Snow Sculptures & Shyness

    

      Brett and I went to the snow sculpting competition at Navy Pier yesterday.  They are huge and amazing.  This one of Medusa was the winner.  I wish we had a picture of it from behind too because the snakes look really neat looping around in the back.
     Our favorite sculpture was the eels with the coral.  It had a lot of detail, a lot of them did.  One was an octopus and a skeleton with a treasure chest and a zillion little coins scattered around the bottom.

      People were taking pictures standing in front of the sculptures and Brett couldn't understand why.  So I made him take a picture of me standing by our fav.  There was a good turn out and it was pretty impressive.  Even the high school ones didn't look to bad.  Bretty was definitely in awe and I was glade we went.
     I also managed to get us home okay.  I think Brett was impressed and he just managed to hide it well.

     It felt like a crazy day at school today.  I feel bad for my new partner; he probably thinks I'm always a crazy face but I just felt behind all day.  We made like four different batters and piped some pastries.  It doesn't sound like much but jeezies.  We also had our first review with our chef, he told me I'm too quiet. It's not like I've never heard that before.  He asked my old partner what it was like working with me and she said after a couple days I opened up and that I talk a lot once I'm comfortable.  He was surprised.  And then my new partner told him that he likes my sense of humor.  He was surprised again.  Everyday he asks for a joke at the beginning of class and I'm going to find a joke; I'm sure he'll be surprised.

Brett's snow sculpture from the competition in Rockford.  Tiki Clause is over ten feet tall 

French Pastry Experience

      Today I worked a French Pastry Experience at school.  I think I'm going to try and get Mom and Dad to go to one.  Anyone can go to these things, some people are interested in going to the school and some just go for fun.  We gave the people tours and they watched a demo and sampled tasty treats.  They also took home a gift bag and a loaf of fresh bread.  I wasn't too excited about giving a tour but it wasn't bad.  The people were all really interested and friendly, which made it easier.
     Tomorrow Brett and I are going to Navy Pier to see snow sculptures; he just did a snow sculpting competition that ended last weekend.  Here is the link to pictures from the competition http://www.snowsculpting.org/teamsstate.html his team was block 7.  I don't know yet what else we'll do, probably not much because we're both poor.  I don't really care if we do anything, I'm just excited to see him.

     The "For the Love of Chocolate" gala is next Saturday.  They strongly suggested everyone "volunteer".  I am excited to rub elbows with the pros.  I want to do a stage (job shadow) at Graham Elliot
http://www.grahamelliot.com/ but I didn't have the guts to call, so I sent an e-mail.  I know he's going to be there, so it would be neat to meet him and maybe make me less nervous. I have no idea what to expect at the event.  I think it'll be over the top and amazing.  Also very long, working all day means from 9 am to 1 am.  Yeup, I said 1 AM!  I know I'll survive; I'm excited.

Bread Friday

Country Bread (shape: Couronne Bordelaise)

Multigrain

     I brought home two paper grocery bags full of bread today.  We finished almond croissants, made almond brioche (that uses bostock and my partner said the smell reminded her of a spa... in a good way) baked sourdough, mixed and baked country bread and a multigrain bread.  Woo! And we're only there for six hours.  Next  time you're at work and you look at the clock and go "It's only noon!" just know that I did all of the above by noon time.

Sourdough

     Monday we have new partners and start on petit fours.  I love bread but I don't imagine myself becoming a "baker" so I'm looking forward to all of the other classes.  Who know what I'll really be good at or end up doing... I guess time will tell.  I am going to miss my first partner but I'm excited about working with my new one.  We happen to  have the same chef for petite fours as we had for bread and he can be pretty entertaining.    
     Meanwhile, Brett is coming to see me this weekend!  Haven't seen him in about three weeks and I miss him bunches.  Saturday morning I volunteered to work a French Pastry Experience at school.  Just until noon, showing people around and helping with the demonstration (probably just doing dishes and such).

Almond Croissant and Almond Brioche

Welp.  I guess that's it.