Canadian-Croatian’s all edible kolo-themed cake a big hit
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
(Private album/Tanya Petrina)
In the world of baking, Tanya Petrina, a Canadian-Croatian self-taught baker, is making waves with her exceptional talent for creating edible works of art.
Recently, she captured the hearts and taste buds of many with her spectacular creation – an all-edible cake featuring a Croatian folk dancing (kolo) theme.
This cake, crafted for a client’s wife’s 40th birthday, is a testament to Tanya’s dedication to her craft. Every detail on the cake, from the folklore ribbon to the meticulously crafted opanke (traditional dance shoes) made out of fondant, on top, is entirely edible.
“This was such a fun cake to make for someone who loves kolo (folklore dancing),” Tanya tells us, before adding. “The opanke took about 3 hours or so to make, but in different stages. And then the rest of the cake about 4 hrs.”
Tanya, born and currently residing in Toronto, Canada, has deep roots in Croatia. Both of her parents hail from Croatia’s Karlovac County, near Ozalj, instilling in her a rich appreciation for Croatian culture and traditions.
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Tanya’s journey into the world of baking began at a young age, driven by her innate passion for creating delicious treats.
Tanya Petrina (Private album)
“I would usually bake for my friends and family for fun,” Tanya told us earlier. “I eventually began receiving requests to bake Croatian kolače (traditional Croatian cookies) for people within the community.”
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With her growing reputation, Tanya expanded her baking endeavors, receiving requests for custom cakes, cookies, and cupcakes. In early 2020, she ventured into crafting Croatian-themed cakes based on client requests, and her creations quickly gained popularity.
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Tanya’s first foray into Croatian-themed cakes began with a design featuring the Croatian grb (coat of arms) for her father’s birthdays. As she shared her creations on her Instagram account, the demand for these unique cakes skyrocketed.
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The process of bringing these intricate cakes to life is no small feat. Tanya emphasizes the considerable amount of time invested in planning, designing, baking, and assembling each cake. From preparing the cake batter and baking to creating and coloring the icing, making fillings, and meticulously crafting the decorative details, each step is a labor of love.
