Sweet Artist Academy

I can’t lie — I still have sweet dreams about one day being a world famous pastry chef. So Sweet Artist Academy has been at the top of my ‘to do’ list for a while, it just took me a while to decide which course to try first! I eventually settled on Individual Cakes #1 and nervously waited for the day to roll around.
When I arrived (I was first there — super keen) I was greeted by chef/​owner/​teacher Patrick. We shared a coffee and chatted about life, dreams, and pastry. It was a really nice way to break the ice.
I soon found out there was only one other student, which at first made me nervous (nowhere to hide) but in the end, was a massive bonus. A full day of private baking with a professional French pastry chef, it really was a dream come true for me. (#Hot Tip — I did a weekday course, which was possibly why there were less people, but the classes are always capped at seven)
The nitty gritty — over the course of seven hours we learnt the processes for baking, decorating and assembling three different individual cakes. Patrick helps enough so that you don’t feel lost, but lets you build your own skills and infuse a little of your own flair. My favourite part was Patrick letting you in on a few baking cheats and secrets, which if you can’t afford all the baking ‘mod cons’ is really useful.
What amazed me the most was how a day with Patrick turned an apprehension of my baking skills, into a new confidence. I should be baking more often, if I do say so myself. I couldn’t wait to deliver my 36 cakes to friends and family (the look of shock on their faces was priceless). And I can’t wait to do my next course with Sweet Artist.
Anyone can give it a go, no pre-​requisites required, except maybe a little stamina. After 7 hours on my feet I slept pretty soundly.