The Custom-Cake Baker

Nadine Abraham reveals the secret ingredient of her baked goodies

Nadine Abraham of  Swirls & Sprinkles Home Bakeshop reveals the secret ingredient of her baked goodies

What do you bake?
Cakes and cupcakes. Our customers request a particular theme and we make it to their request. The most popular theme so far is Cars, the Pixar movie. If you want it, we’ll make it. So far, my favorite creation is the Havaianas cake. May “sand” pa siya that we made using graham cracker crumbs.


What was the first thing you ever baked?
I started baking only last year. I resigned from work because I wanted to be hands-on with my baby. Syempre mahirap ang buhay so I learned how to bake. Nakita ko nagbebenta sila ng cupcakes sa Multiply.com. I bought my oven and the first thing I baked was mocha cake. Ang ginamit kong butter, margarine. Sabi ng mga kapatid ko, masarap pero nahilo sila!


Did you study baking?
I’m self-taught. I learned some things from You Tube—thank God for cyberspace.
I also joined Filipina Homebakers Online, a group of home bakers. We share tips so I learn from them also.


Favorite part of the bakingprocess?
Lahat. Nakakatanggal siya ng stress. I have work now so pagkagaling ng trabaho, doon ko lang siya sinisingit.


Which three words best describe your baked creations?
Baked with love.


Your favorite ingredient?
Eggs. Mahilig kasi akong gumawa ng marshmallow icing. When I make a mistake in the whisking of eggs, I can just scramble them!


Who is your baking idol?
Nigella Lawson. And I want to look like her!


Favorite baking websites?
I look at Joy of Baking and Bakerella.


What’s the most valuable business lesson you’ve learned so far?
Since it’s an online business, it’s tricky because they only see our Multiply site. Once a customer submits an order form, I ask for a down payment within 24 hours or I won’t block the date.


Share one tip for home bakers.
Most home bakers, walang trabaho. Natatakot silang bumili ng gamit, but it’s an investment. And if they have kids, they can pass them on. Our daughter already knows the words “fondant” and “kneading.”

Aside from your own stuff , what are your favorite desserts?
I can’t say no to ice cream. Also, I love the Mint Cookies by Baby Bear’s Secret Bakeshop. They’re also on Multiply.com.


Aside from baking, what are you passionate about?
My daughter. And Restaurant City on Facebook, according to my husband.


After this interview, what will you bake?
Cheesecake. Nainggit ako kay Bobby Flay kagabi. And Revel Bars, my husband’s favorite.



To see Nadine Abraham's recipes, click below:
Meringue Square
Choco-Vanilla Cupcakes

Photography by At Maculangan│  Interview by Becky Kho │ Makeup and Grooming by Benjie Angeles

• mia Sep 10 2010 @ 10:19pm Report Abuse

     

  can you share your recipe for Revel bars?