Local culinary student's work on display in Muskegon, Michigan

Baker College of Muskegon’s Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) is inviting the public to view the extraordinary confectionary creations of students enrolled in its specialty cake decorating and chocolate showcase classes.

The display is located in the CIM Muskegon lobby and is available for viewing Mondays through Fridays, Dec. 8-23 and 29-31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The CIM Muskegon is located at 336 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon, 49440.

This year’s display theme is “Snoopy’s Christmas.” Student chefs have created 15 unique pieces in varied sizes for their final class projects or final exams. The creations took about three days to complete and were prepared under the supervision of chef instructors Cory Bennett, Justin Raha and Andrea DeGraff.

“Given the time, skill and creativity invested in these works of culinary art, opening the display to the public is a way to recognize the work of our students and staff while celebrating the holidays,” said Bruce Konowalow, CCE, CIM Muskegon dean of culinary arts. “We welcome the opportunity to invite the West Michigan community into our state-of-the-art facility and share with them our passion for our craft.”

Approximately 300 pounds of recycled chocolate were used to create the chocolate pieces, including the largest—a replica of Snoopy’s doghouse. Jacqui Yablon, of Skokie, Illinois, is one of the students who worked on the doghouse sculpture.

Chef Luis Amado, CEPC, CIM Muskegon director of baking and pastry arts, said he enjoys watching the public admire the display.

“At first they don’t realize that what they are seeing is made with chocolate, but once they smell the chocolate, which is quickly evident, there’s a wonderful look of admiration on their faces,” said Amado. “This display demonstrates the level of artistry that students attain in the program. It’s not only about baking and making food; it’s also about connecting with the viewers.”

For more information about the CIM Muskegon holiday display, contact Carrie Thomas at 231.777.6644 or carrie.thomas@baker.edu.

For information about the Culinary Institute of Michigan, contact Kathy Jacobson in the admissions office at kathy.jacobson@baker.edu or 231.777.5200, or visit www.baker.edu.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is a not-for-profit higher education institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It serves more than 23,000 students on multiple campuses and online. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 150 programs across diverse academic fields, including business, health sciences, engineering, information technology, education and human services. An impressive 97 percent of available graduates are employed. Every Baker graduate receives Lifetime Employment Assistance—free and forever. Baker is a pioneer in distance education and offers students the option of completing a degree 100 percent online, without ever visiting a campus. For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.

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Photo Caption:

CIM-2015 holiday – The largest work of chocolate art at the CIM Muskegon holiday confectionary display is a replica of Snoopy’s doghouse with Snoopy and Woodstock who is wearing a Santa hat. It is the creation of chef instructor Cory Barrett’s Advanced Confectionary Arts III class. Student chefs who contributed to this chocolate sculpture are Rhasaan Taylor, of Kentwood; Valerie Page, of Portage; Abby Neff, of Davison; Lauren Spray, of Cheboygan; Kilie Ricard, of Bay City; and Jacqui Yablon, of Skokie, Illinois.