Guests attending the 2022 Excellence in Education Awards had no idea they were in for a real treat... or several.
Let's take a moment to honor the centerpieces that were the stars of the show at Manatee Technical College (MTC).
They were made by students in MTC's Baking and Pastry Arts program.
The delicacies included: chocolate/vanilla mousse in a small martini glass, gateau opera cake, pate de fruits, soft set New York cheesecake, key lime tart, banana cream casserole and macarons.
The details were exquisite. There were strawberries covered in hues of purple - and sweets delicately placed in tiny vessels.
It took patience for students to deliver and arrange the centerpieces for each table throughout Cantrell Hall.
Stand-alone dessert stations were also setup, where guests could get a closer look and ask students a question about each confection.
The centerpieces were surreal. For fans of the iconic film, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," it felt a bit like tasting one of Willy Wonka's creations.
The stunning works of art were even mentioned by the evening's emcee, Kevin Chapman, "Did anyone figure out the decorative centerpieces are edible?"
Entirely edible.
Students enrolled in MTC's Baking and Pastry Arts program are trained to become bakers, cake decorators or pastry chefs.
They work alongside Chef Stephen Evetts and Culinary Events Coordinator, Gina Bianchi.
Full-time students complete the course in just six months.
Graduates are eligible to move into a career, working as pastry cooks and bakers under the supervision of a pastry chef or head baker.
Bravo!