[Sca-cooks] Olwen's Pennsic Marzipan class

[Elaine Koogler]

Olwen,
I've taught more classes than I want to think about, both professionally and in
the SCA...if you think you'd like to do this...and I think you should,
especially as a Laurel apprentice (Chirhart, I hope you won't think I'm usurping
your job here...don't mean to be....), I'll be happy to help you think out how
you want to teach the class and develop an outline from which to teach.

Kiri

Stefan li Rous wrote:

> Olwen wailed:
> > Oh cripes.  Why aren't you still sick in bed instead of interferring here.
> > Besides, I wouldn't know what to do.  Make it from scratch?  I don't think
> > so at Pennsic.
>
> Why not at Pennsic? have some other, made however you wish for the class
> hands-on experimenting, but make some from scratch and/or the canned
> almond paste you've mentioned.
>
> >Play with it?  Heck, anybody can play with it (the marzipan
> > 'Lainie keep it clean).
>
> Sure. I think some hands-on time would be nice. I've never done this
> nor even seen it before (the marzipan). However, after all the comments
> here, I may get some and see if I can do something with it. But I've
> been listening to you talk about marzipan. Most of your students
> would not have and probably have heard only a little about marzipan.
>
> >I don't know that there is all that much I could
> > teach such talented folks that are on this list.
>
> You wouldn't be teaching just the folks on this list. There are probably
> others who may have heard of marzipan, but not know it was period or
> never gotten around to trying it. Just because there are a lot of
> talented folks on this list doesn't mean they are all talented in all
> things. Hopefully even the cooking Laurels are still trying to learn
> things and are willing to try something new.
>
> > How to make marzipan capers?
>
> Yes. And/or shrimps. And/or fruits. And/or eggs. etc. Having some
> examples or at least pictures of what can be done with this stuff
> helps those of us with little imagination. And describing how you
> or others have made various items helps those with imagination, but
> no idea how to proceed get over that "writers block".
>
> You have already described various techniques to use with marzipan to
> create different effects. Collect some of these and others together
> and demonstrate them. Start with a glob of marzipan and transform
> it into something. Grab a new blob, or wad up the previous one and
> make something new. Describe what you are doing and why as you go
> along. Do it as a demo or give everyone a blob and have them do the
> same thing as you show them how.
>
> If there are multiple steps to something that need drying or painting
> or something in between the steps, pre make several of one item, saving
> one blob at each of the steps. Then just hold up the items as you
> reach that stage progressing through the various steps.
>
> ? Well.  If anyone really really wants to play with marzipan at
> > Pennsic next year, come down to my Master's camp and I shall drag some out
> > and we can play.
>
> Yes, invite the students to your camp for some more experimentation.
> But you will introduce more to this art with a class. And the structure
> of a class may make it easier for you to teach it. And lock you in, so
> you are less likely to panic and run away.
>
> > This year I took down about 20 lbs. and brought home a
> > bunch so I should have more than enough.
>
> > Olwen who is not gifted as a teacher
>
> This can be learned. Nor does a class need to be very formal. The
> hands-on pewter casting class I teach is quite informal. But I have
> to limit the students so I can give sufficent time to each one. And
> I've even had folks repeat the class at successive Gulf Wars.
>
> I am not that good in carving 3-dimensional shapes. I've had students
> do a better job on this on their first piece in my class than I've
> ever done. However, I keep teaching soapstone mold carving and just
> point out to the doubters that if *I* can do it, so can they.
>
> You might start by checking some of the articles on teaching classes
> in the SCA. I even know where some info is on this. Sigh. Okay, check
> these files in the EDUCATION section of you know where:
> teaching-msg      (21K)  2/14/00    Teaching in the SCA and in persona.
> http://www.florilegium.org/files/EDUCATION/teaching-msg.html
> Teach-in-SCA-art  (16K) 12/26/00    "On Teaching Classes in the SCA" by
> Lady
>                                        Meliora Leuedai de Ardescote.
> http://www.florilegium.org/files/EDUCATION/Teach-in-SCA-art.html
>
> --
> THLord  Stefan li Rous    Barony of Bryn Gwlad    Kingdom of Ansteorra
> Mark S. Harris             Austin, Texas         stefan at texas.net
> **** See Stefan's Florilegium files at:  http://www.florilegium.org ****
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