Jamaica Gleaner

Pastry done JUST RIGHT

- latara.boodie@gleanerjm.com

WITH OVER 16 years of culinary experience in the art of pastry making, Chef Peggy Nelson has become a fundamenta­l staple within The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. Her expertise has contribute­d to the flavourful array of savoury pastry available within the charmingly elegant establishm­ent.

Her humble journey as a pastry chef began in 1991 where she made bun and Christmas cakes for her community, and cooking in the kitchen for schools.

“My passion officially started when I got the opportunit­y to do my first wedding cake for a dear friend,” said Nelson.

Her training comprises courses and certificat­ion obtained from Meadowbroo­k United Church Culinary Art Pastry Making Decorating in 2002. “Being at The Jamaica Pegasus has also given me hands-on experience, which has taught me a lot about my craft,” explained Nelson.

Her list of accomplish­ments include 1st place in the 2018 hosting of the DAC Coffee Festival. She was also awarded most creative product. At Taste

of Jamaica, she won silver in cake decorating and bronze in showpiece. This places Nelson among the most decorated pastry chefs within the company.

Chef Nelson shared a few of her favourite recipes with Food, for you to try:

Panacata

3⁄4 lbs sugar

1 pint cow’s milk 1 quart heavy cream 2 oz gelatin

3⁄4 cup water

DIRECTIONS

1. Put gelatin and water to dissolve.

2. Warm sugar, milk and heavy cream

3. Remove from heat and then add gelatin and stir.

4. Pour in a bowl and put in the fridge to set overnight. Serves 22 people.

Rum & Raisin Cheesecake

3 lb cream cheese

1 lb sugar

2 tablespoon­s cornstarch 8 eggs

2 tablespoon­s vanilla

cup heavy cream

1/2

1⁄4 cup rum

1⁄4 cup raisin

1 tablespoon lime juice

1. Cream the cheese, sugar and cornstarch to gather

2. Add egg gradually

3. Add vanilla, heavy cream, lime juice, rum and raisin

4. Pour in a 10-inch tin and bake for 21⁄2 hours.

5. Bake at 350 °Fahrenheit

 ?? PHOTOS BY GLADSTONE TAYLOR/ PHOTOGRAPH­ER ?? Latara Boodie/Gleaner Writer Chef Nelson brings a creative twist with her version of smooth sorrel mousse. Chef Nelson carefully places a handmade snap decorative on the edge of her special whipped mousse served within a champagne glass.
PHOTOS BY GLADSTONE TAYLOR/ PHOTOGRAPH­ER Latara Boodie/Gleaner Writer Chef Nelson brings a creative twist with her version of smooth sorrel mousse. Chef Nelson carefully places a handmade snap decorative on the edge of her special whipped mousse served within a champagne glass.
 ??  ?? The Jamaica Pegasus is famous for their wide array of cheesecake­s. Chef Nelson’s favourite is the rum and raisin cheesecake.
The Jamaica Pegasus is famous for their wide array of cheesecake­s. Chef Nelson’s favourite is the rum and raisin cheesecake.
 ??  ?? Panacata and mango mousse is fluffy, moist and oh so delicious.
Panacata and mango mousse is fluffy, moist and oh so delicious.
 ??  ?? Award-winning pastry chef Peggy Nelson displays her passion on a daily basis at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. What started as a way to earn money 16 years ago turned into a lifelong relationsh­ip with her sweet tooth.
Award-winning pastry chef Peggy Nelson displays her passion on a daily basis at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. What started as a way to earn money 16 years ago turned into a lifelong relationsh­ip with her sweet tooth.
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