I typically dislike outward self-promotion, but I've had a few people tell me I should at least give some form on background on my hobby, so here goes...

INTRO

Hey, welcome to my project subreddit. I generally post projects I'm somewhat satisfied with, in addition to recipes and additional thoughts/notes. Think of it as a pastry blog, only I'm more comfortable using reddit.

I do have a project Instagram (@extremely_fluffy) that's mainly dedicated to this hobby, and I generally post a lot of project updates and related stuff on my stories. If you like seeing snippets of how my projects come together, my frustrations over croissant recipe development, or random pastry hot takes, I'd recommend giving it a look. And sometimes I post relevant memes, be on the lookout for those.

Occasionally, I get reaaally invested in an idea, concept, or project and make an amateurish video recipe for it. These take a ton of time and energy to create (even to make one with barely any videography skills...), so I only plan to do it if I think it's a worthwhile, somewhat-unique idea.

BASIC BACKGROUND

I started baking a little over two years ago. It was a fun weekend activity for me. Just simple things like cookies, brownies, etc. To shorten a rather lengthy tale, I ended up falling down the pastry rabbit hole. Hard. I hit terminal velocity around the start of Covid, and I've been hurtling towards goodness-knows-where ever since. No idea where the hole ends.

PROJECTS

I make pretty much everything and anything that strikes my fancy: canneles, croissants, cream puffs, ice cream, you name it. Sometimes I'll recreate something from a famous patissier, sometimes I'll give a shot at making my own desserts. I started out choosing projects that would teach me a new skill. One week it would be something with Italian Meringue, the next would be something with a glaze. That way, I was constantly exposing myself not only to different flavors and textures, but also a variety of techniques and skills with every project.

I've also been using pastry as a method of expression and putting some weird ideas out into the world. Even at the beginning of this hobby I've been experimental with my bakes. There was this one time I replaced the salt in a cookie recipe with MSG...I'd read about malted milk powder being a "dessert umami bomb", and I was curious what real umami would do. Then there was that time I made chocolate chip cookie-flavored chocolate chip cookies...

Some of my project ideas are good. Some are bad. Some are just plain...odd. I don't let my better judgment impede my creativity; any idea's worth trying at least once!

The reasons why I try to post detailed notes are manifold: First, tastes and preferences are, by nature, subjective. What's too sweet for one person is bland to another. I try and give my most honest thoughts about my projects, so someone who attempts to follow them will know what to adjust to their own preferences, if necessary.

Second, it helps people identify what the final result should be like. Imagine trying to make, say, a babka for the first time without having ever had a babka before. How're you supposed to know if you succeeded according to the recipe?

Thirdly, it's useful for future reference. I tend to have plenty of projects lined up, and I don't generally go back and recreate something I've already made. This way, I know what I should alter or improve the next time I try out something I created years ago.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THESE PROJECTS

I eat one. Usually just one. That's when I get my impressions, and create my write-up description of the flavor profile, texture, and other necessary notes. Then I try my hardest to give 'em away, usually to friends, acquaintances, etc. I don't usually ask for payment; if they feel like paying me, I won't refuse, as it's nice to recoup on ingredient costs. But I don't start a new project until an old one's out of my house for good. There're occasionally things I make that I'm like "Okay, I'm saving another for myself, this is next-level." (The triple-cinnamon tart was one of those.) But typically, even if it's just "really good", I'm more than happy with just one; I'd rather other people get to experience my projects.

FOLLOW-UP

If you've got additional questions regarding my hobby, ask and I'll try my best to answer!