Pastry chef to the stars, Ace Pâtissier Pooja’s delectable desserts have long been titillating the palates of Bollywood. Interestingly, the Graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris was also named in Forbes’s 30 under 30 to watch.
Following the raging success of her first book, Dhingra now brings you a whole new way to make your favourite treats healthy. Stay tuned for our interesting conversation with the #Macaroon Queen
What is your favorite food memory?
Oh I have so many! If I had to pick one, my favourite food experience would be when I ate at a Michelin star restaurant in Oslo. I was 18 years old at the time and it was my first 14 course meal experience. It spanned 6 hours, but every single bite was just divine!
Talk to us about what it took to pen the ‘Wholesome Kitchen’..
Well, the entire process took about a year and a half. My book covers about 90 recipes, so I started by testing 200 and then shortlisting the best of the best. My sister-in-law is the nutritionist on board, but I also had a team testing the recipes. We triple tested each and every recipe.
Tell us about the most harrowing part of the book editing experience?
The editing process was actually very smooth. The harrowing part was testing the recipes. You see, I’m a baker. So my main ingredients are eggs, sugar, butter and flour. However, for the Wholesome Kitchen I had to find healthy substitutes for each of them!
What are some of the sugar substitutes you’ve worked with for the book?
I really liked working with sugars from natural foods, such as apple sauce, sweetness from bananas, honey and even jaggery.
What is your favourite comfort food?
Dal rice, definitely. (Smiles)
Your favourite city-based eatery?
Although I haven’t eaten out a lot here, Malaka Spice really stood out for me.
If you could dine with anyone in the world who would it be?
Oh, Oprah Winfrey! I just love her. She’s been a huge inspiration to me when I was growing up. I’d love to meet her someday.
One luxury item you’re dying to splurge on?
I love watches. I’d like to be a collector, but I haven’t gotten around to it. When you start your own business, you tend to take a backseat and everything that you earn just goes back into the company. So, I’m waiting for the day when I can start my own watch collection!
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