Spring Quarter: DONE!

I'm done with spring quarter. I can't believe it went so fast. I had so much fun in both my classes, but I think I liked my Artisan Breads class a little more. And to think: I went into it thinking I was going to hate every moment! But it worked out well and I have a new appreciation for making home made bread.

For my final project I had to create a movie scene using dead dough. Dead dough is bread dough without yeast added (so it's not "living"). It has the consistency and texture of playdoh, but smells a lot better. It's pretty easy to work with, but it takes forever to dry.

I did the wood chipper scene from Fargo. If you're not familiar with the movie, you really need to see it. It's my favorite movie of all time. I was so happy I got permission from my chef to do this scene. I thought for sure he'd say "no" or that it was too gory or unethical or whatever. But, yeah...I did it and I'm super happy and proud. It's currently in the window of the Gourmet Gallery on 9th St, so if you're in Minneapolis, stop by and take a look.

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.