Lindt chocolate studio and petit gateaux course

Last week I got to attend the petit gateaux course at the Lindt chcoloate studio, which I had been looking forward to for months. I love baking so thought this particular course would take the skill level up a notch. 

Over two days we learned how to make 8 beautiful little cake creations, all of which incorporated in some way the delectable range of Lindt couverture.

Each recipe has been thoroughly tested and all the ingredients are presented in very accurate weight measurements.  A lot of specific techniques were taught, a lot of wonderful tricks and mostly an overriding understanding about chocolate tempering.

Once you understand some of the fundamentals around how chocolate is made and how it needs to be melted and handled, the process of baking with it becomes much more accessible.

Its fascinating stuff!

The course was led by the very charming and knowledgeable chocolatier and pastry chef, Dimo Simatos with a team of supporters who made the logistics of learning all the techniques and process quite seamless.

There was a lot of stuff going on.

The first day was about moving through the different recipes and making up the  layers. The second day was about turning the layers into beautiful little gateaux’s and adding all the finishing touches.

I loved every minute of it.

A few of our finished little cakes:

As with all things food, the proof is in the taste and my oh my were these little cakes exceptional, off the chart and mind numbingly amazing.

This course is probably not suited for a beginner baker, but the chocolate studio offers a wide range of courses to suit a range of levels and budgets from basic chocolate appreciation to more advanced chocolate decor and show pieces.

check out their website for more details: Lindt Chocolate Studio, or just pop in and buy chocolate, truffles, books, equipment or have a cup of hot chocolate.