Hearth
Pastry & Viennoiserie

Courtney Payne, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America '13, began her small catering business in June 2009, while pursuing a Bachelor's degree at The College of New Jersey. After graduating with academic concentrations in Interpersonal Communication and Mass/Media Communication and a minor in Psychology in 2011, she continued her education at The CIA, graduating with an Associate's degree in Occupational Studies in Baking and Pastry Arts in February 2013. In October 2012, Courtney and a team of confectioners earned first place for their Chocolates and Confections showpiece at The International Hotel, Motel and Restaurant show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Their winning showpiece, titled Seven Delicious Sins, earned The Culinary Institute of America a blue ribbon for the team's achievements.

 

Courtney joined Hudson County Community College in 2013 as a Chef Instructor, training the industry's next up and coming wave of professional chefs. Courtney has also worked with organizations such as Leave it to Lisa- Weddings & Special Events, Eck Events LLC, and The Philly Pretzel Factory of Ewing, San Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition, New Jersey Reentry Coorporation, NJC4, FCCLA, NJ ProStart and Chain de Rotisserie. Courtney is a Certified Hospitality Educator, Certified ServSafe Dual Educator/Proctor, member of The Bread Baker's Guild of America and The American Culinary Federation and is a tenured Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Baking & Pastry Arts/Hospitality Management at The Culinary Arts Institute at Hudson County Community College. Courtney has continued her education at The San Francisco Baking Institute, The International Baking Industry Exposition and numerous BBGA courses in sourdough breads, rye breads and equipment management.

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Chef Courtney Payne believes in quality ingredients and honoring classic fundamental techniques. She is classically trained and committed to delivering delicious pastries done right.