DORSET bakers with a passion for patisserie can hone their skills with a new masterclass course - one of only a few in the UK.

White Pepper Chef Academy & Cookery School has developed a one-day course in French patisserie at its Lytchett Matravers base.

Renowned pastry chef Mark Bennett who owns several patisseries in Poole, teaches the five day intensive class which takes on more intricate, and delicate elements of cookery such as pastry-making.

With the rise of popular TV baking/cooking shows such as Bake Off and Crème De

La Crème and an increased demand for adventurous and instagrammable foods, Luke Stuart, managing director at White Pepper says they are now seeing aspiring chefs and home bakers really push the boundaries.

He told Taste: “The level of skill we’re seeing from our cookery course attendees is developing, it’s far ahead of what we’ve seen in the past. With a true interest in baking, and the added element of being able to share your creations on social media, we’re seeing an increase in students looking for more challenging courses.

“We cover a variety of skills throughout the course, such as; classical pastry techniques,

fillings and glazes, piping skills, organisational skills, baking and finishing and professional decoration.

The course is challenging, yet achievable and offers insight into French pastry and will develop the attendees’ skills in fine hand pastry making.

Classic methods will be taught with a focus on the patience and knowledge essential to successful pastry creation.

White Pepper, established in 2010, was named People’s Choice Best Small Cookery School 2015, incorporated into the ‘UK’s top 30 schools’ by the Independent Cookery School Association in 2016, and from January 2017 with a newly appointed Michelin starred Chef Director.

n The Patisserie Masterclass takes place from May 1 to May 5 from 10am to 4pm. The one day French Patisserie course will be held on April 7 and runs from 10am to 4pm.

See white-pepper.co.uk for more information.