Righty-O

Well, after a few blips and bothers I've decided to switch over to Blogger because a) I'm more familiar with its format, and b) Wordpress was just way too confusing! For a luddite like me, technology has its inherent obstacles (ooh, what does this doodad do? *click* ARGH all my pictures are gone!! The ones that took me an hour to upload), when all I really want to do is skip right to the writing and connecting with people! YOU!

If you're interested, you can find my other posts here.

Anyways, onto the fun part. CAKES!!

Over the last year I've been quite fortunate to rekindle a dormant passion for baking. I've always loved to bake, mostly as a hobbyist, and I have to admit, all of the recipes were chocolate ones, although there were some forays into pies and tarts and such that involved citrus fruit. Few and far between though! ;p

I'd have to say the most memorable baking session I had was with a housemate back in Uni days, where I shared an apartment with 3 other (clean, Phew!) boys. Being an erstwhile baker, and a rather proper rule-follower, I knew that recipes had to be followed to a T(easpoon). But my co-chef came from the Jamie Oliver school of thought - ie. "bit 'o this, dash of that, muddle it all together and bob's your uncle, eh? Pukka meal!" and decided a teaspoon of salt wasn't just a teaspoon, no, it could afford more salt couldn't it, how about a half-handful, I'm sure it'll be fine!

Result?

Chef's Chocolate Salty Balls
Tags: SOUTH
PARKmore...

Yes, I think I've learnt my lesson.

Over the last year, I had the opportunity to learn from and inherit some cupcake recipes from a very talented baker who wanted to return to teaching, and after a few hits and misses (and plenty of tears), I started supplying to Guava Bean cafes in Melbourne CBD and Southbank. Then a good friend of mine asked if I would bake her son's first birthday cake based on a design she'd seen online and it just took off from there!

I realised then that what I really enjoyed, beyond baking, was decorating! Cake decorating to be exact, and so this year I set up the Bakeshoppe, threw my name into the hat for the North Melbourne market, and voila! We're in business!

Speaking of which, I'm pretty excited about our North Melbourne Market with Peek! Sweets this Sunday! If you want to check out some excellent vintage finds (I've bought heaps there...in fact I think I spend more than I earn on these market days!), great knick-knacks and pressies, it's a one-stop shop!

I have to say, I love these markets. It's one thing to bake and put all your heart and soul into creating something darling and delicious, but quite another to see someone eat it, and have the pleasure of savouring your creations. And I get to watch (ok, voyeur in me, I know!) But I love interacting with people, and dressing up for each event, it's all part of the package, no?

See you all on Sunday! (Lithuanian Club, Errol St, 10-3pm. Listen out for the musical stylings of Charles J. Tan busking outside.)