Mastering the art of baking - A challenging creative pursuit!

"Love yourself and your work first, and every challenge falls into line. I love myself, and I believe in the miracle of getting anything done in this world."?

- Shubhi Singh?

Baking a cake is akin to initiating any fun-celebration. It's a crucial component of any event, as the toast of the gathering revolves around cutting into this beautiful, fluffy, tasty and visually-appealing creation. Despite my nearly decade-long experience in baking cakes, every new endeavour presents its challenges, and I often find myself overtly mindful of the numerous fine elements that the perfect cake should possess.

It is a delicate balance of science and artistry

I hold the firm belief that a well-crafted cake exhibits symmetrical and consistent shaping as part of the baking process. It should be devoid of cracks, tearing, or bumps and possess a delightful flavour as well as a mouth-watering taste. When engaging in the baking process, attention should be paid to achieving a moist, tender, light and fluffy texture. Any fillings or toppings should complement rather than overshadow the cake's flavour. Lastly, an attention-grabbing, unified design showcasing proficiency in decorating techniques such as painting, piping or sugar flowers is obviously the order of the day.

Appearance is the key!

Appearance plays a crucial role in garnering attention, whether it pertains to individuals or creative outputs. Symmetry is of utmost significance in the realm of baking aesthetics. Any deficiencies, such as peaking, cracks, low sides, sunken, or uneven tops, are undesirable attributes when it comes to the appearance of cakes.

Design it right

When I plan to bake a cake, I set a few criteria for the selection of the design. The first consideration is usually the interpretation of the theme, followed by the number of techniques used, the execution of those techniques, the originality and creativity of the design, and ensuring that all the materials used are covered. Additionally, I take into account flavour preferences, determine the appropriate size, explore design inspirations, and engage in clear communication with the team to ensure the final product that emerges out of the oven catches the fancy of one and all with its rich aroma, irrestible flavour, soft texture and stunning look.

Always serve with a smile

Prior to acknowledging the success of the baking process, it is imperative to conduct a thorough inspection of the cake. This includes assessing whether the edges of the cake slightly pull away from the cake pan as well as observing the desired colour—a golden brown hue for lighter cakes or a shiny matte appearance for the chocolate varieties. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that a toothpick or knife emerges clean after being inserted into the centre of the cake, indicating its doneness.?

So enjoy your moment to make, bake, celebrate and brighten your day.?

Happy baking!

(Know more about the author at?www.chefshubhisingh.com)?