We've been in Picton for three weeks now! Picton is a little port town where most of the inter island ferries land. Small, but charming.
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| Pretty cool mini golf course |
On most days, BF and I try to get out and simply walk around randomly. There are a lot of beautiful home gardens here and there, and of course, there is always the view of the blue harbour and the green mountains surrounding us.
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| In the south, a beach is called a foreshore |
I have been working a small but busy bakery called the Picton Village Bakkerij. They make real sourdough and pain au levain and all sorts of delicious goodies! Most mornings I take the breads and buns and set them all up for the display case. One of my secret pleasures is feeling the soft fluffy buns.
I have to admit, its been tough getting back into the swing of a commercial kitchen. I still have that awkward which-way-are-you-going dance with my coworkers sometimes and I have been making some pretty basic mistakes (my batter is a mixed up but I haven't set up my pans!). But it has been an amazing learning experience. I have never worked in a kitchen that has paid so much attention to what I am doing and actively demonstrating better methods. I am actually a bit sad that my stint here will be so short, but I know I will emerge a much improved baker. :)
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| Top to bottom: savoury breads, sweet breads, and then bars and slices |
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| Fruit tart |
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| Lemon filled brioche doughnuts |
My day usually starts at 2am where I begin packing items away for the Blenheim shop (we bake for both stores) while also setting up the bread display. I then move onto filling up the display case with the savoury and sweet breads, glazing and finishing them. After, I cut and fill the doughnuts. When everything that needs to be put out for the day is done, I then start baking or finishing items that need to be restocked like bars, cookies, or tarts. Some days I start at 9pm and on those days I help a lot more with the savoury breads.
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| Kiwis LOVE their cream |
As the Christmas season is approaching, we've started making mince tarts.
And gingerbread men. :)
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| I like giving them all a bit of individuality |
I even got to write for a cake which I haven't done in 2 years! Turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself.
Of course, the money makers are the pies! But you know what? I never even thought to take a picture of the pies. But trust me when I say they're pretty darn good!
While hopping around the country from one Help Exchange to another was a lot of fun, I am definitely a creature of routine. I am really enjoying having a regular schedule and cooking our own food. And best of all, baking!! But who knows, maybe the travel bug will bite me again in three months time. :)
What about you? Do you prefer the security of a set routine or do you prefer to play life by the ear?
