Veena Azmanov

Cake Artist and Food Enthusiast

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About this blog

About Veena Azmanov

Welcome to my blog.  I’m Veena and I’m passionate about two things – cake and food. 
I do the recipe development, food styling, photography, instructional videos, and tutorials on this blog. In addition, I also give cake decorating and cooking classes at home. 

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Ziv and Veena Veena's Art of Cakes 2Ziv and Veena Veena's Art of Cakes 2
Veena Azmanov family 2Veena Azmanov family 2

Have you ever wanted to cook gourmet meals at home that will wow your family and friends?  Or decorate cakes for your kids’ birthdays and family celebrations but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you want to make cake decorating or food blogging your career? Well, you came to the right place. 

On this blog, you will find great ideas for every meal and any occasion with hundreds of proven recipes. You will also find step-by-step photo tutorials and videos that will help you easily prepare impressive, delicious, and healthy dishes for the whole family. 

My goals are:

  • Make you a great cook so you can enjoy making great food in your own kitchen.
  • Turn you into a skilled baker so your family, friends, and customers will come back for more.
  • Help you become a professional and confident cake decorator, and get paid for your hard work. 

How do we do all that? 

  • I teach you the techniques and tools that I have mastered over the years as a cook, baker and cake decorator.
  • The key to becoming a good cook or baker is understanding your recipe and ingredients. Therefore, I don’t just give you a recipe. I also help you understand and know your ingredients, their role, and effect in each recipe.
  • Cake decorating is easy if you know the right methods. And yet, it can be a nightmare if you just try to wing it.  So, I teach you everything you need to know about cake decorating, from basic to advanced skills. You will find lots of tips, detailed tutorials with step by step instructions, as well as video tutorials.
  • Being a professional takes more than just knowing how to make cakes. It’s about finding that balance, knowing how to juggle between home-baking and professional baking which is why I have a section just for cake business.
  • Starting a business can be daunting at first and it’s more than just registering your business. I share the lessons and advice from my own experience to save you from making the same mistakes that I made. Also, I show you how to start your own cake business from home. And how to create a website to showcase your cakes, as well as other marketing tips. So you can spend your time and money wisely.

About me 

I was born in Mumbai, India, and raised by a mother who taught me that nothing can stop you from achieving your goals if you dedicate yourself to it. While she was uneducated formally, she was the most talented and wise woman I’ve ever known. An excellent baker, cook, seamstress, gardener, and teacher. So I’ve got her to thank her for teaching me those skills.

After I graduated college in Mumbai, I worked for Singapore Airlines as a flight attendant for 10 years. That’s how I met my wonderful husband Ziv, who at the time was living in the US. We traveled together as much as we could before we got married. And while it was a very long-distance relationship, it was also like one long honeymoon. After we got married,  we relocated to Israel. 

Since I have a degree in English literature, a second degree in marketing and an MBA, my original plan was to be a marketing executive after leaving the airline. And yet, life had other plans for me. And I decided to listen to my heart and pursue my passion for cake decorating.

While I’ve always been a good baker and cook, cake decorating was a new challenge. And I had to learn it from scratch the hard way. I taught myself by learning everything I possibly could from YouTube and cake blogs and practicing, practicing, and more practice. There are no short-cuts in becoming great at anything. And cake decorating is no exception.

With time, I got better and better. And yet, mastery is a life-long journey and I continue to learn, practice and improve every day. Today, I have great satisfaction and pride in seeing how far I’ve already come from where I’ve started. And this experience gives me the confidence that I can achieve any goal I set for myself.

As a result, I felt that it’s also important for me to give back to the community for what it has given me. I want to help others, the way others helped me. So I started my blog and have been sharing my recipes, tutorials, and tips. My purpose is to use my story, know-how and experience to empower more women to bake, cook, decorate and pursue their passions like me.

Because, at the end of the day, it’s not just about food and cakes, it’s also about feeling confident, valued, and self-suffcient.

Thank you for being a part of this amazing adventure.

 

 

Reader Interactions

Do Ads bother you? I know, I apologize.

You see, my site is FREE for you but it's NOT FREE for me.

I have to pay for every single thing on this blog, right from hosting, or video editing tools to these little share buttons you see above. The better a user experience I want to give you, the more my blog expenses go up.

These ads help me pay those bills and makes it possible for me to share my recipe with you for free. It also enables me to use blogging as a job so I can use the earning to provide for my family.

While I know these aren't always appreciated, these are necessary to make this a win: win situation for both you and me.

I truly appreciate your support and understanding

Thank you so much

Comments

  1. Art Pollard

    Hi Veena. I love what I have found on your blog while I am researching fondant. I have a question that I haven’t found an answer to. Is there any appreciable difference in quality between fondant made from a syrup or fondant made from powered sugar? I could imagine that fondant made from a syrup would have smaller sugar crystals and thus being smoother. Is this the case? Of course making it from powdered sugar is easier but I’m thinking only about the quality difference. Any assistance would be hugely appreciated as none of my books cover this in any depth.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Hey Art Pollard. Not sure what fondant are you referring too. Are you talking about pouring fondant? The one you pour over petite fours or desserts? They are both very different. The fondant recipes on my blog are rolled fondant which we use for decorated cakes. Thanks

      Reply

  2. Anupama Krishnamurthy

    Hello Veena,
    Wonderful blog! I loved reading about your life journey from being a flight attendant to marriage, carving out a life in Israel, and following your passion. I have bookmarked a couple of your cake recipes and hoping to bake this weekend.

    All the best,
    Anupama

    Reply

  3. Mita

    Hi Veena,

    I think I wrote to you a while ago, cannot remember the location, could have been a comment in one of the postings of cookie recipe. For whatever reason, I never get notified about follow up comments in my email inbox. So there is no way to know if any blogger has responded to my question or a general comment.

    Regardless, I ran into your YouTube channel by accident one day and loved a lot of the recipes you shared of cookies. I was curious to see your blog as well. The pictures are so vibrant and the recipes are wonderful.

    I have not met anyone from India yet who decided to settle in Israel. How do you like it there?

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Hey Mita. Welcome to my blog.
      If there is one thing I do for sure, is respond to my comments, often just a small thank you.
      Unfortunately, sometimes comments may get lost in spam – if I see them I get them of course. Sorry if your comment didn’t get responded too.
      In any case, you should definitely get an email when there is a response to your comment.
      Glad you visited my blog and liked my pictures. I hope you try my recipes. If you do I’d love some feedback for sure.
      My husband and I met while he was in the US and I lived in Singapore. I paths crossed and we fell in love. Our plan was to live in the US (SFO) but
      My destiny was that I’d make my home here in Israel so here I am.
      As long as we are a family doesn’t matter which part of the world we live in. Right?
      Have a wonderful day.

      Reply

  5. Peter

    You are an amazing cake artist, food blogger and teacher. Love your tutorials and love your style. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply

  6. Meryam

    Hi,

    I loved you videos. Great work!
    I would like to try making some for my son!

    Can you kindly tell me where can i find an edible pencil to trase the images!

    Thank you darling

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much, Asype. So happy to hear you like my writing style, my recipes and my tutorials. Appreciate you coming back to write this feedback. Have a wonderful day.

      Reply

  15. Etodmu

    Hi Veena, I really wanted you to know that I appreciate all the extra effort you take in writing your post. I have learned so much from you over the past years. I always leave your post with confidence that I can do it. It’s like you read my mind and answer all my questions. Thanks

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much, Etodmu. So happy to hear you appreciate my writing style and love my blog, recipes and tutorials. Glad it gives you the confidence to try. Appreciate you coming back to write this feedback. Have a wonderful day.

      Reply

  16. ida

    This is an amazing blog, these are amazing recipes. And you are a wonderful mom, and blogger. Having a child with special needs is not easy and yet you write each blog post like it was written for yourself. Clean and detailed. Very appreciated. Thank you

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much, Ida. So happy to hear you like my writing style and love my recipes. Thank you so such a wonderful comment. Yes, having a child with special needs is challenging. Appreciate you coming back to write this feedback. Have a wonderful day.

      Reply

  17. Enay

    When I need a recipe? I know where to go! I love all your recipes. Tried soooo many. Lamb masala, meatball curry, Thai coconut soup, fresh peas soups, fondant, patties, love the kidney bean curry…. and some more.. They always work. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much, Enay. So happy to hear you love my blog and my recipes. Wow, you did try quite a few. So happy to hear that. You just made my day. Appreciate you coming back to write this feedback. Have a wonderful day.

      Reply

  18. Sandy

    I loved reading all your blog posts you and your family as well as your daughter. Life does give us some tough choices and you seem to be so on top of it all. God bless you and your family.

    Reply

  19. Torjun

    I love your blog and have it bookmarked as my favorite. Today I came to read about you and now I’m a huge fan of you. You write beautifully and now I know why? such a beautiful heart.

    Reply

  22. Jenne

    Hello Ma’am im glad that i just found your blogs here first time here,thank you for sharing i had experienced a little bit and trying hard about cooking and baking,i have red your recipe im just little confused about measurements of tsp and Tsp may i know if this is same? Your art very inspiring for me,all lovely work art.?

    Reply

  26. Andry

    Thank you, Veena for everything. Love your style of writing detailed post. I have tried so many of your recipes and they always work. Your blog is my go-to for anything recipes now.

    Reply

  27. Agustin

    You really write impressive posts. I love your details because I never have to guess anything anymore. Tried many of your recipes and they always work.

    Reply

  28. david shar

    why is there so many ad pop ups? i get sick every time i see one and sometimes it blocks part of the recipe… i had an extremely hard time finding the privacy thing to check off otherwise it would not let me post ….. it was not where it usually should be and i had to go into another article to find it. i was supposed to be in the milk bun recipe which was VERY wet and sticky … i added 2 cups of flour extra and it still would not take shape…. too many problems here? i am not getting why people do not comment after they have made the item but stupid enough to make a comment that says i will try it sounds delicious …… who wants to hear that crap?

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Sorry, you didn’t enjoy your trip to my blog David. Ads help maintain this blog and pays my bills. I have set it to the limit set by the ad company – so I believe they are not overwhelming. NO one else has complained so far so I’m hoping it was just a one-off bad experience for you.
      Sorry, you did not have success with my milk bread recipe, it is a tried and tested recipe as you can see in the comments there are a few who have had success with this recipe. Bread baking can be tricky for beginners so if you are new to this then the soft batter can get you anxious. A little practice will help. I hope you find a recipe that works for you.
      Not, sure why you were redirected when ticking the privacy policy box. So far no one else seemed to have that issue, But, I recheck the setting, tested it myself. It seems to be working just the way is suppose to.
      I do like when people comment on my blog even if they are just nice sweet comments like – sounds delicious or when they did not have success so I can go back and test the recipe again. None of the comments approved on my blog are crap. Thank you for your comment.

      Reply

  31. Jaize

    You are such a pretty lady inside and out. I loved reading about you and about your family. Thank you so much for sharing as much as you do. Big hugs to your daughter Rhea.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Jaize. What a lovely thing to say. Thank you.
      So happy you hear you find my tutorials and articles helpful. Thank you so much for coming back to write this feedback. Appreciate it very much. Have a wonderful week.

      Reply

  32. Rassin

    Hi Veena,
    Thanks for sending me daily emails on your cake decoration success.
    I truly appreciate you unique designs.
    I just started baking since Easter. I would like to create a food blog as well, but I only have 2 cake designs.
    Wishing you a successful career,
    Rassin

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much Rassin for your lovely comment. Baking and cake decorating can both be fun. Space yourself, learn from your mistakes, don’t let them let you down. Eventually things will get easy and you will fall in love with it over and over again.

      Reply

  33. Kelly

    Love your blog Veena. Great to see your family and read more about you. I’ve been a fan on your blog for a long time and it’s wonderful to see how far along you have come. Best of luck

    Reply

  34. Noreen

    Hi Veena,

    I recently tried your homemade fondant receipe and got really good results especially with the elasticity. Thank you for sharing. A problem I have been having is that the fondant becomes very sticky and has a wet look after i apply to cake and unable to smoothen properly after application. This has happened with other recipes as well. I usually use a crusting buttercream underneath the fondant, can this contribute to to stickyness? Any advise on how to prevent this? I live in the Caribbean….can the humidity also be a factor? Many thanks for your advise….

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Hi Noreen. This is definitely an issue with humidity. You know what happens if you leave sugar in bowl on you counter in hot and humid weather? Sugar melts in humid climate and fondant is Sugar!!! So that’s the first issue. Secondly, you can use buttercream under fondant but you will have more working time if you use ganache. Check my ganache recipe on this blog. I highly recommend using at least 2 :1 ratio chocolate to cream. Here in Israel in summer I use almost 3:1 ratio in summer for my wedding cakes because it’s really hot and humid.
      The stickiness is usually condensation and usually that will dry off after some time (or a few hours) then you can continue to decorate it.

      Reply

  36. mayra

    hi ms. Veena, I read and saw your blog. I hope you can make more about for the fillings and icing. thanks alot. I also got your recipe and excited to try it.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Mayra. I do have lots of frosting filling and cupcake recipes all waiting for me to sit and create the post. I will once I have a few less orders. Happy to know you like the recipes.

      Reply

  37. Mehak Sharma

    Hi Mam,
    I read your blog, it’s very amazing and your family is too much loving. I want to try your cake making recipe would help me.
    I am a new user in the internet and I don’t know nothing about the internet.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Mehak. There are lots of recipes and tutorials on this blog. Start by reading then take small steps and do what’s comfortable for you. Eventually you will start getting a hang of it.

      Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Faith.. All my social media names are Veena Azmanov (Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facaebook)
      If you sign up for my newsletter – you will be given the link to download the Ebook. Thanks

      Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Hi Esther. Thank you hun. But all my recipes are free here on the site. The only thing I have on my online shop is Calculated recipes for cakes which would be useful only if you are a cake decorator. If not just enjoy the recipes for free – and share my blog with your friends.

      Reply

  43. agnes

    Hi Veena….pls do let me a way of drying the sugar lace paste as i do not have a microwave or a conventional oven….I do have a gas oven but worried that the silicone might get damaged…..thanks

    Reply

  44. sumit kumar

    hi chef how r u i m sumit kumar i m bakery chef i love baking and cooking i need help chef i need fondant simple recipe i make fondant paste can you give me recipe chef

    thank you

    Reply

  45. Maureen Ganley

    Veena, You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your recipes (zucchini sticks, mango pops). I will be sharing them with many parents & children wishing to eat healthier. I'd love to learn more about healthy indian cooking with vegetables & spices.

    Reply

  46. Jade

    Hi Veena, thank you for sharing. I just watched your ABC recipe andthink it is brilliant. As a Singaporean with family flying with SQ, I was so happy to read that you used to fly 🙂
    Thank you again for sharing your tips.

    Reply

  48. Simran

    I name is Simran. I from Pakistan my great grandfather go from India during the war. So I part still Indian. I love India movies very much.
    I follow your blog – both!! I like how to make cake and food. I try some for my family. I no educated much so cannot write but today I want to tell you something special.
    I dont’ know cake first then I see your blog and I make small cake at home. My kids like very much but I have to go to local bakery to bake I have no oven at home. For my birthday then I ask my husband give me oven as present. He did. I so happy. I bake more. I learn so much. I make for my children all the time. I make for my daughter Barbie – not so nice as yours – but she and all her friend so happy. I make ball cake for my son too.
    Then my friends ask me to make for their children. I do but my husband get angry that i use too much electricity for oven. Then I take money for food cost and electricity. I make cake for friends. So I make lots of cake because I get more people ask me. Sometimes I take more money like order. Not so much people here not so rich. But it give me money to buy some cake things.
    Today my daughter have project in class – to tell who she want to become like. All children tell big big names like prime minister and mother theressa, but my daughter say she want to become like veena form Veene art of cakes. She want to help people and get blessing not money. The teacher call me. I got scared but she ask me who is veena and I tell her about you.
    My daughter is right. I cannot donate money on your blog but every time I learn from you I ask god to bless you. I know that he listen to me. You very special woman. You very giving. Now a days everybody ask money for small small thing you have lots of big big thing for free.

    Me and my family very grateful for you and your generosity. I pray that some day my daughter get a chance to meet you.
    Ghuda Hafis.

    Reply

  49. Sharon Kaufman Athanasiou

    Hi Veena,
    I entered your amazing giveaway, and wanted to let you know what I love best about your posts. You are not only SO EXTREMELY helpful, offering so many wonderful tutorials and fab tips, but you do everything in such a warm way. That is what attracted me to your page in the first place. I can tell that you like to help WITH LOVE. You are so amazingly talented, and I am grateful to learn so much from you. Thank you for ALL you do for us cake girls! xx

    Reply

  50. Shreya Sharma

    HI, VEENA AUNTY MYSELF SHREYA WANT TO JOIN FONDANT CAKES WORK SHOP..I AM JUNIOR MASTER CHEF FIRST APRON WINNER FROM DELHI..WHAT SHOULD I DO TO ENROLL MYSELF IN WORK SHOPS…PLEASE GUIDE ME…..

    Reply

  51. Heba

    Hi Veena,
    I’ve been following your Facebook page for a while now and love watching you create – I’m happy you have all these other things going for you as well. I’ll subscribed to your YouTube and learn alot from you.
    Please take a look at my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sweetdreamstoyou and return the “like” because any time you want to leave comments and suggestions with my photos would make me happy.
    Congratulations and best of luck to you,
    Heba.

    Reply

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  57. Renu Malhotra

    I am a home chef too .would love to follow your guidance as my styles of cut out cakes are outdated now.

    Reply

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