Also, don't worry, Kul IN has been so welcoming to me, even before I came here. Every question was answered. That was one of the factors that convinced me that coming to Croatia is the right decision.
One could say that last year threw a curve-ball at all of us, and many of our plans had to be put on hold. Maeve O'Hara was one of the people whose plans were delayed. Or was she? True, she decided to postpone starting college but refused to be idle in the meantime. She did her research, found the perfect pastry program for her, and, consequently, we are proud to have her as one of our alumni today! With anticipation and excitement about her future achievements, we are remembering her pastry beginnings today. Let's dive in.
Kul IN: When did you become interested in baking? Tell us more about your story.
I became interested in baking a long time ago, from when I was in primary school. In secondary school, I took up baking for my home economics class. I used to bake around 3-4 times a week outside of school. The love for baking also came from watching tv, especially the show Cake Boss.
Kul IN: Does Ireland have any flagship desserts, can you tell us more about them?
No, we mostly interpreted from French cuisine, reimagined their concepts and adapted them to Irish culture and environment. We have Irish bread, Guinness porter cake. We are not used to consuming a lot of puff pastry, it is not used as much. In Ireland, you mostly find sponge cakes or muffins.
Kul IN: Why did you choose Kul IN and how will this experience help you in your future career?
I was supposed to start college but this year had different plans in store for me. I researched online, and Kul IN stood out because it had a hands-on approach, the curiculum covered exactly what I wanted to do. After I have completed the program, I hope to do an internship, just to get more knowledge and practice, at a company in Irelend. I know that being a pastry chef is my kind of career because I like to see the final product of what I am doing.
Kul IN: Which lesson was your favorite?
Cake making and mixing, I loved learning how to correctly execute a cake.
Kul IN: Do you prefer classic or modern techniques?
Classic, I think once you learn them you are on the right path. Most people just enjoy classic desserts, and are not always on board with experimenting.
Kul IN: Can you list 3 characteristics of every good pastry chef?
Patience, imagination, skill.
Kul IN: What is your favorite dessert?
Death by Chocolate Cake – it is a triple chocolate cake - chocolate sponge, ganache, and glaze!
Kul IN: Plans for the future?
I would first like to do an internship. As far as the distant future is concerned, I would love to have my own cafe/bakery one day. Before, I would go around Europe and explore different bakery techniques.
Kul IN: What advice would you give to future Kul IN students?
- Have patience and take in the words and advice of the teaching chefs. Also, don't worry, Kul IN has been so welcoming to me, even before I came here. Every question was answered. That was one of the factors that convinced me that coming to Croatia was the right decision.
