Top Pastry Chef Elevates Culinary Prominence of BallenIsles in Palm Beach Gardens - BallenIsles Country Club
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Top Pastry Chef Elevates Culinary Prominence of BallenIsles in Palm Beach Gardens
With six on-site dining venues, BallenIsles Country Club has long been celebrated for its impeccable cuisine and award-winning dining experiences. Yet this Palm Beach Gardens Country Club is now expanding its culinary horizons to ensure that Members’ sweet tooths are equally indulged. From rich chocolate cakes and wedding cakes to freshly baked fruit pies and coffee cakes, the newly established Pastry Department is crafting delectable desserts for all the dining venues and special events.
Chef Gloria Shares Special Almond Biscotti Recipe
Ingredients:


• 340 gr. Butter
• 340 gr. Granulated Sugar
• 4 ea. Eggs
• 2 ea. Orange Zest
• 625 gr. All-purpose Flour
• ½ Tsp. Salt
• 1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
• 225 gr. Almonds
• To Taste Almond oil Flavor


Directions:
• Cream Butter and Sugar together
• Add eggs and zest
• Add dry ingredients
• Add almonds and almond flavor


How to bake them:
The Biscotti needs double baking.

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Divided the dough into 2 and form into 2 logs.
• Bake for 25 minutes at 325 F.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the logs diagonals ½ inches thick.
• Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.


With six on-site dining venues, BallenIsles Country Club has long been celebrated for its impeccable cuisine and award-winning dining experiences. Yet this Palm Beach Gardens Country Club is now expanding its culinary horizons to ensure that Members’ sweet tooths are equally indulged. From rich chocolate cakes and wedding cakes to freshly baked fruit pies and coffee cakes, the newly established Pastry Department is crafting delectable desserts for all the dining venues and special events.

Leading this team is Pastry Chef Gloria Barreto, who has been an integral part of the BallenIsles team for nearly two years. Chef Gloria’s culinary journey boasts extensive experience in some of South Florida’s finest private clubs, including Broken Sound Club, Delaire Country Club, and The Club at Admirals Cove. Join us as we explore Chef Gloria’s world and savor the delectable creations she crafts at BallenIsles Country Club. Plus, continue scrolling for a dessert recipe shared by Chef Gloria, exclusively for our readers.

1. Where did you find your passion for baking?
“I have always enjoyed being in the kitchen, but I’d say cake decorating was where my passion for pastry really developed. Whether it was for a wedding or birthday party, I love being able to creatively express myself through the cake, adding my personality and style to each decoration. Once I noticed clients were happy with my creations, I decided to start my own cake shop. During this time, I also became a culinary professor, giving me the opportunity to transfer my knowledge and passion for baking into a classroom. Over the years, my culinary journey has expanded into bread, cakes, pastry items, and more. I also enjoy creating menus because it allows me to experiment with different flavor combinations and textures. I love knowing what a Member likes and crafting something special to their taste.”

2. What pastry items have become the most popular with Members?
“Well with six on-site venues, we tailor our items to match the atmosphere each location has to offer. Some items, however, have become fan favorites across the board. The Russian Coffee Cake, Key Lime Pie, apple pie, and chocolate mousse cake are among Members’ top choices. This is because they are crafted with the best-quality ingredients. We always want our desserts to offer more than just a good taste. Rather we want to provide a good experience that will leave you wanting more!”

3. What is your vision for the Pastry Department at BallenIsles?
“The Pastry Department here is new, which allows us to offer new and high-quality items. My goal is to ensure that every baked good we create meets the highest standards of quality, a commitment I believe our Members deserve. I look forward to continuing to expand our Pastry Department while maintaining our highest standards of service and product. Throughout my 24 years of pastry experience, I have had the privilege of working in various hotels, restaurants, and country clubs. BallenIsles is the place where I can dedicate all my accumulated expertise, catering to the diverse requests and preferences of our club’s esteemed Members.”

An Enviable Palm Beach Gardens Lifestyle
Whether savoring one of the six dining venues, enjoying the 21 tennis courts or nine pickleball courts, socializing on one of the three championship golf courses, staying fit within the Sports Complex, or relaxing at the resort-style swimming pool, members at BallenIsles Country Club enjoy the luxurious lifestyle they lead. However, the biggest asset of BallenIsles is the residents who call this private community their home. Made up of nearly 1,600 residences, 33 intimate neighborhoods are each characterized by their own unique identity of golf villas, luxury condominiums, elegant estate homes, and more.

With a premier location in Palm Beach Gardens, Members also have access to a vibrant range of activities, entertainment, world-class dining, shopping, and more just minutes away along PGA Boulevard. Additionally, residents are only a short 10-minute drive to the area’s world-renowned beaches and a 15-minute drive to the Palm Beach International Airport.

For more information on this private gated community or to experience the social lifestyle yourself, visit BallenIsles.org to schedule a tour or call our office at 561-622-0220. Request a complimentary copy of our digital brochure today.
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