Welcome to Caka-kouille:
A Sweet Pause with CAKA-KOUILLE
It all starts with a love for dessert. Maybe you’ve always had a sweet tooth, or maybe it’s the magic of baking that gets you excited—how a few simple ingredients can turn into something amazing. Or maybe you just want to make your family feel special with a homemade treat. Whatever it is, it’s all about love!
For me, being a pastry chef has been a dream since I was a kid. It’s been such an incredible journey, learning the art of baking and getting better at it over the years. But let me tell you, it hasn’t all been sweet! There have been some tough, bitter, and even salty moments along the way.
I started this blog to share my experiences, partly for you and partly for my future grandkids (and nope, I don’t even have kids yet—haha). The last 10 years in pastry have been so special to me, and it’s more than just a job. It’s helped me figure out who I really want to be.
Being a pastry chef has taught me a lot—like how to get up at 3 a.m. and make the most of the day or how to work and communicate in a busy kitchen. It’s a world full of challenges, but also so much joy.
I’ve tried a little bit of everything in the food industry, and each experience has shaped me. I started out learning French pastry at Le Cordon Bleu in Melbourne, then moved on to working in big commercial pastry kitchens. Later, I got into fine dining and loved creating beautiful, seasonal plated desserts.
Over time, my perspective on food and pastry changed. I became more drawn to nature and natural ingredients, which eventually led me to learn temple food at Jogyesa with Buddhist nuns. That experience really opened my eyes to the power of mindful and meaningful eating, and it completely changed how I see food.
These days, I think a lot about how I can create desserts that not only taste amazing but also feel good to eat—especially since so many people avoid sweets because of health concerns. I want to make desserts that bring joy without guilt, just like my time at the temple reshaped my own relationship with food.
Mindful eating has been such a game-changer for me, especially when I was dealing with depression and panic disorder. I’m still figuring out how to help others see the brighter side of desserts, but I’m determined to create treats that are all about joy, balance, and meaning.
I hope that through this blog and my desserts, you can feel the love and respect I have for food and ingredients. Let’s make every bite special!
