Alex Peña
Alex Peña
Read the Florida Today Article by Suzy Fleming Leonard!
Director of Product Development and Technical Services, Bellarise Pasadena, California
Chef Alex Pena has grown up deeply connected to the Mexican American community and rich food culture of Los Angeles. His parents were the proud owners of the renowned La Morenita, a beloved bakery and tortillerí a nestled just a few minutes away from downtown Los Angeles in Cypress Park. For two decades, the family run establishment flourished under their skillful hands, leaving an indelible mark on the local culinary scene.
Alex's grandparents immigrated from Dolores Hidalgo; a town located in the heart of Mexico. His paternal grandmother, Juanita, started the family's first home business by selling her delicious handmade tamales directly to people's doors. With time, her business became a beloved local favorite, and she eventually expanded by opening Juanita's restaurant. Twenty five years later, the family acquired La Morenita, a place where their authentic tamales continued to captivate the entire city.
For many years, Pen a dedicated himself to honing his craft alongside talented itinerant artisan bakers at La Morenita. This invaluable experience allowed him to delve deep into the intricacies of Mexican and Central American baking, mastering the art with each passing day. To further refine his skills, he pursued a graduate degree at Le Cordon Bleu, California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena. It was there that he delved into the world of formal French technique, seamlessly blending it with his existing expertise.
After the sale of La Morenita, Pen a took on the role of manager at Don a Rosa Bakery in Pasadena. Additionally, he gained valuable experience as a catering chef, refining his skills in both savory and pastry dishes. Transitioning to the ingredient side of the bakery industry, he worked as a research and development expert for an international firm that focused on mixes and fillings. This position led him on exciting journeys across North America and Asia. It was during a trip to Shanghai that Pen a had a memorable experience crafting pan dulce, which left a lasting impression on him.
Alex has been the Director of Product Development and Technical Services at Bellarise for a decade, a renowned supplier of yeast and specialty bakery ingredients to commercial and industrial bakeries worldwide. In his role as a Bread Scientist, Pen a spearheads the creation of innovative solutions using cutting-edge enzyme technology that benefit the entire industry. Additionally, he shares his expertise by providing guidance and instruction to customers around the globe on effectively utilizing the company's scientific advancements in their own baking endeavors.
Amidst the Covid pandemic, Alex not only adapted but also thrived by devising techniques for home baking, which he generously shared on social media with an expanding online community. Responding to overwhelming demand, he officially launched his own at-home baking school in January 2023. The school offers a range of classes tailored to both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners, all centered around his authentic pan dulce recipes.
https://www.bakingevolution.com/