Local Pastry Chef to Offer “Artisan Bread” Class at Naugatuck Valley Community College

Waterbury, Conn. – Naugatuck Valley Community College is offering two professional baking classes this spring that can be taken for college credit or for personal enrichment.

The first class, “Artisan Bread,” will be taught from 8-12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, January 27 – May 19. The class will be taught by Denis Niez, a former pastry chef at the Mayflower Inn and current owner and head pastry chef of Ovens of France in Woodbury.  Niez is a native of Normandy, France, where he began his culinary training.

The class will examine the techniques involved in making hand crafted breads through active participation, lecture and assignments. Students will learn the ferment and fresh yeast methods and how to present their finished products.

The second class, “Basic Baking and Pastry Arts II,” will be held on Wednesdays from 9:35-2:05 p.m. from January 28 – May 20. The class will explore sweet and savory recipes, including doughs, pies, tarts, cakes, icings, fillings, cookies, petit fours, pâte à choux, creams, mousses and chocolate desserts.

Kitchen math including weights and measurements, quality control, costing and sanitation will be incorporated into both classes.

“This is the first year NVCC is offering professional baking classes in our new 6,000 square foot facility,” said Karen Rotella, hospitality management program coordinator. “Students will be amazed at the resources that are available to them.”