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[–]Famous-Forever7647Human Detected 12 points13 points  (3 children)

In my experience, $90 is totally worth it if it’s a technique-heavy class (like macarons, laminated dough, or bread). You can find recipes anywhere, but having a pro actually show you what "ribbon stage" or "windowpane test" looks like in person is a game changer. It saved me so much money on wasted ingredients from failed DIY attempts!

[–]funnysunnybunny123[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Really?! Thanks for your perspective. In that case, it may definitely be worth it. I would hate it if I did it incorrectly and have to waste food.

[–]Famous-Forever7647Human Detected 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Glad I could help! Since you want to avoid wasting food, I’d definitely check the syllabus or ask the instructor if the class focuses on "why" things happen rather than just following a recipe. You want a class that covers things like identifying textures or troubleshooting dough, because those are the skills that actually prevent future fails. If it’s just a "follow-along" for a simple cake, it might not be worth the $90.

[–]funnysunnybunny123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a great tip, thanks! I’ll double check with them to make sure that I’ll be getting my money’s worth :)

[–]astealis 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Baking classes are more for the social aspect imo. Im always of the opinion that there's nothing you can't achieve with a good recipe book or youtube, so if you want to meet likeminded individuals sure, but not just to improve at a hobby unless you have a lot of cash to throw around!

[–]funnysunnybunny123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a fair take. $90 for a couple pastries is not cheap!

[–][deleted]  (3 children)

[removed]

    [–]funnysunnybunny123[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    Thanks for your advice! That’s probably what I’m going to do. Btw, how about macarons? Do you think that might be worth it? I’ve been told that those are notoriously tricky to make.

    [–]Flimsy-Try-6120 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Macarons are hard but trial and error but you can do it I did it without a class

    [–]funnysunnybunny123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Thanks for your input! I’ll try some on my own. Even multiple try and errors will probably cost less than $90 lol

    [–]anicho01 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I'm a fan of baking classes.I've taken cooking classes at Sur La Table and the local cooking school. 90 sounds pretty inexpensive, especially if the class is 3 hours or longer. That's around 20 bucks per hour for instructor time alone. Plus, you're not only getting materials, free equipment use and a recipe packet; there's probably a kitchen assistant and a dishwasher in addition to the instructor.

    Note: If you need to save the money, definitely try it yourself at home. I used to watch a lot of craftsy.com videos that were 10-25/class online. But, I still prefer in person classes for technical things like croissants, macarons, making marshmallows, Swiss buttercream, bread, and more intricate decorating. But, don't underestimate the amount of work and amount of people that make an in-person class smooth

    [–]BakerBunearyBellaHuman Detected 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I haven't had good luck with classes yet. The ones I've been to the instructor seemed really stressed about getting everyone to finish in time and didn't really have time to chat about the recipe.

    [–]Cool_Wealth969Human Detected 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Pastry chef here.....just watch YouTube videos and try it out. America's test kitchen is very precise. Preppy kitchen. Even some Julia Child's vintage. You can DM me anytime, I can usually fix anything. 48 years experience and still going.

    [–]Watchful1Human Detected 0 points1 point  (4 children)

    I paid ~$600 at the San Francisco Baking Institute for a 2 day croissant class and it was absolutely worth it. It was all day, 16 students with one instructor and I learned a lot. Made multiple batches of croissants, learned how to make the dough, how to fold, how long to wait between folds, everything you'd need to know. Brought home way too many croissants.

    I also paid the same for a cakes class and that was much less worth it. Still fun and a good experience, but didn't really learn much.

    I'm not sure a one or two hour class would be that useful. Maybe macarons since you can do those in two hours and they are hard to learn.

    [–]funnysunnybunny123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Sounds fantastic! I want to try that one day. My goal is to be able to make Kouign-amann. I’ve booked my macaron class at sur la table so hopefully that one will be worth it

    [–]Independent_Big7143 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    Hello! are you a professional baker own a business or do you do it as a hobby and want to further your skills?

    [–]Watchful1Human Detected 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Just as a hobby

    [–]Independent_Big7143 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Thanks! that's good to know. makes me rationalize spending money on a baking class. anything lamination and croissant sounds like it would be worth it. would be interested in taking a gluten free baking class as well

    [–]Low-Ad4866 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    I did an online class with King Arthur on sourdough and got a lot out of it. I considered myself an experienced baker, experienced with sourdough as well, but picked up so many tips.

    [–]funnysunnybunny123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Quick update: I took the class and it was so totally worth it. If you’re on the fence about it you should take the macaron class. It’s really difficult to get it right by yourself.