Vegetarian Pastry Chef
So you are interested in becoming a vegetarian pastry chef? Having difficulty finding culinary institutes that offer classes? Having trouble finding someone to tell you how you become a vegetarian pastry chef you say? We went straight to someone who has done this before - a vegetarian pastry chef. Here is the results of this question and answer session with a professional vegetarian pastry chef.
Question: How did you find a culinary school to attend?
Answer: Well as a former chef myself and knowing the regiment they go through it will not be a problem, only thing is most schools are going to teach a non vegetarian curriculum, for that your going to have to adapt things to a vegetarian recipe. Some Schools will offer a special class for vegetarian certification. Remember, this is in addition to your regular culinary curriculum. Few schools offer just a vegetarian focus. Generally you go to regular culinary school and then specialze, just as doctors do.
Most will teach dairy and white flour based recipes, for a vegetarian there are ways to adapt things to a non flour and non dairy cream based method. Methodology wise the techniques are the same. You will have to find a way to incorporate soy, non wheat based flours and other ingredients into dessert. Gelatin is a big part of the work, but with non animal gelatin's like Agar or Alginates from other plants, cream fillings can be made with silken tofu and other non dairy foods.
Question: How did you know you wanted to be a vegetarian pastry chef?
Answer: First be sure you understand the vegetarian concept. Vegetarians follow a diet that excludes meat, fish, and poultry. There are several variants of the diet, some of which also exclude eggs and/or some products produced from animal labor such as dairy products and honey. I am a vegetarian now due to my health issues, and while a lacto-ovo one I use only yogart and egg whites.
Just make sure your going to enjoy the work. There alot of call for vegetarian pastry chef, if it is a personal thing fine, but it could be a bit more of a challenge, I am a vegetarian now due to my health issues, and while a lacto-ovo one I use only yougart and egg whites. Look at the local institutes and there are some that do have a vegetarian training course in pastry work. I would check out as many as you can.
Question: Did you attend a vegetarian culinary institute?
Answer: I know vegetarian culinary institutes exist, but they are few and far between. I would talk to the head Chef at the institute and tell him/her what you want to do. They may have no problem substituting replacer for eggs and soy milk for milk (vegetarians can eat any type of wheat). In fact, they may be curious. Generally, pastry is a certificate, not a degree- you have to take the whole "meaty" curriculum for an associates. Keep trying if you hear no. Or, find a vegetarian baker in your area and ask for an apprenticeship. If you're willing to work for free (or very little) most would be happy to help you out.
Don't be araid to pursue an institution that will allow you to develop your creative side of food. Most of us vegetarian pastry chefs are very creative when it comes to "working" with food. Good Luck with all your endeavors.
