Gourmandise Desserts Baking Classes

Amazing! I have learned so much from this french pastry chef....you have to take her classes just to learn the why of baking. She has taken my love of baking to a whole new level.

Posted 07/28/09 | Report Abuse

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Highly recommende!! Friendly and knowledgeable instructor who shares many tips/tricks and baking "secrets". Got of take-home classroom creations, too.

Posted 12/03/07 | Report Abuse

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I have had the pleasure of taking two different classes with Clemence and have a number of friends who have taken many more. We've all loved them!! The classes I have taken were at the place where she previously taught them (I can't remember the name), which was a working commercial kitchen, but wasn't very nice. It wasn't in a great neighborhood and seemed like it needed a coat of paint and a thorough cleaning, but that was absolutely the only thing that could have been improved about the class, in my opinion. I'm sure her classes at ChefMakers are even better.

Every class has been so fun and I have been delighted by everything we've learned. Clemence is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Her classes are organized, thorough and creative.

She knows so many 'insider's tricks' about cooking (she learned to cook in France working in a family business, I believe she told us) and she shares them all!! I was amazed at how many shortcuts and tricks there are. I just loved it! I was especially astounded by the HUGE utensils and pots and pans we used to make things in large batches. I had never experienced anything like that. Plus I took home a couple dozen muffins, which froze really great and we nibbled on for a couple of weeks.

I've tried many of the recipes at home with amazing (and surprising...I'm not the most confident cook in the kitchen!) success. Although my creations have been prepared in small batches and small pans, and mostly looked very homemade (I haven't mastered the presentation yet) , the taste has been amazing and my guests are always impressed that I made it. I certainly love that!

There was only one recipe that I tried a couple of times and couldn't get to turn out right. So, I emailed Clemence, which she had offered if we had questions, and she clarified for me what she thought the problem was. I tried again and she was right! I was so impressed.

We also ordered a number of cakes and other desserts from her when she was still cooking commercially. We look forward to when she'll have her own little bakery somewhere on Main Street (or anywhere - we'll travel across town to go there for her great desserts...especially her Toffee Cookies with which she uses one Top Secret trick that she wouldn't share with anybody!!) I'm on a mission to figure that one out...or better yet, I'll just wait until I can buy the cookies from her and sit back and relax and enjoy them with a cup of coffee!!

If you're interested in learning some wonderful recipes with lots of shortcuts and tricks, in a fun and friendly class - you won't be disappointed with this one.

I also know that Clemence does private instruction or baking parties at your home. I've been wanting to plan some sort of party, but haven't gotten around to it yet. When I do, I'm confident I won't be disappointed. Clemence is great at what she does...or she has been every time I've had the pleasure of experiencing her creations!

PROS: Instructor is informative, friendly, fun and shares her secrets! Classes are organized, thorough and useful.

CONS: Old locations wasn't very desirable. New location of classes is very nice, but not very close to me and also more expensive.

Regardless, I'll take her classes again!

Posted 10/28/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Wonderful class! Clemence is a fantastic teacher and so knowledgeble in everything sweet. I learned so much in just a few short hours and she gives you the recipes to take home and try as well. I would highly recommend Clemence and her classes!

Posted 10/27/07 | Report Abuse

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Clemence taught me to bake beautiful birthday cakes for my children. She came to my home and conducted a private baking class and was very professional, nice, patient, prompt and cleaned up the entire kitchen. She has since taught several of my friends and they all had positive experiences. The cakes are delicious, the icing amazing! People often tell me that the cakes I bake using her guidance are the best they have tasted. I also order cookies from her for the holidays and my clients and family are always thrilled with the beautiful results.

Posted 10/27/07 | Report Abuse

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I just hired the pastry chef and owner Clemence Gossett for a private party at our house - it was so great!

It is my birthday, so I picked the Cake Baking Party and we got to bake layers and cupcakes, then decorate using Italian Meringue Buttercream (it's so much easier to make than it sounds and tastes soooo good)! We also got to make a Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache Filling, and decorated with Royal Icing and Fondant.

Clemence is so sweet and we really enjoyed her energy level. The recipes were so easy, and we all liked that they were all-natural. I can't wait for her to open a shop (she said they are looking for investors).

The class lasted three hours, and she brought the mixer and all the ingredients.

Pros: The class was fun, informative and DELICIOUS!
Cons: You can only take her classes at ChefMakers or privately, and you need at least 5 people for a private party.

Posted 10/27/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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