If you’ve yet to venture into one of the Extraordinary Desserts restaurants in town, then you probably haven’t experienced what surely has to be a feast for the eyes and tongue.
And, if you have, then you know what I’m talking about. Thanks to a new cookbook by Karen Krasne, the genius behind the two Extraordinary Desserts restaurants in San Diego, as well as the creator of the fabulous confections they offer, you can now have your cake and eat it, too!
Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Krasne about her cakes, her must-have ingredient, and her pursuit of a spiritual life.
How long have you been baking and how did you discover your talent for creating and decorating extraordinary deserts?
I’m from a family of bakers. As early as 11, I’d cook with my mom, aunts, and grandma, who all loved to bake. Some of my first desserts included apple dumplings and caramel cheesecake. It was fun for me and everyone loved my cooking. In college, while I was pursuing a degree in nutrition, I found a part-time job working for a bakery in Honolulu. I enjoyed it so much, it led me to study pastry-making at the Cordon Bleu in France.
Please share something many may not know about you.
I’m shy, and I love to be alone. I also love quiet time, to be far away in the world, in a secluded locale. Two weeks of being anonymous, helps you get to the true essence of who you are. My husband understands my need to travel solo once a year, and is very supportive.
So, you travel by yourself? For women who might be more hesitant to do so, what’s your secret?
Thanks to my parents, I am fearless about traveling on my own. I started when I was 14. At 15, I went to Mazatlan with three other girls and we rented a condo. Dad would tell you I walked to a different rhythm, that I was an older soul. I wasn’t a saint, and I was somewhat reckless. But I was very intuitive about character, and my parents knew they could trust me. It’s an adrenalin rush to land in places like Cambodia or Morocco. These trips are filled with spiritual growth and can be so stimulating.
I highly recommend keeping on hand many different kinds of chocolate—milk, dark, extra dark, white, light milk, etc.
Any trade secrets or helpful hints for baking?
My recipes can be complex, with many steps involved, so make sure you have all the ingredients measured and weighed out before you start cooking. Review the recipe a few times, so you don’t get lost. Map it out.
Is there any ingredient that you’ve been dying to try in a dessert or are curious to find out how it would taste in one of your confections?
I’ve dabbled in many flavors. I don’t get too esoteric, trying weird things, like cheese and chocolate. That’s not what my clients want. I have played around with yuzu (about the size of a tangerine) from Asia; and matcha tea, a green tea from Japan. We do have a tremendous number of clientele that like this.
Your cakes are like a work of art, as if they belong in a museum. If they were to be displayed, what collection do you think they’d most fit in and are there any painters’ who inspire your work?
I decorate my desserts with flowers from the South Pacific, so I’d say Gauguin. Also, Monet and other artists inspired by the Giverny Gardens. Each year, I make sure, too, to visit San Diego’s Art Alive, a celebration of floral interpretations of great art. It’s very inspiring.
I’m a strict vegetarian, and I like to eat healthy. Light picnics are one of my favorite meals. You don’t feel guilty about eating dessert afterwards. I serve food fresh, so I don’t use the oven much (except for cakes, etc.). I love tomatoes, cauliflower, salads with strawberries, steamed veggies, tofu, pesto, and brown rice.
Name three famous people, dead or alive, who you would love to invite over for cake and conversation. What would you serve?
(Comedian/actress) Sandra Bernhard; (renowned author and mind-body healing pioneer) Deepak Chopra; and my daughter, too, who is eight years old, as I'd want her to meet my heroes. I'd serve a three-course dessert buffet. Best to add my husband. I can’t possibly leave him out!
Where do you find your bliss?
When I’m walking along the ocean, or doing yoga. Also, a day off with my husband and daughter. Finding my spiritual moments. Now, that’s bliss.
What book are you currently reading?
I’m reading two. The End of Illness by Dr. David Agus, which is all about preserving our health and happiness, and Living with Gratitude: A Journey That Will Change Your Life, by Angeles Arrien. This is a wonderful book; I’ve given several away as gifts. For each month of the year, it tells you what’s going on in the universe. I just read April, all about spring, greenery, and flowers. A great book, with sweet messages.
What do you hope people will take away from your desserts and your cookbook?
I hope my cookbook helps people learn something new. It’s easy to read and shows them how to make the actual cakes we sell in the restaurant, so there’s lot of enjoyment after all the hard work. At some level, I hope my desserts bring people pleasure that they haven’t had otherwise.
