Chef's Corner: Florida Academy of Baking
A Delicious Day Out in The Kitchen
The kitchen Angela Ferrara-McEllin and Rory Mcellin have built in Satellite Beach is a dream. Every cooking utensil and tool you could ever need — times 10. And then some. A European style convection oven that holds 20 full-size sheet pans, two double-door commercial refrigerators and two freezers, a dough sheeter, 40-pound chocolate melter, a full-size blast chiller and a 60-quart mixer.
All of that and more awaits students at Florida Academy of Baking (FAB) — where the bright and sweet kitchen layout is matched by the upbeat couple’s passion for making sure you enjoy and succeed in their baking classes.
“Many of the schools I taught for in Europe were cramped and only had limited equipment available,” Angela said. “So, when I started dreaming about this school, I knew I wanted all the stations stocked with every piece of equipment and utensil students would need for most classes.”
The pandemic squashed plans to open on St. Patrick’s Day 2020. So the couple continued refining the kitchen and were ready when people were literally hungry for unique experiences following quarantine.
“The community response has been marvelous,” Angela said. “Everyone I meet is delighted we’ve opened and excited to see what classes we’ll offer next.”
FAB offers core classes several times a year, and they do sell out, so look for waiting lists. Seven local chefs, including Angela, teach and she’s seeking additional chefs to address requests for classes in gluten-free, allergen-friendly, keto and other specialties.
Angela has absorbed culinary influence from around the world, having worked in restaurants and pubs since age 15. She was born in Florida’s panhandle but grew up in England, Germany and around the U.S. with her Air Force family. She graduated Satellite High School, opened her first restaurant in Ireland at 23, and then opened bakeries in Ireland and Brevard.
The sentimental connection with food started early. Angela said she loves recreating the feeling of cooking with her Sicilian grandmother. She grew to love pastries — an artform that suited her love of crafts — so she jumped at the chance to become a master decorator in Knightsbridge in London.
“Sugar flowers are my favorite part of decorating,” she said. “They’re so relaxing to make, I lose all track of time.”
Classes range from savory to sweet; from just a few hours to multi-week courses. The experience is great for couples, families, team-building, birthday parties and other occasions. FAB also offers camps, which sold out last summer.
Retired airline pilot Dan Brunger didn’t know his wife, Debbie’s, surprise 51st anniversary date meant a class making decorative focaccia.
“It was very enjoyable,” Dan said, his interest peaked in the details of it all.
Debbie, like many FAB students, is a familiar face. She previously brought her 14-year-old granddaughter to the petit four class, and said she’ll be back again for more.
Florida Academy of Baking
321-622-6185
1370 Highway A1A, Suite E, Satellite Beach
Facebook: /FloridaAcademyOfBaking
Instagram: @floridaacademyofbaking
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