The final day of the pastry course arrived suddenly, and with it came a mixture of excitement and nostalgia. The year had flown by and I had learned, tasted, and practiced so many new techniques. For our last assignment we put everything we had learned into practice by organizing a High Tea.
We were allowed to invite a few guests to join us at 3 p.m. for the High Tea. I invited my mother and my grandmother, whose love of patisserie originally inspired me. Their presence made the afternoon especially meaningful.
Before our guests arrived there was still plenty to prepare. Each student was responsible for contributing items for the spread—some followed assigned recipes, others used their own. Both savory and sweet creations were welcome. I had been asked to prepare a “retro recipe,” a special task that asked us to reinterpret a classic or give a modern creation a traditional twist. I chose to make Apple Croquettes as my retro recipe, and they were well received by those who tried them.
Alongside my apple croquettes there were sandwiches, cookies, muffins, chocolates and more—so many treats that I couldn’t taste them all. The table was abundant and beautifully presented, showcasing the variety of skills our class developed over the year.
While guests mingled and enjoyed the treats, a spontaneous musical moment brought extra warmth to the room. Our chef picked up a guitar and sang with one of the patisserie colleagues and her husband. It was an uplifting, joyful ending to a memorable year of learning and creativity.
Now my remaining task is to finish my portfolio, which I must submit next month. In September we will receive our diplomas. I’ll continue developing new recipes and sharing them on my blog, applying everything I learned and keeping the passion for patisserie alive.