Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The first daunting task

School starts next week. So today I decided to go through my packet for the baking lab and to open up my book for lecture. (I am staying away from the culinary arts math book for now...yikes...that can wait until class).

The packet is basically the syllabus, letting us know what we will be doing every week. The first week is all measurements. Ummm...seriously...how many teaspoons go into a tablespoon and how many pounds are in a quart. Guess I should start studying for my 3rd week quiz on measurements now! :-)

The book for lecture is a bit daunting. I have considered weighing it via my Wii Fit. It is seriously the size of an encyclopedia (and must weigh just about as much). It is about 1 1/2 inches thick and much bigger than my tiny little Dell Mini 9 laptop. The book is 770 pages!!! Leave it to the Le Cordon Bleu schools to make a text book so big.

As I opened up the book, intimidated by its size, and turned to Chapter 1, I was instantly enthralled by just the first page. The first chapter has to do with the historical background of baking. And when I say historical I mean....back to prehistoric times of gathering. Pretty interesting stuff! Did you know that unleavened flatbreads, such as tortillas, were most likely the first breads ever made? And more than likely they were an accident by leaving the paste of water and smooshed up grains on a hot rock. haha I look forward to finding out more about baking in the middle ages and the first sugar and pastry making. To some this must seem boring but to me it is very intriguing.

I was also very happy to find out (by just flipping through the book) that there are some recipes that are gluten free! Woot Woot! Not only am I allergic to wheat but I have friends that are allergic to gluten. Nice to know that our crazy food issues will be included.

First week looks like it will be just learning measurements and the kitchen. After that is cookies!! Yum!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Beginning Thoughts

Well, here I am. A 33 year old former corporate world girl switching her life upside down for a new found career. Am I crazy? Or just finally doing something for myself?

I have wanted to go to Pastry School for about 10 years. Somehow it just never worked out for me. When the universe kept putting me in bad situations within the corporate world, I knew I was in need of a change. Growing up in the performing arts I felt I was way too creative to sit behind a desk all day (even if it was in a marketing department). Having taken a few cake decorating classes through the local craft store I finally made the decision to take that leap of faith....on to pastry school!

I finished up my Sanitation & Safety training last spring and now have my certification (well...at least for the next 5 years until it needs to be renewed). I start my on hands training in the pastry arts on September 1st.

Since many of my friends and family members have asked me to keep them up to date on my goings on at school, I decided to start a blog after seeing the movie Julie & Julia with friends one night. :-) I have never had a blog or even written in a journal really, so this is a new experiment for me. I figure a former corporate world girl going to pastry school could lead to some pretty funny situations. ;-)

I hope you all enjoy keeping up with my new adventure. I am excited more than I can express in words.

In the words of Julia Child...."Bon Appetite!"