Instructor: Gayle Donner

Biography: Gayle Donner has had the fortunate opportunity to start career #2 in Bend in the culinary arts! She has always enjoyed baking and is nurturing her knowledge and skills as a student in the Baking and Pastry Arts program at COCC's Cascade Culinary Institute. Gayle's enthusiasm for creating delicious treats and sharing them with friends and family makes for great fun in the kitchen as a co-instructor of baking youth camps on behalf of Community Education.

Classes by this instructor

Baking: Classic French Cream Puffs

Get ready for a fun, hands-on baking class where you'll learn how to make classic French cream puffs from scratch! We'll walk through each step of creating light and airy choux pastry shells, explore topping options and practice piping delicious fillings. Along the way, you'll pick up helpful tips about how the ingredients work together and how to get perfect results every time. Come join us in the kitchen for some baking fun, and leave with beautiful cream puffs, new skills and the confidence to make them again at home!
Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 10:00am-2:00pm PST | Bend

Baking: Elevated Cookies - From Dough to Deliciousness

Join us for a hands-on baking adventure where we will discuss the techniques to create perfect, delicious cookies from scratch! Whether you're a beginner or experienced home baker looking to refine your techniques, this class will boost your confidence and help you master the art of cookies and cookie bars. We will explore some unique cookie building ideas and flavors. In addition, we will discuss the science behind the ingredients, the best mixing method and the importance of properly measuring the ingredients for consistent results. Come join us for some fun in the baking kitchen and leave with delicious cookies that you will bake in class!
Saturday, January 24, 2026 | 10:00am-2:00pm PST | Bend

Baking: Savory Treats

Discover the delicious world of savory baking! In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to make quiche, galettes, scones and other flavorful treats that go far beyond the sweet side of the kitchen. Explore the techniques behind versatile doughs, experiment with fresh herbs, cheeses and seasonal vegetables, and enjoy the fun (and a little bit of mess!) that comes with creating your own savory masterpieces. There's nothing quite like the moment everyone pulls their warm creations from the oven. Join us in the baking kitchen and dive into the joy of savory baking!
May 2-3, 2026 | 10:00am-2:00pm PDT | Bend

Baking: Sweet Mornings - Biscuits and Sweet Scones

Start your morning with a warm cup of coffee or tea and a delicious sweet treat you baked yourself! In this hands-on class, you'll learn to make scones, biscuits, cinnamon loaf and other comforting morning favorites. Experience the magic of turning simple ingredients-flour, butter, sugar and a splash of milk-into golden, fluffy pastries fresh from the oven. You'll get your hands in the dough, cut out fun shapes and enjoy the irresistible aromas that fill the kitchen. There's plenty of laughter, a touch of friendly competition and lots of tasting along the way. It's a class that feels more like a celebration than a lesson!
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 10:00am-2:00pm PDT | Bend