SECUNDA – The bigger the cake challenge, the more fun it is to bake.
Mr André Horak (53) has yet to find that one cake he cannot bake – and if he cannot find the specific mould or pan he needs, he is able to invent it.
Those who have known Mr Horak for years, might initially find it difficult to comprehend that this rough and tough guy is capable of creating the most delicate (and edible) ballerina tutu, bows and all things girly.
He is passionate about hunting, fishing, guns, braaivleis, the army, the police and the Cheetahs, but when he dons the Cheetahs apron and turns the sport cap on his head back to front, you know it is time for the business of baking.
“The cake baking began with wanting to make a birthday cake for my son, Keagan (13).
“It became a challenge to outdo myself each year with something bigger and better,” explained Mr Horak.
Baking cakes for kids can be tricky as everything in the decorations should preferably be edible.
He never considered a career as a confectioner while growing up, doing a stint in the army and then the police, and working in the steam plant at Sasol in Secunda for many years.
With his cap back to front and his Cheetah apron on, Mr André Horak is quite at ease working a ballerina cake.
This notion popped up only after finding himself without work several years ago and he has since proven himself quite a master at the baking art.
“My wife, Tracy, suggested I enrol for a professional course in baking seeing that I enjoy it so much. I get completely wrapped up the process of planning and creating the cake.”
The Cake Confectioner, as he refers to himself, believes that his creations must taste as good as it looks.
His secret for this is an Italian buttercream filling that is to die for.
This is an expensive and difficult recipe to master, but ever so delicious.
One batch of this sweet treat contains an entire kilogram of real butter.
It was actually this specific recipe that brought one of his kitchen “war stories” to mind during our visit last week.
“We had a special braai to attend one Saturday, but I had three cakes due for delivery that morning before I could leave for the braai.
The entire Friday before the braai was devoted to the cakes, but after several botched batches of Italian buttercream icing, I was all out of pure butter and eggs. I think I must have bought up all the butter and eggs in after-hours convenient stores in Secunda that night.
“The cakes were delivered in time with none the wiser except for my wallet that felt the dent made by the unforeseen expenses.”
Mr Horak views a special army cake as his greatest achievement to date, but he is still waiting for those strange cake requests of one where he can truly challenge himself.
“I do not necessarily think of myself as artistic, but rather creative and innovative,” he explained.
For more information on his cakes, contact Mr Horak at 061 382 8622.
With his cap back to front and his Cheetah apron on, Mr André Horak is quite at ease working a ballerina cake.
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Dining and Cooking