Dear all,
I hope this message finds you well. As we continue to dive into this summer season, I wanted to provide you with an update on our exciting culinary journey. I have been occupied teaching back-to-back camps, I promise to share the highlights of our next culinary trip to France in next week's newsletter.
For now, let's delve into the wonderful experiences we've had in our summer camps. We kicked things off with the Summer Bakes camp, where we indulged in mouthwatering treats like Strawberry Shortcakes, Peach Cobbler, and Lemon Bars.
Our first Dinner Club was equally fantastic, featuring delightful creations such as homemade pizzas, Empanadas, and Sushi.
Our next summer camp was the annual Cake camp, with 17 talented young bakers crafting 17 extraordinary sculpted cakes.
We then dived into the world of baking with our Baking 101 camp, where we explored French Macarons, Rainbow Focaccia Bread, and other delightful bakes. Our Teen Asian Dinner Club treated us to the flavors of Butter Chicken, Thai Curry, and Teriyaki Chicken.
This week, we're excited to let our imagination run wild as we create magical and entirely edible Fairy Villages. In Dinner Club, we are preparing delicious Vegetarian Dinners that will leave you craving for more.
Before I take a week off to spend time with my boys, I want to give you a glimpse of what's in store for the upcoming camps:
In-Person Baking Lab:
This is a unique opportunity for young bakers to learn new techniques, improve their skills, and have fun baking with friends. We prioritize creating a fun and engaging experience, where you can learn new skills, express your creativity, and share your love for baking with others.
Throughout the camp, we'll plan our daily bakes based on the students' interests and preferences. We'll take a short walk to the store, just 10 minutes away, to gather any ingredients we need, creating a shopping list together. (Though I might change that due to the heat) On the first day, we'll tackle the delicious and challenging French Macarons.
Plus, they'll take home treats to share with family and friends, showcasing their creations and skills.
Don't miss this chance to become a skilled and confident baker, make lifelong friends, and have an unforgettable time. Register now for our baking lab summer camp!
In-Person Dinner Club:
Having recently spent time in the Italian part of Switzerland and the Italian Riviera, I am inspired to recreate the dishes I enjoyed during my travels. Allow me to take your kids on a culinary journey through the northern part of Italy. Together, we will craft some of the region's most iconic dishes, including Risottos, Focaccia, Pannetone, Pesto, freshly made Pastas, Ragus, and Tiramisu.
There is a high chance we will make even more dishes.
Every day, we'll explore new ingredients and techniques, mastering the art of Italian cooking. Our classes are hands-on and educational, culminating in a shared dinner where we savor our creations. I will teach your kids to set the table and they will also help clean up.
Your child will bring home a small taste, be it dessert or bread, to share
Monday: homemade Trofie (pasta) al Pesto - dessert: Italian Lemon Cookies
Tuesday: Risotto alla Milanese served with roasted chicken - dessert: Strudel di Mele
Wednesday: Our super yummy Focaccia 4 ways (almost a pizza) - dessert: Panna Cotta
Thursday: homemade Fettucini with Ragu alla Bolognese - dessert: Panettone
Friday: Minestrone and ciabatta - dessert: Tiramisu
In-Person Baking Lab #2:
Young bakers can embark on an exciting journey into the world of doughs and their delectable creations. This camp is perfect for those who want to combine their love for baking with a touch of geekiness.
During our week-long adventure, participants will explore various types of dough and discover the endless possibilities they offer. Here's a sneak peek at the mouthwatering treats we'll be making each day:
Monday: Yeast Dough - Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cinnamon Rolls and Kolaches.
Tuesday: Pâte à Choux - Discover the art of crafting Eclairs, Cream Puffs, and Homemade Pastry Cream.
Wednesday: Strudel Dough - Travel to Austria as we bake Austrian apple strudel, Toaster Strudel, and savory Strudel.
Thursday: Meringue - Create delicate Pavlovas with mixed berries and cream, along with elegant French Macarons.
Friday: Puff Pastry - Delve into the world of Danishes and Cream Horns, showcasing the versatility of puff pastry.
Our camp offers a unique opportunity for young bakers to learn new techniques, enhance their skills, and enjoy the process of baking with friends. We prioritize creating a fun and engaging experience, allowing participants to unleash their creativity and share their love for baking.
Each day, your child will acquire valuable baking techniques and decorating skills through hands-on and educational classes. They'll also have the joy of bringing home their creations to share with family and friends, giving everyone a chance to savor their delicious accomplishments.
Don't miss this extraordinary chance for your child to become a skilled and confident baker, forge new friendships, and have an unforgettable time.
Dinner Club #8:
Welcome to our virtual summer camps, where kids can learn valuable life skills while having fun and creating delicious recipes. We provide detailed recipes, tool lists, and shopping lists well in advance of the camp, so your child can prepare for each session with ease. Our recipes are made entirely from scratch, allowing your child to truly understand the cooking and baking process. Chef Pascal will explain the reasons behind each step, providing tips and tricks along the way.
Our camps take place in the comfort of your own home, allowing your child to learn in a safe and familiar environment. We prioritize safety, cleanliness, and fun, with our three rules being: have fun, be safe, and clean up after yourself. We encourage kids to ask questions and participate in the interactive experience.
In addition to learning valuable life skills, your child will also contribute to your family by preparing meals for you. This class is priced per household, with siblings in the same household attending for free.
Our menu for the week will include a variety of recipes, all made with fresh and wholesome ingredients.
Menu:
Monday: Lo Mein & Chinese Walnut Cookies
Tuesday: Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry & Fortune Cookies (this will require you to buy some heatproof gloves, approximately $11)
Wednesday: Shakshuka & African Herztoggie Cookies
Thursday: Fish Tacos, Cole Slaw, Homemade Tortillas
Friday: Chicken Parmesan & Focaccia
Please note: We offer single-day enrollment!
We have even more camps, but these are the next ones coming up.
For more information and registration, visit www.bakeaustin.com
I will return to our culinary passport next week.
Chef Pascal