< Previous58 Careers Putting the biz in showbiz with SHAHRAZAD FAISAL Shahrazad Faisal is a master of speaking on entrepreneurship and business development in the Middle East and beyond. So much so, in fact, that she now runs her own MC and hosting agency to train those looking to enter the field. She is, consequently, a pro to take some serious notes from. Here’s what you need to know about the business of the industry… HER CAREER SO FAR… It started with my love for researching and relaying information - I began as an economist at one of the biggest Saudi banks and stayed there for several years. However, I found that finding information and scripting it without directly presenting it to the receivers felt incomplete and lacked human connection. Years later, I was introduced to the world of TV and broadcasting and started my segment on entrepreneurial and business development-related content. I would say the defining with the audience, regardless of their demographic background or field, is by far the most rewarding aspect. When I’m on stage, I must gain the audience’s attention and establish a credible connection with them, enabling them to effortlessly receive the intended message. The more I host, the more I come to value the power of this connection. Watching the audience interact with me, actively adding life to the event and giving value to the proposed content, provides instant gratification every time. I would also say that another great aspect of hosting is being exposed to constant growth. To host impactfully, I need to stay ahead of the game and be well-informed in all the different fields I host for (everything from real estate to cybersecurity), allowing me to continuously broaden my horizons. HER BIGGEST ADVICE… If you want to succeed in the TV world there are three basic elements to focus on. Make sure you define your unique presenter personality—one that truly represents you. Also, find content that falls into your area of passion and interest, this will help you to be true and authentic. Finally, continuously work on enhancing your hosting skills and create challenges for even more self-improvement. yourself (as you are your own team on stage), and some are about the art of relaying a message and touching people’s hearts. If I were to summarise the most prominent lessons the stage and TV have taught me, they would be; firstly, work on strengthening your presence. Attention is not demanded; it is instantly commanded when you have a strong presence. Secondly, silence is louder than words. Implicit messages go a long way. People feel what you make them feel long before they hear what you have to say to them. Work on your body language and your energy, not just your words. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING ON LIVE TV… Presenting involves achieving two of the most contradictory things at the same time - being an active part of the chaos in the control room (where all the planning and directing takes place) while maintaining a calm and confident persona on-screen. This requires a different level of multitasking skills, nerves of steel, and a very concealing face. HOW TO MASTER THE ART OF STAGE PRESENCE… Every angle of hosting on stage is rewarding. However, I would say that being able to create an authentic human connection moment was when the channel introduced me to live broadcasting, where there were no retakes. You have one shot, and you have to get it right. This love for hosting live is what pushed me to start hosting live events and conferences on stage, and now I own my very own MC/ hosting agency. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING SHE’S LEARNED… There is a lesson to be learned every time. Some are about the practice of hosting, some are related to your relationship with COS_118_056to060_Careers_JobsInTv _13389472.indd 5827/09/2024 20:2259 Careers 59 Careers The art of TV makeup with MANAR JAMIL ABDEL KARIM Being an MUA is an art-form in itself. But live TV makeup? Yup, that’s a whole other skillset to master. Get to know the desirable role of a TV makeup artists, in all its gritty, glamorous glory from Manar Jamil. THE BEST THING ABOUT HER JOB… I have the passion to create something new through art. Since I was young, I have loved drawing. My journey to becoming a makeup artist has been filled with passion and patience and feelings to convey the information that every woman is beautiful. I work with international makeup brands and create looks with them that highlight this message. My inspiration in this journey is to make everyone happy. HER HOT TIPS… The most important thing to know about applying makeup for TV is that it’s different from regular makeup. Colouring is super important. TV lighting absorbs the colours of makeup and actually increase them by two or three degrees. So you need to be careful with steps like contouring. It’s very similar to bridal makeup. Also, an important thing to remember when doing makeup for the screen is that the skin needs to be matte because shine from glowy makeup reflects the lighting and it almost becomes like water on the face. Which no one wants. Pay attention to these things and you’ll go far. HER BIGGESTMILESTONE… I am proud that I was able to change the point of view of the artistic community that Arab makeup artists are as capable as international artists HOW TO BREAK INTO THE FIELD... The qualities that a successful makeup artist must possess are patience, guidance and creativity. Most importantly, you need to learn to adapt to constant change, creating new looks, maintaining professional behaviour and forbearance. Start by studying facial features, to learn that every face does not need all the same steps. And get lots of training. HERE’S WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT DOING TV MAKEUP… The biggest challenges I face doing TV makeup is convincing artists and celebrities that soft makeup, not heavy makeup, makes you look more beautiful and lasts longer. You really need to understand that the use of materials, skills and steps help master the art of highlighting someone’s features on screen and dealing with lighting. It more than just having an eye for makeup, it’s its own skillset. COS_118_056to060_Careers_JobsInTv _13389472.indd 5927/09/2024 14:2160 Careers HER CAREER AT A GLANCE… In the beginning , I was just a fashion stylist who had normal clients in need of consultations on their body shapes, what to wear and what not to wear…that sort of thing. But after an interview Styling the stars with NOHA SINDI Fashion and celebrity stylist Noha Sindi has been styling for TV since, well…before it was even a thing. Now a sought-after career choice, styling work for TV shows has become a skill in its own right. Luckily, Noha has mastered the art, and knows a thing or two about working with high- calibre clientele in Saudi. was worth it. I got connected with a lot of fashion brands, designers and networks for more work. Plus, it was considered a new thing here in KSA. I can say I was officially the first TV stylist in Saudi Arabia. THE INS AND OUTS OF THE JOB… Firstly, I need to meet with the production team to understand the concept and theme of the show I will be styling. Then, I need to learn a bit about the presenter’s personality type, body shape and skin tone in order to select the right styles for them in terms of colours and cuts. From there, I connect with fashion brands and local designers to discuss partnerships or sponsorships. And the final step is selecting the outfits the presenter will be wearing during the show. This process usually is done weekly, but it’s sometimes adapted when we have certain celebrations or occasions that require certain styles like National Day or Ramadan or Eid. WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW… A lot of people don’t know the difference between Fashion and Styling. Fashion is temporary and changes constantly, but style is timeless. TV styling is very different from any other kind of styling, it requires a lot of collaboration between different people on set, dealing with producers and cameramen. Dressing well on TV is an important factor because you can express a person’s character and personality through their clothes, which enhances a storyline but also allows audiences to connect with the people on screen. HER TOP TIPS… If you’re passionate about fashion styling and want to pursue a career in the industry, consider enhancing your skills and knowledge through education. You should also have a good understanding of the history of fashion - as they say, fashion often repeats itself. Fashion styling is all about the details - from selecting the right accessories to perfecting the fit of a garment, stylists need to have a keen eye for detail. It is hard work, but it can also be incredibly rewarding seeing your ideas come to life. HOW TO KEEP UP WITH TRENDS… Constant research on fashion trends is very important. Especially through online platforms, attending fashion weeks and runway shows. Also since we are in the Middle East, it’s important to analyse social and cultural factors and keep an eye out for new and upcoming local designers. I did on TV with one of the regional channels, the producer asked me to style the presenters. Honestly, I was hesitant in the beginning, and it was a challenge to dress them, especially because TV styling was new to me. But I took the challenge and it IMA GE S : SUPPLIED ; UNSPLA SH COS_118_056to060_Careers_JobsInTv _13389472.indd 6027/09/2024 14:2261 Careers An *actually* useful guide to Gen Z corp life, from a Gen Zer WO R D S : Q U I N C ATA B U I Do yourself a favour and Adultify Your Attitude Raise your hand if you’re Gen Z and have zilch idea what to do right after graduation. If you’re part of the 99.99% who raised their hands, I genuinely feel for you. You’re not alone on this inevitable train ride to adulthood. While we will surely miss those idyllic days of attending sessions just for the sake of it, or the adrenaline of submitting reports before the deadline and juggling the dreaded social aspects of life, it’s simply too much to digest the fact that, yes, we’ve entered everyone’s worst nightmare: becoming an adult. Unluckily enough, our generation was caught between the cross re of an unexpected era that opened a can of worms—A.K.A. the pandemic, A.K.A. the rise of core-core brain rot internet culture, A.K.A. the worst possible period to get hired in a job we are passionate about. We unfortunately live in a time where the state of the world simply can’t accommodate the smallest generation in the workforce. With millennials occupying around 38% of the total market, we Gen Z aren’t even taking one-fourth of the pie (thanks, PwC, for the iwnsight). Though many older Gen Zers have stepped into the corporate world, we’re still not at the stage where we can reach higher highs, especially when companies are looking for interns who, interestingly, need at least one to two years of experience for an unpaid internship. (If you know, you know.) But thankfully, we have girlies out there, like Laura, sharing their experiences and advice, giving a glimpse into the so-called corp life. Also known as @lowhaley on TikTok, Laura offers the internet professional how-to’s. Her TikToks provide the much-needed reality checks on handling situations the right way—the professional way. From how to respond to passive- aggressive emails to identifying red ags in the workplace, she may be the corp big sister you need to learn from. And since many Gen Zers spend time doom-scrolling on social media, content creators like Laura have become ideal examples of translating corporate woes into Gen Z terms. Though not ideal since we’re already chronically online, it does give us a chance to understand the current work culture better. With many of us now of cially done and dusted with our bachelor’s degrees, it’s time to make our mark in the corp world. While it’s clear we’re celebrating the end of graduation season and away from the academic stress, we now need a de nitive guide on entering the world of corporate. You may be nervous about the whole “Oh no, I’m an adult,” thing, but don’t fret because we’ve pulled all-nighters to compile a corporate guide for Gen Z, written by a Gen Z, guided by a fellow Gen Z with info on how to apply, what to wear, what to say and what not to say and how to keep your job once you’ve had an of cial offer. COS_118_061to063_CAREERS_GenZ_13382187.indd 6127/09/2024 14:23Careers Finding the right workplace can feel a lot like trying to nd the perfect date—daunting, to say the least. According to RippleMatch, nearly 60% of our generation rarely feel con dent about landing their dream job. Given the state of the world and our knack for overthinking, even sending out applications–although a seemingly basic task–can push many of us over the edge. So, before you start clicking ‘apply’ on every job posting, let’s do some priority checking. Here’s the right process for applying: RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH “You need to de ne your priorities by clearly identifying what matters most to you in a workplace,” says Chris Anne Martinez, an executive researcher at Mackenzie Jones and fellow Gen Z. “Always keep in mind the company culture, values, career growth opportunities, and work-life balance. This will help you target companies that align with your preferences.” So, the best way to go is to lter a plethora of top companies you’d love to work for and dissect those to nd the most suitable ones for you. Simply sending your CV without a strategy is setting yourself up for doom and lowering your expectations of getting the job. TAILOR YOUR CV/RESUME By now you probably know the power of the CV and resume. Your CV needs to be edited according to your skills and the job description because if it isn’t, the HR cops won’t even glance over it. So make sure you use the right buzzwords. Since you’re adding these few tweaks, you need to elevate it with social media metrics and keywords that make your resume go from looking like a red ag to a big shiny green ag. POWER-UP THAT COVER LETTER ICYMI, when you’re breaking into the corp world CVs and cover letters come in pairs. And, just on the slight chance you may not know, the cover letter is totally different from what your CV entails. This is all about you, and your interests so that you can stand out from the other thousands of applicants. Down to your values, mindset, and probably mix in how certain experiences helped you grow. DON’T FUSS OVER THE TINIEST BITS. We feel you, sometimes the stress of being pitch-perfect can be nerve- wracking. But don’t dwell too much on minor deets that probably won’t be bene cial in securing a interview, DON’T FORGET TO RE- CHECK THE ERRORS If you tend to miss out on certain mistakes, it may cost you your one-time chance. From grammar errors, date format, personal information and so on. These may seem like a small part, but they show how detail-oriented you are. NEVER EVER SUBMIT WITHOUT DOUBLE- CHECKING A nightmare everyone gets is sending the wrong details or without going through the errors. Double- checking will save you the mental torment of sending something your future employers aren’t looking for. Especially when we live in an age where spam submissions are the norm. So, double-check whether you’re actually applying to the right job with your set of skills. 62 The Application Stage COS_118_061to063_CAREERS_GenZ_13382187.indd 6227/09/2024 14:2363 When You’re on the Job The Interview Here it comes, girlies—the interview. Take your sandals off because this is where things can get a little hectic. Whether you’re facing it in person or online (way easier if you ask us), the interview often feels like it de nes our entire future. While anxiety might inadvertently become our best friend, it’s not helpful when you’re put on the spot about your strengths and weaknesses and suddenly draw a blank. And sorry to burst your bubble, but many employers end up ghosting candidates due to certain...Gen Z-esque behaviours. According to research by the New York Post, nearly 40% of managers prefer hiring older candidates due to perceived maturity levels. Being underprepared, lacking con dence, and not looking the part can also cause your dream career to slip away. Chris Anne mentions that “Gen Z tends to fall in between not showing up on time or not even presenting themselves well,” which can re ect poorly on your overall candidacy. SO…WHAT DO YOU *NEED* TO DO? Prep your answers ALWAYS. Rule #1 in interviews is to be prepared. If you’re the type of person who has card stacks of Q&As, as you should, keep it up. Preparation is always the key to responding to the interviewer’s questions. However, you need to know the tailored questions for your speci c eld of interest. “Typically, HR professionals would assess the candidate’s skills and potential rather than just relying on past experiences. In an ideal situation, the hiring manager would ask questions on real- world scenarios,” says Chris Anne. KNOW WHO YOU’RE TALKING TO It’s time to bring your stalking A-game. As Gen Z, we’re natural researchers, adept at gathering information swiftly and ef ciently. If you’ve received the go-ahead for an interview, it’s crucial to research the team thoroughly. Delve into the backgrounds of the interviewer, the heads of departments, and your potential future teammates. This research will not only prepare you to impress during the interview but also help you gain valuable insights into the company culture, team dynamics and past-experience that helped the current team secure roles. WEAR THE RIGHT ‘FIT Bestie, listen up. We know you want to make a statement, but interviewers place a high value on rst impressions. The mantra “dress to impress” holds true, but it’s essential to understand the nuances of corporate attire. Whether it’s a sharp blazer, a sleek skirt, or tailored pants, your out t should be a re ection of the job you’re aiming for. So, it might be time for a wardrobe overhaul that aligns perfectly with the professional image you want to project. NEVER BE LATE Imagine this: you’ve secured the interview, and you have the scheduled time, but you arrive an hour late — a true corporate girlie nightmare. Punctuality is paramount for interviews. Always be on time because every minute counts, and if you’re not well-prepared for the big day, those minutes can slip away faster than you think. Simply being not punctual can cause you a huge loss. So make sure to plan ahead to make the best impression right from the get-go. NEVER LIE Lying is never the answer. If you didn’t already know, dishonesty becomes glaringly obvious once you start working. This will quickly tarnish your reputation with the team, leading to a big loss of credibility and trust. Keeping it real (real) is crucial for maintaining respect and integrity in the workplace. ASK QUESTIONS Interviews aren’t one-sided interrogations. Feel free to ask insightful questions related to the position you’ve applied for. This not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the role but also scores you bonus points with the interviewer. Engaging in a dialogue shows that you’re proactive and eager to understand how you can contribute to the company’s success. Plus, it means that you can nd out more about the workplace and how your potential new boss communicates. It’s your rst day, and you nally landed your dream internship or job. While you may have butter ies in your stomach and feel elated, it’s important to understand a few facts about work culture. In a 2003 survey conducted by ResumeBuilder, 74% of managers reported that they nd our generation the most challenging to work with, citing a perceived lack of motivation and effort. So…what should you do? LISTEN AND OBSERVE, BESTIE Take a deep breath and calm down. Your rst day, and even the rst month, is all about soaking up information like a sponge. Take this time to understand the work ows and what is expected of you. ASK THE BURNING QUESTIONS Never end a day without seeking clari cation (but don’t overwhelm your colleagues with too many questions). It’s normal to feel confused, especially when you’re new to the systems, terminology, and working style. ORGANISE, PLEASE When you receive tasks, prioritise them based on importance and urgency. Proper organisation ensures that you meet deadlines and manage your workload. DON’T USE TOO MUCH SLANG Sometimes, we need to tone it down, no matter how much it stings. You’ll be collaborating with seasoned professionals who might not understand TikTok lingo. DON’T WORRY TOO MUCH Corporate life might not be as easy as we’d hope, but it’s a crucial step toward growth. Focus on the right things, and embrace your journey to becoming a #girlboss DON’T SHOW OFF – PLEASE As Kendrick Lamar wisely said, “Be humble, sit down.” You’re still in the learning phase, so while your ideas and insights are valuable, it’s important to know the right time and place to share them. You’ll have opportunities to shine, but be tactful. Careers IMA GE S : MARISS A GROO TE S /UNSPLA SH ; D ANIEL F AZIO /UNSPLA SH COS_118_061to063_CAREERS_GenZ_13382187.indd 6327/09/2024 14:236464 Make sure your uni space = home A de nitive list of all your dorm room essentials W O R D S B Y E M AN AM I R I FOR THE AESTHETICS AREA RUG Who wants to step onto icy oors rst thing in the morning? Not us. A rug is perfect to make your room feel like home, and you can choose whichever ts your vibe and is cute, ofc. Where: woodculture.ae PHOTO STRING LIGHTS Hang up some pictures to give your dorm a taste of home. You can stick them to the wall but as girls who love all things ~aesthetic~ we suggest you buy a clip string with fairy lights. Where: virginmegastore.ae FAKE CANDLES Candles not allowed in your dorm? No worries. Opt for battery-powered ones for that warm, inviting feel. Where: daisome.com THROW PILLOWS These are not a want but a need. Patterned pillows give your bed that extra-comfy boost when you’re Net ixing or chilling with friends and they add a pop of personality to your space, too. Where: potterybarn.ae REED DIFFUSER Hey, dorm life doesn’t have to smell boring just because candles are a no-go. Use stick diffusers to make your room smell like a bougie spa or clean cotton. No rule-breaking here. Where: rawspiritual.com MOOD LIGHTING Mood lighting that doubles up as the perfect golden hour sel e lighting? Yep, we love the sound of that. And if you do too, we recommend a sunset lamp. It’ll ll your space with the perfect golden hue that’s relaxing and gives you a glow in your snaps. Where: azadea.com PEGBOARD A multi-tasking product that’s perfect for pinning up your sticky notes, important reminders, fave pics, and all the to-do lists you’ll be juggling gets our vote. Plus, a pegboard keeps your desk clutter-free and Pinterest-worthy. Where: Ikea.com TIERED PEN HOLDERS Obv, you need work supplies. Pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, and whatever else you need to get those aesthetic notes. Well, you also need a place to keep everything cute and tidy. A tiered pen holder will 100% motivate you to make your notes way cuter. Where: trendyol.com BOOKEND If you’re heading to uni, you’re gonna have a ton of books— trust us on that. Not only do bookends keep your books from falling over, but they also give your study corner some serious style points. Where: westelm.ae MINI DESK DRAWERS If you’re looking for a desk that’s gonna keep your study game strong, you *need* mini drawers. A must to help you organise all your essentials to make sure you only see As on your transcripts this academic year. Where: yingtiger.ae LIGHT-UP CLOCK We don’t want you losing track of time, yk? And what’s better than an old, boring clock? A cute, light-up clock, ofc. Perfect to spice up your desk and tell you the time even when you’re studying late into the night. Where: danubehome.com ADJUSTABLE DESK LAMP Pop one of these bad boys on your desk—voila you’ve got adjustable brightness to suit your mood and study vibes. Plus, you can position it just right for your comfort and shut off those harsh dorm- room light xtures. Where: bloomr.com TO HELP YOU STUDY Careers COS_118_064to065_CRIBS_DormShopping_13359069.indd 6427/09/2024 14:246565 IMA GE CREDIT : UNSPLA SH ROLLING ORGANISER This is *the* space-saving hack you’ve been waiting for. Rolling organisers anywhere and are perfect for all your toiletries, snacks, or whatever you want. Plus, they’re on wheels, so you can roll them wherever you need. Where: ochomefurniture.com SPACE-SAVING HANGERS Okay, so every girl’s main problem is that we have too many clothes and not enough space. Well, the solution to that is getting space-saving hangers. See, no need to cut back on your ‘drobe now. Where: panhomestores.com SHOWER CADDY Your bathroom needs some attention too. Whether you’re sharing or have your own, a shower caddy is a total need (esp on days when you want an everything shower). Where: matalanme.com UNDERBED STORAGE BIN It’s no secret that dorm rooms tend to be on the smaller side with little room left once a bed is inside. So, get some under-bed storage bins – they’re literally lifesavers for keeping your stuff stored away. Where: shop.cosmoplast.com OTTOMAN STORAGE More sneaky storage? Yes, please. An ottoman storage is perfect for doing your makeup or hosting your friends, but it also has space when you open the top. Think of it as a chic seat and a hidden stash spot all in one. Where: crateandbarrel.me OVER THE DOOR STORAGE ORGANISER In your dorm you have to get creative with every inch. Don’t forget to deck the door our with its own storage organiser. It’s perfect for hanging shoes or all your random bits and bobs. Where: amazon.ae WATER BOTTLE Hydration is key whether you are putting in a study sesh or recovering from a party. Enter a trusty water bottle. We and the rest of the internet girlies love a cute cup to keep out aqua chilled. Where: loch.life EXTENSION LEAD Oh, boy. You cannot forget extra plugs. Your phone, laptop, tablet, headphones will thank you later for packing one (or two) extension leads for your new dorm room. Where: uae.microless.com FIRST AID KIT For emergencies, you know? Better be safe than sorry. Stock up on pain meds, plasters, lozengers and anything else you might need as when you are sick the last thing you wanna do is venture out to meet a delivery driver dropping off supplies at your dorm access gate. Where: myaster.com BATHROBE Well, you def need a towel, but it’s even better when you can wrap up in a uffy robe post- shower or when doing your skincare/makeup routine before heading out to class or just chilling in your jammies in the eve. Where: ae.hm.com LAUNDRY BASKET Oh, yeah, you really need this. Seems useless and forgettable, but where will your clothes go when they need to be taken for a spin in the laundry room. Where: namshi.com COMMAND HOOKS If you are all about making your room aesthetics on point then little stick-on hooks are a must. Plus, you won’t get in trouble with your dorm warden as they’re easy to remove when it comes to end of term. Where: homeboxstores.com FLIP FLOPS You do not want to walk into the bathroom barefoot (but fr, pls don’t). So, don’t forget a pair of ip ops strictly reserved for your trips to the shower room. Where: stevemadden.me DUVET AND PILLOW COVERS This is an obvious necessity but easily forgotten. We recommend buying, washing, and ironing them at home before going to uni. Nothing is better than clean, fresh, smooth sheets that smell like home for your rst night. Where: next.ae DUVET AND PILLOWS Uhm, you need a duvet and pillows for the duvet covers ofc. Oh, and you need this to sleep, so it’s basically the biggest essential of them all. Where: homecentre.com THE BORING (BUT NEEDED) THINGS SPACE-SAVING ITEMS YOU NEED Careers COS_118_064to065_CRIBS_DormShopping_13359069.indd 6527/09/2024 14:2466 BITES THIS WAY FOR A VIRAL DUBAI CHOCOLATE BAR CAKE RECIPE IMA GE S : SUPPLIED COS_118_066to067_Bites V2_13381356.indd 6627/09/2024 14:2567 This twist on the viral Dubai chocolate bar turned into a cake is brought to you by Emma Wills, who you probs know as @emsfoodiefix on IG, which you should subscribe to for all your DIY dessert inspo. Bites FILO PASTRY & PISTACHIO CREAM FILLING 1. Cut 3 sheets of lo pastry into small pieces. 2. Melt 1 tsp butter in a pan, add lo, and cook until crispy and golden (don’t burn). 3. Cool and mix with pistachio cream. Cover until ready to use. CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE 1. Line the bottom of three 6” cake tins. 2. Melt butter and chocolate in the microwave. 3. Mix in vegetable oil, caster sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. 4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. 5. Sift our, cocoa, salt, and baking powder into the wet ingredients. 6. Gradually mix in boiling water until just combined (don’t overmix). 7. Divide batter among the tins and bake at 170°C for 20 minutes. Cakes should be fudgy inside. 8. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then remove from tins. CHOCOLATE GANACHE 1. Chop dark chocolate and place in a bowl. 2. Heat cream in the microwave for one minute, then pour over chocolate. 3. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Mix in golden syrup. 4. Cool until thickened (refrigerate brie y if needed, but don’t let it set hard). INGREDIENTS Chocolate fudge cake 200g dark chocolate (50%-60% cocoa) 100ml vegetable oil 150g unsalted butter 200g caster sugar 100g soft light brown sugar 3 eggs 35g cocoa powder 220g plain our 1/2tsp salt 1.5tsp baking powder 1tbsp vanilla extract 250ml boiling water Filo pastry & pistachio butter lling 3 sheets lo pastry 250g pistachio cream Chocolate ganache 350g dark chocolate 250ml double/heavy cream 3tbsp golden syrup (or syrup of choice). Co ASSEMBLE 1. Level the tops of the cooled cakes. 2. Pipe a ring of ganache around the edge of the 1st layer. 3. Fill with half of the lo pastry and pistachio cream. 4. Repeat with the 2nd layer. 5. Place the 3rd layer upside down on top. 6. If ganache is too rm, microwave for 5 seconds. 7. Spread ganache over the top and sides of the cake with a spatula creating a smooth nish. 8. Use the spatula to make a textured pattern in the ganache. COS_118_066to067_Bites V2_13381356.indd 6727/09/2024 14:25Next >