Intro to Baking: February Syllabus
✨ Intro to Baking: February Syllabus 🍰
Introduction
"Keep on baking so you don’t lose your hand." That’s what my Auntie says, and it’s a truth I’ve lived by. Hi Class, I’m Zae’, or Professor Bundt Buddy. I’ve been baking for nearly 20 years, and it’s truly something I love. Married and away from family, I wanted my house to feel like home. So, I kept all the traditions I grew up with alive and active when I married and moved away. What started with Pound Cakes grew into other fancy cakes and desserts, and well, here I am now. I’m ServSafe certified and have held a Cottage License (Home-based bakery for business) in two different states. Now, while I can bake and make those elaborate, over-the-top desserts, I don’t enjoy it. My heart always comes back to a good ole’ Southern Pound or Bundt Cake. A taste of home; warm, nostalgic, and delicious.
My Intro class is all about giving you the foundation to bake with confidence. We’ll focus on approachable recipes, beginner-friendly cookies, moist cakes, and fudgy brownies. My goal is to ensure you’ve got the right tools, ingredients, and techniques. For now, we’re keeping it simple, sweet, and fun!
Welcome to the kitchen, students! I’m so happy you’re here. Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a way to bake sweets and treats, this class is for you.
Let’s mix, bake, and create something truly delicious together!
- Professor Bundt Buddy
🍪 Week 1: Mastering Measurements & Strawberry Cookie Delight
(Week of February 2, 2025)
📖 Theory: Understanding liquid vs. dry measuring tools and how to use them.
🍪 Recipe: Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies with Lemon Glaze
🎁 Bonus: Easy Strawberry Crunch Recipe
🎯 Key Skills: Measuring accuracy, mixing techniques, and foundational baking basics.
🧈 Week 2: Butter Battles & The Perfect Buttermilk Poundcake
(Week of February 9, 2025)
📖 Theory: Butter vs. Margarine—do you know the difference?
🍰 Recipe: Buttermilk Poundcake
🎁 Bonus: No Buttermilk? No Problem! Learn how to make homemade buttermilk.
🎯 Key Skills: Understanding fat's role in baking, creaming butter and sugar, and proper cake mixing techniques.
🧁 Week 3: The Cupcake Chronicles – Fluffy, Frosted, & Fabulous
(Week of February 16, 2025)
📖 Theory: What is a cupcake?
🧁 Recipe: Cupcakes with Frosting (Flavor TBD)
✨ Black History Highlight: Spotlight on a Black baker
🎯 Key Skills: Measuring cupcake batter, piping basics, and cupcake decorating.
🍫 Week 4: Brownie vs. Blondie Showdown – A Battle of Sweetness
(Week of February 23, 2025)
📖 Theory: Differences between brownies and blondies; ingredients, textures, and baking techniques.
🍫 Recipe: Classic Fudge Brownies or Buttery Blondies
✨ Black History Highlight: Honoring Black Pastry Chefs who helped shaped baking culture.
🎯 Key Skills: Understanding the role of sugar and fat in texture, mixing methods, and achieving the perfect chewiness.