Introducing...Darren Purchese

My name is Darren Purchese, and I bloody love dessert.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been on a mission to create the most technically outlandish, and mind-blowingly delicious desserts the world has ever seen. My adventures started in the UK at The Savoy Hotel before working as executive pastry chef in 5 star hotels in London and France. After a bit more globe-trotting, I met my future wife and renowned chef Cath Claringbold and finally, landed here in Melbourne. I ran the pastry kitchens in some of the best Australian restaurants, Vue de monde in Melbourne and Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House among them, before myself and Cath established the iconic Burch and Purchese Sweet Studio and spent 12 years happily baking for the nation.
But recently, something shifted. As an expert guest on Masterchef and a judge on The Great Australian Bake Off, I had the pleasure of watching as some of this country’s most dedicated foodies took my trickiest creations and brought them to life in new and exciting ways. Soon after, I began hearing from countless home bakers, too, as they embarked on their own Darren Purchese baking adventures. Yes, there were a few kitchen disasters along the way! And I received more than a few messages from people doubting their abilities. But if Bake Off has taught me anything, it’s that everyone has a showstopper in them.
So now, I’m flinging open the Studio Kitchen doors, and sharing the tips, secrets and skills I’ve been mastering for the past 30 years.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a hard-core dessert master, I invite you to come along with me on this culinary journey, as we look at the sweeter side of life, take on challenges big and small, and share in the joy that is food!
Over the coming months, you’ll see the Studio Kitchen landscape evolve as myself and Cath continue building our wonderland of food. Along with recipes, how-to’s and our weekly newsletters, you’ll start seeing Masterclasses and in-depth tutorials. You’ll even have the opportunity to receive access to my never-before-seen notebooks as I reveal new recipes, and unlock the vault on some old fan favourites.
Along the way, I’ll encourage everyone in the Studio Kitchen family to keep the conversation going! I truly believe that food is a community, and I want to be a part of yours.
So pop on your apron, grab a spoon, and let’s see what fun (and trouble) we can stir up together in the Studio Kitchen X
www.studiokitchen.com.au