Helderkruin resident wants to be the best SA baker
Desmond is baking up a storm
“It’s been an epic journey and what a ride! From personal growth, to newly learned technical skills, I can honestly say baking is my passion.”
These are the words of 55-year-old Desmond Solomon, a Helderkruin resident who is currently a contestant in season three of the Great South African Bake Off.
This is a reality baking show, where contestants whisk, roll and pipe for nine weeks, but only one will be crowned as South Africa’s best baker – a title Desmond wants to hold desperately.
Desmond is a Human Resources and Labour Consultant by day, but transforms into a foodie, baker, artist and humanitarian by night. He described himself as follows: “Proudly South African with a strong Lebanese Heritage, which has a great influence on my baking and cooking style. I love good food.”
He said that he decided to audition for the show after watching many episodes of the British version as well as the local shows, and was quite surprised when he received the good news that he had made the cut, as there were thousands of entrants from all over the country and the auditions were tough.
“I was absolutely dumbstruck when the producers phoned me to confirm that I had made it into the Top 12 for the show.
I am the oldest contestant, and decided to use all my years of experience to my advantage in the bake-off tent,” he said with a big smile.
For Desmond, baking should be simple and traditional, but he also enjoys pushing it to the limits of decadence and indulgence. “I enjoy taking classical bakes and looking for ways to enhance the flavours and give them a fresh new look by adding spices and seasonal fruits. I also like to bring a bit of creativity to my cakes,” he said.
He added that the competition provides plenty of inspiration and fun as well as opportunities for the amateur bakers to impress the judges – cookbook author and TV personality Zola Nene and private chef Tjaart Walvaren.
He said, “I am hoping to win the competition, and so far I have been awarded Star Baker in episode three’s pastry week, when I wowed the judges with my Encaged Apple Pie.”
Desmond added that he would love to share his passion for baking with everyone. “You can follow all my recipes and bakes on my blog, https://kingsolomonskitchen.wordpress.com and on Instagram (king_solomonskitchen). I would appreciate the support from everyone,” he concluded.
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