Throughout the Spring and Summer Terms, we will be giving you a behind the scenes insight of our amazing Green Kitchen Team!
A talented large team of chefs and kitchen assistants work hard each day to cater for breakfast club, tuck, lunch service and our Sixth Form Chequers Café. Mrs Tombs (Deputy Catering Manager) will also be sharing some of the Greens Team most favourite recipes.
This week, we are introducing the brains behind the amazing sweet treats, Mrs Sunita Masih (Pastry Chef).
How long have you worked for Bedford Girls’ School?
I have worked at BGS for 11 years. Having worked in sales previously, I wanted a career change which brought me to the kitchens at BGS. Always being an enthusiast of cooking and baking, I wanted to get involved with creating new and exciting dishes. After my first couple of years at BGS I was drawn to the pastry department as I love baking.
How did you get into baking?
I got into pastry and baking when I started BGS. I worked in different areas in the kitchen and actually began working in the pastry department a few years ago. My journey into baking as a self-taught pastry chef began by baking cakes and desserts for family and friends. I've always enjoyed creating new desserts and experimenting with new ideas for sweet puddings. I have always watched and enjoyed being inspired by baking shows and pastry dessert books.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts at 7am, I make sweet treats for Tuck and make the desserts for the lunch counters each day, so a lot of hard work and dedication goes into the kitchen to ensure the students get only the very best. It's very hands on preparing everything and working to strict timelines to get the counters ready with fresh, vibrant and colourful desserts. Once lunch has finished preparation starts for the next day.
What's your favourite part of your job
Every day you learn something new, seeing my work colleagues, and making puddings for the students and staff for all to enjoy.
If you could eat just one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
Strawberries coated in Lindt chocolate are just the best, as well as eating chocolate, I am also being healthy with fruit - I'm getting the best of both!
Person you would most like to bake for?
Paul Hollywood from the Great British Bake Off. It would be great to get a handshake!
If you had to pick sweet treat to eat from the BGS counter menus what would it be and why?
It's hard to choose, but I would pick the iced sponge cake as it's very light and fluffy, the taste is amazing and it brings back a lot of good childhood memories. I know it’s a favourite with the students too.
Finally, how would you describe the Green Kitchen Team in five words?
Supportive, Amazing, Friendly, Hardworking and Dedicated.
