A baker is a professional who is responsible for the production of bread, rolls, pastries and other baked goods. The tasks and responsibilities of a baker include

1. Dough preparation: Bakers mix and knead the ingredients (such as flour, water, yeast and salt) into dough and ensure that the right consistency is achieved.
2. Fermentation: They let the dough rest and rise to allow the yeast to do its work, which is important for the texture and flavour of the baked goods.
3. Shaping: Bakers mould the risen dough into the desired shape, be it a loaf, roll or other shape, before letting it rise again.
4. Baking: They monitor the baking process in an oven to ensure the products are at the correct temperature and baking time.
5. Recipe development: Many bakers develop their own recipes and experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create new baked goods.
6. Quality control: Bakers check the quality of the ingredients used as well as the appearance, smell and flavour of the finished products.
7. Hygiene and cleanliness: They keep work surfaces and equipment clean and follow hygiene standards to ensure food safety.
8. Customer advice: In a bakery, bakers advise customers on the various bakery products, make recommendations and take orders.
9. Sales: In many cases, bakers sell the products directly to customers and take care of the presentation of the goods on the sales floor.
10. Warehousing: They manage the stocks of ingredients and ensure that there are always sufficient supplies to maintain production.

Overall, a baker plays a central role in food production by creating high-quality baked goods that are both flavourful and visually appealing. Their work requires craftsmanship, creativity and a deep understanding of the ingredients and processes of baking.