Local baker sets her sights on baking a giant cookie for charity

Family, baking and helping others are the three ingredients that give Yolandi Palmer’s spirit a rise and decorate her face with a bright smile.

As a self-taught baker, the Westdene resident has brought awe and delight to many a celebratory table with her intricately decorated cakes.

Gliding through her farm-style kitchen, the mom of two describes how ill health and a lengthy recovery led her to follow her passion and the subsequent establishment of her micro-business, Rain Baking.

With a mind consumed by sugar, spice and everything nice, she points to a cake drenched in luxurious chocolate ganache.

“There is something magical about finding a decadent recipe, making tweaks and creating what can only be described as mouth-watering heaven,” she said.

“A cake is only cake if it is transformed into a work of art that encapsulates the essence of the recipient’s personality for their momentous occasion.”

Moulding baked delights into superheroes, majestic animals or picturesque landscapes, Palmer says baking has ignited a sense of accomplishment within her soul.

“I thrive when challenged,” she said.

“If you can dream up a spectacular cake, I will apply every grain of creativity to accomplish it.”

Record attempt
Sipping on a steaming cup of coffee, her eyes twinkle with delight as she announces her next endeavour is to bake the biggest cookie in South Africa.

As she pages through her diary, which contains an array of recipes, she says that before diving into the mammoth challenge of a Guinness Book of Records attempt, she will do a trial run to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

“I will be baking a shortbread-sugar cookie variation to fit on the back of a bakkie,” she said, clapping her hands in excitement.

“I will decorate it with royal icing and fondant hearts, which my kids have happily agreed to make.”

The ‘Giant Benoekie’ as it has been dubbed, will be assembled and decorated at Grasslands Driving Range, where parts of it will be sold from 09:00, on February 17 as part of a charity fundraising drive.

“I have my sights set on setting the record for baking the country’s largest cookie, but to achieve this, I have to do a beta test to ensure I have all my sprinkles in a row,” she said.

“The completion of the Benoekie will give me a clear indication of ingredient quantities, preparation time, as well as the overall mass and size of the record attempt.”

Charities set to benefit from the sale include Huis Thandi, Huis Charis Youth Centre and Clean Projects.

“I am bursting with excitement and hope the community will support this yummy project,” she said.

Anyone willing to assist Palmer in acquiring the necessary ingredients as icing sugar, flour, eggs, butter, baking powder, vanilla essence and sugar can contact her at 076 500 4393.

Any donations need to reach her before February 11, when the busy baker will start her preparations.

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