Pan Fino Masterclass with Chef Alex Peña
Pan Fino Masterclass
Friday, February, 2024 | 10:00AM - 4:00PM (Includes Lunch)
$349.00
Join Chef Alex Peña, a California native, a former Marine, a passionate Master Baker, trained culinary chef, and a professional bread scientist for his second day of masterclasses- Pan Fino!
Pan Fino, a specialty sweet bread that to me, represents an exclusive category of the pan dulce variety. The Pan Fino sweet dough is taken a step further by adding the combination of different leavening systems and a higher level of shortening to the recipe.
The yeast-raised dough contains additional chemical leavening to provide not only a unique texture, but also a darker color and flavor. The alkaline notes from the chemical leavening systems provide a subtle balance to the high level of cinnamon. In addition, the shortening in the sweet dough lends itself to creating a variety of figures that require optimum pliability when rolled out using a wooden dowel. The dough does not require a floured bench and is best handled cold or well fermented under refrigeration. Ultimately, the rich ingredients create a cinnamon cookie-like bread like no other.
The students will learn about the process and technique behind the iconic Elotes (corn on the cob), Chamucos (Demons (chamuscar – seared or branded)), Cuernitos (bull horns), Troncos (tree trunks), Alamares (knots), Empanadas de Calabaza (pumpkin filled turnovers). Every sweet bread will include a different sugar topping that will be produced during the class. Some of the old-world breads will also require rock sugar, a simple decoration that can be applied to many applications in the pan dulce category. During this class students will learn about the Calabaza filling used in the empanadas and how the sweet dough can be used as a universal platform for many other custard and fruit fillings.
The students will take home a total of seven recipes, and a few boxes topped with these amazing sweet breads and pastries.
Blueberry, Coconut and Earl Grey Tart (V)
How gorgeous is this Blueberry, Coconut and Earl Grey Tart? Sound like an unusual combination? You bet it is… and beyond delicious- plus, the naturally gluten-free crust contains dates, almonds and coconut and the filing can be set with vegetarian friendly agar agar instead of gelatin and sweetened with maple syrup or agave instead of sugar for a lower glycemic option. Don’t get me wrong, just because it’s one of the healthier desserts we offer doesn’t mean it’s missing any of the flavor, style or substance! Best of all, the flavors actually improve with age, so this is a perfect tart to bring for Mother’s Day Dessert! You’ll also have a host of fresh fruit and white chocolate curls (vegan white chocolate available too!) to decorate your completed tart. This has quickly become one of my favorite tarts to bring to friends and family who are watching their sugar intake.
Arroz con Pollo
Join Chef Cecilia Hambrick- Mariara for a fun, slightly spicy Chef Night making Arroz con pollo… when translated from Spanish into English literally means rice with chicken, but there is so much more to this traditional Latin dish. Wherever it originated from, it boils down to a hearty and robustly flavored dish enjoyed throughout many Caribbean and Latin America countries. Although the elements of this recipe are simple, their combination produces a dish that will leave you wanting more.
Semlor Lenten Buns
Join Mary Storey for an enchanting evening making the Swedish delight Semlor Lenten Buns. Tied to the fasting tradition of Lent, semlor are cardamom-scented buns filled with almond-paste and whipped cream. Mary’s version includes a tart Raspberry Jam to offer a fruity foil to the rich, creamy filling, but you can serve yours with or without…you’ll still go home with a delicious jam for spreading on toast or dolloping on yogurt.
Gluten Free Yeast Bread
Baking your own fresh bread doesn’t have to be intimidating! Join Sarah Muro from Willow’s Gluten Free Bakery for our first Gluten Free Yeast Bread! You’ll take home a generous loaf of gluten-free bread, perfect for sandwiches, grilled cheese or French toast- as well as the skills you need to bake your own bread at home, any time! Plus, you’ll also make a delicious sweet and savory Bacon Jam!