We here at GurgaonBakers, often wonder what differentiates a master baker from the thousands of aspiring bakers out there? How do a few continue to excel while others stagnate or hit a plateau? After a heated discussion held over a few plates of freshly baked, yummy goodies straight from the oven, we hit the jackpot.
We discovered that all the master bakers we admire from the home baker to the professional Michelin star baker, irrespective of their area of expertise or skill levels, possess that certain aura or magic – the “something” that makes them a class apart from the rest.
So, we set off in our pursuit to define that elusive something, to capture it and use it on our own baking pursuits. We bet you do too!
Join us as we define the characteristics of a master baker. So, what makes the ultimate baker? Is it innate talent? Experience? Skill? Or is it a culinary degree from a reputed institute?
Perhaps it’s a combination of all the above. Or perhaps not! You see to become a master baker you need to possess certain traits. Here’s the secret to what makes the best of the best baker.
Key Traits of the Master Bakers
1. Passion (Bordering Obsession)
No, we aren’t talking about the sudden urge to bake that hits you once in a while. We are talking about fascination. Unbridled fascination about the world of baking!
Not just love or joy, that you get when you bake. True fascination compels you to explore the vast universe of baking and pulls you to dig deeper and deeper. It’s a never ending quest and you can’t just help it.
And, this is where the path to mastery begins. Once, you are fascinated by something, no effort is tiring. You just have to keep on exploring to unravel the mysteries of baking. This is what master bakers define as passion or obsession.
2. Deliberate Practice
You would have undoubtedly heard the saying, “Practice makes Perfect”. We would like to clarify it a bit by saying, “Perfect Practice is what makes you Truly Perfect.”
Now, you would be wondering if there’s anything such as perfect practice. Does it even exist? We would like to make it clear, by explaining what it actually is.
Deliberate Practice. Master bakers don’t just practice for the sake of practice. They do things with a specific outcome in mind.
>p>It’s not just about trying fondant figurines. It’s about making your figurines as realistic as possible. It’s about unwavering focus and concentration. Being totally present in the moment and accompanied by a strong desire to learn new skills. To consistently improve and to not rest until perfection is achieved.
This is what separates the master crafters from the amateurs.
3. Observation and Experimentation
This is a continuum of deliberate practice. You must have an intricate understanding of your craft to attain mastery. This doesn’t happen overnight.
It requires time and patience. However, time alone isn’t sufficient. The master crafter never allows his/her mind to wander from the task at hand. Always observe and be present in the moment.
This constant analysis and astute observation are essential if you want to master baking.
Also, just mere observation won’t make the cut. The master baker isn’t shy to experiment. He/she is curious and is willing to explore and stretch the limits of the craft. This is what creates stunning culinary masterpieces.
All experiments won’t pay off. Some may even drastically fail. The master baker isn’t deterred by such setbacks. He bounces back, dusts off and moves on to the next experiment.
4. Unending Refinement
This is one key trait of all master bakers. They aren’t satisfied with mediocrity. Their key mantra is refinement, refinement and more refinement.
Baking is an art, just like sculpting. You have to chip bit by bit, smooth the edges and refine your skills, till you attain perfection.
Don’t stop with “Good Enough.” Push your boundaries till you are completely satisfied.
5. Ceaseless Pursuit
Ultimately, this is what it all boils down to. It’s what separates the chaff from the grains. The master baker is always engaged in the relentless pursuit of personal growth. They don’t rest on their laurels but continue forward. The Master Baker never loses sight of the big picture, while ensuring that all little things matter.
Are you Ready to Mould yourself into a Master Baker?
What’s your choice? Mastery or Mediocrity? As a baker, we like to think that the trade has chosen us, rather than the other way. We, here at GurgaonBakers are consistently seeking to refine our abilities, push the boundaries of baking and stretch our limitations.
Yes, that’s our goal and that’s why we innovate and refine our baking skills every hour of the workday. What about you? Are you prepared to attain mastery?
