Cake and cookies

A few weeks ago, the Guides (11-14 age group) wrote a letter to one of the parents who is a professional baker and pastry chef, inviting her to teach them some baking skills. These girls just love cooking! Or perhaps, eating.

First they had a bit of a Q&A session where they learned about the years of training involved in becoming a bakery tradesperson and the strict rules in practical assessments such as not getting aprons and uniforms dirty. It was really interesting and the girls remained attentive despite the fact that there were ingredients directly in front of them. 

Then it was onto the baking! The first thing they made was a simple shortbread. The girls measured their ingredients by weight on scales rather than using measuring cups, which was a first for all of them! Then they had to rub the dough mix between their hands so it would further melt the butter and combine the ingredients. It was a rather slow process, although they didn't mind as they chatted the entire time. 

Each Guide made a large ball of dough. This made two large cookie cutter people (approx. 6 inches tall) or a mix of smaller shapes. Instead of using rolling pins the girls were taught to just use a glass from the kitchen to evenly roll out the dough. They enjoyed learning useful tips that meant they would be able to replicate the baking at home without buying any new equipment. The cookies were then put into the oven to bake for about 20 minutes.

Baked cookie person. Delicious! We didn't have time to decorate because the Guides got caught up in their next activity.

Shortbread Recipe (individual serve)

Ingredients:

150g plain flour

50g caster sugar

100g butter (must be soft)

Method:

1. Set oven at 170 degrees celcius. 

2. Place all ingredients in a bowl.

3. Rub ingredients together between hands - this will take a while and take on the texture of breadcrumbs.

4. Squeeze mix together into a ball of cookie dough.

5. Roll out into approximately 1cm thickness. Cut shapes using cookie cutter.

6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
7. Allow to cool down and decorate with icing.


Next up was cake decorating. The Guides were taught to pipe three different styles of border using a star tipped nozzle.

They were each provided with a pre-baked vanilla sponge cake and taught to cut it evenly in half and add jam - without making the cake crumble! Next was spreading the icing on the top of the cake with a pallet knife and piping on their border. Finally they added decorations as they saw fit. 

They absolutely loved every minute of the night and had great fun learning new skills and using professional cake decorating equipment. I'm so glad that I was able to visit and participate in such an inspiring night! I'll definitely be back for the next one!