Bake perfection without arrogance
A taste for perfection without arrogance is what former Great South African Bake-Off competitor, Shawn Govender, is looking for in this year’s Benoni City Times Mother’s Day Cake Bake Competition.
Govender, who is close to the City Times’ heart, worked at the paper for several years and was the first star baker in the Great South African Bake-Off 2015.
He is a graphic design and studio manager.
“But in the darkness of the night, I turn on my oven, take my whisk and whip up magical creations for my family to indulge in,” Govender said.
“I love the French style of baking where there are exacting standards and the pursuit of perfection.”
Govender considers himself to be a passionate baker who loves experimenting with new techniques and flavours.
“I have two kids and my boy is the typical cake monster,” he said.
“He has been known to sneak into the kitchen and steal chunks out of cakes.”
Although he has been told he is a perfectionist with regards to his baking – which he considers an obsessive compulsive disorder – he has given tips to bakers about what he looks for in a cake.
“Cakes need to be visually appealing and well put together no matter how simple the bake,” he said.
“Sloppy, soggy bottoms are a definite no-no.
“But the most important part of any bake is the complexity of flavour; if the bakers know how to blend and complement flavours, I will put them on a pedestal.”
Govender completed courses at the Prue Leith Chefs Academy and has also completed the advanced cakes course.
“I believe that the joy of cakes and baked goods need to be enjoyed by everyone,” he concluded.
The Benoni City Times Mother’s Day Cake Bake Competition will be held on May 5 at Cherrylane Gourmet Café on 14th Avenue, Northmead.
These are the categories:
• Professional (anyone who makes an income from baking)
• Fun Bake (those of you who bake for enjoyment)
• Tarts – savoury and sweet
• Cupcakes (a minimum of 12 cupcakes)
• Tartlets (sweet and savoury – a minimum of 12 tartlets)
Entrants must arrive at Cherrylane Gourmet Café at 7.30am, on May 5.
All items entered will be donated to the elderly or people in need.
There are prizes up for grabs.
For more information, contact Clarice Mncwabe or Sharon Husselmann on 011 425 0164.
Also read: Must look great, but taste better
