Today on the blog, we feature Senthil Kumar Balu, Experimental Healthy Baker & Founder of Wholesome Rhapsody, Chennai, a home based business that produces small batches of healthy desserts food in Chennai.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a researcher with work experience in breast and brain cancer. I had previously worked as a visiting academic and senior research fellow focusing on molecular cancer biology and experimental therapeutic oncology. Growing up, cooking has always been my hobby. However, baking was relatively new which I accidentally picked up during a potluck in Australia.
How did you begin Wholesome Rhapsody and how has it evolved over the years?
I started experimenting with healthier ingredients for baking after I returned back from Australia. Wholesome Rhapsody began at the end of December 2015 with the definitive principle to provide a healthy wholesome treat in every ingredient incorporated in the bakes. The brand stayed dormant for 16 months due to my academic study at the UK during 2016-2017. I returned back and revived the brand in 2018. The brand has evolved to be more conscious with updated research on ingredients from varied platforms such as alternate therapy based clinical trials, published books etc.
Why is making so important to you?
The primary inception of this venture was to develop ‘Desserts For Any Disease’ with the inherent notion that ‘anyone can eat sweets’. Though there are healthy bakes with allergy-friendly options, rarely bakers or dessert outlets cater/customize for clients with Hashimoto or cancer.
Your Workspace.
As of now, my workspace is my home kitchen.
Describe your work process.
My work process is more involved in the selection of the ingredients to provide palatable treats adhering to the customers’ requirements backed by scientific research.
What is currently on your work table?
Currently, I am working on perfecting the healthy vegan white cream and a series of ‘all day’ treats for rare cancers.
What is your personal favorite pick from Wholesome Rhapsody right now? And why?
The most sought after and my personal favorite is the Mukkani cake. The Mukkani cake is the Multi-grain Jackfruit cake with Jackfruit Cream Cheese, Mango Cream Cheese, and Banana Caramel. The fruit trio, considered to be the ‘Fruit for Gods’ is quite an exotic combination of tropical fruits providing the triple fruit punch.
What are your displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart.
Besides the regular menu, I am introducing a new range of keto-friendly and cancer-diet friendly desserts at By Hand, From The Heart.
Meet the Maker @
25th edition: By Hand From The Heart Makers Market
8 – 9 – February 2019 | Friday – Saturday | 10 a.m – 9 p.m
Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park, (old Adyar Gate Hotel)
132, T.T.K Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018, India.
Follow us on : Facebook Event Page | Facebook | Instagram | Blog