Bakery

Yesterday I started my first week at the bakery at Hy-Vee. Although I have only had two shifts in this area, I know that I will like it. It's a lot different than being in grocery as a checker or courtesy, and there is more to remember.

One thing we have to do is simply package the baked goods. Cookies, bread, cupcakes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, sticky pullaparts and more are all things that we have to put into certain bags or packages, print out their price tags, and stick them on. After that we pick up whatever was just packaged and put into their specific area on the shelves, mostly around the bakery, and a few in the front of the store.

Another thing to do is make samples. This is one of the best parts, because we have to get some bread, cut it up, cover it in a buttery garlicy substance, cook it, and set it out for customers to come by and eat. If there happens to be a few pieces that are too small or big, then we can eat them.

We also have to take cake orders. People call in or come to the counter with what they have in mind; birthday cakes, wedding cakes, anniversary cakes, and some weird requests are given to us and we put them in a pile for the cake decorators to finish. It is interesting to watch the cake decorators work; they are able to fashion frosting in ways that amaze me... I can barely ice cupcakes well enough to set out on the shelves. I guess it takes practice.

After all the work is done cleaning is the last thing. First is to wash the dishes, and wipe off all the counters. Then sweeping, then mopping. These tasks can sometimes be tedious but I'm grateful to be doing something besides standing in the same place working a cash register. If there is extra time before the bakery closes and there is nothing to do and no customers, its fun to grab a piece of paper and practice your frosting penmanship; something I have not yet mastered, or even come close to doing.Working in the bakery will be busier in some ways, but a lot more fun. (379)