Master Italian Pastry Arts II Experiential Learning

This course will be fundamental for Baking & Pastry students in order to complete their course of studies. The aim of this course goes beyond the mere sharing of technical knowledge. Students will be in charge of the majority of the pastry lab duties in order to gain confidence and autonomy in the management of the operations. Cost control, jobs scheduling, inventory operations will be just a part of the assignments students will have to complete. Special emphasis will be placed in menu development for restaurant, pastry lab and reception service.
Upon successful completion of the course students will be confident in the production of ganache and meringue-based mousse, egg-free mousse, and will be able to choose the suitable application for all different mousse types. Emphasis will be placed on specialty petit fours, an item often requested in high standard receptions. Students will experience the modernist approach in pastry art through the application of techniques, equipment and ingredients that will contribute to the creation of unusual textures and sensory experiences. The course will develop in four one-week workshops: the first one focusing on the art of macarons, their suitable fillings and the possible interpretations from sweet to savory; the second one on the art of plating: contemporary styles in desserts presentation; the third one on pastry for special dietary requirements, in order to develop skills necessary for the production of alternative dessert; the fourth on Italian regional folklore and related celebrative desserts.
 
Special assignments will include the planning, organization and service of Ganzo Thursday themed dinners and Friday a la carte dinners. Students are expected to approach assignments and pastry lab duties as professionals, showing responsible behavior and managing abilities. This course consists of experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Master Italian Pastry Arts I or equivalent.