cakes and tortes, ice creams, puddings, pies, tarts, ganache, soufflés, puff pastries, crème bruleé, desserts sauces, crepes, pastry creams and so much more. We also explore the world of gluten-free baking with rice flours, almond flours and others, as that is the norm for many. We touch on using alternate methods of sweetening besides sugar as well.
If you just want to bake better, imagine what you could do with my teachings in your own homes. Baking for your family and friends, you won’t need to buy baked goods ever again! Who knows, you may even end up working at Spago sometime soon!
Check out more success stories here
Check out more about the Master Baking Program here

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How to Make Star Wars Cupcakes

Editor — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 06:59:47 +0000

I can’t wait until the new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” film hits the movie theaters this weekend! How about you? Anyone else excited? To celebrate the release, I made some Star Wars Cupcakes with Gaby (0hgaby) Bañuelos!
See how I showed her how to make Stormtroopers, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia Cupcakes! What a fun time! Make these cupcakes the next time you want to Awaken the Force and celebrate the new Star Wars movie this weekend!

May the Force, and these Star Wars Cupcakes, be with you!

Take a look at our Class Offerings and Schedule…and come join us in the Culinary Classroom kitchen!

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Recipe for Caramel Gingerbread Pudding with Crème Anglaise

Editor — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 04:45:36 +0000

If you are searching for the perfect dessert to bring your holiday feast to a close, look no further than my bread pudding recipe. It features the flavor of gingerbread, caramel and a decadent Crème Anglaise sauce that is simply to die for! This is the recipe for my dessert dish from my TV appearance on KCAL 9, news at noon on 12/12/13.
Caramel Gingerbread Pudding with Crème Anglaise
Yield: 16 Large Portions or 72 Bite Sized Pieces

Half and Half 3 cups
Caramel Sauce 1/2 cup
Brown sugar, light or dark 1 cup + 2T
Eggs, large 3 each
Ginger, ground 1 Tablespoon
Cinnamon, ground 1/2 teaspoon
Clove, ground 1/2 teaspoon
Nutmeg pinch
Vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoons
Challah bread, diced small & dried out 1 pound
Currants or raisins 1/2 cup

Method:
1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the half and half, caramel sauce, sugar, eggs, ginger, spices and extract. Mix well. Gently fold in the bread and currants.
2. Pour the mixture into a 11” x 7” pan. Bake in the center of the oven until a cake tester comes out clean, about 30-45 minutes, or bake in a buttered cupcake pan for 15-20 minutes.
3. Serve with extra caramel sauce or crème anglaise.
Crème Anglaise (Vanilla Sauce)
Yield: 1 Pint

Cream or half & half 1 pint
Sugar 4 ounces
Eggs, room temp 3-4 each
Flavoring (vanilla bean or extract) As Needed

Method:
1. In a 2-quart pot, heat the dairy and half of the sugar until it just comes to a boil. This technique is called scalding. The sugar helps keep the dairy from burning.
2. In a bowl, put the eggs and blend the remaining sugar until smooth. Do not add the sugar until the dairy has been scalded!
3. Temper some of the hot liquid into the egg and sugar mixture. Return the tempered mixture to the pot and cook over low heat.
4. Add the flavoring and stir constantly, until the mixture is nappe. Remove from heat.
5. Strain into a clean container. Chill in an ice bath.
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