Sweet Serenity!
by Nilma Dole
The moment you meet Rukshi
Neticumara, believe me, you’d think you met an old friend! Her character
and charisma exudes with such sweet spirit that makes her delicious
cooking even sweeter. Meeting Rukshi at her antique collector mother’s
tastefully-designed house in Battaramulla, one would feel like they’ve
stepped inside a time machine. Setting the environment for a historical
era, you would be charmed by the warm aroma of cupcakes baking in
Rukshi’s oven to make you salivate.
So with my sweet friend Simone Parley, we tried the yummy cupcakes,
home-made cookies and caramel popcorn and munchingly asked Rukshi how
she started her cooking craze. “I was interested in cooking at a young
age because my father was a real food lover. So every Sunday we would go
to the kitchen and whip some delectable delights.” Eventually, Rukshi
got a reputation as a chef and whenever there were parties or trips,
Rukshi was always the one who would be sent to the kitchen. And we’re
not complaining!
The svelte Rukshi also described her love for food, “I was so
addicted to food that I was overweight at one point, so I actually made
a plan to lose weight,” but that hasn’t stopped her from loving her
food. She added, “In every country I go to, I always head straight to
the supermarket to see the great variety of food on offer. It was
literally heaven - food tourism!”
At one point in her life, Rukshi was in Australia studying but she
knew her passion was food. “So I decided to fly down home and start a
food venture of my own after my friends kept bugging me on my birthday
this year to do it!” She hasn’t looked back ever since opening the doors
of Butter Boutique for her signature creations which can be visually
googled online.
“I was quite keen in giving Jehan Aloysius my cupcakes because he was
doing a research on the best cupcakes in town. I’m glad he liked mine.”
Rukshi’s lovely cupcakes are unique because they are filled with yummy
delights inside.
“I have three components to my cupcake - cake, filling and topping.
I’ve even have original creations like crème bruleè, red velvet, passion
fruit, double chocolate to even tiramisu!” Carving her own creations
makes Rukshi’s cupcakes a special delight to have especially when you’re
having a party or a reunion.
“I also give my customers their own flavours if they like provided it
goes with my creations,” said Rukshi, who presently does a takeaway and
delivery service preferring the personalised service of home-cooking
rather than going commercial. However, that’s not all, Rukshi also cooks
up some delicious chocolate chip cookies and caramel popcorn which is a
great treat for those movie buffs who have a sweet desire. Also, Rukshi
is always keen on the customer feedback and constructive criticism.
“There are people who complain about the price of the cupcakes but I
infuse genuine ingredients in my food. For example, I have a special
supplier for vanilla pods and I put this into the cupcakes instead of
using artificial ingredients available on the market,” said Rukshi, with
a sweet smile. “I love to experiment and give the best for my customers
plus I feel generous in giving something more than just a cupcake,” she
said.
Rukshi has meticulously designed her cupcakes intricately with
colourful icing to entice any discerning food lover. So make sure you
see the surprises in store when you taste a simple cupcake to a yummy
cookie. Rukshi’s Butter Boutique is simply the best so look out for her!
Rukshi’s Special Chocolate Cupcake
Makes 24 cupcakes, keeps for two days at room temperature, freezes
for 2 months
Ingredients:
3 cups plain flour
2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
1 cup hot water
1 cup cold water
1 cup cocoa
200g softened unsalted butter
2 1/2 cup castor sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Line two 12-hole muffin trays with
chocolate-covered cupcake paper.
2. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the coffee granules, hot water and
cocoa until you have a smooth paste.
3. Add the cold water and whisk the mixture until evenly combined.
4. In a separate bowl, cream the butter for 1-2 minutes. Add the castor
sugar, third at a time, beating for two minutes after each castor sugar
addition. After the castor sugar addition, beat the mixture into a light
and fluffy texture until the sugar has dissolved.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating one minute after each addition or
until mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat
until combined.
6. Add a quarter of flour together with the creamed mixture and beat on
a low speed until combined. Add a third of the cocoa mixture and beat
until combined. Repeat this process. Add the remaining quarter of the
flour and beat until thoroughly combined; do not over-beat as this will
toughen the mixture.
7. Spoon the mixture into a cupcake paper filling each almost 3/4 full.
To prevent the cupcake cracking on the top, allow the mixture to sit in
the cupcake paper for 20 minutes before baking. Bake for 18-20 minutes
or until a fine skewer is inserted and it comes out clean. Remove
cupcakes from the trays immediately and cool on a cake rack for 30
minutes before frosting. |
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