‘Great SA Bake Off’ ends with no icing on the cake for Ameer
SOUTH Africa’s biggest baking TV show, The Great SA Bake Off, started last week, but sadly one contestant’s dream of becoming the country’s greatest baker has ended.
Ameer Cloete from Cape Town, who is studying a BEd, was eliminated after he failed to deliver a nostalgic butter cream icing.
“I’ve probably made this icing at home more than 50 times. Unfortunately, when you’re in a different environment things can change. I really tried to make it three times that day, but it never came right,” said the amateur baker.
Cloete’s love of baking came from the sheer enjoyment of experimenting in the kitchen and finding out what works and what doesn’t.
He said he isn’t sad about his short-lived time in the kitchen, because he has taken away many lessons and memories from the show.
“I entered the competition not thinking that I was even going to make it through, so when I did get in I was extremely excited. I also knew that it was going to be challenging because I am more of a pastry baker, not cakes.
“The other bakers were such great fun and there was never a dull moment in the kitchen – I’ve made friends and memories,” said Cloete.
Cloete baked his first cake a few years ago after a friend told him he had never had a cake for his birthday.
“When he told me he didn’t ever have a cake for his birthday, I was shocked. Everyone needs cake on their birthday, and that’s when I decided that I was going to bake a cake. It was also coupled with the fact that I did not have money to buy a gift. Now I bake for everyone’s birthday – and they love it,” said Cloete.
He said the experience of being on the show has made him realise that he has a passion for baking and he now regards it as more than a mere hobby.
“This is actually the start of my baking journey. I realise that it’s my dream to become a baker and I have lots of fun while doing the job. And if I get a chance to enter more baking competitions, I will definitely do it,” he said.