Joy of Baking

My interest in baking can be traced back to my childhood days, when I used to love helping my mother in the kitchen by mixing cake batter for her, sneaking chunks of cookie dough (to eat raw!) and by generally making a huge mess in the kitchen. Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with flour, sugar, eggs and butter and how simple ingredients like these could make something so delicious and magical.

I believe people always remember days when they have a great meal or dessert and it amazes me how their flavours play on your palate and can create memories. As I grew older, I started experimenting with different elements on the table, and my interest in baking since then has only kept growing by leaps and bounds.

After my graduation, I realized that all I wanted to do was bake all day. I’m happiest only knowing that people are happy and satisfied with whatever I bake for them. I’ve always dreamt of becoming someone that would make a difference in everyone’s daily routine, like through a box of chocolate chip cookies to cheer someone up, or through a beautiful tasting cake on a couple’s first marriage anniversary. After contemplating a lot about my future, I have finally decided to pursue my dream of baking as a profession.

I visited Dubai recently, and went to the world renowned Ladurée store. The store was beautifully and sophisticatedly designed; with mint green walls.

There was a very impressive selection of macarons. In addition to the macarons were rows of colourful tarts and tempting desserts. I decided to try four different flavoured macarons and the Isaphan. Isaphan is a giant raspberry macaron, sandwiching a rose water crème and dotted with lychee. I was so intrigued by the combination of flavours and its lovely appearance that I had to taste it and it’s the best thing I have ever had so far. Their macarons were literally bite-sized happiness; they melted in the mouth and were so full of flavor. It was then that I knew, in future, I am going to make macarons in all possible flavours.

In future, I aspire to open my own dessert boutique, selling one of the best desserts in the world. I dream of travelling to Paris, going to different patisseries and trying out different desserts, and bring back a piece of Paris to India.

Blog Writer: Ashveen Kaur ( Student, PGDCAM)