SITHPAT001
Produce cakes


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to produce cakes and sponges following standard recipes. It requires the ability to select, prepare and portion ingredients and to use equipment and a range of cookery methods to make and decorate cakes and sponges.

It does not include making specialised cakes, which is covered in SITHPAT002 Produce gateaux, torten and cakes.

The unit applies to hospitality and catering organisations that produce and serve specialist patisserie products, including hotels, restaurants and patisseries.

It applies to patissiers who usually work under the guidance of more senior chefs.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Select ingredients.

1.1.Confirm food production requirements from food preparation list and standard recipes.

1.2.Calculate ingredient amounts according to requirements.

1.3.Identify and select ingredients from stores according to recipe, quality, freshness and stock rotation requirements.

2. Select, prepare and use equipment.

2.1.Select type and size of equipment suitable to requirements.

2.2.Safely assemble and ensure cleanliness of equipment before use.

2.3.Use equipment safely and hygienically according to manufacturer instructions.

3. Portion and prepare ingredients.

3.1.Sort and assemble ingredients according to food production sequencing.

3.2.Weigh and measure wet and dry ingredients according to the recipe and quantity of cakes required.

3.3.Minimise waste to maximise profitability of cakes produced.

4. Cook cakes and sponges.

4.1.Following standard recipes, use cookery methods for cakes, sponges and fillings to achieve desired product characteristics.

4.2.Make food quality adjustments within scope of responsibility.

4.3.Select baking conditions and required oven temperature and bake cakes.

4.4.Cool cakes and sponges in appropriate conditions to retain optimum freshness and product characteristics.

5. Decorate, present and store cakes.

5.1.Enhance appearance and taste of cakes using suitable fillings, icings and decorations, according to standard recipes.

5.2.Apply icing to ensure a smooth and seamless finish.

5.3.Visually evaluate cakes and adjust presentation before displaying.

5.4.Use suitable service-ware to attractively present cakes according to organisational standards.

5.5.Display cakes in appropriate conditions to retain optimum freshness and product characteristics.

5.6.Store cakes in appropriate environmental conditions.

5.7.Clean work area, and dispose of or store surplus and re-usable by-products according to organisational procedures, environmental considerations, and cost-reduction initiatives.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

follow classical and contemporary standard recipes to produce and decorate each of the following types of cakes and sponges:

basic aerated sponges

fruit cakes

Genoise sponges

Madeira cakes

Swiss rolls

use at least five of the following fillings when producing the above cakes and sponges:

creams

custard

fresh and crystallised fruit

fruit purées

jams

mousse

nuts

use at least five of the following decorations when producing the above cakes and sponges:

chocolate

coloured and flavoured sugar

fresh, preserved or crystallised fruits

fruit purées

glazes and jellies

icings

sprinkled icing sugar

whole or crushed nuts

use appropriate preparation and cookery methods from the list in the knowledge evidence when producing the above cakes and sponges

produce above cakes and sponges:

that are consistent in quality, size, shape and appearance

within commercial time constraints

reflecting required quantities to be produced

following procedures for portion control and food safety practices when handling and storing cakes and sponges

responding to special customer requests and dietary requirements.


Evidence of Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

culinary terms and trade names for:

ingredients commonly used to produce cakes and sponges

classical and contemporary cakes and sponges specified in the Performance Evidence

contents of stock date codes and rotation labels

cookery methods used when producing cakes, sponges and fillings:

adding fats and liquids to dry ingredients

preparing and using pre-bake finishes and decorations

selecting and preparing appropriate cake tins and moulds

stirring and aerating to achieve required consistency and texture

using required amount of batter according to desired characteristics of finished products

weighing or measuring and sifting dry ingredients

whisking, folding, piping and spreading

expected product characteristics of the classical and contemporary cakes and sponges specified in the performance evidence:

appearance

colour

consistency

moisture content

shape

size

taste

texture

historical and cultural derivations of a variety of cakes and sponges

appropriate baking temperatures and cooking times for cakes, sponges and fillings specified in the Performance Evidence

indicators of freshness and quality of stocked ingredients for cakes and sponges

mise en place requirements for producing cakes, sponges and fillings

appropriate environmental conditions for storing cakes and sponges and re-usable by-products of their preparation to:

ensure food safety

optimise shelf life

safe operational practices using essential functions and features of equipment used to produce cakes and sponges.


Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in an operational pastry kitchen; this can be:

an industry workplace

a simulated industry environment such as a training kitchen servicing customers.

Assessment must ensure access to:

fixtures and large equipment:

commercial grade work benches (1.5 m/person)

commercial cake mixer and attachments:

dough hook

paddle

whisk

commercial refrigeration and freezer unit with shelving

double sinks

gas or electric stove tops

industrial strength food processor

marble bench or slab

ovens with timer and trays:

convection

deck

microwave

pastry/dough break

proofer

storage facilities:

shelving

trays

small equipment:

acetate plastic sheets, baking sheets/paper, parchment paper and silicon paper

beaters

blenders

bowl cutters

cake bases, stands and platforms

cake tins with:

fixed base in a range of shapes

loose bottom

cake moulds

cake wheels

cutting boards

cutting implements for nuts and fruits

food handler gloves

fluted and plain flan rings and cutter

graters

juicers

knives:

large serrated cake knives

ladles in a variety of sizes

measurers:

metric calibrated measuring jugs

mixers

oven mitts

pastry brushes

pastry cutters and shapes

piping bags and attachments

portion control scoops and markers

presentation equipment:

cake boards

cake boxes

cake stands:

multi-tier

clear cover

doilies

mirrors

platters

refrigerated cake display cases or towers

service-ware:

platters, dishes, and bowls

serving tongs and trowels

small utensils:

flour and drum sieves

strainers and chinois

spatulas

whisks:

fine stainless steel wire

coarse stainless steel wire

range of saucepans and pots for small and large production

saccharometer

salamander

scales (1 gram increments)

sets of stainless steel bowls

silicon mats

spoons:

wooden spoons

large plain and slotted metal spoons

storage containers and trays

wire cooling racks

diverse and comprehensive range of commercial ingredients for the cakes and sponges specified in the performance evidence

cleaning materials and equipment:

cleaning cloths

commercial cleaning and sanitising agents and chemicals for cleaning commercial kitchens, equipment and food storage areas

dustpans and brooms

garbage bins and bags

hand towel dispenser and hand towels

mops and buckets

separate hand basin and antiseptic liquid soap dispenser for hand washing

sponges, brushes and scourers

tea towels

organisational specifications:

equipment manufacturer instructions

current commercial stock control procedures and documentation for ordering, monitoring and maintaining stock

food preparation lists

mise en place lists, menus, standard recipes, and recipes for special dietary requirements

ordering and docketing paperwork

food safety plans

guidelines relating to food disposal, storage and presentation requirements

safety data sheets (SDS) for cleaning agents and chemicals

industry realistic ratios of kitchen staff to customers; these can be:

staff and customers in an industry workplace during the assessment process; or

individuals who participate in role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, in a simulated industry environment operated within a training organisation.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors; and:

have worked in industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge of this unit of competency.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

locate information in food preparation lists and standard recipes to determine preparation requirements

locate and read date code and stock rotation labels.

Writing skills to:

write notes on recipe requirements and calculations.

Numeracy skills to:

determine cooking times and temperatures suitable to the type of cakes being prepared.

Problem-solving skills to:

evaluate quality of ingredients and finished cakes, and make adjustments to ensure a quality product

adjust taste, texture and appearance of food products according to identified deficiencies.

Planning and organising skills to:

efficiently sequence the stages involved in preparing and producing cakes and fillings.

Self-management skills to:

manage own speed, timing and productivity.


Range Statement

Specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Food quality adjustments must involve consideration of factors relating to:

ratio of wet to dry ingredients

taste

temperature

texture.

Adjusting presentation must involve consideration of:

fillings, icings and decorations to maximise visual appeal:

balance

colour

contrast

plating food for practicality of:

customer consumption

service

wiping drips and spills.

Environmental conditions must ensure appropriate:

humidity

light

packaging

temperature

use of containers

ventilation.


Sectors

Hospitality


Competency Field

Patisserie