Baking classes in Washington, DC - NoVA ?

July 31, 2006 4:29 PM

I am looking for classes in the Washington DC area specifically for baking cakes.. So far, the ones I have come up with are: 1. Cake decoration (not preparation) 2. Cookies, cones, holiday preparations 3. $100 for a 3 hour session 4. Semester long programs To put it simply, I want to make my own tiramisu !
posted by cusecase to food & drink (9 comments total)

Just tiramisu? Because tiramisu doesn't require any baking, actually.
posted by occhiblu at 4:38 PM on July 31, 2006

Not just tiramisu. Point I was trying to make is to learn how to prepare all those yummy cakes on a bakery shelf. Not the cookies and bread kind of baking
posted by cusecase at 4:48 PM on July 31, 2006

Did you see L'Academie de Cuisine? They seem to have classes like this one for Pies, Crisps & Cobblers. I'd assume once the weather gets a bit cooler they'd get into more baking-intensive classes; the calendar seems to be pretty seasonal.
posted by occhiblu at 5:04 PM on July 31, 2006

Though I spent some of my childhood in Baltimore, I am not geographically qualified to steer you in the direction of classes. I am (as an at home cake and cookie baker) qualified to encourage you to start at home.

I would suggest using recipes that involve a scale (because I really never remember how you're actually supposed to measure the stupid flour - dip and sweep? fill the cup with a spoon? Getting this right is crucial for the science of baking. What you get might still be tasty, but it won't always be the same as intended) and start with the simplest white or yellow cake.

Wait until your cakes are completely cool before frosting them, unless you get a recipe that demands otherwise. I do not make fancy decorations on my cakes because I don't feel I bake them frequently enough to get all the pastry tips, and for some reason I wasn't able to keep track of a pastry bag when living with college age roommates. Also, the cake decorating may require a semester long course to get good at, so don't discount that value.

Enjoy!
posted by bilabial at 5:05 PM on July 31, 2006

How about First Class? I've never taken a class there nor do I know anyone who has but I remember this City Paper article on it from earlier this year. And it sounded really nice in the article.
If not those, I'd suggest having a look at Montgomery College's curriculum. They often have short adult classes, although I don't know if they'd be less than a hundred dollars to take.
posted by emmatwofour at 5:05 PM on July 31, 2006

I've taken classes at L'Academie de Cuisine and the best ones are the ones where you actually cook (as opposed to just watch and eat what the chef makes). Both types are fun.
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 5:12 PM on July 31, 2006

Sur La Table at Pentagon Row has a summer baking class this weekend!
posted by echo0720 at 5:44 PM on July 31, 2006

I would be inclined to ask this question on Kim O'Donnel's chat if you don't get what you need here.
posted by jacquilynne at 6:35 PM on July 31, 2006

I'm in a culinary management program and have been baking since I was old enough to run the stove without mom. Taking a class is fun and a great way to learn, but just trying stuff out is just as much fun!

Start with toll house and oatmeal cookies and boxed cakes and work from there....remember, it doesn't have to look perfect the first time, heck, doesn't even have to taste perfect. Every baker, home or pro, has horror stories about forgetting ingredients, adding the wrong ingredients, etc.


Anyway, take a class if you find one that works for you, but if not, just have fun and try stuff, you'll be amazed at much easier things are than you think!

Reg
posted by legotech at 10:34 PM on July 31, 2006