Ever since my son, Nick left college, I haven't had the occasion to visit a campus. Last month I received an email from Samantha Mah of Taylor’s University, Lakeside Campus, inviting me to attend a pastry class at the college. I accepted the invitation because I knew that Taylor's University has an extensiive culinary course for aspiring chefs. I had no idea where Taylor’s Lakeside Campus was so I sent a text to my son’s girlfriend asking for directions as she is a graduate from there. With her help I found the place with no problem and arrived at 9.15am. The class started at 9.30am. I was greeted by Samantha’s colleague, Sharon and she led me to the classroom. I met Chef Karamvi Godrei who conducted the class. Before the class started, Sharon briefed me that I am not allowed to share the recipes that I would learn that day. I was very disappointed, aren't you? OOPS! So what am I going to share with you today? Well, just some photos I guess.
everything you need to make a strawberry shortcake
Strawberry shortcake that I made. There should be three layers but mine only two layers
because I overfold the batter.
everything you need to make a black forest cake
The Black forest cake that I made
everything you need to make a creme caramel
The creme caramel I made
The tired "me" and my two cakes LOL!
The overall experience attending the class conducted by Chef Karamvi Godrei was pleasant and his style of teaching is clear and simple to follow.
The classroom
Chef Karamvi Godrei and Quay Po
Here are the tips he stressed about making genoise sponge:
1)) Whisk eggs and sugar till "ribbon stage" before adding flour.
2) Sift flour over batter.
3) Do not overfold or overmix the batter
4) Do not apply too thick frosting
5) When using gelatin, always "bloom it" (let it soak in water for 15 mins) first.
4) Do not apply too thick frosting
5) When using gelatin, always "bloom it" (let it soak in water for 15 mins) first.
For those who are interested in taking a baking course at Taylor's, you may email Samantha at PhuiSan.Mah@taylors.edu.my or click on the photo below to contact them through their facebook account. Weekend courses and single courses are avaiable for anyone wanting to brush up their skills and knowledge and learn from professionals.
To be honest, I dont understand why they don't allow ppl to share out the recipe... maybe cos scared noone wants to pay and go for their cooking classes. Cos I went for some cooking demo with celebrity chefs also they have no problem sharing one.
ReplyDeleteYes, in fact, I was very surprised when they said to me that I am not allowed to share the recipes.
DeleteI see you have unleashed your culinary creativity yet again.
ReplyDeleteLuan Ee, I just follow instructions. It is not even my own creativity lah:D
DeleteAw..too bad you can't share the recipes. The cakes looks absolutely divine!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a big disappointment. The cakes taste good. Much better most store bought cakes.
Delete非常棒，有机会参与一堂那么有水准的烘焙课。太好了！
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to pick some valuable tips from the chef.
DeleteI got so addicted with Strawberry Shortcake since my last post. It is a pity that you can't share your version here. The two cakes you have made look beautifully done and I am sure it must be delicious.
ReplyDeleteMel, the recipes of both the cakes from Chef Karamvi Godrei were good. If only I can share them with you guys.
DeleteWhat a fabulous experience!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy cooking and baking classes. There are always something new I learned which you will not get from cookbooks.
DeleteOoooo...the strawberry shortcake, the blackforest. Gosh! Even the professionals' pale in comparison. You should have your own tv show lah...
ReplyDeleteArthur, are you pulling my leg? Have my own cooking show? Not in my wildest dream lah:D
DeleteImagine with kids and works, furthering my study definitely is a No. But get involving in baking classes definitely is an aim for me. *_^
ReplyDeleteAngie, I think you will enjoy the baking classes. Go for it my dear.
DeleteOh dear, thanks for sharing! I really wish I cold join the classes too! TThe bakes look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAlice, don't wish. Go check out what baking classes they have and go for it.
Deletenice sharing here.. looked like a really good class sharing there.
ReplyDeleteHave a good labour's day tomorrow ya! :)
Hi Isaac, good to see you here. Thanks for your visit and comment and you too have a nice holiday tomorrow.
DeleteMy husband always asked me to sign up culinary course at Taylor. I told him that I don't want to be a prof chef...lol..
ReplyDeleteJes, you don't need to sign up their professional course. Go for the weekend courses. You will definitely benefit from the taking classes and learn from a professional chef. Chef Karamvi Godrei is a very good teacher. His instruction is clear and easy to follow and he is generous in sharing tips that you will never find in cookbooks.
DeleteWow! This is good. You get invitation from such prestige institution. Great work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rose. When I am invited to join a cooking or baking class, I never refuse such good offer.
Deletewhose finger is that pinching the berry? :p
ReplyDeleteKathy, it is the chef's finger. Mine is more dainty. hehehe
DeleteGosh! Those are amazing looking cakes and I can't think of how long it'd take me to achieve that spectacular looking black forest cake! Eeep!
ReplyDeleteIf you try and try again, it will not take you very long.
DeleteWell the photos look great!! looks like you all had a wonderful time - what fun!
ReplyDeleteMary x
PS in relation to the monkfish post - yes, I'm sure any other firm fleshed fish would work very well:)
Yes, it is always fun to attend a baking class. The result is so gratifying. Thanks for confirming that I can use other firm fleshed fish to make that monkfish dish that you posted.
Deletehello quay po, you got your strawberry shortcake right! ' shortcake' means short cake la!
ReplyDeleteHow come you are so spot on every time you make a comment? That's right, I should be so proud that I actually made a "SHORT" cake. LOL!
DeleteHow come you are so spot on every time you make a comment? That's right, I should be so proud that I actually made a "SHORT" cake. LOL!
DeleteHmmm...that Chef looks very fierce la :P
ReplyDeleteChris, I got that impression that the Chef is fierce too but he is not. He is very humorous and friendly and a very good teacher. I like him.
DeleteWah! Lucky you! I've had the privilege of meeting Chef Karam a long time ago when he was the Sous Chef at a leading hotel. Glad to see he's happier here teaching. And looks like he's got a good student in you!
ReplyDeletePing, you have met the chef before? what a small world.
DeleteThat looks great, I would like to try both cakes.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
Filip
Filip, you and your beautiful wife are such travellers, when are you guys heading this way? I would be happy to make those cakes for you both if you come visit someday.
DeleteWow those cakes r exactly that I seen in those high class cakes shop...
ReplyDeleteAll d cake made by yourself? Very nice...
WOW! Thanks. That's very encouraging to hear how you describe my cakes. Yes I baked the cakes under the instruction of the chef.
DeleteWow.. you had done a good job, very nice cake.. i love to read your blog; enjoy your baking n cooking, i should call you chef lah... :)
ReplyDeleteKaren, it is such a delight to hear that you love reading my blog and I hope to see you around often:D It is very kind of you to call want to call me chef but I am afraid that high hat will suffocate me! LOL!
DeleteO-My-Goodness,
ReplyDeletethose cakes look AMaaaazing. Wish I could have a slice. X
I would love to let you sample the cakes if you are living near me. I am sure more than a slice will be at your doorstep.
DeleteHmmm, just wondering what makes their recipes so special! Anyway, it's nice to just looking at the cakes! Quah Po, like your new hairstyle, I mean the hair is longer now!
ReplyDeleteYour creme caramel looks fab!
ReplyDeleteMy dear Monica, you are the only one that notice the creme caramel and comment about it! Chef's recipe for this creme caramel is superb and it is so easy to make. Only a "Lucy" like me can make it right. LOL!
Deletelooks like a fabulous baking day! btw.. u look really nice in the pics.. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much my dear. I thought I look old and haggard in the pic because I are really really tired after the class. My feet was on fire and I totally out of it.
DeleteThank you for your visit and your invite to join the "International Directory Blogspot".
ReplyDeleteQuay Po really look amazing and beauty:) and you look so nice and beauty in the pics!!lol
ReplyDeleteGloria, thanks and good to see you.
DeleteOh my, the cakes looks so sinfully delicious! Psst... really cannot share the recipes huh? :(
ReplyDeleteSorry Catheryn, that is their policy.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThat is ok. Your recipes are just as good and very inspiring.
DeleteHave a good week ahead QP :)
What a pretty and tasty looking cake!
ReplyDeleteThe cakes were very tasty. Too bad can't share the recipes.
Deletethe cakes look good, but too bad, from here we can only see the ingredients
ReplyDeleteLatest: More than BIG Breakfast
Ya lor.
Deletewow, wow~ I love that black forest cake the most! My favourite, yum~~
ReplyDeleteAlso, first time seeing strawberry shortcake :) My girl would love this (it's pink and it's strawberry themed)
I am sure your girl will like the strawberry shortcake better. Very attractive color.
DeleteThanks for sharing all the tips. I certainly need it.
ReplyDeleteYan, you are most welcome.
DeleteYour cakes and desserts are absolutely stunning!I'm hungry now :(
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you. Hehe
DeleteYour cakes look mouth watering good! You've inspired me to look for a class around here. Maybe my daughter and I can do it over the summer (if I'm not working summer school).
ReplyDeleteGoing baking class with your girl is a very good idea. I wish I have a daughter to do girl's things together.
Deletewow taylor lakeside! so you become guest sensei for one day? how good :)
ReplyDeleteStill a long way. Lol!
DeleteIf I know you are going to this class, sure I will accept their invitation, also partly due to I am lazy.. Hehehe..
ReplyDeleteOh it will be more fun if you were there.
DeleteHi everyone,
ReplyDeleteWe do sincerely apologize for the disappointment in Quay Po not being allowed to share the baking recipes with you all on her blog. Simple reason being, our Chef’s recipes are protected by Intellectual Property rights. Check out our Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/TaylorsUniversityCPE)! Become a fan, like us and you will be able to access recipes and even watch videos of our cooking/baking tips that will be posted up soon. Even better if you will like to join our classes after that!
Hope to see you all here on campus soon! Take care…
Samantha, thanks for the clarification:D Hope to meet you person someday. Thanks again for the invite.
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