Wisdom speaks

“The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.”
~Albert Einstein

First of all, apologies for absconding from this lovely virtual space for some while. No, I had not gone underground, but was just super busy. There was a lot on my plate these past two months – but more importantly, some important milestones covered.

I completed my Course in Dynamics of Baking & Patisserie from Sophia Polytechnic. I am now a certified baker - Yay! But what I find exciting about baking is that the learning never stops. Despite the laminated proof, I continue to learn something new each day. The words of Albert Einstein could not have been truer. This journey has been as exciting as it has been humbling.

Most of my friends (you know who you are) from the baking world know of my mental barrier to using fondant. In February, I decided to challenge myself into this very aspect of cake decoration by being part of a basic fondant workshop. Since then, my respect for cake artists has tremendously increased. Every cake celebrates the magic of flour, eggs, sugar and butter. But with fondant, the focus shifts to not just the cosmetic but (from the cake) to the skills of the cake designer as well. When you choose this path, you become a cake artist.

To tell you the truth, the market is today flooded with cake designers and cake artists. There is no dearth of mouth-gaping talent. However, I personally drool over traditional cakes. Call me nerdy, but I go crazy over the classic recipes that have been perfected and handed over down the generations and the recipes crafted by stalwarts in this industry. For instance, I rather spend time perfecting the techniques in Opera cake or the French Macaron (which I have, by the way, and that deserves another blog post), than spend hours on figurines and modelling pastes. I rather indulge in artisanal bread making than pursue the shine and gloss of a custom designed, 3-D cake.

I do not consider myself a cake decorator - at least, not just yet (Yes I know. Not much of business sense to admit that). But why February has been special because, whereas earlier I would have completely said no to this, I have now started at least looking in this direction. As Edward Bono says, ‘Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns.....’ I refuse to be daunted really.

I have recently discovered the joy on children’s faces when they see the cars on their usual chocolate cake or the cricket lover who is as excited to see cricket themed decorations as the cupcakes. It is quite satisfying.

Valentine's Special Cupcakes: ideal way to tell your loved ones what you appreciate in them!

I still have a long way to go before I can really take up some serious fondant themed cakes. Like baking it also requires the four Ps - practice, patience, persistence & promotions. Designer cakes are more than just a cake or a cupcake, they are an artist’s medium, her canvas to put down what she feels describes her model the best. Today, I have much deeper respect for the cake artists of the world, now that I am beginning to gauge what really goes into it.

Cricket Special cupcakes: Cheer Team India on its way to the Finals!

Celebrating this spirit, HeartBakes launched in February two designer series, that is, special Valentine and the World Cup Special cupcake designs. You could convert any of our cupcakes from the menu to these designer ones at an additional charge. For more information, feel free to give us a holler.    

Cheers,
Until next time