I'm hired!

Today I had my first baking job at CC's cafe in Queen's Park. It took me three hours to get these two girls done. It's a good thing I took along some pastry I'd already made otherwise it would have taken a lot longer. I cooked in the cafe while the waitress nattered to me. At one point I had to make the lemon curd so I went into the professional kitchen next door where the real cooking is done for the restaurant. Wow! now I know that expression "if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen!" It's seriously hot in there. I included the last pic to show the potential of the place. It's done in a haphazard sort of way but has loads of potential to be something really special (I think).  I have decided to let it be a practise ground for me. I don't care what I get paid as she is providing me with a spring board to bake cakes, and build up a reputation as a baker.

This was a little test run for me and they've said they would like to give me more shifts. This is just the way I want to approach my baking. I'm given free reign to bake what I like and to do it at my own pace. What could be better? If I joined a slicker outfit I'd probably have to re-create the cakes and tarts they already sell and although that would probably present an interesting challenge, I prefer it this way. My cakes aren't intended to be "perfect" as that idea makes me feel very nervous and I would always feel that they're not "good enough". I hate that sort of pressure. This is more relaxed and I feel I can be myself. I am learning to be more precise in what I do but there always be a little flourish of creativity in what I do. When I was studying illustration at art college we were always encouraged to not worry about making mistakes and to make a virtue out of them. There will always be unfortunate blips in baking ie. things curdle, cakes don't rise, and soufles collapse but I guess you just have to learn how to cope... and improvise. Anyway, today went well and I have got my foot on the first rung of the baking ladder so I'm happy.