CULA 2700 Advanced Baking

This course provides an extensive, hands-on approach to the planning and preparation of advanced baked goods and specialty pastries. Advanced principles and skills are applied in the planning, purchasing, preparation, presentation, and proper storage of baked goods, pastries, chocolates, and other specialty desserts. The student will gain the techniques and experience required to adapt to the specific needs of many food operations. Prerequisites: Completion of CULA 1500 and CULA 1700. (1 lect., 6 lab).

Credits

4 credits

Major Topics

    • Advanced concepts and skills required in professional baking and pastry making

    • Specialty tools, equipment, techniques, and practices used in professional baking

    • Purchase, planning, and usage of ingredients

    • Professional-level baked good

    • Chocolate and candy production

    • Sweet and savory specialty pastry

    • Alternative ingredients and production methods of advanced pastry and baked goods

    • Decorating, finishing, and plating techniques for various types of products

    • Evaluation and critique of finished products

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Distinguish the similarities and differences between the roles of a professional baker and pastry chef.

2. Construct efficient ingredient orders, product storage processes, and usage plans within a designed budget.

3. Design consistent recipes with proper ingredient portions, directions, cooking techniques, and flavor profiles.

4. Identify the primary types of culinary candies, their preparation methods, and service styles.

5. Describe the major categories of specialty pastries, their distinct characteristics, flavor profiles, and production methods.

6. Compare the characteristics, production methods, and flavors of various types of fine chocolate products.

7. Compare and contrast examples of baked goods produced using traditional ingredients with alternative substitutes.

8. Prepare examples of advanced breads, cakes, pies, cookies, and other baked goods from various culinary traditions.

9. Apply different types of decorating, finishing, and plating techniques to completed baked goods, specialty pastries, candies, and chocolates.

10. Evaluate selections of finished dishes for taste, texture, presentation, and quality.