A Le Cordon Bleu-Trained Pastry Chef’s Christmas Treats
PETALING JAYA: This Christmas, why not sit back, relax, and keep the oven mitts off? Consider treating everyone to desserts from local vendors. But not just any local vendor – a Le Cordon Bleu Paris-trained pastry chef.
For 35-year-old Preeta Devi Ganapathy, baking was a passion long before it became a profession. Born and raised in Ipoh, Perak, as the only daughter, her love for desserts began in her childhood kitchen.
From Passion to Profession
"On my mum’s side, everyone was a great cook, especially my auntie," she told FMT Lifestyle. "She taught me how to bake when I was just eight."
However, a career in the culinary arts wasn’t initially in the cards. Her parents, both accountants, envisioned a more conventional path for her. Obediently, Preeta pursued a degree in financial mathematics in Australia and worked in banking for two years after graduating in 2012.
The Call of the Kitchen
But the call of the kitchen never faded. "I realised that it wasn’t the career for me," she explained.
"It was more like a deal with my father. He thought I’d change my mind after working in the corporate world. But I stayed firm about studying culinary arts."
In 2014, she took a leap of faith, moving to Paris to study at the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu, where she earned a diploma in patisserie after 10 intense months of training.
A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Returning to Malaysia, Preeta honed her craft at Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia before launching "Sucree by Preeta" in late 2015.
Initially, her offerings focused on cupcakes, with her lychee rose cupcakes quickly becoming best-sellers – a status they still hold today.
Preeta also offers classic French pastries with a local twist, using pandan. "When I graduated, people wanted basic butter or chocolate cakes, but I wanted to push boundaries and develop different flavours," she said.
Over time, she expanded her repertoire, leaning into her roots to create desserts inspired by local and Sri Lankan flavours.
Festive Menu
This Christmas, Preeta’s festive menu promises to wow with its blend of tradition and innovation.
Her flourless hazelnut black forest cake is a head turner with whipped earl grey dark chocolate ganache topped with homemade cherry compote. It’s gluten-free but truly indulgent.
For something boozy and bold, try her eye-catching lemon and gin tart featuring gin and tonic jello infused with rosemary and dried rose petals. Now that will surely wow your guests.
No Christmas table is complete without fruitcake and Preeta’s version, a recipe from her late grandmother, is made with semolina and aged for over four months, making it rich and moist.
Other highlights include her Christmas gâteau Basque. "It’s a rich buttery French tart filled with pastry cream and brandy-soaked vine fruit jam instead of the traditional cherry filling," she said.
And her chestnut roll cake – featuring a light sponge, chestnut paste, dark rum mousse, and whipped vanilla cream – makes a welcome return to the menu.
Signature Cookies
Her signature cookies, which sparked her love for baking, are up for grabs this Christmas. Unique versions include a Parmesan and cayenne pepper sable which is a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
Conclusion
With a menu that’s equal parts inventive and nostalgic, "Sucree by Preeta" promises to bring an unforgettable touch to this year’s Christmas celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired Preeta to pursue a career in pastry-making?
A: Her love for baking began in her childhood kitchen, where she was taught by her auntie.
Q: What sets Preeta’s desserts apart from others?
A: Her unique blend of traditional and innovative flavours, inspired by local and Sri Lankan cuisines.
Q: What are some of the highlights on Preeta’s festive menu?
A: Her flourless hazelnut black forest cake, lemon and gin tart, fruitcake, and chestnut roll cake.
Q: Can I order Preeta’s signature cookies for Christmas?
A: Yes, you can order her signature cookies, including unique versions like Parmesan and cayenne pepper sable.
Get in Touch
Check out the ‘Sucree by Preeta’ website or follow it on Instagram. For a look at Preeta’s Christmas menu, click here.