To Teacher With Love

Thank You Cards from my Students...here's the story

Few days back, two young bubbly girls attended my basic cake baking class at Bangalore. In this baking session, I introduced them to the nuances of baking, gave them hands-on experience on baking cupcake, and tea cake. Thanks to their vibrant and jovial nature, the three hour baking session went like a breeze; filled with never ending giggles, fun and cheer.

When the class got over, I got the biggest surprise! Namratha handed me a 'Thank You Card'. 

In all my professional working life in BPO's to KPO's, I only got appreciation through email, but nothing close to this. This hand made personal thank you card was the first from my home baking enterprise. 

Thank you Narmatha and Tripthi for such a wonderful gift.

Good luck to you both and wishing you the best in baking and in life. And also keep gifting :)

Lost Art of Hand Written Thank You Card 

Hand Made Thank You Card from Namitha 

Fondant Icing Classes Bangalore

Fondant Rose Flowers

Are you eager to learn the basics of Fondant Icing? If yes, then you can learn how to make the fondant dough from the scratch, mixing of colours, rolling and spreading on the cake, making of roses, cala lilies, flowers, hearts, butterflies etc. I've fondant classes in Bangalore and Trivandrum, where I'll be covering all these, plus you'll get a Fondant icing tool kit. Call more details on Fondant Icing class in Banglore, pls call me at 9379398865 .

Fondant and Butter Cream Icing with edible color painting.

If you are looking to learn two-tier fondant cakes, with stacking, and sugar craft flowers, then have a look at this fondant two-tier cake lessons. 

Bassa Fish Fillet in Soy Sauce

Basa Fish in Soya Sauce

Here's a little story about how I discovered basa fish ( Vietnamese fish ) in Bangalore.

For me cooking or baking are stress busters. Apart from these two diversions, retail therapy diverts my mind from other nagging priorities. So, on this day I went to Garuda Mall for window shopping. At this shopping mall, I noticed that Westside has opened a super market division. While I moved inside the frozen meat section, I noticed a unique food packed, with the label - Basa Fish.

Flash Back....

First time I had Basa fish was at 'Barbecue Nation', grill hotel at Indira Nagar. My brother gave us a treat, and we spare no effort to east as many prawns and fish as our tummy could tuck in. While having this white fish at this grill joint, the chef explained the name of the fish and answered our queries.

Now at Westside, I checked for the price of this fish from Vietnam. It's Rs 220/- for half kg packet.

On an impulse I took one packed of Basa Fish in my shopping cart and proceed to the counter. Another delight waited at the billing counter.  I was told that I have accumulated credit card points, and very happily I purchased BASA fish for FREE.

The same evening, I had a train to catch to Hyderabad. So, I prepared basa fish this way. At first I grilled the fish for 10 minutes. Next I put onion, green chilies, herbs and spices and then shallow fried in a pan with soya sauce.

After the preparation, me and my partner both devoured the entire half kilo in less that a hour. I'm happy to try out something new, and more happy with the result.

Jai Basa

Homemade Chocolates and baking workshop at Trivandrum

Looking for Inspiration, Guidance to Start Baking?

Make this month a memorable one by advancing your knowledge in baking and cooking skills. If you're looking for beginner level class and more, there are a wide choice of classes scheduled from March 9th)

Location: Kumarapuram
Classes in the month of June 2020 
 (  Most of these classes are suitable for beginners level onwards.)

Whether you are looking to start baking or icing as a career, or you’re just looking to bake impressive goodies for your family or friends, then this course is for you!  There are wide range of classes to choose from - from baking, icing, cake decoration and cooking.

Choose Classes You Like to Learn! Pls feel free to browse through the classes and choose the lessons you like to learn. Each class is on a different date and time.

For more details of baking classes you can visit this blog or Facebook page or just call at 9379398865 or 8861389165)
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Online Baking and Cooking Class Details
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27/6/20 ( 10:30 to 12:00)

1.100% Whole Wheat Bread ( Autolyse)
2.Carrot Swirl Wheat loaf
3.Tutti Frutti Wheat buns

Fee Rs 950
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27/6/20 ( 2:30 to 4:00)

1.Tres Leches Cake with
Dulce de Leche glaze

2. Lamington Cake
(An Australian cake, made from squares of butter cake)

Fee Rs 1,250
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28/6/20 ( 10:30 to 12:00)

Puff Pastry Class
Learn to puff pastry sheet and three
types of fillings
- Egg, Chicken and Veg filling

Rs 950
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28/6/20 ( 2:30 to 4:00)

1.Rum Cake
2.Kentucky Butter Cake
3.French Apple Cake

Rs 1,250
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29/6/20 ( 10:30 to 12:00)

1.Shepherd's Pie
2.Quiche
3.Au Gratin Chicken Bake

Rs 1,250
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29/6/20 ( 2:30 to 4:O0)

1. Red Velvet Cake with
Cream Cheese Frosting

2. Chocolate Cake with Ganache

Rs 950
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Pls contact 9379398865 for class details.

Regards,

Marina
https://mennas-cooking.blogspot.com/2020/04/online-bread-class-learn-from-comfort.html

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Baking Ingredient Shops in Trivandrum

If you're looking for shops selling baking ingredients in Trivandrum, then check my my earlier blog post on the list of shops selling baking stuff in Trivandrum.

Baking Ingredient Stores in Trivandrum

Baking Lessons ( Classroom and Online)
Besides the classes in Trivandrum, I have regular workshops in Bangalore and Hyderabad. The classes taken are meant for beginners, people looking to perfect or improve their baking and icing skills, and those who are looking to start a business or teach baking.

Check my Facebook page for the latest classes scheduled in these cities: 

1. Trivandrum baking and icing class
2. Bangalore baking and cake decorating class
3. Bangalore Indian cooking class
4. Baking and Icing class in Hyderabad 

Off late I've started online baking lessons for those who opt for learning from home.

Many Thanks,

Marina Charles

Home Stay Cooking Classes in Bangalore

Wanted to write this post last year, but some how it got delayed.

After finishing one of my  Trivandrum baking workshop I got a call from a student named Diana. She wanted to learn more that what she learned in her class in Trivandrum. And for that she was willing to come and stay with me in Bangalore.

I was surprised  if not flattered with her request. I never done this before, nor seen anyone with such passion. Thought I had apprehension about it, I decided to give it a try. Moreover, I have a spare room to accommodate her.

So, as decided she came to Bangalore for a week's stay to experience my first ever Home Stay cum Cooking Class.

During her three stay, she learned more cakes and few Indian dishes ( Kerala chicken biryani, chicken curry and Pork Vindaloo). Apart from her culinary adventures, we had a great time shopping and going out at and Bangalore.

Fast forward weeks and days...now she is now a baking star in Trivandrum. She regularly puts her stall in Sarwaa, Trivandrum.

I'm really happy to see such passionate people like Diana..Wish her the best.

Diana with Truffle Cake and Devil's cake

Chicken biryani under way

All Smiles with CheckeredCake  

Mixing & Spreading - Kitchen View 

Seasoning Cashew Nuts

Setting Biryani

Biryani - Under Progress

i                                       

Setting Biryani 

Biryani  - Ready To Serve