Gingerbread cookies 
Chocolate pralines 
Vanillekipferl
PANAJI: Chef Tony Pascoal Fernandes, Bakery and Pastry Consultant at V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) Manora-Raia, recently hosted a virtual session on preparing Christmas goodies like gingerbread cookies, chocolate pralines and vanillekipferl.
The workshop saw a large number of participants from different backgrounds ranging from home bakers to students to food enthusiasts, eager to learn about Christmas goodies and its presentation.
A step-by-step demonstration of each of the Christmas treats was conducted and Tony shared insights on ingredients used while suggesting a few locations where one can buy the ingredients and baking tools from.
Originating in Austria, vanillekipferl are small crescent shaped biscuits traditionally made during the Christmas season. Dusted with sugar the sweet bites are a delight.
“Christmas treats are a fun factor to include in get-togethers as the preparation of the Christmas sweets and decorating them just add to the Christmas cheer. The festive season cannot be complete without some gingerbread cookies, chocolate pralines and vanillekipferl. If you put in your heart and soul into the work, it brings out great results in the final product,” says Tony.
Chef Sebastian Breitinger, Professor of Culinary Arts, VMSIIHE answered queries from the participants along with Tony while sharing tips and tricks for making each of the Christmas treats. Preetamsingh Rajput and Ashlesha De Noronha assisted the chef as part of the kitchen team.
The workshop received a great response from the participants, with a tremendous amount of support and compliments at the sight of the delectable Christmas sweets.
