About Pastry Chefs
Pastry chefs practice one of the specialty fields in the food preparation industry. Many of them are bakers working for large companies and supermarkets. Others work in restaurant kitchens, bakeries and in the catering industry. A career as a pastry chef can be satisfying and creative. The proliferation of reality shows on television and cable networks has also opened another career avenue for pastry chefs--competition and cooking shows. If you're considering a career in food service or food preparation, here are some facts to know about being a pastry chef.
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History
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The art of making cakes and pastries may have begun before the Roman Empire, but it really flourished there. Even in the ancient world, there were dozens of kinds of breads, cakes and pastries. In earlier centuries, many homes did not have ovens. Bread was one of the first prepared foods that were bought rather than made at home for this very reason.
Bakers and pastry makers even feature in some of our oldest literature--nursery rhymes. One of the first songs that many children learn is Pat-a-cake, about pastry bakers who traveled through the streets and sold their pies and breads and pastries to passers-by.
In today's world, many restaurants ship their desserts in from other companies. Restaurants that have their own pastry chefs are often well-known for their fabulous desserts. Some of the desserts even become world famous. Bananas Foster, for instance, was created in 1951 by Paul Blange at Brennan's in New Orleans and is now served in fine restaurants around the world.
Function
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A pastry chef creates desserts, breads, cakes and sweets. Early in his career, a pastry chef may assemble and mix ingredients following the recipes and instructions of a more experienced pastry chef. The pastry chef job may also include creating new desserts, planning menus, supervising other chefs and managing budgets.
A pastry chef may also specialize within the field. Some choose to become chocolatiers, or to specialize in creating and decorating cakes for parties, events and weddings. -
Types
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While "pastry chef" is a specialty within the culinary arts field, there are subspecialties within the career field. Some of those specialties require certifications, but many chefs find themselves in a niche area through experience and passion for their craft.
Bakery chefs may bake cakes, pies, cookies and pastries. Often, all that is required for a job in one of these positions is a high school diploma and a willingness to learn.
Restaurant pastry chefs work in the kitchen of a full service restaurant where they create desserts that complement the menu offered by the establishment. In some large, upscale restaurants, the pastry chef may supervise an entire department.
Some pastry chefs may specialize in creating elaborate cakes and desserts for special occasions. Chefs who work on these constructions must understand more than just the basics of baking and decoration. Often, their creations will require a thorough understanding of engineering and construction techniques.
Considerations
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According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook put out by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for all types of chefs is expected to grow steadily through 2016. Thanks to the popularity of television cooking shows and competition, however, the competition for positions in the field is fierce. This is especially true for those who aspire to pastry chef positions in major restaurants.
If you're considering a career as a pastry chef, you should consider attending a culinary college. Many restaurants are requiring the completion of a certificate program even for entry level chef positions.
Pastry chefs must be able to work long hours. The average pastry chef often works about 55 hours a week, and much of that time is spent on his feet.
Potential
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According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, pastry chefs may earn as much as $50,000 a year. Some pastry chefs who specialize may earn considerably more. A pastry chef who chooses to teach, for instance, or who lands a job doing a television cooking show may make more than $100,000 annually.
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