Haven’t you all wanted to know who this young woman is and what makes her tick? From the first time I visited and read her blog at Go Bake Yourself, I’ve been dying to know more about her.
I couldn’t believe my luck when she agreed to give us a peek into her life. She’s absolutely beautiful inside and out. AND she can bake!
She lives in Sydney with her parents and older brother who’s already in university. She made this for her brother’s recent 19th birthday and had this to say about him on her blog:
When it comes down to the crux of the matter, a sibling is one of your best friends and you don’t even realise it. You appreciate them, you hate them, you get jealous of them, you wonder about them and you learn from them. And that is the relationship that my Bhaiya (*Hindi word for brother) and I have always had 😀 (though he has never been jealous of me 😛 )
Encouraged by her mother, she started her blog at the ripe old age of 15 but she’d been baking since 13. Why? She’d watched Masterchef on TV and thought, “If they can do it, I can too!” She readily admits that her mother’s urging made a big difference. It’s not her mother’s cooking (which is amazing) as much as her mum’s zest for life that inspires her daughter to keep baking and to never give up. I really admire a young woman who acknowledges how important her mother is, especially since it’s nearly Mother’s Day.
Uru has been a vegetarian all her life. Seriously, all her life. I’ve never met anyone who’s never tasted meat until this amazing person told me she hadn’t. She loves traditional Indian food like ultra spicy paneer but she’s quick to add that a good Aussie veggie burger and fries or even mashed potatoes are tough to resist. Her joy is baking and traditional meal preparation is still done by her mother with assistance from Uru when she’s got the time. I look forward to some amazing meals from her one day but until that happens, I’m going to enjoy all her baking, like this snazzy green and gold patriotic cake that she made for the last Australia Day celebrations.
Since she’s only 16 (and a half!) I wanted to know what her friends and schoolmates thought about the success of her blog.
My friends are gorgeous 😀
So supportive, caring and always hungry to see whatever I post (pun intended!) – their encouragement means a lot in continuing this blog!
Every food blogger/recipe creator has at least one dish or creation that he or she is most proud and Uru was quite humble saying she wasn’t sure she had anything mind blowing but her recent Easter pavlova nests were something she’d never seen before.
When she finishes high school she plans to head to university where she will study interior design. I wondered if all the studying and university life would put the blog on hiatus but that is not what she plans. Interior design will be her career but baking will always be her passion.
Uru finds blogging really creative and loves the twisting of words and thinking of new ways to “present the goods” but baking is her first real passion. Like many of us, me included, she wishes her photos were better and she’s taking steps to improve and is enjoying the process. As clever as she is with her blog, I expect we’ll all be drooling over the photos and saying, “She’s only 17 ???”
How about this recipe titled “Caramel Chocolate Snickers Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream with Homemade Caramel”? Just saying the title aloud is a mouthful!
My experience with my own teenagers is that they loved to cook but were totally crap at cleaning up after themselves. Her mum must be very proud because Uru, despite her admission that she’s lazy, cleans up after herself in the kitchen because she wouldn’t want to leave it for her mother to do. “The extra work on my mum would irk me considerably.” I doubt those words were ever spoken by either one of my children.
I read on her blog that Uru and her family recently took a holiday together so I asked her how she feels about travel. I would cheerfully travel full time if I could afford it. Uru said that traveling is something that encompasses everything she is passionate about. Languages, culture, food and history – she could travel forever, no doubt. Since the age of 6-7 when she was given a myths and legends book, Egypt has inspired, frightened and intrigued her all at once. She did get to experience Egypt and it was an unforgettable trip that’s led to a desire for more travel. The travel destination she has a burning desire for? Europe – every single country. If she had to choose just one, she’d go to Russia for the history.
Other than Indian food, her favourite cuisine is Mediterranean. She finds the culture so unique and exquisite with the flavours very enticing for both sweet and savoury.
I asked her if she ever bakes the same recipe more than once and the answer is yes. She has a perfect scone recipe and she makes that recipe again and again but she’s always on the lookout for a better biscuit/cookie or cake. She said the ‘perfect dessert’ idea certainly applies to brownies. One of my favourites is her Oreo Brownie Sandwich. I can’t decide if I want to eat it with my fingers or get a big spoon.
If you’ve ever left a comment on Uru’s blog, you already know that she really appreciates it and returns the favour every time. She’s in high school with studying, friends, family, chores, a busy blog, baking to do and she visits every blogger who leaves a comment. “I am also a strong believer in the idea if someone has been kind enough to give their time to me, it must duely be returned :)” Her most recent post has 175 comments on it. Nuff said.
When I asked her if she looked to any food blogger/writer for inspiration when she first started her blog, she said what many of us said in the first months of our blogs going online. ”
I actually got a little worried as to how to increase viewers and basically get publicity. One blogger who much helped me was Balvinder from Simple Gluten Free Kitchen. One email telling me how much she liked my blog had me flying over the moon and more into following blogs, trying new writing styles etc. – without her I may have actually stopped! I have much thanks to give her!
Then I followed the example of Tina from Flourtrader who has never missed a post of any blogger in her life! And learnt of commenting, commenting, commenting! Tina was also one of the first constant commenters and I just appreciate her support so much!
This of course led me to inquire about how many blogs she follows. She doesn’t say but she admitted that it’s a lot. She subscribes to many via email and gets the rest through communities like Foodbuzz.
Finally I asked her if life ever got hectic with all she tries to do at such a young age. She said that sometimes she has a tendency to bake and blog and puts school on the third rung but she knows that her education is her biggest priority. She makes time for her family and friends and the only sacrifice she makes is that she can’t read or draw as much as she’d like to do because there just isn’t enough spare time. She’s trying to fit them in though! Is it ever overwhelming? Sometimes but she says it’s always manageable.
In honour of her name, her photo and my American heritage, we bring you the Original Tollhouse Cookie.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- Preheat oven to 180°C or375°F
- Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl.
- Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually beat in flour mixture.
- Stir in morsels and nuts.
- Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes
- Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Yes, Choc Chip Uru is an inspiring and polite blogger. I am happy to see her post, which are a pleasure to read. I wish her all the best in her life and hope she continues blogging when she goes to college. Thanks Maureen and Choc Chip Uru!
I had no idea she was just 16-wow! She has it all together! 😀
Uru! my god what an amaziong surprise Maureen!
Seriously I wanted to know more about her and I am totaly surprised!!!
Uru why did u keep all those infos about u? u r aussi/indian? u know what? I imagined u to be American. LOL Your my brothers age too, u r shocking me!
I wish I had known u had cultural/history/travel interests, we could have chatted much earlier about the Egyptian mythology and mummies! XD
Got a mummy book when I was 6 too. hihi
Uru your awesome!! xo
Maureen u know the best of the best in the blog world! great choice.
Helene, you are the funniest person I’ve met. I KNEW you’d be a follower of Uru’s. I wonder what she’ll be like in 10 years 🙂 hold on to your hat.
I have subscribed to her blog, thanks again for helping me find another good food blog to follow!
16? So talented! GREG
So young and so talented! Thanks for introducing me to her blog!
yay, i love her blog and i’m so happy to see her featured here!
What a fun post about our fellow foodie! The treats look amazing! These cookies do too 🙂
Thank you for this wonderful post about this amazing blogger 🙂
Thank you very much my friend for featuring me in this post. It means a lot and I can’t believe the number of wonderful things you have said.
I appreciate it so much 😀
And loved it – your writing style is fantastic!
Also to all commenters, thank you 🙂 – so many kind words have made my day today!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I wasn’t the only one who found your story incredibly interesting! Have a great weekend, my friend.
So that’s the gal behind Choco Chip Uru! Nice to meet you, Uru girl! I had no idea she’s so young! And so obviously talented. You go girl!
Wow, what an amazing young lady. “Sweet 16” is so apt to describe her. She’s very talented and I’m glad that she has her blog as an avenue to express her creativity.
Thanks for the feature Maureen… and Uru it was great knowing you!
xo,
Mlaou
Fantastic post! CCU is so diligent in her blogging! I must say I’m very impressed with how industrious she is. At the same time I’m also amazed with her time management skills! I would not be able to handle school and blog at the same time! Finally a beautiful face behind the beautiful blog! Glad to know you better CCU! 😀 Thanks Maureen for such a lovely and inspiring post!
Oh yes, and Maureen we are all waiting to see your picture too! 😛
At just 16 – it sounds like Uru has a very bright future ahead of her. Good luck Uru x
So great to see the face behind Go Bake Yourself. Her blog is just as lovely as her. 🙂
And she is FUNNY too! Love visiting her blog for delicious baking recipes and reading all her fun writing too.
Have a sunny and lovely weekend! (Over here we AGAIN have a rainy day…bah..)
She’s only 16!!! I had no idea! I always thought highly of her but my respect level has just launched into orbit. WOWSA
I am so glad I found your site and had the chance to learn more about Uru. I was completely amazed when I learned that she is only 16! Her enthusiasm and positive energy are really infectious. I also really appreciate her ongoing support on my blog as I haven’t been at this very long.
Great job on the bio and thanks for dropping by! Looking forward to more baking adventures on both your sites.
Thank you for sharing this amazing interview. I’ve learned so much about this creative young blogger who has been kind enough to post on my LJ. I wonder if she ever looked at my Indian food posts and smiled at the rather limited selection of dishes … tandoori chicken, chickpea curry, basmati rice. 🙂 I AM going to try to get more creative and seeing her accomplishments at such a young age can only inspire me to do better in my cooking efforts.
I too am a follower of Uru and am totally amazed at her ability, her writings are always entertaining and her photos gorgeous. Thanks Maureen for a lovely post.
It’s so nice to be able to see the faces of the people I’ve been following. Uru is always so full of enthusiasm, and an wonderful baker! Thanks for letting get to know her better 🙂
Talent knows no age boundaries – therefore, I say we must respect deserving young people and what they bring to the world. Uru, you are an interesting, sweet person even aside from your talent. I’d love to see you embark on health-oriented baking one day in the future. That’s a new challenge, but my guess is you would rise to such a challenge and excel again and go on to help many people in your country and abroad with weight and health issues.
Maureen, There is no doubt about the fact that I fell in love with Uru’s blog the first time stopped there.
She reminded me of my own teen years when I used to bake when ovens were not common in India. I consider her my’ Guru ‘. She is truly gorgeous inside and out.
I can NOT believe she is only 16! Thank you so much for letting us get to know Uru a little bit better. I’m so impressed to see a young girl so full of ambition and talent!
How interesting to read about Uru! She is one of my favorites, so kind, lighthearted and talented. Her posts always make me smile. You are right, beautiful person inside and out!
-jodi
I’ve recently started following Uru’s blog and just love it! I really enjoyed learning more about her here – I can’t believe she’s so young! What a talent.
shes a sweetheart!
What a fun amazing post!
Hi Maureen, thanks so much for stopping by my blog recently. Returning the visit and so happy to see that Uru has guest posted here. She’s such a fabulous baker that I consider a great blogging buddy too. It’s so great to read Uru’s story on baking and her personal life. I never realised she had been baking since the tender age of 13. Hell, when I was 13, I was chasing boys and never even thought of cakes (unless to devour).
Fantastic post. Love your blog name too *giggles like a child* 🙂
I found your blog through Uru! Lovely to meet you.
Wow, i enjoyed reading this post about uru who’s blog i follow regularly. So impressed to learn that she is only 17 and multi tasks. She is an amazingly talented person. Thanks maureen on doing a post on one of my favoite bloggers.
Wow, I had no idea Uru was only 16. She’s adorable and so sweet and kind, and I’m so glad to find out more about her. Thanks for sharing this great interview.
She is great and her blog is fun!! Love all of her recipes!
Thanks Maureen for the great review. I have been so amazed and impressed with Uru. She seems so much older than 17. She surely has a wonderful future ahead of her xx
She’s not yet 17! One day soon she’ll have the world by the tail. 🙂
Crack! It’s what makes her tick! lol, I hope she reads the comments and hopefully she will laugh. Nah, maybe just cookies are enough for her but I really don’t know how she can do so many things. Reading and commenting on blogs takes up so much time, I don’t know how she can do her own blog, let alone school. She’s quite inspiring! I enjoyed your interview and am soooo happy to see a “subscribe by email” thing below! Hallelujah, I”m signing up!
You are so funny, I love it! Like you, I have no idea how she finds time to leave as many comments as she does. I certainly can’t do it!
Maureen,
CCU is one of my favorite foodie friends. I did know many things about her as we follow each other and are supportive of each other on our websites. I am so glad you featured her as she does deserve another round of applause for all of her gallant efforts. Looking forward to hearing more about you as well. Take Care and keep in touch. BAM
CCU is right, commenting on other blogs is the way to become known. And, she is wonderful about responding to her “friends” about commenting on her blog. As much as I love her inventions (recipes), I mostly love what she has to say. Thanks for featuring CCU and letting us finally see what she looks like.
Uru … Is that a picture of you? You’re gorgeous!!!
OrgasmicChef … If Uru likes you then you must be amazing so I just subscribed to your blog feed.
Happy Weekend 🙂
Love CCU and am so glad I read your interview. Very insightful but we all already knew what a great person she was! 🙂 It’s just nice to have it confirmed. I’m so glad you highlighted her here.
I love her blog! Great spotlight post!
~~~~~URU is a Rock Star.
16 Years Old? You are going places, my dear…..
Amaaaaaaaaaaazing.
I have one more question. Can I come over for some….. “Caramel Chocolate Snickers Cupcakes with Caramel Buttercream with Homemade Caramel, please? Xx
I didn’t realize Uru was 16, but yes, I love visiting her site too Maureen. Lots of cute stories. Glad we finally got a peek at her picture 🙂
The pavlova nest looks so adorable!
I’ve been reading Uru’s blog for a while now and it was so fun learning more about her! I had no idea she was so young! A testament to her maturity, for sure.
I’m so surprised to hear Uru is only 16 and already so accomplished, thanks Maureen for this interesting interview 🙂
16? So talented! Thanks for introducing her Maureen!
Ohhh, I love Uru and her blog! She is such an amazing young blogger! Glad to finally see a photo of her…thanks to you, Maureen!
only 16? i didnt know that, but she’s such a young talent 🙂
Latest: Frog Addiction
Oh, great choice for your interview! Uru has a really fun blog, and she writes much better than many bloggers 3 times her age. Good recipes, too. And an enthusiastic presentation! Thanks for this.
wow very impressive
God I really enjoyed this post Maureen…
UrU.. she is a dear and so so talented..
Beautiful interview…
Hi Uru! So happy that Maureen featured you! I knew you are 16 but never seen your picture before so that was a super nice surprise!! You are so cute!!!
Maureen, great interview and I enjoyed reading more about her. I wish I can write like you – so smooth and easy to read. 🙂
I’ve seen Uru on Foodbuzz, but I had no idea she was so young, because her work is so mature. I have two teens and I sure wish they liked to clean up. Have to go say hi to her again, but she sounds like one busy girl to me. Hope you are doing well over there, just saw your yummy potstickers.
-Gina-
Great job, I adore this girl. She is the most supportive blogger out there and super sweet. Thanks for this.
Maureen, what a fun Food Writer Friday post! I agree with Nami (above) — your interviews are wonderful to read. Choc Chip Uru, it was a treat to learn more about you! So nice to “visit” with both of you in the same post — have a great weekend!
A true pleasure to know a little more about you Uru
You are a beautiful and very talented young lady
I look forward to your every post 🙂
I friggin’ love that girl! SUCH entertaining posts, freshly written. Good for you to have her “over”. 🙂