For Those Who Are Still In Doubt... HAH!

I have often been asked if I really do make the cakes and pastries posted on this blog. Well, I cannot lie. Most of the work was done by Chef Ernie. We learn from him and we try as much as we can to hopefully do it on our own. He is a master pastry chef after all, so whatever we do will always pale in comparison with his creations. But of course, we do our share of work. There are still some people though who question our skill... especially mine. There was even one relative who accused me of grabbing pictures from the net and posting them on this blog site as my own. What the f@# ?! Why would I even do that?! Ah, men of little faith. Anyway, the content of this blog will prove once and for all that I actually do my part in my pastry class.

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We had our practical exams last Saturday. I came in quite secure because I knew I was part of JB's (already an experienced baker) group. It turned out that we had to make new groupings because a lot of my classmates were late and we had to start right away. JB was one of those who were still not around. I was paired with Francis, who had risen from the dead after a long period of absence. Needless to say, my mind was in panic mode. The pastry and cake assigned to us were Apple Strudel Filling and Black Forrest... I was ready to meet my Creator.
Thankfully, with the help of Kitty (Chef's assistant), JB (who later came in) and Francis (for his misplaced confidence and cheerful disposition), we were able to pull it off.

I WORK, YOU SEE...

Chopping apples for the apple strudel filling. This is for another group who were doing the most difficult dough to make (really thankful I was not part of their group...hehehe)



Preparing and mixing the cherry, cinnamon and kirsch for cake filling.



Layering the cake with icing after each piece of chocolate sponge cake.


Decorating the cake with icing, chocolate shavings and stemmed cherries.




VOILA!... The finished product!

BLACK FORREST CAKE

Here are some of the sweet treats the other groups made:

BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE

CHOCOLATE CAKE

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

Fundamentals in Culinary Arts Batch 26

FPA 26 with Chef Ernie Babaran

PIPING and BORDERLINES

Piping and Borderlines was the topic of last week's session. Needless to say, our artistic side was put to the test. Piping designs for cakes and plated desserts were demonstrated by Chef Ernie and, of course, we were given the task to make our own designs.

This was Chef Ernie's sample of piping for cake.


This was mine.... needs work... badly!

AND NOW, THE SWEET TREATS...

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

CREME CARAMEL

CHEESE CAKE

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

VANILLA CUPCAKES

COLD and LATE... make that super late!

All I could remember right now is that the lesson was all about COLD DESSERTS. The names of a few of these sweet treats escape me at the moment (ni hindi ko nga maalala pic na ito with Zoilo... somebody needs a haircut...hehehe). Anyway, enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Jecca

CREME BRULEE

I can't remeber this cake... it had strawberries though..



CHOCOLATE MOUSSE



BAKED ALASKA (a pyromaniac's fave)

"PUSHING PASTRIES"

I FORGOT TO POST THE PHOTOS OF THE PASTRIES WE DID LAST WEEK. AS YOU CAN SEE BELOW, IT WAS ALL ABOUT PIES. IT MADE ME THINK ABOUT MY FAVORITE TV SHOW LAST YEAR, "PUSHING DAISIES". I SWEAR YOU WILL LOVE THEM... THE PIES AND THE TV SHOW.

TART TATIN

LEMON MERINGUE TART

FRESH MANGO TART

CHOCOLATE PEAR TART

APPLE PIE

JAM-PACKED!

I was in a hurry early Saturday morning to get to my class. I was stuck in traffic along Commonwealth Avenue for at least 30 minutes. I knew then that I was going to be late (I hate being late.). Plus, I realized I forgot my apron (I hate not being in complete attire.) The cause of the traffic was unclear. No accidents. No road repairs. No traffic enforcers (who seem to create more traffic when they are around). Nothing. It seemed as if the drivers just decided to hang around the stretch of Fairview gate up to Commonwealth market for awhile.
That was the start of a day filled with activities...

8am to 1pm: Pastry Arts Class

Francis... pakitang gilas.

Tracy... making her masterpiece.

Walang ginawa yang si Jecca ha, pero parang pagod na pagod...

Ako pagod din, kaya pa-pic na lang with the cakes...

Ito nga pala yung cakes....

CREAM CHEESE TORTE

with plating

TIRAMISU

with plating


in a glass

FRESH FRUIT TORTE

with plating

IRISH COFFEE TORTE

Design One

Design Two

with plating

MANGO SHORT CAKE

with plating



in a glass

ALL DONE!!!!

After class, Tracy, Jecca and I went to this Asian fusion resto at Horse Shoe Drive, KOPI TIAM. Maganda ang place at masarap food with reasonable prices and big servings. It's Tracy's regular hang out and we're glad she brought us there.

I had this: LECHON MACAU BIBIMBOP..... SARAP!

Then we went shopping at CHOCOLATE LOVER INC.

dami ingredients and equipments... nakaka-inspire... Go Negosyo!... hehehe

It was a fun "Field-trip" with my two loud and funny friends!

LATER THAT NIGHT....

We brought my niece, Maan, to the airport. She was headed for Dubai where she would be boarding a cargo ship. She will be working as a staff/crew. Here she is with Diane, her cousin, clinging dearly to her.

See you in six months Am! (shoe size ko 9, shirt size medium, waist line 31...)