My First Time: Baking Solo

There is a reason why I'm posting this when Fatboybakes not in the country. I figured if he gets to read this, he'll be too calm to bother since he's on holiday and this would probably blow over by the time he returns as well. You'll see why soon.

As you may have read, I've attended Ah Pa's inaugural baking class last month. So, I thought it was about time I put my new found knowledge to test. I aimed to make the easiest recipe from the class: The Flourless Chocolate Molten Cake. "How hard can it be?" I thought. After all, if our beloved fat baker can do it effortlessly, I'm sure I can too. He has even once said that the Force was strong in me. I'm invincible! Or so I thought.



Everything actually started out nicely. It was until the part when the sugar wouldn't dissolve after a good 35-minutes of stirring, that I suspected something was awfully wrong. Turned out I've used the wrong choice of sugar. Coarse instead of caster. Lesson learned - always read the labels properly!  So, I threw the "grainy" version out and started a new pot. Only problem now, I was left with enough cooking chocolate to either make the cake or the ganache filling. I decided on making the cake and replaced the ganache with Nutella instead. Another valuable lesson learned -  never be a smart Alec! The Nutella didn't melt one bit. Damn. I was stuck with a dozen super dense un-molten-able choc cakes.

Not bad for a first timer, right? Maybe I should have paid more attention in class rather than play photographer that morning. Hmmm... or maybe I need to enroll myself into FBB's up-coming class this October. I reckon it is time for a refresher. Wanna join? Don't worry, he's a good teacher. I just happen to be a monkey in class. Then again that's pretty much hanging on the fact if Ah Pa hasn't disown or banish me after reading this nightmare of a post.

While I can only dream of the day when alilfatmonkey can finally bake (Note to self: make something McCutie can consume!), let me share a few pointers from my experience here with all the baking virgins wanting to take the plunge for the first time:

1. Safety first. Always practice using proper equipments and wear protective gears.

2. Don’t have too-high expectations. I was told that baking generally improves as you get to know your cakes and become more comfortable with them. So don’t feel pressured to make your first bake the best ever, because this is just the first of many.

3. Breathe. First-time bakes can be tense and nerve-wracking, not to mention painful sometimes. Taking long, deep breaths can help you relax and let go.

4. Don’t forget to enjoy. All the stuff that leads up to baking - learning, shopping, preparing - is part of the baking experience; it’s not just about the cake. Just relax and enjoy every bit of the process.

5. Don’t expect to have an orgasm. Of course, it’s great if you do. But, most bakers don’t climax the first few times making their cakes. Orgasms come with a sense of comfort and specific knowledge of baking, and that takes time. If it fails the first time: try, try, try and try harder next time.

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