No whisk, no reward
Even though he has a day job, he has always had a strong desire to bake.
Jack of all trades and a boffin when it comes to baking, Molebatsi Moagi decided to measure not only his ingredients, but also his skills by entering SA’s ultimate baking challenge. Did he win? Well, since the show is still airing, he’s keeping us on a knead-to-dough basis.
What we can tell you, is how Molebatsi Moagi, like his famed sourdough bread, has risen to the occasion. Even though he works as a database and systems administrator by day, his passion for baking has always been deep-rooted. His baking journey, like many others, began in his childhood kitchen. While most 10-year-olds would give up the craft after their first, failed baking attempt, Molebatsi brushed it off and accepted the challenge.
“The first cake I baked on my own was for a friend’s birthday, and it completely flopped! Before this, my mom would always bake the cakes. But I really wanted to impress my classmates so I took that very same flopped, doughy cake – that I even iced and decorated – to school, and wished him a happy birthday with a confident smile.”
Today – and many, many attempts later – Molebatsi is still smiling as he loves spending hours whipping up and experimenting with all kinds of breads, sweets and treats. His signature bake? The marvellous macaron. Apart from the sheer level of accomplishment he feels when they come out right, he just loves playing around with the different flavours, fillings and colours of the intricate confection.
It’s no wonder he quickly became known as ‘The Flavour King’ on the fourth season of The Great South African Bake Off – creating his own methods and techniques for an exquisitely unique result. Think chocolate and thyme olive oil cake with port cherries and goat cheese buttercream. And, endless combinations consisting of matcha, Ube, sesame, marula, moringa and all kinds of chocolate and nuts. (It’s a heck yes from us!). A rebel in the kitchen, Molebatsi admits that the show has taught him the value of working inside the lines from time to time, and planning ahead.
“Before the experience, I used to consider myself a freestyle baker – never strictly following a recipe or thinking through my intentions beforehand. I would often just bake and see what comes out. Now, I have learnt to somewhat formalise the process and think every component through before I start. The experience challenged the way I think about baking. And now, I feel more empowered and confident than ever.
“But, don’t let that fool you! The experience still proved to be the most turbulent and life-changing thing I have ever been blessed to be a part of. It pushed me way past any boundaries I thought I had and really elevated my skills. To be in a room full of equally talented bakers really makes a person appreciate and understand food a lot more. You may think you know what you are doing and are confident but no matter how much you practice, things don’t always go according to plan, and unlike your kitchen at home – there is no redo!”
Luckily, Molebatsi just loves a challenge! And it’s this kind of can-do attitude that makes this avid baker a sweet force to be reckoned with!
Catch the last few episodes of The Great South African Bake Off on DStv Channel 174 on Thursdays from 19:00.
• Read the full story on the Get It Joburg West website.
