BENGALURU: The bakery stall by the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) was a huge hit among the thousands of visitors to the ‘Krishi Mela’ with many making a beeline to this spot where an aroma of fresh baked products emanated all around. The icing on the cake was that of bakery class students offering the public an opportunity to learn the art of preparing delicious coconut cookies.
Students from Bakery Training Institute of the University were on their toes all day trying to cater to the constant stream of enthusiasts vying to try their hand by paying a token sum of `20. Gopal Gowda, a viticulturist (one who grows grapes) from Devanahalli was terribly shy about having to don an apron and a head cap before learning to ready the cookies. “My family might see me in these clothes!” he said quite worried while trying his hand at kneading the dough.
Industrialist Swaroop Sreerama, accompanied by his father was among those learning the art of baking the perfect cookie. “I could not do a perfect job of it. But within five minutes, I learnt about the ingredients. I will definitely try it at home,” he said.Homemaker from Peenya N Ranjitha billed it as a nice experience. “We were able to learn one recipe and I am very happy with it.”Shamshed Begum, Assistant Professor at Bakery Training Institute, said, “This is the second time we are taking part in the Krishi Mela,” she said.
Selling like hot cakes were the stuff on the table where Masala Donuts and five types of biscuits made of ragi, butter, maida and salt were sold. “There is a huge demand for the donuts priced at `10. We have sold 1,080 of them already by 2 pm and will be replenishing the stock from our bakery,” says Salesman V K Kanthiraj. 200 kgs of biscuits too had vanished off the shelves.
So, will the recipe of the coconut cookie be shared with our readers, Express asked. Of course, said the chief baker, who spells out ingredients in one breath: 100 gm of maida, 50 grams of powdered sugar, 1 tea spoon of granulated sugar, 80 gms of vegetable fat, a few drops of cardamom flavour or powder. “Mix ingredients into a soft dough. Make them into balls, place a cherry on top of it. Heat it to 160 degrees centigrade in a commercial oven for 15 to 20 minutes or a regular oven for up to 25 minutes,” he adds.