apprentice bakers in search of the record for the largest galette des rois in the world

The 50 students of the BEP (professional studies certificate) and CAP (professional aptitude certificate) in pastry making in Bergerac (Dordogne) are seriously preparing the record for the largest frangipane pancake in the world. The challenge is significant and stimulates the apprentices. “It’s different because here, we do a lot of it, and… Ah, I’m stressed”, one of them exclaims. For 40 meters of galette des rois, the dosages are colossal. The apprentices will need 80 kilograms of flour, 50 of butter and 13 of almond cream.

Dosages require organization and exemplary teamwork, more than usual. Three teams are formed: one for the puff pastry, another for the marzipan, and a last for the finishing, assembly and baking. This final step is particularly delicate, because the forty plates to be assembled must be fired in the same way. Much more than a record, the challenge is above all an opportunity to achieve teamwork and communication. “The CFAs [centre de formation d’apprentis] are not often valued, there I think it will value it. I find it good”, says one of the students.