Students will explore the delightful world of baking to celebrate special occasions. They will engage in hands-on learning with professionals and home bakers. Throughout the week, students will sample treats from New England bakeries while acquiring the skills and confidence to create their own cookies, cupcakes, dinner rolls, and more! Some highlights will include a baking lesson at King Arthur Flour, Cupcake Wars, and a service opportunity! By the end of the week, students will have a repertoire of recipes ready to celebrate a birthday, help with a holiday, or simply lift someone’s spirits with a sweet treat.
Day 1: Cookies
On our first day, we started by breaking off into small groups of 2 to 3 students. After finding a recipe, we jumped straight into baking. Our five groups selected different recipes: Oreo, coconut sugar, cake batter, and two variations of chocolate chip cookies. After our cookie contest, we selected the Oreo and chocolate chip cookies to showcase during the symposium. We also baked another batch of each and prepared lessons for elementary school students. They will visit campus on Thursday to engage in baking-themed classes and decorate sugar cookies with our group!! -Written by Teddy Brown
Day 2: Bakery Tour and Cupcake Wars
Today the Baking Basics group went on a tour of the Crust and Crumb bakery. We met their wonderful staff, giving us a window into what it means to be a professional baker. We also learned how they help the local community by donating leftovers to the food pantry and nearby farms. They also have a "pay it forward" program that allows customers to purchase items for others in need. Everyone sampled some delicious treats, such as quiches, whoopie pies, and raspberry bars. Afterwards, we stocked up on baking supplies at Hannaford's to prepare for the Cupcake Wars. When we got back to campus, each group baked a different cupcake recipe. At the end of the day, four judges voted and decided on the winning cupcake. Helen and Lisa's mango and strawberry shortcake cupcake was awarded "most original" and Audra, Isiah, and Fia's chocolate raspberry cupcake claimed the title of "best overall". - Written by Quincy Compagnone
Day 3: Choose your own bake and Dinner Rolls!
We began our third day by baking recipes of our choice. In the morning, groups made banana bread, macarons, and a poke bowl. Helen and I (Lisa) made the poke bowl. First, we baked the salmon. Then we assembled the rest of the ingredients, and shared our dish with the group. We enjoyed sampling everyone else's baked goods. Everything was delicious! In the afternoon, we made cinnamon rolls, blueberry and chocolate chip muffins, and monkey bread. We also baked the sugar cookies that the elementary school students will decorate tomorrow, while finalizing the plans for their visit. Finally, Mrs. Walsh taught the group how to make dinner rolls. For many students, this was their first time making yeast breads. Everyone customized their recipe with different herbs and spices, such as garlic and rosemary. It was a fun day! - Written by Lisa Wang
Day 4: Service Day with local fifth graders
"To start day 4, we met up in the cafeteria to prepare for the 5th graders' visit to campus. We dyed the frosting for decorating cookies and set up the rink lobby and lower gym for activities. Once the 5th graders arrived, we took them on a quick tour around campus before starting some math and writing activities. Then we played some games in the gym and wrapped up by decorating cookies. After lunch, we returned to the dining hall to finalize our plans for the symposium. We can't wait for our King Arthur Class tomorrow." - Written by Henry Timbrell
Day 5: Seasonal Tarts at King Arthur Flour
Today we went to King Arthur Flour! We had lunch at their cozy café before embarking on our sweet and savory seasonal tart class. The three hours flew by! We baked a berry crostata and an asparagus, ricotta, and lemon tart. Both recipes involved the same pie crust. Our favorite part was the taste test at the end. Everything was delicious! The King Arthur Flour class was the perfect way to end a great week of baking! - Written by Fia Swormstedt
Credits:
Created with images by tatomm - "various kitchen utensils on black table background" • Julia29photo - "Kitchen utensils and tools for homemade baking on a light wooden background." • Drobot Dean - "Cropped image of young woman cooking the dough." • adragan - "Hands of men and women make dough heart.,The symbols of protecti" • bit24 - "Fresh berry cake on a white wooden background." • weyo - "Christmas sweet and cookies top of view"