For Starters...
A metaphorical canapé consisting of a saucy self-introduction, deep-fried existential croquette, served on a refreshing bed of dreams and aspirations hoping to be fulfilled on this journey.
Welcome to Apt. 301, a space where food, art and life will be explored, researched and celebrated.
Self-introductions can be a little awkward and clunky, like a corn chip loaded with way too much salsa—there is no graceful way to eat it other than quickly shoving it into your mouth. So this introduction will be like such: loaded, multi-component, and shoved straight into your face.
“What do you do?”
I do a variety of things, mostly creative affairs. I take photos, write poetry here and there, and have practice in ceramic arts. I am also a baker/pastry person who unfortunately lives in an apartment deprived of an oven—no range, no wall oven. It’s simply an electric coil cooktop installed into the kitchen counter (sad pout).
To keep it short and sweet, this blog is a pledge to continue venturing the world of desserts and pastry [away from a professional environment] as I simultaneously explore the many other passions I cannot convince myself to put aside. Being a young soybean (small, unfermented and still versatile) in the city, there are way too many opportunities to leave unexamined at this point of my existence. Act from courage, not from fear!
“So, what’s next?”
I thought it would be cute and cheeky to run an experiment at home, which is: what desserts/pastries can be made in a tiny Toronto kitchen apartment without an oven? How far can I push the limits of an electric coil stovetop, toaster oven, microwave and air-fryer to make something sweet that doesn’t suck and that I would honestly want to have my friends (or maybe a cute crush) eat?
Hopefully, readers such as yourself will find this amusing, inspiring, and/or educational. Hopefully, my time in culinary school and professional kitchens have paid off and will serve others in ways beyond just what’s on a plate; feed not only the stomach but also the mind.
Coming up…
Something sweet, something salty. Jellies and cold desserts. Stay tuned!