Blog Archives
What does it take to become a chef? These days, it doesn’t seem like much. Every day I run into people that say they’re chefs, but I become skeptical when they tell me about their lack of experience. I’m continually hiring people that assure me that they can cook, but end up being skilled at only one thing; complaining. Not only do these fresh-out-of school kids expect the world, they don’t want to have to work their way up the ladder, putting in the necessary time and effort to truly learn their profession. I hope I’m not dating myself by saying, “When I graduated from cooking school, things were different…you really had to prove yourself before you got promoted…” The truth is things are different. With the gaining popularity of The Food Newtwork, and other food-related shows, everyone wants to become a chef.
Travel to Oakmont however, and you can find some great pastries, cakes and other goodies to munch on. The cakes produced at this bakery are consistently good.
I had never heard of a burnt almond torte before I moved back to Pittsburgh. The first time I saw one of these cakes was at a party one evening. I noticed the square cake with shaved almonds on it and asked, “What’s that?”
“That’s a Burnt Almond Torte from Prantl’s, you’ve never had one?”
Why was it called a burnt almond torte? The almonds were barely toasted, but they were coated with a thick layer of sugar.
I shared slices of my hot Pear Pie with Ryan and Brianna, and they seemed to agree that it was great! I loved it (if I do say so myself). The next day, I took the remaining slices in to work to share with Mari and Chef Chuck. Success!
Over the past few years, it seems as if cupcakes have become more popular than ever. They’re all over the place; even replacing traditional cakes at weddings. Why the renewed popularity? Is it that the cupcake is small, and easy to eat? Maybe it’s because they come in so many different flavors, and just as important, colors. If you really enjoy a cupcake (as most people do) Dozen Bakeshop in Squirrel Hill should be on your short list of places to visit. It’s a very small space, but it’s loaded with charm, and sweet aromas.
