We chatted with Ben from Baked by Joseph and Ann and his monthly macaron subscription delivery:
Can you tell us about Baked by Joseph and Ann?
We are a Brisbane based online bakery business specializing in macarons. We recently launched a macaron subscription service that delivers to people’s homes or offices around Australia.
How did you name the business?
The business is a combination of my wife and I middle names, i.e.: Joseph & Ann
What was it like to appear on Foxtel’s “The Great Australian Bakeoff”?
The Bakeoff experience was awesome. It was by far one of the most challenging things I have ever done. It is something I’d recommend to anyone if the opportunity was to arise. I learnt a lot about how I react under pressure and being in such a stressful environment you really get an insight into yourself. I met some amazing people who continue to be good friends.
Why did you decide to specialize in making macarons?
I have always enjoyed cooking and more specifically cooking technical things such as macarons. The complexity and precision needed to make a good macaron is what motivates me as well as the creative freedom with flavours. It doesn’t hurt that we like to eat them as well
How do you create the perfect macaron?
Practice and practice and just when you think you have it sorted, practice some more. Macaron making is not as complex as people would have you believe it just takes practice to get the combination of a thin crisp exterior and light fluffy texture inside the macaron shells. The making of the macaron batter (macaronage) is crucial and very easy to mess up. This step is the bain of many a macron maker and causes a lot of headaches due to the delicate nature of the batter. Patience is something you have to learn very early on in your macaron making journey.
What are your most popular flavours?
It’s funny as a lot of people assume salted caramel is the most popular but not what we have found. We currently have over 70 flavours in our range and find the most popular flavours are Cherry Ripe, Peanut butter and surprisingly Beetroot.
Why did you decide to offer the macarons on a monthly subscription?
We decided on the macaron subscription as we could see a gap in the market for such a service. We have always wanted to share the macaron love with people everywhere and who wouldn’t love a box of macarons delivered to their door every month.
What do you love most about what you do?
We get a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction when people try our macarons after having never tasted one and to see the surprise and joy on their face is a great feeling. The creative freedom macarons allow with an almost endless array of colour/flavour options is something that also excites me
Who or what inspires you?
I get inspired by people who have a genuine passion for what they do, whether that is food related or not. On the food front I get inspired by people such as Dominique Ansel, Antonio Bachour and Amaury Guichon, these people are constantly pushing the limits of what is possible with patisserie creations.
Do you have any plans for the future?
For the moment we are firmly focused on ensuring the success of the macaron subscription service with one eye on the future to possibly holding macaron making classes and expanding our product range to include tarts based around our macaron flavours.
About Baked by Joseph and Ann
A Brisbane based small business bringing unique and full flavoured treats to people everywhere. Our focus is flavour. #josephandann
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