Colette Christian
Chef Instructor, Baking & Pastry Arts
“When I have a student who’s falling behind, I get them on the phone, and say, ‘What is your dream? What are we working for?’ And that reminder helps them to stay focused. Eyes on the prize.”
About
Certified Master Baker Colette Christian is “obsessed with ingredient function, because the more we know, the better we bake.”
Trained as a chef at the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont, Colette later earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She also studied under baking legend Albert Kumin, one of the most influential pastry chefs of the past century and the former White House Pastry Chef.
Colette’s entrepreneurial experience includes owning her own restaurant, a bed & breakfast, and a wedding cake business. In 2012, she started teaching for Craftsy.com where she currently has seven classes.
Colette previously taught at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, CA, and at the Art Institute of Hollywood. She also taught avocational courses for Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table.
Publications: Mastering Macarons: Classic to Contemporary Techniques
Honors & Awards
- ACF Silver Medalist - Cutting Edge Chef of the Year Award 2015
Certifications & Affiliations
- Certified Executive Chef®
- Certified Executive Pastry Chef®
- Certified Master Baker
- ServSafe® Proctor
Professional EXPERIENCE
- Lead Baker - Boston Harbor Hotel
- Pastry - Spiaggia, Chicago, IL
- Pastry - Il Fornaio, Newport Beach, CA
- Pastry - Patina Group, Los Angeles, CA
Dish Examples
Golden Almond Butter Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream, Fresh Raspberries, and Raspberry Macarons
This is one of my go-to cakes for special occasions.
Flaky Homemade Croissants
Specially made for lazy Sunday mornings with friends.
What Students Are Saying
"Chef Colette made me realize that I could do better than I ever thought possible."
"I always knew I liked the Pastry Arts...now I love them."
Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, School of the Art Institute
- Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts, New England Culinary Institute
In The News
Martha Stewart, 1/29/2024
Escoffier The Ultimate Dish Podcast, 4/26/2022
King of Chefs Blog, 3/19/2021
Special Interests
I teach on Craftsy.com
