EP 294: Parisian Pastry Chef Jenni Lepoutre

'I'm number 12 of 13 siblings in my family, and yes I know all their names.  I grew up on a small farm in Farmersville, Ohio....yes that is the real name of the town.  Food has been a focus in my life since I was very young, and I mean good, fresh homegrown and homemade food.  I loved helping my mom in the garden, making jams and jellies, canning tomatoes from the garden and baking bread, pies and many delicious recipes (often passed down from my Grandmothers.) Not surprisingly, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I tried for many years to follow several different career paths.  I originally planned to study Biology in College, then I worked as a photographer for my community college newspaper, I was a seamstress for the costume shop for the theater department, I worked for a daycare for a few months, worked at a radio station, bookstores, and of course had my stints in restaurants hosting/waiting tables and made donuts at a local bakery.  All the time I was hosting dinner parties for friends and trying out new recipes.  

In 2004 I left small town Ohio for the big city of Boston.  I worked for Bose Audio, and then for a publishing company, but I was never happy.  I longed for a job that would allow me to be more creative.  In 2008 I started taking some Wilton cake decorating classes, and baking courses at Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. Just as I was starting realize what I really wanted to do, I was serendipitously was layed off from my job.  I took it as a sign to make the change and go to Culinary school.  It was the best decision I've ever made. 

I now live in Paris (the World Capitol of Pastry) with my wonderful husband.  I keep myself busy by teaching pastry classes, making pastries for a small cafe and constantly exploring my new city! 

Pastry chef and owner of Atelier L Paris.  It’s been more than 10 years since I decided to follow my dreams of becoming a professional pastry chef, and I’ve loved every moment.

I received my formal training at The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in Cambridge, MA under the guidance French pastry chef Delphin Gomes.  I completed the Professional Pastry Program and graduated at the top of my class.

I spent two consecutive summers in Paris, France completing pastry stages. The first was at The Cafe du Commerce in the 15th arrondisment, and the following year at the iconic pastry establishment Laduree.  My love of French pastry (and a certain French man) lead me to moving permanently to Paris in 2010.

Since moving to France, I have had the opportunity to work in a verity of establishments that have helped me hone my skills and led me to where I am today. After a decade of living in France, I have been able to adapt classic American recipes to French palates, and also adapt both styles of pastry to Gluten Free.  

Previous work experience also includes:
Rose Bakery, KB cafe shop, La Cuisine Paris (cooking school where I helped develop classes along with teaching), Noglu and Farfelu Paris'

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