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What is a Pastry Chef?
Also known as: Dessert Chef, Pastry Maker, Dessert Maker, Patissiere, Patissier, Pastry Station Chef
A pastry chef is someone who is schooled and skilled in the making of pastries, desserts, breads and other baked goods. Some pastry items may include cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies, tortes and ice cream. Pastry chefs are employed in large hotels, bistros, restaurants, bakeries, and some cafés.
A pastry chef is typically found in a professional kitchen and is the station chef of the pastry department. As with other station chefs, the pastry chef may have other chefs or assistants within their department. Bakers may also be members of the pastry department in larger establishments. Some pastry chefs prefer to have their own small business, running a bakery or dessert shop.
What does a Pastry Chef do?
Pastry chefs create pies, candies, chocolates, cookies, cakes, ice cream, custards and breads. They not only create desserts, but also order ingredients, keep inventory, deal with wholesalers, develop new recipes and provide input on menu-planning. The job demands abundant testing and sampling of new creations, which can be both rewarding and delicious. Nearly every restaurant, cafe, market and grocery store chain sells sweets and there is no doubt that people will always have a sweet tooth.
Some responsibilites of a Pastry Chef:
Creating, testing and evaluating new pastry and dessert recipes
Keeping a budget for the pastry department
Buying fresh fruits and berries and ordering supplies from various vendors
Supervising chefs in training in the pastry kitchen
Discuss menu planning with the other chefs in the restaurant
Keeping the kitchen organized
How to become a Pastry Chef
There are a couple of options when thinking about becoming a pastry chef. You can either start your own business (by opening a store or working out of your home), or join