Million Thanks to Devi's Millionaire Shortbread Cookie Gift

Devi's Millionaire Shortbread Cookie

Thank you note!

Sweet and Perfect Cookie!

Devi, a student who had attended many of my online baking classes, came with a special gift. 

She had bought a box of millionaire's shortbread cookie. On the box, she had written a note thanking me for guidance and support. 

Any gift is a treasure to be cherished, also a positive confirmation from people about the classes. In my short journey in baking, I am more than blessed to receive similar gifts . It's not just material gifts, a gift could be a hug after the class, a holding of hands, a smile or a call after the class. 

Here's one gift from a lady. Last year or so, I got a call from this lady who stays at Attingal, Trivandrum. She had attended few direct classes before the pandemic (2020). She called me out of the blue to say that she's now taking baking classes in her locality. She said, she's still can't believe that she's able to teach, and earn that extra money from her classes. I felt so nice to hear this from this lady who's around my mother's age. In her call, I could make out her enthusiasm, the overwhelming feeling of gratitude  and confidence she felt for herself. 

Many such interactions had left happy memories of people and moments shared with them.

The Cake Fairy - Perfect Bakes by Devi

Those who have seen the cakes made by Devi, can instantly make out the impeccable finish to her cakes. The millionaire short bread cookies is one of her super seller, and it tastes a class apart!

Check out her page, The cake Fairy, to see her artistic design and elegant cakes.

Short Online Cake Making And Decorating Courses

 Short-term Online Cake Baking Classes

In this post, I have made a list of Online baking classes which I had taken from March 2020. Each session is of 2 hr duration, where I mostly cover 2 to 3 cake recipes. 

A single video recipe is around Rs 1,250. When you buy the cake recipe, you'll get the pdf of the recipe, picture of finished cakes, and the access to watch the class recording for lifetime use.

The highlight of this video lessons is that you can watch and ask me any doubts ( about process, methodology). about the session.

To buy g a particular class video, you can Whatsapp me at 9379398865 and msg the cakes recipes you want to buy. The fee can be paid by Gpay or Paytm to my number. There are separate list for Cookies, Puff Pastry, Bread, Ice Cream and French Macaron.

1. Vanilla Cake and Chocolate Cake

2. Red Velvet and Chocolate Cake

Ice Cream and Jams Made after the Online Class

Pineapple Jam - Homemade by Prathima

Kulfi - Made by Prathima

Ice Cream by Prathima

 Thanks to Prathima, for sharing the ice cream and jam pics, after she had attended the online ice cream and jam and squash class. It's just looks so perfect, the way she had made and the presentation. 

Food Photography - Less is More
Talking of food presentation, one common mistake is the placement of the object in a cluttered background. This mistake inadvertently happens mostly with beginners. A typical example is when a cake picture on the kitchen counter captures  all the random stuffs seen in the background. 

One simple way to eliminate it is by placing the object in front of a plain background. A plain wall, or a cloth could serve the purpose or you can buy photography backdrops from Amazon or from shops like Dainty Flavors at Tippasandara in Bangalore. 

Food Stall at Anglo Indian Jamboree at Bangalore Place 2010

 

Menu Card for the fest

Just while browsing other pictures, I stumbled on this pic. It's the pic of menu list kept in my food stall at Anglo Indian meet ( Jamboree), at Bangalore Palace.

To get the dates right, I searched online. This search lead me to this piece of article which appeared on Bangalore Mirror. 

The article brought back more memories of people I met during the two day event. One was Mr Creswell Weightman, founder member of Anglos United, with whom I interacted for getting the food booth. Also, I met Mrs Bridget White, who had written and published books about Anglo Indian cuisine. She also conducts workshops for individuals and chefs about Anglo Indian cooking.

Another person I met during the event was Roy Sinai, a professional photographer, who took my portrait in the background of evening sky. ( will share the picture after I locate it)

Sold out Wine

On the first day of the event, I had carried couple of wine bottles for sale. I didn't have the fainest clue that people would buy. But, that was the first item to be sold out on the first day itself. Another fast moving item from my food counter was beef cutlets. It was high in demand and I had too keep frying them to keep up with the demand. I also also had pork vindaloo, fried rice, stuffed omelette and plum cakes for sale. 

Hot Cross Bun Tradition

 

Made a set of hot cross bun, infused with spices and dried fruits. It's usually made and eaten on Good Friday. The cross on the bun symbolizes crucifix. Earlier I had used pastry to make the cross. This time, I mixed flour and water and put that mix in a piping bag to make the cross across the buns.

Practical 1 Day Baking Class in Trivandrum

 

1 Day Baking Class

1 Day Baking Class in Trivandrum

( Hands-on Classroom Training for Beginners and aspiring bakers)

If you're planning to advance your baking skills or acquire a solid foundation in baking, then this class covers the basic to Intermediate skills in baking and in 1 DAY!

A hands-on, personal class enables you to absorb more learning in 1 day - where you do each recipe from scratch.

3/4/21 ( 10:AM to 4:30)

1 Day Baking Class ( 5 Cake & 5 Icing)

HANDS-ON BAKING CLASS AT Trivandrum

1. Mirror Glaze

2. Naked Red Velvet Cake

3. Fondant Theme Cake

4. Chocolate Cake

( Make Chocolate leaf and straw)

5. Caramel cake with caramel frosting

Rs 6,300

( Only 5 seats)

The Baking Skills imparted in this 1 Day Program is specifically designed to keep you with the latest trends of professional bakers.

For details, pls call 9379398865 

Online 17 Cake Recipes for Beginners FoSCoS Certification Class

 17 Cakes and 2 Icing - New Set of Cakes for next level Baking Knowledge


This set of cake recipes covered in this class, takes you through more varitey of cakes and finishes. This class is designed for beginner level people who have completed the first set of 17 cakes.

How's Online Class Taken

1. Classes are taken through Zoom App
2. The classes are demo
( Student will watch LIVE how each recipe is done from scratch)
3. During the class, questions and doubts are cleared
4. Materials, ingredients, process etc are explained in detail

5. The recording of the class is send after each class
6. Daily 2 hrs of class ( Morning or Evening)
7. Each day, student has to do the recipe taught in the class
8. Student sends finished cake picture to me for suggestion and tips for perfection

========================================================

In this cake baking class, you will learn 17 Cakes recipes:

1. Ice Cream Cake

2. Rose Milk Cake

3. Blueberry Loaf Cake

4. German Chocolate Cake

5. Chai Cake with cream cheese frosting

6. Dalgona Coffee cake

7. New York Style Crumb Cake

8. Chocolate Mousse Cake

9. Pineapple Upsidedown Cake

10. Japnanese Cotton Cake

11. Chocolate truffle Cake

12. Vancho Cake

13. Do-nothing Cake

14. Choco Lava Cake

15. Lamington Cake

16. Honey Cake

17. Cream Cheese Pound Cake

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Icing/Frosting taught in the class:

1. Wafer Flower and Colored ganache 

2   Unicorn Cake 

----------------------------------------------------

Cake Recipes 1 to 4 

Cake Recipes - 5 to 8

Cake Recipes - 9 - 12

Cake Recipes - 13 to 16

Cake Recipes - 17 Cakes

==========================================

Wafer Flower

Flowers made of wafer sheet is one of the trending thing in the wold of cake decoration. Wafer flower is a delicate edible sheet, usually made of rice or potato flour. It's easy to use a wafer sheet to make edible flowers which can adorn a cake

 be manipulated in a number of ways, making it a versatile medium in creating a number of different cake decorating designs.

Flower taught in the class

- Chrysanthemum
- Roses

Wafer Flower Making Class

Unicorn Cake

====================================

For beginners in baking, I recommend the basic cakes. There's a class set with 17 cakes and 5 icing and frosting suitable to design a cake. It covers, vanilla cake, chocolate cake, cupcakes, etc which will give you a strong foundation in baking

Details of basic set of 17 Cakes and 5 Icing <= Click the link

=======================================

Online Learning Class - for convenient learning at your convenience 

I had started 17 cake classes in 2021 and so far many people have enrolled for the classes. As it's a online class, people had joined for different cities. Archana from London, Kavitha ( Dubai), Sushma ( Bangalore 17 eggless cakes, Manju, Figi, Savitha, Reshmi, Angel, and few more from Trivandrum. 

================================

Mom's First Online Water Color Class

 

Mom's First Watercolor painting

Painting Class in progress

One thing has changed for all us is the way we have accepted online classes. Be it baking or painting or designing, online classes are just become a norm. 

The above pics and video was taken during the online painting class taken by Paintlab. It's my mom's first online class, which she took in the right spirit. Just a year ago, I wouldn't have thought of enrolling her for such a class. Now, I wouldn't think twice before I go ahead to attend any of the class. 

Also, recently I attended the Pea Flower Online free class conducted by Anand Kumar. It's one of the latest virtual class I had participated. Earlier I had attended online class conducted by rosiesdessertspot and many other classes from Lavonee, the baking institute based in Bangalore.

Filler Flower Online Class
( One of the latest Online Sugar flower Class I had Attended)

Summer Quench Time

 

Squash Time

Homemade Squash

Homemade Jam

Summer is here. Already, the grass growing around is withering away under the dry spell. Even thought there was an occasional shower in Trivandrum, the heat was there to sap every drop of moisture. The green moss which used to blanket the walls are all bone dry and now crumbling under the touch. In these days, I revisited an old class on squash and jam making.

In the class, I covered grape, pineapple and mint lime juice. And in the next class, I hope to cover mango as the season would be up.

So, what's your favorite summer drink?

Orange Chocolate Cake

 

Sweet Pleasure

This two cakes were taught in the latest online baking class:

1. Orange Chocolate Cake

2. New York Style Crumb Cake

New York Style Crumb Cake

Home Bakers How to Apply for FSSAI Food Registration FOSCO

 

Revamped site to apply for Fssai License and Registration

Back in 2015, when I first took the Food safety (FSSAI) registration, I had to do a bit of walking around. First, I got a medical certificate signed by a govt doctor and then filled the application paper and submitted the application at the Food Safety office at General Hospital Junction, Trivandrum. 

After couple of weeks, I was elated to get the sealed govt envelope with the registration paper. Wasting no time, I got the certificate framed and proudly displayed it in the hall where I take baking classes. I felt that this certificate gave me a special status, exclusivity and an insulation from questions.

I have seen similar certificates in hotels and shops, where they are displayed behind the cash counter. Now, I felt like one among them. :)

Later around mid 2020 I realized that my registration has expired and it was time for renewal.

At first, I didn't bother to re-apply as I told myself that we are in the midst of pandemic and it can wait. But, towards the end of 2020, there was a buzz among home bakers about food safety license. At first I thought it was a casual discussion. Later, I realized that a new rule has come into effect which makes it mandatory for  home bakers to take a licence.

And the law has strict and heavy fines. It gives power authorities to charge fine upto 5 lakh and even imprisonment upto 6 months to anyone who runs an establishment  or home based food biz without licence or registration. 

Long Live Licence Raj 
When a hefty fine is make as rule, there's always another side to it. It can be a misused by officials to  to scare hapless people. It's also a chance for many middle men to come into the picture. 

FAQ Home Bakers have About Food Safety Licence and Registration

When it comes to applying for food safety licence/registration, the pressing question on peoples mind is - where and how to apply for food safety licence / registration.

Do we need to visit a office or can it be done online? Which is the right website to apply? Can I get it done in Akshya centres in Kerala or any citizen help centers in other states? 

New FOSCoS Site

Around Oct - Nov 2020, the old fssai site was revamped. It was around the time when harsh fines where announced - a time when small shop owners and home based sellers were scrambling to apply the licence. Some people applied through the new site, some were waiting for the new site to be up. And when the new site was LIVE, it crashed frequently and it  was inaccessible for a long time. 

Many people esp, home chefs and home bakes who didn't have the licence or registration had a fear back in their mind - what if authorities knock on my door and ask for licence? 

Which Site is the correct Govt Site to apply for Fssai Registration?

First of all, most people who search online for Fssai licence aren't aware of the different sites appearing on online search. A typical user usually select the results appearing on the top. This results in clicks and leads to calls, form submission, payment of money. In short, the sites appearing on the top, pockets the money.

Another problem is that, private sites are all appearing above the Govt fssai site. Also, the sponsored links ( 4 sites ) on top of search results are taken by private sites. In one glace, all sites appear to be a govt site, trying to help in getting the licence or registration.  The name of the site resembles like a government fssai site. But these clone sites don't have any authorization to accept application or process it.  

Search Results for FSSAI Registration

In this murky world of online search, there smart, tech savvy players come on the top rank in google. Many cases has come to light where people have lost money by dealing with the wrong site. 

So, how in the world can public make out the real site? Caveat emptor! Let the buyer beware!

FSSAI Doesn't Authorize Anyone as agent

While there are some agents and private players who offer guidance, there are many who are making quick bucks from people. In this regard, even FSSAI said that it will not be responsible for any loss caused to the public while dealing with a wrong agent. In simple words, they washed their hands off the problem. 

The Maze 

Welcome to the new FoSCoS site. It promises faster process, less paperwork and helpful options. That's the good news. But, sadly the new site lacks in clarity. There are far too distractions on the homepage. For the first-time visitor, menu options, the site navigation, text content all can makes people think - is it the right option.

In other words, it looked like any other typical Govt site ( too official jargon, clunky text, clauses, options). My humble suggestion - please SIMPLIFY.

[ I'm not a web expert, but what I had mentioned are just basics, which anyone who visits the site can tell. Also, given the infrastructure, technical skills available in a Govt dept, they could have done it much, much better job at simplifying the registration process.

One thing about websites is that it can edited, corrected, modified any number of time. So, when I visit the site, I can expect it to be better than yesterday. ]

Simplify Menu and Content
One main question a home bakers or home chef has is about the category should choose? I keep hearing this question from people on various baking forums. Why they visit the site for registration, they get all sort of doubts and questions. One way the site makers could have made easy for home bakers or home chef to understand is by using the word home chef or home baker in the content. 

The officials who worked or crated the framework of the site, knew that home based biz people is one big segment of people landing on the site to get the registration. Why don't they create a text helping them simplify the process?

So, which site is Correct Govt Site?

This is the link to the government site for FSSAI Registeration 
 

Do I need Fssai Licence or Fssai Registration?

If you're a home bakers or a home chefs, with a turnover less than 12 lakh, then you need to apply for   FSSAI REGISTRATION.

To get the registration, you need to upload the passport size photo and the photo ID ( Aadhaar) or other legal id cards with photo.

In case, your business turnover is over 12 lakhs a year, then you require a licence from FSSAI. This requires more paper work, formalities and fees.  

How to Apply for Food Licence ( Home Bakers ).

Step 1 - Click this link  https://foscos.fssai.gov.in/


Here are the screen shots from the foscos site to apply for fresh registration.

Step 1 - Click the box to reach the site

Step 2  - Select this option (Home bakers and Home Chefs)

Step 3 -

Step 4 - One time password 

Step 5

Step 6 - Fill in the required columns 

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10 - Choose the right option for your biz

     This screenshot will give some idea about the steps towards registration of your home based biz under Fssai. If you have any doubt, you can msg me.

Angel cake and Poke Cake

 

Angel Cake

Red Wine Chocolate Poke Cake

These are two new cakes taught in the Online Cake baking class. This is a part of the short-term weekend class, which covers 2 cakes in two house. I usually conduct such online classes on weekends and the duration in 2 hrs. 

Cakes covered 

1. Angel food cake
2. Red Wine Chocolate Poke cake

======================
In case you're looking for more detailed and comprehensive class, then you can join for the 14 day online class, which covers around 17 cakes and 5 icing. 

I also have eggless baking class which also covers 17 egg-free cakes. 

The Baking Hub Baking Store at Trivandrum

 

Baking accessories

Shopping at Baking Hub, Trivandrum

Aluminum Tins at Baking Hub

Me at the shop

Baking Hub on the map

These are few snaps taken during my first visit to the baking ingredient and accessory store - The Baking Hub at Trivandrum.

This was taken somewhere before the lockdown, when COVID was all set to flare across the world. When we look back the time before Covid ( 2020) and the subsequent phase, we see new trends. One thing which came out of the pandemic was the massive rise and acceptance of online meeting ( Zoom), Online Training/Learning and ecommerce. 

Almost all savvy business adopted online methods of payment, delivery, and marketing. Those who was struck into the old way of doing biz had to adopt. There was no other way.

With regard to online training, I had started Online Classes around April. Initially,  and training. Now, when I tell students that my classes are mostly online, there's more acceptance about virtual learning compared to pre-pandemic era. 

Address and Phone Number of The Baking Hub ( Baking Store at Tvm)

Address: c-51,Tc9/1804, Sankar Ln, Sasthamangalam, Trivandrum

Hours: 10AM to 9PM

Phone: 097455 45374 
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/The-Baking-HUB--100232221718890/

This shop is convenient for home bakers who are looking for supplies around Shasthamangalam area in Trivandrum.  However, with the arrival of pick and drop facility by Swiggy app (genie), consumers can easily buy anything from any shop, just by tapping on the phone.

 Details of other baking shops in Tvm

Start of Pick and Drop Service in Trivandrum
I think Swiggy started Genie (Pick and drop service) during the lock-down. Before Swiggy came into the picture, I availed the service of Cartwheel Delivery Services run by Merin Mathew and Kevin Simon. They were the lifeline for many citizens in Tvm during lock-down period.

I used to Whatsapp them the list or call them to inform what I needed. And they did the rest. Through them, I got medicines for my mom and provisions was delivered to few households.

 I wonder how they managed to go around the city at the height of lock-down, braving the questions by cops and fear of infection. During that phase, they used to be on the road, from morning to evening, buying things and delivering to many houses in Trivandrum.  Kudos to their spirit and attitude. 

Pick and Drop Service by Swiggy Genie

I find this app very convenient and helpful in the time of the pandemic and otherwise. I keep telling people to use this online delivery app to buy or even pick and drop things. Isn't a big time saver! Now, I regularly use pick and drop service to deliver homemade cutlets to customers around here.

When I tell people about this service in Trivandrum they have an impression that there's some procedure to start using Swiggy genie. First thing they ask is - How did you register for this service?

On the contrary, this is not at all complicated. Anyone can instantly download the Swiggy app and then select genie option and follow the instruction to get started. 

 After you open genie app, you have to select the pick location and then use the drop location. Only thing you have to see is that it's better to get the map pointer at the right spot on the map.

 Initially, I had just typed the address. This makes the task difficult for the delivery person.. All you have to do is drag the map pointer to the right spot. In case the location is already on the map, ( office or shop, or apartment, hospital, etc), then you can just type the name and from the suggestions you can select the right address. Simple as that!

How Many Use Swiggy App? 

There are many who aren't aware of such a facility on their mobile. Mostly elders, like my mom who limit the use of mobile to just Whatsapp or call.

Just imagine how easy it would be for senior citizens like my amma  if they learn to use other apps to buy things, pay bills or pick things from shops.

Training to Seniors on How to use Mobile and Application

There's always a learning curve for everything. Things we consider easy may be difficult for others, and vice versa. In the case of mobile apps, like Ola, Paytm, Uber, Swiggy Genie, Gpay, etc, there's a large section of people who aren't able to use them comfortably. For them, using a Gpay for payment will sound too risky as they feel there's chances of funds getting diverted wrongly.

Many people who has a smart phone are still not open to use mobile baking services or other apps for fear of misuse. And a chunk of users are not comfortable or know to use other options beyond calling service or Whatsapp.

Many people are hesitant about using mobile banking services or payment using GPay services as there are reports of people loosing money from some phishing scams. However, now these applications have become an inevitable part of modern life. As a person who constantly toggle with these apps, I wonder how I managed things without using  Paytm, Gpay or Amazon or Swiggy Genie.

How to teach Seniors on the use of Useful Apps

So, what's the option available for those who wish to learn and use mobile apps?

I think, the current gap in the usage of these apps can be filled with the right training. Imagine if a senior citizen is able to order medicines using Swiggy Genie, or know how to transfer money using Gpay, or make Electricity, water and phone recharge without depending on another person. 

Here're the possible Training Scenario 

1. In case of people living in an apartment, someone like the apartment secretary or any influencer can gather volunteers to conduct a class on mobile usage.

2. Citizen service centers like Akshaya Centre in Kerala, or Bangalore One in Karnataka, under the right planning make a workshop to train people on how to use mobile applications. Such classes can be taught online or offline.

3. Any of the voluntary organizations, clubs ( Rotary, Lions), NGOs, etc can chalk a classroom training for people interested to learn how to use mobile phone thoroughly. In such class, they can cover topics such the common ways identity theft is done, how scammers ask for OTP, or Credit card details under the guise of support, etc.

 Also, they can include special workshop for teenagers on mobile phone social etiquette, how to do safe activity on mobile, how to protect themselves from over exposing themselves on mobile, etc. 

Here's a recent experience where I narrowly escaped from being scammed!

Recently, I got a call asking me to install screen share app. It was time when I applied for KYC for Paytm. I had just got a reply from them. Around the same time, I got a call saying that my Paytm kyc was rejected and that they could rectify it by correcting it using screen sharing app.

I must say that I almost fell for it, but luckily I remembered how I give my brother access to my system to correct few errors on my system. One slip of information and I would have compromised by system.

----------------------------

4. Relative or a friend or a neighbor can take the initiative to train a person on how to use mobile - from sending Whatsapp, to making payment online. 

What all can be included in the training...

• How to send and forward Whatsapp message
• How to take a picture and send it via Whatsapp
  ( Useful for people to send medical reports to doctors)
• How to open home screen in mobile
• How to check if mobile is on aeroplane mode 
• How to download app from Playstore
• How to clear messages
• How to make payment using debit card
• How to view bank balance ( add payee, send payments, etc)
  
  
• How to use Ola or Uber app and book a ride
• How to use Swiggy Geine or Quikr ride ( Dunzo in B'lore)
• How to use Paytm or Gpay and make payment
• How to order masala dosa using Swiggy or biryani Zomato
• How to order fish from freshtohome or from Kings 
• How to conduct Zoom meeting or attend a video call
• How to send location using Whatsapp
• How to save contacts from Whatsapp
• 
  
• These are just few things that came to my mind. So, what do you think of such a training? Will it make life easier for those people whose kids are away? What about home bakers like me, who can save time spend on the road to buy things from baking stores? 

Hands on Baking Class in Trivandrum

 

Practical Baking Class in Trivandrum

1 Day Baking Class in Trivandrum

( Hands-on Classroom Training for Beginners and aspiring bakers)

If you're planning to advance your baking skills or acquire a solid foundation in baking, then there’s always something new to learn; another skill to add to your reservoir of knowledge

A hands-on, personal class enables you to absorb more learning in 1 day - where you do each recipe from scratch. 

That’s why I planned this one day courses that give you the practical, technical insight you need to become a confident baker.

6/3/21 ( 10:AM to 4:30)

1 Day Baking Class ( 5 Cake & 5 Icing)

HANDS-ON BAKING CLASS AT Trivandrum

1. Mirror Glaze 

2. Naked Red Velvet Cake

3. Fondant Theme Cake

4. Chocolate Cake

  ( Make Chocolate leaf and straw)

5. Caramel cake with caramel frosting

The Baking Skills imparted in this 1 Day Program is  specifically designed to keep you with the latest trends of professional bakers. 

Whether you aspire to start a own baking venture or  want to pursue an interest in baking as a hobby, the fundamental baking skills you'll learn in this call will be the pillars of your knowledge.

For details, pls call 9379398865