Table For 2

Master Baker Trains For World Competition

Peter Yuen Will Compete In Baking World Cup In Paris

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EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) ― A Chicago baker holds a record as the world's best, and now he's hanging up his competitive apron to train the next global contender.

Vince Gerasole watched the as master and the student perfected their skills at a Table for 2.

"I think bakers in general, we are a lot like a scientist," said Peter Yuen, "a little crazy scientist."

Yuen is preparing to represent the United States in the World Cup of Baking next year in Paris, and he is training with the man who brought home top honors the last time around – Evanston's Jory Downer.

"Peter has terrific skills – hand skills and imagination," Downer said. "I would say that right now, he is ready for Paris more than I was."

Side by side, it's easy to see both Yuen and Downer get a rise out of flour power.

The World Cup of Baking is food as an Olympic sport, where three-man teams from roughly a dozen countries create five types of original breads, dough sculptures, and sweets in just eight hours.

Yuen's specialty is Viennoiserie, or breakfast pastry. He has already traveled to Asia to check out the top competitors from Japan.

Downer's world cup is on display in the window of Bennison's, his bakery in Evanston where the duo train. Vince watched as Downer prepared Yuen for the heat of international competition.

"I think I personally need to improve on time," Yuen said.

Time is of the essence at the World Cup of Baking, both master and trainee say.

"The whole competition is timed. He only has eight hours to get his work done," Downer said. "It all has to be choreographed very well in order to succeed."

Whether or not the World Cup of Baking comes home to Chicago, it seems that Yuen and Downer already know how to savor success.

Bennison's Bakery is located at 1000 Davis St. in Evanston. You can reach them at (847) 328-9434.

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