Pastry decorating courses teach students how to apply icing and frosting to cakes, cupcakes and cookies. Students develop techniques to create roses, flowers, stars, patterns and characters. They may also have opportunities to experiment with various frostings and decorate wedding cakes.
Students in a pastry production course learn about creating and preparing pastries using a variety of techniques, including bending, thickening, foaming and creaming. The course teaches students about applying glazes and making creams, souffles and custards. Students may taste and evaluate each other's work.
A pastry theory course examines the fundamentals of ingredient identification, weights and measurements, product ordering and inventory in a pastry shop. Students learn about taking pastry orders and maintaining a display case. The course also teaches students about the retailing aspect of the pastry profession.
A safety and sanitation course teaches students about the safety and sanitation practices involved in a pastry shop. Students learn about properly cleaning dishes and utensils, and develop an understanding of how bacteria can spread through a kitchen.
Many pastry programs also require that students complete an internship in a professional bakery. This is an opportunity for students to work and learn under the supervision of a pastry chef, and apply skills learned in the classroom in a working environment.