Baking & Pastry Degree Now at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

July 14, 2007 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL — The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale announces the launch of a new culinary program - Baking & Pastry Associate in Science degree - designed to train students in the baking and pastry arts.

From cakes to custards and meringues to macaroons, the exacting, creative expression that characterizes baking and pastry arts is a respected and demanding facet of the culinary profession. This seven quarter program focuses on the art and preparation of breads, cookies, pies, tarts, cakes, and other desserts and baked goods. Scheduled to be a chef instructor is Malka Espinel, Executive Pastry Chef of Johnny V restaurant in South Beach and Fort Lauderdale.

“Students are introduced to the tools and techniques used by professional bakers and pastry chefs,” says Chef Jack Kane, Culinary Arts Program Chair. “Emphasis is placed on developing the skills, coordination and teamwork required in the baking and pastry industry. The program focuses upon both production and individualized skills necessary to gain entry-level employment in bakeries, restaurants, and other catering or institutional settings.”

Subjects include designing and decorating specialty cakes, creating elaborate pastries and frozen desserts, preparing chocolate, confections and centerpieces, and learning how to bake regional desserts, as well as classical and artisan bread baking. Baking and pastry instruction is delivered through lecture and hands-on kitchen instruction.

Studies in nutrition, sanitation and safety, management, business plans, and externships give students a full spectrum of knowledge about the culinary industry as they develop their skills as baking and pastry technicians.

Graduates are prepared for employment in bakeries, restaurants, catering houses, and institutional settings in entry-level positions such as assistant bakers and pastry cooks.

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale culinary arts program was established in 1992, training and educating students under the tutelage of culinary professionals to grow and flourish in today’s food service industry. In 2005, the college’s student-run restaurant The Chef’s Palette won The American Culinary Federation Achievement of Excellence Award in the category of Culinary Program Full Service Restaurant Facility.

For more information about the Baking & Pastry degree program at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, contact 1.800.275.7603 or www.aifl.edu.

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