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Culinary – Programs & Curriculum



  • Baking & Pastry — Diploma
    • The Baking & Pastry diploma program is designed to train students in the baking and pastry arts. From cakes to custards and meringues to macaroons, the exacting, creative expression that characterizes baking and pastry arts is a respected and demanding facet of the culinary profession. This 36-credit diploma program focuses on the art and preparation of breads, cookies, pies, tarts, cakes and other desserts and baked goods.

      PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
          •    Apply the techniques and skills needed to produce quality baked goods in the modern pastry and bake shops and analyze the functions of all ingredients used in producing baked goods and pastries
          •    Produce various baked goods to include cakes, pies, tortes, and ice-cream along with a variety of international and classical desserts
          •    Demonstrate the total product utilization concept
          •    Describe and explain the proper handling and storage of food and sundry products along with proper sanitation and safety procedures and principles
          •    Accurately follow any given recipe and achieve the specified desired outcome
          •    Prepare a variety of baked goods, desserts and confectionaries and demonstrate decorating, plating and display techniques
          •    Identify the concepts of purchasing, receiving, and issuing practices in foodservice operations
          •    Explain the characteristics, functions, and food sources of the major nutrients and understand and demonstrate nutritional cooking methods including how to maximize nutrient retention in baked goods and pastries
          •    Understand the concept, importance, and practice of calculating recipe costs, food cost percentages, proper menu costs while applying various cost control functions as they relate to food service operations
          •    Discuss current developments and trends in the baking and pastry industry and the food service industry in general
          •    Understand and apply safe and proper usage of commonly used equipment, appliances, and hand tools used in the modern kitchen and bake shop
          •    Produce modern and classical wedding and all occasion cakes that are relevant to the modern pastry industry


      ENTRY-LEVEL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
      Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment in bakeries, restaurants, catering houses and institutional settings in entry-level positions such as assistant bakers and pastry cooks.
      Students graduating from our program will have completed the coursework required to pursue professional certification in baking and pastry arts.*

      *The Art Institute of Philadelphia does not guarantee third-party certification. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification exams and requirements are subject to change without notice to The Art Institute of Philadelphia.
    • Total Credit Hours: 36
    • Four 11–Week Quarters or 44 Weeks (Evening/Weekend)
  • Curriculum
  •  
    • BP10110 Bread Production  

      Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts, skills, and techniques of conventional and artisan bread and roll baking. Special significance is placed on the study of ingredient functions, formulation, fermentation, pre-ferments, product identification, and specific make-up methods as each applies to the baking of various bread and roll products. Lectures and demonstrations teach both yeast and non-yeast dough mixing methods, proper handling, in addition to the finishing of all bread products produced in this course. (3 quarter credits, 8 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: CU10141, CU10210

    • BP10120 Kitchen Skills for the Bakeshop  

      Students are introduced to all equipment and products found in the commercial kitchen. Special emphasis is placed on proper mise en place, sanitation and utilization of this equipment. Students will also become familiar with baker percentages and ratios. Lectures and demonstrations will teach students basic baking skills and exercises. (3 quarter credits, 8 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • BP10220 Baking & Pastry Science & Nutrition  

      This course provides the student with an in-depth study of fundamental concepts and essential theory necessary to understand the baking process. Emphasis is on formulation, ingredient function, identification and use. The Baker’s Percentage, formula conversion and ratios are reviewed. The student learns the nutritional role of baked products based on the American Food Pyramid and the USDA Dietary Guidelines. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • BP10310 Chocolate & Candies  

      Students develop knowledge and skill in the correct use and handling of fine chocolate. The focus is on chocolate varieties, chocolate tempering and basic chocolate work. Students prepare molded candies, various pralines and bon-bons, and complete both a pastillage and chocolate centerpiece. A brief introduction to pulled sugar is to be explored. (3 quarter credits, 8 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: CU10141, CU10210, CU10330

    • BP10330 Practical Baking & Pastry Skills  

      This course focuses primarily on the development of the student’s ability to properly handle and creatively utilize various chocolates and icings as they apply to the finishing of a wide range of pastry products. Special significance is placed on the correct use of both Confectioners’ Coating and Couverture. Additionally, the student hones his/her skills using both the paper pastry cone as well as the cloth pastry bag during weekly practice sessions. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: CU10141, CU10210, CU10330

    • BP10340 Classical Cakes and Tortes  

      Students develop comprehensive knowledge and skill in the production of cakes and tortes. A variety of fillings, creams, icings and mousses are used to create unique and classic cakes. Emphasis is placed on proper mixing methods of cakes and icings including those for creamed, hi-ratio, and sponge. Students learn basic and intermediate cake decorating techniques. (3 quarter credits, 8 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: CU10141, CU10210, CU10330

    • BP10430 Bakery & Pastry Kitchen Operations  

      Students are introduced to the diverse history of the baking and pastry industry. Discussions define the various positions attainable in the baking and pastry field as well as modern baking equipment, bakery manufacturing, and ready-made baked goods. Focus is placed on food, product, labor costing, inventory control and the creation of a retail establishment. Proper formulation of a cover letter and resume is covered. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • BP10440 Wedding & Display Cake Production  

      Students will continue to hone skills and techniques used in the preparation of various wedding and display cakes. Particular attention is placed on the study of the batter preparations, baking and cake finishing procedures and practices. This course will enable students to make commercial quality wedding and display cakes. (3 quarter credits, 8 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: CU10141, CU10210, CU10330

    • CU10141 Culinary Science, Sanitation, Safety & Supervisory Skills  

      This course is an introduction and explanation of the basic principles of sanitation, safety, and supervisory management. This course will focus on sanitation, safety and supervisory issues in a professional kitchen. Attention will focus on food-borne illnesses, their origins and standardized procedures for prevention. This course will also discuss injuries common in the workplace and techniques for prevention. This course has been approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is recognized by State and Local jurisdictions that require training or certification. Current issues in leadership techniques and styles will be discussed and evaluated. (3 quarter credits, 4 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • CU10210 Introduction to Baking  

      Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts, skills, and techniques of baking. Special significance is placed on the study of ingredient functions, product identification, and weight measures as applied to baking. Lectures and demonstrations teach yeast-raised dough mixing methods, rolled-in doughs, and basic cake mixing methods. (3 quarter credits, 8 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: None

    • CU10330 Introduction to Pastry  

      Students will receive comprehensive instruction regarding the preparations of creams, custards, puddings, and related sauces; preparation of a variety of cakes and icings, along with the application of a variety of styles and techniques; selection and proper use and handling of various chocolates used in baking and decorating. (3 quarter credits, 8 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: CU10210

    • CU10430 Desserts, Plating and Presentation  

      Students will prepare a variety of desserts, including crepes, cobblers, soufflés, ice creams, and sorbets. The proper uses of a variety of chocolates and decorating techniques, as well as traditional and modern plate, table and buffet presentations will be explored. (3 quarter credits, 8 hours per week)

      Prerequisites: CU10141, CU10210, CU10330

  • Other

The Art Institute of Philadelphia

1622 Chestnut Street  Philadelphia, PA 19103-5119 • 1.215.567.7080 • 1.800.275.2474