SEG funds member's self-care through baking class

Natalie Chow was awarded a Staff Enhancement Grant and shared this report:

I am grateful to have received the Staff Enhancement Grant in support of a 6-week virtual cakes and buttercream course with Le Dolci Bakery & Culinary Classroom. This self-guided course included topics such as tools and scaling, butter vs oil theory, oven temperatures, buttercream troubleshooting, and preparing cake layers. The video lectures were delivered by various Pastry Chefs at Le Dolci, and participants were given the opportunity to connect with a Pastry Chef along with fellow participants on a weekly basis.

My passion for baking has grown over the years and I have always been interested in making time to practise and perfect my technique.

To me, baking is more than an act - it is a form of self-care and my way of showing love and appreciation for others.

I have always enjoyed trying out new recipes and have experimented with many different treats such as apple hand pies, cake pops, lemon cupcakes, and probably my favourite and most complex project to date, a pear frangipane tart for my mom's birthday when the pandemic first hit.

Making time for personal development is no small feat for a full-time working mom with a toddler, but I am glad that I took a leap. Completing this course not only helped me improve my baking skills but reminded me how important it is to slow down, invest in self-care, and *indulge* in the creative process. I look forward to continuing to practice my newly learned baking skills and using this form of art to give back to the community.

Interested in applying for a Staff Enhancement Grant? The next deadline is June 1, 2022.