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Prepare and display petit fours
D1.HPA.CL4.02
Trainee Manual
Prepare and display petit
fours
D1.HPA.CL4.02
Trainee Manual
Project Base
William Angliss Institute of TAFE
555 La Trobe Street
Melbourne 3000 Victoria
Telephone:
(03) 9606 2111
Facsimile:
(03) 9670 1330
Acknowledgements
Project Director:
Chief Writer:
Subject Writer:
Project Manager:
Editor:
DTP/Production:
Wayne Crosbie
Alan Hickman
Garry Blackburn
Alan Maguire
Jim Irwin
Daniel Chee, Mai Vu, Jirayu Thangcharoensamut
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on 8 August 1967. The Member
States of the Association are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.
The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia.
General Information on ASEAN appears online at the ASEAN Website: www.asean.org.
All text is produced by William Angliss Institute of TAFE for the ASEAN Project on “Toolbox
Development for Front Office, Food and Beverage Services and Food Production Divisions”.
This publication is supported by Australian Aid through the ASEAN-Australia Development
Cooperation Program Phase II (AADCP II)
Copyright: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2012
All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that this publication is free from errors or omissions. However,
you should conduct your own enquiries and seek professional advice before relying on any fact,
statement or matter contained in this book. ASEAN Secretariat and William Angliss Institute of TAFE
are not responsible for any injury, loss or damage as a result of material included or omitted from this
course. Information in this module is current at the time of publication. Time of publication is indicated
in the date stamp at the bottom of each page.
Some images appearing in this resource have been purchased from various stock photography
suppliers and other third party copyright owners and as such are non-transferable and non-exclusive.
Additional images have been sourced from Flickr and are used under:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en
http://www.sxc.hu/
File name: TM_Prepare_&_display_petit_fours_final
Table of contents
Introduction to trainee manual........................................................................................... 1
Unit descriptor................................................................................................................... 3
Assessment matrix ........................................................................................................... 5
Glossary ........................................................................................................................... 7
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 9
Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace .............................................................. 11
Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours............................................ 25
Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec ................................................................. 35
Element 4: Prepare and display caramelised petit fours.................................................. 43
Element 5: Store petit fours............................................................................................. 49
Presentation of written work ............................................................................................ 53
Recommended reading................................................................................................... 55
Trainee evaluation sheet................................................................................................. 57
© ASEAN 2012
Trainee Manual
Prepare and display petit fours
© ASEAN 2012
Trainee Manual
Prepare and display petit fours
Introduction to trainee manual
Introduction to trainee manual
To the Trainee
Congratulations on joining this course. This Trainee Manual is one part of a „toolbox‟
which is a resource provided to trainees, trainers and assessors to help you become
competent in various areas of your work.
The „toolbox‟ consists of three elements:
A Trainee Manual for you to read and study at home or in class
A Trainer Guide with Power Point slides to help your Trainer explain the content of the
training material and provide class activities to help with practice
An Assessment Manual which provides your Assessor with oral and written questions
and other assessment tasks to establish whether or not you have achieved
competency.
The first thing you may notice is that this training program and the information you find in
the Trainee Manual seems different to the textbooks you have used previously. This is
because the method of instruction and examination is different. The method used is called
Competency based training (CBT) and Competency based assessment (CBA). CBT and
CBA is the training and assessment system chosen by ASEAN (Association of SouthEast Asian Nations) to train people to work in the tourism and hospitality industry
throughout all the ASEAN member states.
What is the CBT and CBA system and why has it been adopted by ASEAN?
CBT is a way of training that concentrates on what a worker can do or is required to do at
work. The aim is of the training is to enable trainees to perform tasks and duties at a
standard expected by employers. CBT seeks to develop the skills, knowledge and
attitudes (or recognise the ones the trainee already possesses) to achieve the required
competency standard. ASEAN has adopted the CBT/CBA training system as it is able to
produce the type of worker that industry is looking for and this therefore increases
trainees‟ chances of obtaining employment.
CBA involves collecting evidence and making a judgement of the extent to which a worker
can perform his/her duties at the required competency standard. Where a trainee can
already demonstrate a degree of competency, either due to prior training or work
experience, a process of „Recognition of Prior Learning‟ (RPL) is available to trainees to
recognise this. Please speak to your trainer about RPL if you think this applies to you.
What is a competency standard?
Competency standards are descriptions of the skills and knowledge required to perform a
task or activity at the level of a required standard.
242 competency standards for the tourism and hospitality industries throughout the
ASEAN region have been developed to cover all the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to work in the following occupational areas:
Housekeeping
Food Production
Food and Beverage Service
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Trainer Guide
Prepare and display petit fours
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Introduction to trainee manual
Front Office
Travel Agencies
Tour Operations.
All of these competency standards are available for you to look at. In fact you will find a
summary of each one at the beginning of each Trainee Manual under the heading „Unit
Descriptor‟. The unit descriptor describes the content of the unit you will be studying in the
Trainee Manual and provides a table of contents which are divided up into „Elements‟ and
„Performance Criteria”. An element is a description of one aspect of what has to be
achieved in the workplace. The „Performance Criteria‟ below each element details the
level of performance that needs to be demonstrated to be declared competent.
There are other components of the competency standard:
Unit Title: statement about what is to be done in the workplace
Unit Number: unique number identifying the particular competency
Nominal hours: number of classroom or practical hours usually needed to complete
the competency. We call them „nominal‟ hours because they can vary e.g. sometimes
it will take an individual less time to complete a unit of competency because he/she
has prior knowledge or work experience in that area.
The final heading you will see before you start reading the Trainee Manual is the
„Assessment Matrix‟. Competency based assessment requires trainees to be assessed in
at least 2 – 3 different ways, one of which must be practical. This section outlines three
ways assessment can be carried out and includes work projects, written questions and
oral questions. The matrix is designed to show you which performance criteria will be
assessed and how they will be assessed. Your trainer and/or assessor may also use
other assessment methods including „Observation Checklist‟ and „Third Party Statement‟.
An observation checklist is a way of recording how you perform at work and a third party
statement is a statement by a supervisor or employer about the degree of competence
they believe you have achieved. This can be based on observing your workplace
performance, inspecting your work or gaining feedback from fellow workers.
Your trainer and/or assessor may use other methods to assess you such as:
Journals
Oral presentations
Role plays
Log books
Group projects
Practical demonstrations.
Remember your trainer is there to help you succeed and become competent. Please feel
free to ask him or her for more explanation of what you have just read and of what is
expected from you and best wishes for your future studies and future career in tourism
and hospitality.
2
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Unit descriptor
Unit descriptor
Prepare and display petit fours
This unit deals with the skills and knowledge required to Prepare and display petit fours in
a range of settings within the hotel and travel industries workplace context.
Unit Code:
D1.HPA.CL4.02
Nominal Hours:
35 hours
Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
Performance Criteria
1.1 Prepare petit four bases
1.2 Cut and assemble bases for petit four glace
1.3 Prepare and flavour fillings to required consistency
1.4 Prepare petit four glace for glazing
1.5 Decorate petit four glace to enhance customer eye appeal
1.6 Display petit four glace
Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
Performance Criteria
2.1 Prepare and flavour marzipan
2.2 Shape marzipan
2.3 Prepare marzipan for glazing
2.4 Decorate marzipan petit fours to enhance customer eye appeal
2.5 Display marzipan petit fours
Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
Performance Criteria
3.1 Prepare and bake selection of petit four sec
3.2 Prepare and flavour fillings to required consistency
3.3 Prepare petit four sec for glazing
3.4 Decorate petit four sec to enhance customer eye appeal
3.5 Display petit four sec
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Unit descriptor
Element 4: Prepare and display caramelised petit fours
Performance Criteria
4.1 Select fruits/nuts
4.2 Prepare products
4.3 Prepare coating for fruits
4.4 Coat caramelised petit fours
4.5 Display caramelised petit fours
Element 5: Store petit fours
Performance Criteria
5.1 Store at correct temperature and conditions
5.2 Maintain maximum eating quality, appearance and freshness
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Assessment matrix
Assessment matrix
Showing mapping of Performance Criteria against Work Projects, Written
Questions and Oral Questions
Work
Projects
Written
Questions
Oral
Questions
Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
1.1
Prepare petit four bases
1.1
1
1
1.2
Cut and assemble bases for petit four glace
1.3
2
2
1.3
Prepare and flavour fillings to required
consistency
1.2
3
3
1.4
Prepare petit four glace for glazing
1.3
4
4
1.5
Decorate petit four glace to enhance customer
eye appeal
1.4
5
5
1.6
Display petit four glace
1.5
6
6
Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
2.1
Prepare and flavour marzipan
2.1
7
7
2.2
Shape marzipan
2.2
8
8
2.3
Prepare marzipan for glazing
2.2
9, 10
9
2.4
Decorate marzipan petit fours to enhance
customer eye appeal
2.3
11
10
2.5
Display marzipan petit fours
2.4
12
11
Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
3.1
Prepare and bake selection of petit four sec
3.1
13
12
3.2
Prepare and flavour fillings to required
consistency
3.2
14
13
3.3
Prepare petit four sec for glazing
3.2
15
14
3.4
Decorate petit four sec to enhance customer
eye appeal
3.2
16
15
3.5
Display petit four sec
3.3
17
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Assessment matrix
Work
Projects
Written
Questions
Oral
Questions
Element 4: Prepare and display caramelised petit fours
4.1
Select fruits/nuts
4.1
18
17
4.2
Prepare products
4.1
19
18
4.3
Prepare coating for fruits
4.2
20
19
4.4
Coat caramelised petit fours
4.2
21
20
4.5
Display caramelised petit fours
4.3
22
21
Element 5: Store petit fours
5.1
Store at correct temperature and conditions
5.1
23
22
5.2
Maintain maximum eating quality, appearance
and freshness
5.2
24
23
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Glossary
Glossary
Term
Explanation
Atomiser
Devices for converting a liquid (colour) into a fine spray under
pressure by blowing or depressing an air- filled rubber bulb.
Cachous
Small silver coloured candied sugar balls used for decorating petits
fours.
Candied fruit
Glace fruits.
Egg wash
A little milk and a small pinch of salt added to egg yolk.
Financiers
A petit four base made by folding fine almonds into beaten egg
whites, then adding liquid butter.
Fondant
Low moisture content sugar syrup containing a small quantity of
invert sugar which has been rapidly cooled so that the sugar crystals
are very small in size.
Frangipane
A mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, almonds and flour baked in a sweet
paste base.
Ganache
Mixture of chocolate and cream, usually 2:1
Glace fruit
Fruit preserved by impregnation with concentrated sugar syrup.
Lemon zest
Referring to the finely grated oily skin of washed untreated lemons
Marzipan
To marzipan paste sifted pure icing sugar is added up to equal
quantity (1:1). Small amounts of glucose syrup may be added.
Marzipan paste
A manufactured paste containing 2/3 blanched almonds and 1/3
sugar.
Sponge sheets
Sponge baked into thin sheets.
Stock syrup
Sugar and water brought to boil and any forming scum removed, then
stored in a clean container (five parts sugar plus 10% glucose in four
parts water).
Sugar syrup
See stock syrup: used to carry alcohol or strong flavours into plain
sheets of sponge, also to add moisture to old product
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Glossary
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Introduction
Introduction
Petit Fours literally translate to „a small oven‟. The name is said to have originated from
the practice of cooking small pastries. A petits four, that is to say, in a low temperature
oven.
Petit Fours refer to:
Small biscuits and cakes tastefully decorated
Sweetmeat and cakes designed to be served as
dessert, with after dinner coffee or with cocktails.
A good selection of Petit Fours should be small (could
be in different shapes) and attractive, light, delicate,
crisp and fresh and designed to be swallowed in one
mouthful.
There are two distinct types of Petit Fours:
Petit Fours glacé meaning iced with fondant
Petit Fours sec meaning dry.
Petit Fours are prepared from a variety of patisserie materials. Generally, Petit Fours are
small pieces that have been baked
While the emphasis is on small, non-baked confectionery items like caramelised and
glace fruits, marzipan shapes or other small sweet delicacies are also served as Petit
Fours.
Petit Fours are using served with coffee (one or two pieces per person) or displayed on
buffets.
They also go well with sabayon, ice creams, sorbets, fruit fools and mousses and are
used to decorate special gateaux and charlottes (Charlotte Royal) on a menu.
Petit Fours are sometimes called:
Mignardise: Small delicacies
Friandise: Small dessert dainties
Sweetmeats: Usually marzipan based with flavours, nuts and dried fruits added.
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Introduction
Categories of petit fours include:
Petit Fours Sec: Dry
Petit Four Glace: Iced or glazed
Petit four fresh: Miniature tarts, fruit, lemon curd, almond cream filling.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
Element 1:
Prepare and display petit four glace
1.1 Prepare petit four bases
Petit Fours glacé are generally either glazed with fondant or dipped in chocolate before
the final decoration is added.
The term glacé is also used to indicate any iced pastry. Such as
a small tartlet or those made from pate a choux or meringue.
They must be small enough to be consumed in one to two bites.
Small almond cakes may also be wrapped in marzipan or
modelling chocolate and served as petit fours.
Petit four bases can be made from any edible product.
Normal products used are:
Sponge
Cake
Shortbread
Pastry
Chocolate
Marzipan
Choux pastry.
Main requirement of a petit four base is that it is strong enough to 'hold' the petit four
when it is picked up by the customer to be eaten.
Sponge
Normally sponge is baked in thin sheets and they are layered' together with flavoured
filling that will act as an adhesive to hold the sheets of sponge together.
The sponge sheets can be plain or flavoured.
The sheets can be just a carrier for the filling, especially chocolate.
When the sponge sheets are layer with the filling they are stored for a period of time for
the sheets and filling to bond and then the sheet is cut into small pieces:
Cut into a variety of shape
Most economical is square or rectangular
Half moon, triangular or diamond shape
Round or oval is less efficient as there is more wastage with these shapes.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
Cake
Cake can be baked in shallow trays of depths of 1-2cm,
topped with soft topping then cut to shape desired similar
to Sponge sheets.
Shortbread
A mixture of flour, fat and sugar, enriched with egg and has
a 'short' eating quality. A firmer variety of shortbread with a
formula of 2:1:1.
2 parts flour, 1 part sugar, 1 part butter or fat.
This formula produces a firmer shortbread that will resist the migration of moisture from
the filling to the base. It will then hold together better when the customer picks the petit
four up in their fingers.
Pastry
A savoury pastry like puff pastry can make a suitable base for petit fours when a sweet
filling is used.
Chocolate
When working with ganache, a soft mixture of chocolate and cream can be presented in a
base of hard chocolate. This chocolate has been melted and 'tempered' then spread thinly
onto parchment paper and allowed to set. At the point of setting it is cut into shapes with a
warmed metal knife or cutter.
Marzipan
Marzipan can be used as a base for petit fours.
Choux pastry
Choux pastry is made by boiling water and fat, adding flour
and cooking panada.
As the panada cools, eggs are incorporated.
This batter is then piped to size and baked.
The baked cases are then filled with desired flavoured creams
then decorated.
The pieces are small.
Variety of filling is limited only by the imagination.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
1.2 Cut and assemble bases for petit four glace
Bases for petit four glacé
Before you can assemble your petit fours the basic principle is the same.
Mise en place, ‟everything in place‟ before you start.
Normal
Sponge sheets, plain vanilla flavour
Binding agent, normally jam, apricot
Or
Flavoured butter cream.
Chocolate
Sponges sheets, chocolate
Raspberry jam
Or
Ganache.
Classical Opera cake
Marzipan and butter enriched sponge sheets
Ganache
Coffee flavoured butter cream.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
Normal Assembly
What is needed?
Sponge sheets that are approximately 5mm thick, 3 or 4, depending on thickness

When assembled the combined height will be approximately 3cm high (1.25
inches)
Apricot jam, smooth texture, no lumps
Baking paper 2 sheets.
Method of Assembly
Lay 1 sponge sheet on a sheet of baking paper

This is to make it easy to move around the bench

Make sure the paper the sponge sheet was baked on
is removed
Spread a thin layer of apricot jam over the sponge sheet
Place a second sheet of sponge on top
Press firmly into place
Remove any loose sponge crumbs
Spread a second layer of apricot jam thinly over sponge sheets
Take a third sheet of sponge and turn over so bottom of sponge sheet is on top
Lay sponge sheet on top and place 2nd sheet of paper on top and press sheets of
sponge firmly together
Place a metal tray on top and allow layered sponge sheets and apricot jam to bond

If using butter cream the product needs to be cooled so the butter cream sets firm
Product needs to stand, while being weighted down for at least 2 hours
Butter cream products need to stand in cool environment until they are firm.
Cut bases to the desired shape
The biggest shape that these petit fours are cut into is square.
Why? Less waste.
Any shape can be used but accuracy of cutting is essential. Minimising waste will
increase yield therefore profits increase.
Size
Variety of shapes
Consistency in size and shape.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
Shapes to cut
A lot of product can be lost when a curved shape is used. Up to 20%.
Triangle Shapes
Square cut
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
1.3 Prepare and flavour fillings to required
consistency
Fillings will vary according to selling price, storage requirements and marketplace
requirements.
Jams, various flavours
Ganache
Butter creams.
Jams
Jams are high in moisture and carry good flavours. There role is to
bind, add flavour and moisture to a product that is normally dry in
texture. These do not need refrigeration.
Jam needs to be blended until a smooth consistency is achieved,
no lumps, as they will tear at the fabric of the sponge sheet.
Ganache
Ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream. It is well liked but it is
expensive to produce. Ganache will carry alcohol flavours well to add
interest to the petit fours.
These can stand in non refrigerated areas. Ganache needs to be
allowed to cool to room temperature and then blended until smooth.
When ganache is agitated it must be worked quickly as it will set.
Butter creams
Butter creams can be flavoured to desired standard, adds good mouth feel and cuts well
when cold.
Needs to be chilled before cutting. Will stand in non refrigerated environment for short
periods of time.
Butter creams are versatile for decorating the tops of petit fours as they can be flavoured
and easily piped. But it damages easily when at room temperature.
When butter cream is made it needs to be kept at a temperature that will not give adverse
reaction to customers.
To use butter cream it needs to be pliable and smooth.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
1.4 Prepare petit four glace for glazing
Introduction
Glazing should include:
Jams
Jam can be used as a glaze but it needs to be applied
when it is boiling. It needs to be applied thinly and then
given the opportunity to dry. Care needs to be taken
when cutting.
Creams
Creams make a food topping. If using fresh cream then the product will need to be kept
chilled and time spent at room temperature is kept to a minimum.
Chocolate
Chocolate makes a good glaze but is difficult to cut. Structure can be modified to make
the cutting easier and make eating quality softer. Modern techniques will spray chocolate
to coat. Give interesting textural interest to finished coating.
Fondant
Fondant is the classic enrobing agent. If it is tempered correctly, it should give a brilliant
shine to make eye appeal to the customer.
Ganache
Ganache is excellent. Consistency can be adjusted to suit needs.
To apply any of these glazes the petit four needs to have sharp edges and smooth lines.
Surface needs to be dry and free of moisture. If the surface is not dry then the glaze may
not bind to the surface of the petit four.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
1.5 Decorate petit four glace to enhance customer
eye appeal
Introduction
Iced petit four glacé can be decorated after being iced to add:
Wow factor
Eye appeal
Visual and textural diversity.
Classical decoration is piped chocolate motifs. Sometimes a bulb of butter cream is used
to raise the height of another decoration to be place on top.
Piped chocolate is applied using a paper piping bag.
How to make a paper piping bag
ANTA: Prepare and display petit fours: 2003
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
Petit Four Designs
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
Decorative Designs
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
1.6 Display petit four glace
Introduction
Petit Fours are normally served with coffee after the meal. Petit four sec is popular here
because they are sweet and do not need
refrigeration.
Almond goods
Small shortbreads.
Classical display in larger hotels would be on large
platters. Service staff would choose customer
request as required.
Variation on the equipment to display is immense.
It can be elaborate chocolate stands and toffee
croquant stands.
Normally presented on small trays with a selection for the day.
Not well displayed
Insufficient space
Wrong shaped plate
Some product over baked.
Designing layout
Displays need to be consistent in design
Should have alternating profiles; different heights on different products
Shapes should alternate.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer by
the agreed date.
You must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion
of the project by the date agreed with your Trainer.
The student will need to complete a plan to produce at two different recipes of petit four
glace.
Plan is to include completed recipe with all ingredients and methods of production.
List of all equipment that will be needed to produce the petit four glace.
1.1 Produce two types of bases for petit four glace
Sponge
Shortbread
Japonaise
Choux pastry
1.2. Produce two different types of filling.
Jams
Ganache
Mousse
Marzipan
1.3. Define two different styles of glaze
Sugar fondant
Ganache
Sugar frosting
1.4. Decorate the two styles to enhance customer appeal.
Motifs
Glace fruits
1.5 Display completed 'petit four' to be assessed
Platters
Plates.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
Summary
Prepare and display petit four glace
Prepare bases
Production of the bases is the easy part
Sheet bases need to be thin and even across all the area
Lumps and bumps look bad when cut
Bases made out of any dry pastry cake or sponge.
Cut to shape
Any shape can be used but wastage needs to be costed into production
Best shapes are straight lines
Cut small.
Glazing
Do not prepare glaze too far ahead or it may lose shine, gloss, heat
The preparation will need to be done again
Product must be dry
Have plenty of workspace.
Decorate to enhance appeal
Plan the decoration
Not too big
Complement the petit four.
Display
Consistent shape
Consistent configuration
Alternating height and profiles.
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Element 1: Prepare and display petit four glace
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Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
Element 2:
Prepare and display marzipan based
petit fours
2.1 Prepare and flavour marzipan
Marzipan is a sweetened mixture of ground almonds, liquid
glucose/eggwhites, corn syrup/sugar syrup and either icing
sugar or caster sugar. It is also known as almond paste.
Marzipan is very versatile paste. Petit Fours based on a
marzipan are attractive and popular for their colour and
appearance and their delicate pleasing taste.
Marzipan
Group
Ingredients
A
Almond meal, blanched
200g
Icing sugar
275g
Brandy
1tsp
B
C
Quantity
Almond extract
1 drop
Sugar syrup
100ml
Glucose, warm
+/- 40g
Method
1. Sift the icing sugar and combine ingredients from group A into a bowl
2. Add the ingredients from group B and gradually add the warm glucose
3. Knead unit it forms like a dough
4. Wrap tightly.
When the marzipan is made it needs to be stored and protected from the air. It will dry
and these dry pieces will have an unpleasant mouth feel if allowed to be incorporated into
the mix.
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Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
After making, marzipan can be prepared in several ways:
Piped or Cut Out Marzipan
Bake in a hot oven until golden brown. To bake marzipan it must have a higher proportion
of sugar. If the proportion of sugar is too high, the marzipan will boil instead of bake. This
will adversely affect the taste and appearance of the finish creation.
Marzipan Fancies
Using marzipan and adding different types of flavoured paste, nuts, liqueurs or preserved
fruits.
To stuff dates or prunes, marzipan is flavoured (vanilla, kirsch, rum) and /or coloured.
If too firm it can be softened with stock syrup.
Even sized pieces are cut from thin sausage shaped rolls, then rolled in the palm of the
hand first round, then elongated to fit the cavity of the fruit.
About ¼ to 1/5 of the marzipan should be visible. Pitted, firm and small dates or prunes
are stuffed with marzipan, and then rolled in the palm of the hand to smooth.
With the back of a small knife, three to four lines are marked on the marzipan that sticks
out of the date (prune).
The pieces are now rolled in caster sugar or after having dried, dipped into caramel.
For other varieties, even sized small flavoured and/or coloured pieces are shaped round,
then topped with a piece of glace pineapple or half glace cherry or walnut or pecan nut
halves, then rolled in sugar or caramelised.
To glace cherry haves or nut quarters are attached (lightly pressed on) to both sides of a
small ball of marzipan, then rolled in sugar or coated with caramel.
For display or service, they are set in little petit four paper cups.
Modelled Marzipan
Marzipan modelled into various fruit shapes and vegetable, then coloured and sealed.
To retain the eating quality and to extend the shelf life, the marzipan is sprayed with a thin
coat of cocoa butter (commercially available in a spray can).
Marzipan can absorb moisture or dry out so careful storage is essential.
If it absorbs moisture it will become to dissolve
If marzipan dries out it will begin to ferment.
To store marzipan, wrap it in plastic (cling) wrap and place it in an airtight container.
Hygiene
When working with marzipan, hygiene and cleanliness of equipment, utensils, work space
and hands are of the utmost importance.
Marzipan is a very versatile paste. Petits fours based on marzipan are attractive and
popular for their colourful and/or appetising appearance and their delicate pleasing taste.
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Prepare and display petit fours
Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
2.2 Shape marzipan
Introduction
They can be prepared in several ways:
Marzipan modelled into various fruit shapes, then coloured and sealed
Marzipan fancies, using flavoured marzipan with nuts or preserved fruit
Piped marzipan, browned in a hot oven, coated with glaze while still hot.
Modelled marzipan
Quality modelling marzipan, left natural or flavoured (natural flavouring paste, spirit/liqueur
concentrates), is rolled into sausage shaped lengths of equal size and thickness.
Cut into uniform small pieces (10–12 g), the marzipan is shaped into seamless round
balls.
Using the palm of the hands, the basic form of the fruit to be represented is modelled
next.
Marzipan modelling tools are used to further shape the pieces.
Modelling Tools: Prepare and display petit fours; ANTA 2003
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Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
The finished fruit is set on to greaseproof or silicon paper with very evenly spaced gaps in
between, to allow easy and even access for spraying with colour.
Powdered food colouring is mixed with clear spirit concentrate and sprayed on to the
marzipan fruits with an atomiser or air brush and then allowed to dry.
Banana shapes benefit from having a few fine brown lines brushed on, likewise some
varieties of apples and pears.
To retain the eating quality (and to extend shelf life) the marzipan is sprayed with a thin
coat of cocoa butter (commercially available in spray cans).
Using a small ball of cotton wool dipped into some dried-out starch, e.g. corn starch dried
in a warm oven with the oven door left ajar, peach and apricot shapes are gently dabbed
for a velvety appearance.
For display or service, the marzipan fruits are set into small petit four paper cups and
arranged attractively for service or display.
For storage, they keep quite well if covered for protection from dust and odours in a cool
and dry area.
When working with marzipan, hygiene and cleanliness of equipment, utensils, work space
and hands are of utmost importance.
A person suffering from sweaty palms (hands) must wear tight-fitting, thin plastic gloves
for good hygiene. Marzipan should be exposed to a minimum of handling.
Marzipan fancies
Marzipan is flavoured and/or coloured and
used for stuffing dates or prunes or topped
with or sandwiched between nuts and glace
fruits.
To stuff dates or prunes, marzipan is flavoured
(vanilla, kirsch, rum, etc.) and/or coloured and
if rather firm, softened with a little stock syrup.
Even-sized pieces are cut from thin sausage
shaped rolls, then rolled in the palm of the
hands first round, then elongated to fit the
cavity of the fruit. About 1/4 to 1/5 of the
marzipan used should be visible.
Pitted, firm and small dates or prunes are stuffed with the marzipan, then rolled in the
palm of the hand to smooth
With the back of a small knife, three to four lines are marked onto the marzipan that
sticks out of the date (prune)
The pieces are now rolled in caster sugar or after having dried, dipped into caramel.
For other varieties, even-sized small flavoured and/or coloured pieces are shaped round,
then topped with a piece of glace pineapple or half glace cherry or walnut or pecan nut
halves, then rolled in sugar or caramelised.
Similarly, two glace cherry halves or nut quarters are attached (lightly pressed on) to both
sides of a small ball of marzipan, then rolled in sugar or coated with caramel.
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Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
Remember:
Pay particular attention to cleanliness and
hygiene
Ensure uniformity in product size
Always start with a seamless ball when
modelling marzipan
Avoid excessive handling of marzipan
Adjust marzipan consistency to be just
pipeable
Ensure correct oven temperature when
browning piped marzipan
For display or service, they are set in little petit four paper cups.
2.3 Prepare marzipan for glazing
Prior to glazing marzipan to be dry. If the marzipan is still moist the glaze will not adhere
to the surface of the product.
Jams will need to be applied when boiling so the surface
will dry to touch when cool. If the jam is not boiling it will
not be „dry to touch‟ when it has cooled.
Chocolate can be used but good tempering is required.
This is best applied to individual pieces that require no
cutting. Pure chocolate will crack when cut.
Ganache is a mixture of cream and chocolate. A firmer mix
can be applied to flavoured marzipan and after it is dried it
will then „cut‟ well. If pure chocolate is used it may crack
and look of finished product will be diminished.
Fondant is good for glazing but the surface will need to be coated to stop the fondant
from soaking into the marzipan.
Food Lacquer and cocoa butter are available to use. Some are in spray aerosol cans
and some can be applied with a brush.
Gum Accacia (Gum Arabica) is an exudant from acacia trees in Northern Africa. It is
hardened gum on the outside of the tree.
Ground to fine white powder it is added to water and boiled. Apply to product while still hot
it will cool with a pleasing sheen.
Add 1 part powder to 4-5 parts water
It is difficult to dissolve and it must be bought slowly to the boil and it must be whisked
gently to break up any lumps
When cool leave in clean container until needed
Apply to hot product immediately upon removal from oven.
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Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
Remember:
Application to hot product will evaporate off excess moisture and a nice sheen will
remain
Application to cold product will make the product soggy.
Sugar water (syrup) does not make a good glaze for marzipan products.
Toffee Candy is used to glaze flavoured marzipan when it is:
Sandwiched between nuts
Stuffed into dates.
The toffee candy (caramel) has a very short shelf life as it attracts moisture from the air.
For this to be used it will have to be sprayed with food grade lacquer from aerosol spray.
2.4 Decorate marzipan petit fours to enhance
customer eye appeal
Decorating the finished product add customer interest and 'eye' appeal. Most marzipan
petit fours would be decorated before they are glazed.
Chocolate
Chocolate can be applied directly to the finished product. This tends to be brittle and
breaks easily. Ganache that is firm can be applied and after it is set it can be cut if
needed.
Fondant icing
Fondant is used in cool climate countries like Australia and Europe. It is available in Asia
but only from specialist suppliers.
Fondant is sugar that is boiled to 114°C agitated or stirred as it is cooled. The clear
solution turns white and when it is smooth it needs to be sorted until cool and needed.
To use fondant (temper):
Fondant when it is applied to any product it should 'shine' and be touch dry when cool.
Meaning it does not stick to the fingers when touched
To temper fondant it needs to be heated to 39°c over a bain-marie
To thin fondant to the degree you need sugar water (1:1) 1 suger-1water; boiled)
This is used so the fondant will flow and have a seamless finish with no folds.
Fondant can be tempered to be very thin so minimal is used. All the time not allowing
temperature to rise over 42°C. If temperature rises too much above 32°C is will lose its
shine and look dull and unappealing.
Non-parrels
Small pieces of brightly coloured sugar candy that are used to decorate cakes. Can be
applied before baking or after coating with glaze. Rarely used in this level of presentation.
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Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
Glace fruits
Glace fruits used to be a popular way of preserving fruits. Glace fruits are very stable at
room temperature and do not need refrigeration. The shine exuded comes from being
dipped in sugar solution many times and being allowed to dry before being dipped again.
There is a wide variety of glace fruits available. They will need to be cut to size and this is
very time consuming.
Also would normally be applied to marzipan before baking, glaze then applied to seal.
2.5 Display marzipan petit fours
Introduction
Attractively displayed petits fours are great product for catching the customers‟ attention.
They look most attractive when arranged neatly and with thought given to the repetition or
alternation of shapes, colours and decorations.
Decorated petits fours (in particular the iced variety)
lend themselves to immaculate craftsmanship and
decorating skills.
To attract the respect for this work, a neat
uncluttered, clean and tidy display is essential.
This greatly affects the visual impact and
appreciation of the viewer and will tempt the
customer to indulge.
All varieties of petits fours are best if served fresh.
Displaying on ceramics plates and platters, glass
mirrors trays can look very effective in buffet style
service.
Individual serves of 3-4 pieces per plate is for
effective for modern coffee service.
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Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer.
You must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion
of the project by the agreed date.
The student will need to complete a plan to produce at two different recipes of petit four
glace.
Plan is to include completed recipe with all ingredients and methods of production.
List of all equipment that will be needed to produce the petit four marzipan.
2.1 Produce marzipan and develop two flavours for:
One baked marzipan product
One non baked marzipan product
2.2. Provide a sketch or design for the finished product
2.3. Apply a glaze and decorate marzipan
Sugar fondant
Ganache
Sugar frosting
Motifs
Glace fruits
2.4 Display completed 'petit four' to be assessed
Platters
Plate
Tile
Height alternation
Alternate profile.
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Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
Summary
Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
Prepare and flavour marzipan
The preparation of the marzipan can be purchase quality product
To make marzipan is just adding another step. Purchase quality ingredients and acquire a
reputable recipe and produce marzipan
It can be easier to just purchase quality product
Flavour with quality flavours
Variation need to compliment the medium of marzipan.
Shape and prepare for glazing
Marzipan can be shaped to any design
To glaze the surface needs to be dry.
Decorate and display marzipan petit fours
Design and prepare all mediums for decoration before beginning
Display to highlight elegance in the product
Alternate shapes
Alternate height elevation.
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Element 2: Prepare and display marzipan based petit fours
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Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
Element 3:
Prepare and display petit four sec
3.1 Prepare and bake selection of petit four sec
Petit four 'sec' and. Petit four 'dry' - This was probably the first petit four style.
Shortbreads
Small pieces baked in the oven.
Variation of this style is limitless.
Plain butter shortbread with minimal flavour; vanilla
Roasted nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, peanuts
can be added whole or chopped
Spices can also be added to add to flavour.
When chilled shortbread can be cut from the disc or from formed blocks to desired shape
and thickness.
The dough can also be rolled out into sheets and multitude of shapes can be acquired
from special made cutters.
Doughs can be flavoured with spices, nuts and glace and dried fruits.
Before baking, doughs can be rolled in sugar or nuts.
When baked products are cooled the product can be can be finished by dipping in
chocolate, apply icing to surface and allow drying.
Puff pastry
Rolled, shaped and cut with sugar: palmiers.
Works well in warmer climate, but not humid climates.
Honey doughs
Basel Leckerli; a honey dough filled with dried fruits and nuts, rolled flat and baked
then glazed with boiled sugar brushed on to leave white sugar coating
Gingerbreads; variety abounds, soft or hard, shapes variable
Can be baked and cut to shape making delightful petit four sec.
Meringue products, flavoured and baked can also be used as petit four sec.
Japonaise; meringue, with ground nuts added and piped to shape, baked then
decorated.
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Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
3.2 Prepare and flavour fillings to required
consistency
Fillings for petit fours
Ganache
Ganache can be used as a filling between shortbread pieces or
sheets of shortbread that are then cut to size, its use is varied
and can be utilised in many ways.
Ganache can be flavoured with alcohol or no alcohol
flavourings, roasted chopped nuts can be added. It is stable at
room temperature and can be adapted to work in warm, humid
climates as well.
Jam
Jam is piped onto one piece then another piece is placed on top and 2 pieces bond.
Butter cream
Butter cream will sit at room temperature for several days. It colours well and can be
flavoured with anything of your choice.
Marzipan
Marzipan can be used as a filling. Normally blended with:
Flavouring
Colouring
Softening agent such sugar water.
Sugar water needs to be added in moderation and if left for too long fermentation can
occur.
Dried fruits
When added to binding agents they make flavoursome fillings for many pastries.
Roasted nuts and dried fruits bound in small amounts of jam work well in shortbread
Dried fruits mixed into marzipan also add interest.
Ingredients with low water activity make the best fillings. Too much moisture will soften
the dry pastry and make them less palatable to customer.
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Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
3.3 Prepare petit four sec for glazing
Petit four sec can be served plain or glazed.
Glazing can take place:
Before they go into the oven or
After they are baked.
Effect of Glazing
Glazing will give sheen to the finished products:
Egg wash applied before baking will give a pleasing eye appeal to the finished product
Sugar applied before the baking process will give textural crunch to the baked
product. If baked at high enough temperature it will caramelise and give a clear finish
Boiled sugar applied after the baking process (basel leckeli) will set to a dry touch and
add flavour to product
Gum Acacia (Gum Arabica) applied while baked gingerbread is still hot will give a
pleasing sheen to the cooled product
Ganache applied correctly give an appealing finish
Fondant is versatile, can be coloured, flavoured and if prepared correctly looks
appealing and will stand at room temperature for several days.
For glazing to be applied to the petit fours before or after baking the product needs to be
dry and free from foreign objects.
Crumbs for cutting will get stuck in the glaze and ruin the eye appeal of the finished
product.
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Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
3.4 Decorate petit four sec to enhance customer
eye appeal
Introduction
Decorations need to add eye appeal and also should be in keeping with the theme of the
product.
Decorations should be:
Simple
Small
Easy to apply.
Decorations can be:
Roasted nut slivers or portions
Candied fruit portions
Piped ganache.
Decorations for petit four sec need to be simple to be in keeping with the term 'sec' (dry).
If they get to complicated then the product become too difficult to handle.
Keep them simple.
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Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
3.5 Display petit four sec
Introduction
Petit for 'sec' worst enemy is moisture from the air.
Fresh petit four sec should be crisp to the bite and if allowed to stand exposed for too long
in the open will lose that crispness and be dull to eat.
Petit four 'sec' are best displayed:
Long rows on plates or platters
If served individually they should be placed on plates evenly spaced
3- 4 pieces per person is normal.
If they have been out on display and not consumed then they are then discarded.
As per Food Safety Plan (FSP) requirements, any food that has been on display or served
to customers and not consumed then it needs to be discarded because 'control' has
been lost.
Attractively displayed petits fours are
great product for catching the
customers‟ attention.
They look most attractive when
arranged neatly and with thought
given to the repetition or alternation
of shapes, colours and decorations.
Decorated petits fours (in particular
the iced variety) lend themselves to
immaculate craftsmanship and
decorating skills.
To attract the respect for this work, a neat uncluttered, clean and tidy display is essential.
This greatly affects the visual impact and appreciation of the viewer and will tempt the
customer to indulge.
All varieties of petits fours are best if served fresh.
Displaying on ceramics plates and platters, glass mirrors trays can look very effective in
buffet style service.
Individual serves of 3-4 pieces per plate is for effective for modern coffee service.
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Prepare and display petit fours
39
Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer.
You must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion
of the project by the agreed date.
The student will need to complete a plan to produce at two different recipes of petit four
sec.
Plan is to include completed recipe with all ingredients and methods of production.
List of all equipment that will be needed to produce the petit four sec.
3.1 Two different recipes and shapes of petit four sec:
One is to be sandwiched so filling will have to be nominated and prepared.
3.2. After baking petit four sec is to be glazed:
Dipped in chocolate
Dusted with icing sugar
Keep it simple.
3.3. A plan of display outlay will need to be shown on:
Draw display on A4 paper showing position and shape of petit four.
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Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
Summary
Prepare and display petit four sec
Prepare and bake selection of petit four sec
Petit four sec tend to be pastry or shortbread based.
Can have dried fruits or nut inside.
Outside of petit four tends not to have a glaze. Chocolate may be piped over part of petit for but
not totally covered.
Butter shortbread with a spot of jam sandwiched between two pieces
Viennese shortbread with a small piece of glace cherry on top
Keep it simple.
Prepare and flavour fillings to required consistency
Petit four sec tend not to have much filling.
Jam
Ganache
Butter cream.
Small spots to get binding effect.
Petit four should not have moisture from bonding agent.
Prepare petit four sec for glazing
Can be glazed before going into oven
Sugar applied to surface will glaze when heat is applied or will give 'crusty' texture to baked
product
If glaze is going to be added the product surface needs to be clean, smooth and dry.
Decorate petit four sec to enhance customer eye appeal
Decoration can be applied before or after baking.
Glace fruit applied to shortbread before baking will add splash of colour to end product.
Display petit four sec
Normal display characteristics need to be given
Highlight attributes of product
Show craftsmanship in display
Alternate shapes to improve eye appeal
Alternate heights to break up profile.
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Element 3: Prepare and display petit four sec
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Element 4: Prepare and display caramelised petit fours
Element 4:
Prepare and display caramelised petit
fours
4.1 Select fruits/nuts
Introduction
Caramelised sugar can be used to 'glaze' petit fours before they are served.
Caramelised petit fours have a very short shelf life unless the sugar is sprayed with
lacquer after it is applied. Sugar breaks down when it stands for too long at room
temperature.
'Breaks down' is a term used to describe the action of moisture from the air attaching itself
to the sugar and dissolving the sugar. The surface becomes sticky and the sugar just runs
off the product.
Caramelised petit fours are mainly roasted nuts and dried fruits with marzipan.
Any product that is going to be coated with caramel will need to be dry in texture.
Strawberry and grapes can be dipped in caramel but only have a life span of a couple of
hours. 30-40 minutes is best.
The main problem here is the moisture from
the inside of the fruit weeps out and the hard
caramel falls off of the product.
Caramelised nuts and marzipan work better as
the product is dry and will carry the caramel
better. Even here the life span is only a few
hours unless a food lacquer is applied.
Dried fruits can be caramelised with success
as there is low moisture content.
When fresh fruit is dipped the moisture inside
„boils‟ and structure of the fruit just under the
skin breaks down and the resulting moisture
weeps through the skin and releases the
caramelised sugar from the surface.
Dried fruits stuffed with flavoured marzipan or other dried fruit and sugar/flavour mixtures
are excellent candidates for coating with caramel.
The caramel will hold longer as the product is lower in „water‟.
Fresh dates and dried apricots stuffed with flavoured marzipan.
Nuts like walnuts should be chosen for their whole halves, no chips of breakages to the
nut piece. Two walnut halves with a ball of flavoured marzipan between.
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Element 4: Prepare and display caramelised petit fours
4.2 Prepare products
To caramelise the product it needs to be on a tray.
All the products need to be clean and dry for the caramel to adhere.
Any fruit that is to be dipped in caramel needs to be dry and its skin needs to be intact.
Orange segments needs to have all string and pith removed.
Grapes need to be in small clusters of 2 or 1.
Nuts should be slightly roasted; raw nuts have a diminished flavour to them.
To dip in caramel product and equipment needs to be prepared before the making of the
caramel.
Having a prepared surface to place the caramel dipped product is also important. An oiled
surface will allow the caramel to cool and then not bond to the surface.
If hot caramel is placed onto an unprepared surface it will stick to the surface. The product
will then crack when attempting to remove the product from that
surface.
4.3 Prepare coating for fruits
Caramel is sugar that is cooked until it reaches a temperature of 156°C
when it begins to colour. As the temperature increases so does the
colour.
Caramel that has reached a temperature of 175°C is burnt, it will have the very dark,
almost black colour and from this point on it loses sweetness and becomes bitter.
To make the caramel
Dissolve a portion of sugar in some water; 4 parts sugar to 1 part water
Slowly heat until boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar before solution boils
When solution reaches boiling point add 10% liquid glucose of sugar weight
Stir gently to dissolve glucose
Skim any scum that rises to the top
Wash sides of pot down with pastry brush and cold water
Allow solution to cook until temperature reaches 160ºC
Do not stir the solution while it boils as this may cause crystallisation to occur
As solution rises above 160ºC it will begin to change colour to light amber colour
When solution has coloured to desired caramel colour, remove from heat and arrest
the cooking process
Arrest the cooking process by placing base of pot into cold water
Leave in cold water until solution stops boiling
Now the solution is ready to use.
Speed and efficiency is needed here because as the solution cools the caramel becomes
thicker and harder to work.
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Element 4: Prepare and display caramelised petit fours
4.4 Coat caramelised petit fours
Dip the product into the hot caramel.
To do this takes some expertise.
Take a dipping fork into oil and then pick up the product and let it drop into the toffee.
Use the oil covered tynes of the fork to roll the product in the hot caramel and then
remove the product from the hot caramel and the caramel covered product should slide
off the fork onto the prepared surface that has been smeared with oil to prevent sticking.
Allow caramel to cool before removing to paper cup for storage.
Some product can be dipped by holding bottom of product and dipping 2/3 of the product
into hot caramel. Care needs to be taken here as the danger of burning fingers is high.
Hold product above caramel and allow excess to flow back into pot. Sit product on oiled
surface to cool.
Recommendation:
When working with hot caramel at is advisable to have a bowl of cold water next to you.
If the hot caramel touches the human skin it will cause very bad damage.
Do not try to wipe the hot caramel off as it will just cause more damage.
Place the affected area into the cold water. This will cool and set the caramel. It can then
be peeled off with minimal damage to skin surface.
The damage is already done and blisters will ensure.
This technique is about minimising further damage to other parts of the body.
Trying to wipe the hot toffee off with the other hand only burns the other hand
Placing finger into mouth only burns the tongue and roof of mouth.
Where would you rather have the blister?
On tip of finger or inside your mouth?
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Element 4: Prepare and display caramelised petit fours
4.5 Display caramelised petit fours
Attractively displayed petits fours are great product for catching the customers‟ attention.
They look most attractive when arranged neatly and with thought given to the repetition or
alternation of shapes, colours and decorations.
To attract the respect for this work, a
neat uncluttered, clean and tidy
display is essential.
This greatly affects the visual impact
and appreciation of the viewer and
will tempt the customer to indulge.
All varieties of petits fours are best if
served fresh.
Displaying on ceramics plates and
platters, glass, mirrors, trays can look
very effective in buffet style service.
Individual serves of 3 - 4 pieces per
plate is for effective for modern coffee service.
Caramelised petit fours need to be served fresh and in paper containers. This makes it
easy for the customer to handle them.
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Trainee Manual
Prepare and display petit fours
Element 4: Prepare and display caramelised petit fours
Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer.
You must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion
of the project by the agreed date.
4.1 The student will need to complete a plan to produce at two different recipes of
caramelised petit four and six portions of each.
Plan is to include completed recipe with all ingredients and methods of
production
List of all equipment that will be needed to produce the caramelised petit fours.
4.2 One fruit and one nut product:
Nut product should include flavoured marzipan.
4.3 Discuss how the product needs to be prepared for the caramel to bond.
Discuss preparation of surface that product needs to be placed to cool.
4.4 Draw a diagram of how the caramelised petit four will be displayed.
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Element 4: Prepare and display caramelised petit fours
Summary
Prepare and display caramelised petit fours
Select fruits/nuts
Fruits should have skin intact and have stem attached for easier handling
Fruit needs to be dry
Nuts need to be complete, with broken, chipped not to be included.
Prepare products
Product needs to be clean and smooth. No foreign matter attached
Marzipan flavour fillings between nuts or inserted into dates need to be prepared.
Prepare coating for fruits
Caramelised sugar needs to be heated to sufficiently high temperatures that it sets with a
'crack'
A light amber colour needs to be present; hence the name 'caramel'.
Coat caramelised petit fours
Care needs to be taken when handling the 'hot caramel'
Product needs to have a dry surface for the caramel to bond
Surface that product is placed to cool needs to have non stick ability - oiled.
Display caramelised petit fours
Normal display characteristics need to be given
Highlight attributes of product
Show craftsmanship in display
Alternate shapes to improve eye appeal
Alternate heights to break up profile.
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Element 5: Store petit fours
Element 5:
Store petit fours
5.1 Store at correct temperature and conditions
All prepared petit fours will suffer from too much moisture in the environment.
A cool dry closed environment is best for storage of all petit fours except those that
contain perishable ingredients like fresh
cream.
Caramelised petit four will have a short life
span as the caramel is hydroscopic and
attracts moisture from the air. This
moisture causes the sugar to soften and
dissolve.
Product like fruit, grapes and strawberries
will ooze moisture from their internal
structure causing the caramel to dislodge
from the surface of the fruit.
This is caused by the fact that the moisture just under the surface of the skin boils,
breaking the cellular structure of the fruit and the moisture held inside seeps through the
damaged skin.
90% of petit fours need cool dry environment for storage.
5.2 Maintain maximum eating quality, appearance
and freshness
It is a mistake to produce more than can be used in defined periods. It may be more
economically viable to produce large numbers of a certain product.
To maintain freshness petit fours need to be finished as needed.
Part processing can be achieved like making shortbread and freezing.
Then bake as needed. But this does take space and time in freezer.
The best way to have fresh petit fours is to produce them regularly and as needed.
Protect finished petit four from adverse conditions to maintain structural integrity by
enclosing in food safe containers.
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Element 5: Store petit fours
Work Projects
It is a requirement of this Unit you complete Work Projects as advised by your Trainer.
You must submit documentation, suitable evidence or other relevant proof of completion
of the project by the agreed date.
5.1 The student will need to complete a report on how they plan to store the petit four
produced.
To protect from adverse conditions
To maintain integrity
To maintain freshness and customer appeal.
Report should cover all types of petit fours, petit four sec, glace, marzipan, or
caramelised.
5.2 What are the environmental conditions that they need to be stored in to maintain
integrity?
5.3. How do they need to be stored to maintain integrity to maintain eating quality and
freshness?
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Prepare and display petit fours
Element 5: Store petit fours
Summary
Store petit fours
Petit fours will need to be kept in secure environment to keep freshness and eating quality
enhanced for customer satisfaction.
Secure environment will depend on the type of petit four.
High risk ingredients will need to be in controlled environment.
Unbaked product will need to be frozen until ready for baking.
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Element 5: Store petit fours
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Presentation of written work
Presentation of written work
1. Introduction
It is important for students to present carefully prepared written work. Written presentation
in industry must be professional in appearance and accurate in content. If students
develop good writing skills whilst studying, they are able to easily transfer those skills to
the workplace.
2. Style
Students should write in a style that is simple and concise. Short sentences
and paragraphs are easier to read and understand. It helps to write a plan
and at least one draft of the written work so that the final product will be
well organised. The points presented will then follow a logical sequence
and be relevant. Students should frequently refer to the question asked, to
keep „on track‟. Teachers recognise and are critical of work that does not
answer the question, or is „padded‟ with irrelevant material. In summary,
remember to:
Plan ahead
Be clear and concise
Answer the question
Proofread the final draft.
3. Presenting Written Work
Types of written work
Students may be asked to write:
Short and long reports
Essays
Records of interviews
Questionnaires
Business letters
Resumes.
Format
All written work should be presented on A4 paper, single-sided with a left-hand margin. If
work is word-processed, one-and-a-half or double spacing should be used. Handwritten
work must be legible and should also be well spaced to allow for ease of reading. New
paragraphs should not be indented but should be separated by a space. Pages must be
numbered. If headings are also to be numbered, students should use a logical and
sequential system of numbering.
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Presentation of written work
Cover Sheet
All written work should be submitted with a cover sheet stapled to the front that contains:
The student‟s name and student number
The name of the class/unit
The due date of the work
The title of the work
The teacher‟s name
A signed declaration that the work does not involve plagiarism.
Keeping a Copy
Students must keep a copy of the written work in case it is lost. This rarely happens but it
can be disastrous if a copy has not been kept.
Inclusive language
This means language that includes every section of the population. For instance, if a
student were to write „A nurse is responsible for the patients in her care at all times‟ it
would be implying that all nurses are female and would be excluding male nurses.
Examples of appropriate language are shown on the right:
Mankind
Humankind
Barman/maid
Bar attendant
Host/hostess
Host
Waiter/waitress
Waiter or waiting staff
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Recommended reading
Recommended reading
Hanneman, LJ, 1993, Patisserie 2nd ed; Butterworth Heinemann
Small, M & Fance, WJ, The International Confectioner, 1981
Collister, L & Blake, A, The Baking Book, 1996, Conran Octopus, London
Taubner, Charrette Blohm, Great Cakes and Pastries, 1985, Hamlyn Publishing
Christian Teubner, Sybil Grafin Schonfeldt, 1983, Desserts, Hamlyn Publishing Group,
Australia.
Michel Roux, 1996, Desserts, A Life Long Passion, Conran Octopus Limited, London,
United Kingdom
Bo Friberg, 2004, The Professional Pastrychef, 4th ed., Van Nostrand Reinhold, New
York, USA
Richemont Craft School, Guide to perfect bakery and confectionary, 2nd Ed 1993,
Richemont Craft School, Lucerne, Switzerland
Michel Saus, Advanced bread and pastry, a professional approach, Delmare Cengage
Learning, New York, USA
Fance, W.J., The Student’s Technology of Breadmaking and Flour Confectionery,
Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1981, ISBN 0 415 02561 3
Bennion, T.E. and Bamford, G.S.T., The Technology of Cake Making, 5th Edition,
Leonard Hill Books, 1973, ISBN 0 249 44121 7
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Recommended reading
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Trainee evaluation sheet
Trainee evaluation sheet
Prepare and display petit fours
The following statements are about the competency you have just completed.
Please tick the appropriate box
Agree
Don’t
Know
Do Not
Agree
Does Not
Apply
There was too much in this competency
to cover without rushing.
Most of the competency seemed relevant
to me.
The competency was at the right level for
me.
I got enough help from my trainer.
The amount of activities was sufficient.
The competency allowed me to use my
own initiative.
My training was well-organised.
My trainer had time to answer my
questions.
I understood how I was going to be
assessed.
I was given enough time to practice.
My trainer feedback was useful.
Enough equipment was available and it
worked well.
The activities were too hard for me.
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Trainee evaluation sheet
The best things about this unit were:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
The worst things about this unit were:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
The things you should change in this unit are:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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© ASEAN 2012
Trainee Manual
Prepare and display petit fours