oh my stars - wilton class #1

I think I may have mentioned how I felt really far behind when it came to decorating cakes in some of my classes this semester.   For some reason, I thought I would learn these techniques at school...but I get more of the feeling that the Chefs just expect us to know the basics already.  Don't get me wrong, they are willing to help, give pointers, etc, but I just felt like I needed a stronger foundation of all the basic techniques, and I could only think of one solution....Wilton classes at Michael's!

I was really excited when I went and signed up on Saturday, but after my first class last night I am really just frustrated.  Well, I am still excited to learn all the techniques that are in our book, but I am frustrated with the way the classes are run.  I guess I should have known better, having been through business school and all, but I didn't really think they could squeeze us this hard!  If you ever sign up for one of these, be prepared to drop some cash.  And even if you think you know the score and show up for the open house and ask what "tuition + supplies" really means and if you can bring your own tools from culinary school and they tell you all you have to buy is a very short list of 2-3 items beyond what you already have, DON'T FALL FOR IT! They are going to wait until you PAY your tuition and show up for your first class and THEN give you the list of all the additional things you have to buy.  Again, I really should have expected this, but I thought all of my questions at the open house had me covered.  And luckily, I actually do have a lot of the things we need.  But every other person in my class said they were just taking this class for fun, for a night out, etc.  And now they have dropped $100 for the kit (that's after the 50% off coupon), $22.50 for tuition, and still have to go out and buy a turntable, cake leveler, icing colors, piping gel, and many more items, plus supplies to make their cake and buttercream every week.  I don't know about you, but I could have a REALLY fun night out with that much moolah.  And if I had to guess, half of them won't ever use these tools again.  Ok, but enough venting.  I should just be glad I already had most of the tools and only have to buy a few things. 

The first class was basically demo of how to make the gross buttercream we have to use (no offense if you like this stuff, but I can't stand it), and then we practiced making stars.  A little boring, but I flipped through the rest of the lesson plans, and it definitely looks like the material is going to get more exciting.  I really want to learn how to make basic flowers, etc. 

my practice stars

So hopefully the next class will leave me with a better outlook on the Wilton way...we'll see!