A TREAT FOR THE EYES, AND FOR THE TONGUE

Manama

Princesses, animals, cartoon characters, and even minions, you name it, and Ritu Gosain would make you delicious, colourful cakes in these shapes. Mother of two and a qualified engineer, Ritu has a penchant for making artistic cakes. She started her own home business Cakesbypassion in 2013 in Saar.

In an exclusive interview with DT News, Ritu shared all about her fascinating business.

How did you get involved in cake-artistry?

Back in 20015, when I was in Canada, I got hooked to a couple of TV shows related to cake-making. I started experimenting myself and everyone encouraged me to further my interest. In 2008, I made a themed cake for my daughter’s birthday, and from then on, there was not stopping.

What is the process of creating a cake design from start to finish?

 If making for a client, the process begins with discussion on the occasion and the time of cake required. The theme for birthday is different from that required for a graduation party. Then I work on the shape, size, colour and overall design. Also, the time for drying is different for different fondants, so I have to manage the steps of making accordingly. Then comes the actual baking part and finally finishing work with all the design elements.

Where do you find inspiration for the floral decorations on your cakes?

Florals are tricky as the thickness and finish differ for different flowers. To me, inspiration comes in the process of making. I made the first floral cake for my husband for Valentines Day in 2013.

What encouraged you to make cake-making a business?

I don’t think of it as a business to be honest. The day that happens, I think I will stop making cakes as I do now. I take orders only when I am also excited about the client and the design and I don’t see it as a job. Most of my cakes are made as gifts for friends or their children.

Also, I don’t use prints, which considerable lowers the price, unless the client asks for it, so my cakes are “real”. They look amazing and taste great. I don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients I use and I can honestly tell you that is my success secret!

Can you share some tips for making beautiful designer cakes, while staying on a budget?

That depends on the budget and the design. One must realize the main cost of custom-made cakes is not the ingredients, but the labour that goes into it. A lot of hard work and detailing is done to make Princess Elsa figurine with her blue eyes and long hair, or to bring the naughty look on the Minion’s. Sometimes I have to redo a lot if perfection is not attained.

Do you have an all-time favorite design, or still are you working on your best cake?

I would like to think that I am working on my best cake because I feel that I am just a beginner. Whenever the client opens the box, and then hugs me with happiness, that becomes one of my favourite works.