Monday, April 18, 2011

Weeks 1 & 2 Complete

Two weeks ago I started my Advanced Patisserie class as well as my Artisan Breads class. I swear I thought my breads class was going to be the worst. Not only did I think I hated making bread, but the class is held on Friday and Saturday nights until 10:30. There goes my weekend.

But surprisingly, I'm loving my Artisan Breads class. It's my Patisserie class that I'm having a hard time with. It's because I'm in a group with two other people that act like the do not want to be there. My first two plated desserts turned out OK, but they could have been so much better if my team mates had worked with me as a team. There's not much I can do about it now, but I hope that my chef recognizes that I'm a hard worker and want to do well. Here are the two plated desserts I completed. My chef really liked the first one (mocha cheesecake), but the second one was lacking in both sauces and garnish. That's because one guy didn't show up for class and the remaining team mate left before everything was completed.



My Artisan Breads class is actually my favorite, which is surprising. I had such a horrible experience in my Intro to Baking class that I never wanted to see another lump of rising dough again in my life.

But surprisingly, my Chef is super awesome and knows what he's doing. We've made some really tasty breads in class. I think my two favorites have been Focaccia and Cuban. I also made  white bread in class on Saturday that gained me the highest grade in the class. I really thought it was over-baked and I wouldn't pass. But my Chef loved it and said I did an awesome job. So, yeah...I guess I've got a knack for bread making.


I have had the best time in my breads class, so I hope it continues. Next week we make sourdough.

Both my chefs are pretty amazing. I love my classes and can't believe that I'm in the third week. I just hope I'm able to keep my high GPA average throughout my time at the Art Institutes. 




Monday, April 04, 2011

I'm sorry, readers...

I've been terrible with the upkeep of this blog.

I promise to do better. I really do.

I decided to quit my full time job in IT so I can follow my dreams. My last day was Wednesday, March 30. It's really the best decision I've ever made. I have been working in IT since 2000 and even though I was good at my job, I was completely burned out. There are other factors that lead to my resignation, but I'll keep them to myself at t his point. I'm just happy to not have to go into an office and sit in a cube for 9 hours a day and THEN go to school for five more hours every day. Especially when all I do is daydream about baked goods instead of doing actual IT work.

I just spent four days in Omaha, NE with my very good friend Dave. We ate great food (and I baked him two quiches) and got to spend some good quality time together. The highlight of my trip was seeing Queens of the Stone Age at the Sokol Auditorium. It was the best show I've ever seen (and I've been to a lot of rock shows) and now holds the number one spot for most memorable shows.

And of course, I got my Josh Homme fix. I think I'm good for another year or so ;)


Now that I don't have a full time job to attend, I will have more time to devote to this blog. Please stick with me, dear reader. I will try not to let you down again.

Oh, if you're wondering, I got an "A" in both Baking and Pastry. My official GPA is a 3.70. Hooray!