Chef Lutz in his element

Words by Sharon Song

The long-awaited baking workshop finally took place at The Black Kettle in Penang early one Saturday morning.

Chef Lutz Wolff, a German with 37 years of experience wowed the crowd with his baking tips. His audience were rooted to their seats as he shared stories of his journey around the globe delighting people with his culinary skills in places such as England, Jamaica, USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Macau, Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur and finally, Penang.

On the wooden platform, Chef Lutz paused for a moment and began with: “When I bake, I use, a mickey mouse oven.”

That was in stark contrast to the huge mixers and other baking apparatus he had with him on stage.

“And when I mix, I use a beat-up mixer that has been handed down for so many generations, it is practically an heirloom. And my end results are the inspiration for the charcoal bread and buns you see now in every bakery.”

Chef Lutz believes that good cakes must be prepared with all heart and sincerity.

“The most common mistake is imperfection,” he said. “Even the slightest oversight would spoil the cake.”

The chef then requested for a volunteer to help him with the preparations. As the sponge of the Black Forest was being baked in the oven, participants of the workshop were treated to light refreshments prepared by The Black Kettle. Of course, Chef Lutz was the one who prepared the sweet treats.

Soon after, the chef showed everyone how to make the Almond Pear Pie and the New York Cheesecake; two more volunteers were selected to help him.

The texture of the mixture is, indeed the greatest secret of any successful baker. Many enthusiastic bakers gathered around the table to get a better look at how the chef worked his magic hands to turn simple ingredients into a work of art. From behind the chilled glass display, Chef Lutz’s cakes and the pastries definitely look mouth-watering.

After the workshop, Chef Lutz said, “All I can do is give the tips and show how it is done, now all you have to do is try it yourself.”

Everybody left with smiling faces and an everlasting gift that day – the gift of knowledge.