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Bake Fresh

Bake Fresh

November 22, 2016 · 4 Comments

A five point strategy to get your passion kicking

Tutorials· Uncategorized

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This is going to be a long post. A wordy and no pictures kind of. Sometimes we need to do this. Read and absorb and understand in order to act rationally. Let me explain without the drama. This is part 1 of the series of upcoming posts. I am not sure how many parts Ok, there are going to be four parts. It is addressing so many questions of all sorts and since it comprises of my past 10 years of professional/ not so professional/ home based work, it can be more than 2 as I had initially planned. 

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From time to time and specially since my article has appeared on Gulf News here, there have been many queries from many women. So in order of increasing target audience, this post addresses married or unmarried, a mom, a mom to be or mom of grownups or not a mommy, if you are looking to start work from home, or want to work part time or want to start a blog/baking or just develop a passion and follow through or anything that lies in the close proximity of this, this is for you. The first part, that is this post will address the options of work from home, how to balance it with other tasks, how to find your passion and then make it happen in a productive manner. The second part will concentrate on, if your passion is baking whether you love to bake for your family or just want to become an expert, what are the resources to do so and how can you go about it. Third part, yes that is happening and I just decided will be if you want to pursue baking as your career, how can you do so be it any part of the world you are residing in. I will share my experience on what is possible while living in Riyadh.  Recently I finished my diploma in Patisserie from Skillston Karachi, Pakistan and earned a certificate from City and Guilds London, more on that in the post itself. Fourth part will be basics of baking and how to bake your first cake perfectly with all the tips and resources.  So yes this is going to be a daunting task but it was on my agenda of 2016 which is quickly running out of hands, I really hope that even if one of you benefit from it, I will be glad and the effort will be worth. Please share it with your friends who you think can benefit from it. It will contain secrets and all the not so secret stuff and many useful pointers I learnt while doing a summer course on entrepreneurship this year from IBA, Karachi.

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Till 2005, I was following a typical, predictable pattern, studies, job, marriage+job, kid. I quit my job when in 2005, I moved to Riyadh, KSA with my husband. I needed a break and my first born was due as well, I thought I will go back to work  when she is six months and I did, only to realize that it was not feasible in many terms, lack of reputable day cares, my demanding job and the work home balance.  It was not worth it. I was going crazy and exhausted and above all I was not happy and enjoying, my daughter was suffering too while my husband was supporting on whatever decision I would make. I quit but I had to do something. Something like what? From my previous experience and education in computer sciences, I had worked as a software engineer, product marketing manager and project manager. 

the-iceberg-of-success

                             Iceberg Illusion

[image credit: https://ithemes.com/2015/07/21/success-is-an-iceberg/]

I wont’t be talking about the real on site job opportunities that exist and they do in any market. Lot of articles and resources are there to guide you about this. And yes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia also, there are many options despite the common belief. This post is for those who have chosen an off-beat path. Coming back to the point,I found a freelance writing opportunity. Meanwhile I was exploring how to work from home. Before I explain the exact process, I would like to iterate a point. It is very important to do something for yourself. Not for money, not out of social pressure, not for competition, not for mere sake of doing it but only for you, yourself. If you are lucky and don’t have to contribute in household expenses then you are half way there. You have choice. Find the thing which triggers you, which makes you happy, which initiates a spark in you, which makes your eyes glitter, which gives you a reason to open your eyes in the morning with a wide smile on your face, which you can endlessly talk about. Every person needs to do this one thing either as a hobby or as a profession. I would not say that follow your passion all the way upto the profession because that might not be feasible specially if you share financial responsibilities or other factors. But doing something solely for yourself will give you great strength when later in life you have lesser responsibilities. This is vital, not only for yourself but for people around you. The world needs healthy, productive, positive, passionate people. Now on to something concrete, steps you can take to do something for yourself, an outline is given below and in brackets you will find my journey as a case study. I will share the snapshots of the paperwork I did to give you an idea.

vennsuccess1

              Passion viability Venn Diagram

  1. Discover your passion – this statement may sound very cliche but it is as is. You need to do this. A few things you can do – read on subjects that interests you, join people who talk about that subject and are experts in it. It can be any topic, any industry, any field, any genre. It can be an extension of your education or quite opposite, it can be anything under the sun. Browse related books in books stores and libraries. Write about it. Share it or keep it for your own analysis. [After resigning from project management job which I loved I started working on websites  like odesk now upwork and getafreelancer now freelancer. I was looking for a freelance project in the same field or related. You can check my profile here and here for all the projects I did.]
  2. Profession or Hobby – Do you want to take it forward? Are you madly in love with it? Are you uncontrollably attracted towards it? You want to make it your hobby/part time affair or full time paid profession? Don’t worry about the money yet. Think long term, you are just investing your time, money follows the passion. [Baking has always been my love, there was a point when I got married that I could not cook but I could bake. When I saw a cake decorating class from Wilton, I immediately enrolled in it]. 
  3. Time – how much? – Second step leads to third one, how much time you can give?It totally depends on your personal circumstances and choice. Is your family at a stage that is draining your time? What are the priorities at the moment? Minimum invest a couple of hours initially. [I started to bake more often, with perfection and consistency, I started looking at the blogs of inspirational food bloggers, their photography and writing styles while practicing my newly learnt skills.]
  4. Take it to paper – Jot down possible options in your chosen field. What job titles are people doing? You will find volunteers, teachers, professionals, consultants, interns etc. Draw a venn diagram: market/money, talent/skills, passion/hobby. You have to find something that fulfills all three. [I knew baking was it, I was reading about it day in and day out, dreaming about it, found a few bakers and decorators I was following passionately, sorting out our family favorite baking recipes while doing my freelance projects side by side]
  5. Take the plunge – Don’t be afraid. Let not people drag you down. You do need to share it with the world but you have to filter the criticism. If you think,  it has potential, it has. Let no one trample on your daisies which you got after a few months (at least) of hard work. Set yearly, monthly, weekly, day to day targets, include lot of reading, utilize each and every resource. Don’t give it up until you are sure you tried your 100%. [I started to blog and started to bake for family and friends to make the memorable occasions more special]

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Some Side Notes:

I find the following points act as catalysts that help you in achieving what has been stated above.

a. Take care of yourself, exercise regularly, pray/meditate, socialize, eat well and healthy.

b. Enroll in a language class, if you are abroad then the native language or any short course. There are many online resources now to learn a language both free and paid.

c. Manage your time wisely. Early to bed, early to rise works very well most of the time.  

d. No pre-requisites to follow the above steps. You can start anywhere, any time with any background. 

e. This series is not about making money, its about finding what you love to keep yourself busy and happy, you can take it further for the money part though.

f. This series is by no means is to diminish the role of full time mothers, its just an effort to go an extra mile which leads to better parenting, happier you and later in life when kids are on their own you have something to pursue.

g. Self assessment sheets and lot of great information is available at Entrepreneur.com 

Five Ds strategy to kickstart your passion

A five point strategy to kick start your passion

Go and get it, internet is a great resource, your time and energy is even greater asset, use it wisely. Stay tuned for part II.

 

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Comments

  1. Shazia says

    November 22, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    It is important to do something for yourself. Loved that part . An inspiring post for people in search of their passion and talents . Well done .

    Reply
    • bakefresh says

      November 25, 2016 at 6:59 am

      Thanks Shazia, thanks alot

      Reply
  2. Hira says

    November 22, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    What an excellent article I must say!! But heyy, it finished too early, I was thoroughly enjoying it when it came to an end … *sigh*

    Reply
    • bakefresh says

      November 25, 2016 at 6:59 am

      second part is coming soon, thanks Hira, i am so glad you liked 🙂

      Reply

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Hello, I’m Nadia. I am the cake decorator, blogger, a fanatic mom and a home maker, passionate about all things sweet and pretty.


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"We had joy , we had fun, we had seasons in the su "We had joy , we had fun, we had seasons in the sun, but the hills that we climbed were seasons out of time"

Rasha my friend , I will miss you, our crazy hangouts, exploring, fun night outs, shopping and ofcourse when we worked together!

This is not a goodbye, it is just beginning of us meeting at new destinations.

@rashayoussif @shaziahassan10
I first had chocolate truffles in USA which were I I first had chocolate truffles in USA which were I guess from Tiffany.

Since then I was always intrigued by how they were made.

The delish chocolate bites are easier to make than other varieties like bonbons.

A luscious chocolate ganache is prepared which is then divided into bite size pieces either by piping or scooping, dipped in tempered chocolate and rolled in cocoa powder.

Do you like truffles and have you ever tried making at home?

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Freshly pounded green cardamom infusing these mode Freshly pounded green cardamom infusing these moderately sweet Pakistani shortbread cookies made with pure clarified butter, flour and chickpea flour for that added nutty flavor, slight leavening agents for that open and melt in mouth crumb and powdery texture. The top is brushed with beaten egg and sprinkled with pistachios making the best tea time biscuits!

Let me know if I passed the test of describing our very own desi besan ki naan khatai, brought in for dearest friends who never let me make tea!

Detailed recipe on YouTube, dm for link or just search "bakefresh naan khatai"

Stories has direct link too.

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Got cookie press? Make this foolproof recipe now t Got cookie press? Make this foolproof recipe now to fill a jar. These are any day better than store brought!

There wasn't any eid we didn't had jars full if these spritz cookies !

Sharing my family recipe that has been absolute favourite!

Full video tutorial on my YouTube channel!

Ingredients 
3/4 cup Butter (room temperature) 
2/3 cup Sugar (grinded) 
2 teaspoons vanilla essence 
1 egg 
2 cups flour 
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 
 
Method 
1. Cream butter and sugar 
2. Add in egg 
3. add in vanilla 
4. Sift in flour and baking powder 
5. Beat until combined 
6. Fill the dough in cookie press or just make balls by hand. 
7. Place on an ungreased tray and bake in a pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes at 350 F until golden brown. 

#cookies
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If you want to make an impressive and indulgent ca If you want to make an impressive and indulgent cake for celebrating an important day at home,  do give this a try.

Flourless chocolate cake that is a cross between brownies, chocolate bar and mousse!

Topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream, and any seasonal.fruit, this is sure going to win hearts.

Detailed recipe on my YouTube channel.

Linked in stories. 

A quick version of coming up in reels today.

INGREDIENTS 

250 grams Dark Chocolate 
125 grams butter
2 tablespoon Cocoa Powder 
50 ml Cream

Heat all above on double boiler (or super slow heat stirring continuously) till melted and combined.

Separate 4 eggs.

Whisk egg yolks lightly and stir in cooled Chocolate mixture.

Make.meringue from.4 egg whites and 125 grams of sugar.

Fold in the chocolate mixture.

Pour in 9 inches spring foam pan (greased and dusted with cocoa powder)

Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes until set.

Cool and plate, serve with whipped cream lightly sweetened and fruits.

#bakefresh
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The brand I use the most is beryl's chocolate.(sw The brand I use the most is  beryl's chocolate.(swipe to see the packaging)

It's a Malaysian brand and I find it pretty easily here from @moltaqa.alkhabbazeen as well as in Pakistan from empress market karachi.(not sure about the current status,  will.update when I go in summers)

If you ask me one chocolate you should buy go for this brands 62% one either in coins or blocks. Coins are just easier to use. The 1.5 kg bag or 2 kg block is more than enough and has good price point. 

Therir 41% milk chocolate is great as well nut not recommended for baking. 

I use it for ganache, brownies, icecream, chocolate chip cookies, mousse and mousse cakes and in general great for dipping, coating etc.

I use milk chocolate 28% white one inky for white chocolate mousse or sometimes in cookies.

I use compound chocolate for chocolate decorations or making cake pops or cakesicles.
This also comes in block and small chocolate chips both are fine.

The other brands I have tried 
arabesque (belgium) 58%
@patissierchocolate (singapore) 61% ,41%

@callebautchocolate ( so popular, slightly overrated, difficult to get, available for bull orders)

dawn chocolate - good quality but i find it very sweet

All these brands are available in the above shops.

Let me know if you found this information helpful.

Come in stories to see more!

#chocolate #chocolateinformation
#bakefresh #riyadhbloggers
#karachibloggers #karachifoodbloggers

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