Check out Winter Christmas themed hampers by Indulgence by Shazneen Ali
It’s the Season of Gifting!
It is that time of the year again when Christmas cheer is in the air. Cakes, goodies and gifts are a part of the season but if you are not into baking, take heart, for these passionate home bakers are ready with exciting gift hampers that are hard to resist! Ritz catches up with some of the top home bakers from Kochi who are all geared up for Christmas with their beautiful hampers.
Text: Riya Sonny Datson
Indulgence by Shazneen Ali
Shazneen Ali started her journey as a home baker over a decade ago. Being from Malabar, which is often referred to as ‘Foodie heaven’, she picked up the nuances of cooking from an early age. She mastered baking when she began baking cakes for her children and soon it became her passion. Shazneen specialises in wedding cakes but her desserts and festive hampers are very popular for it is literally an ‘indulgence’ you don’t want to miss! Let’s check out what she has in store for Christmas this year!
What are the special goodies in your hampers this season?
We have five hamper options this year. The first being Jade that has nine goodies in it. You can choose the option of either the Orange cranberry nut loaf, the tiffin or the date and walnut loaf along with assorted cookies, madeleines, almond roca, mini almond meringue cakes, melting pineapple tarts, caramel nut bars, assorted macarons and brownies. We have a smaller hamper called Jute that also has the option of Orange cranberry nut loaf or tiffin or the date and walnut loaf along with assorted cookies, madeleines, almond roca, millionaire squares and brownies. Apart from these I have special Winter Macaron wreaths and Christmas night Macaron wreaths. I also have Christmas special tiffins, which are smaller portions of desserts and we have the options of Decadent Chocolate Crunch, Snickers, Almond Meringue and the Banoffee tiffin.
Can the hampers be customised or are readymade boxes available to choose from?
All hampers need to be pre-booked as we have limited numbers. Only minimal customisation is possible but I need prior notice for the same. I don’t have ready made hampers but the tiffins would be available to choose from. All tiffins have a good shelf life and can stay in the fridge for a week or at room temperature for seven to eight hours which makes them great gifting options. The tiffins start from INR 1200 and come with regular packaging and Christmas packaging.
What do you think is a ‘must have’ in your gift box this year?
Brownies, millionaire squares and caramel nut bars !
The most sought after product in your gift box?
Almond Roca! It is an almond brittle that has a layer of caramel, belgium chocolate and roasted almonds. It has been in my hamper for over four years now as it is a hot favourite.
The Theme you have chosen this year?
Winter Christmas theme
The one thing you enjoy most about the season would be:
The organising, planning and sourcing of raw materials and packaging is something I enjoy. Seeing the hamper take shape is very exciting and finally all the positive reviews you get is extremely satisfying!
A new trend that you noticed this year when it comes to gifting?
People are into mini desserts or smaller cakes now such as the tiffins, tubs and lunch box cakes. These are mini sized indulgences and are quite popular this year. Also I feel the visual appeal or packaging plays an important role in gifting nowadays.
What do you think makes your gift boxes different from the rest of your peers?
I have been doing hampers for close to five years now which has definitely helped me to understand the pulse of the market. I always try to introduce something new every year in my hamper. This year I have mini almond cakes, melting pineapple tarts, caramel nut bars and date and walnut cakes. I also ensure that the packaging is different every year.
What is the price range for your gift boxes?
The price starts from INR 1200 to 4600.
Is there a minimum order count?
No, I take orders for a single hamper or tiffin as well. I will start taking orders from December 18th until 24th.
Insta handle: indulgencebyshazneenali
Contact: 9847652743
