Hi, I’m Hakima, and welcome to my little corner of the baking world!
How it all started...
I haven’t always been a baker—far from it, actually. It wasn’t until after I got married that I discovered my passion for baking. What started as a simple attempt to impress my new husband soon turned into an obsession, and what I thought would be a one-off experiment turned into a lifelong love affair with the art of baking.
At first, it was all about the basics: cookies, cakes, and the occasional loaf of bread. But the more I learned, the more I fell in love with the process—the way ingredients come together, the scents that fill the kitchen, and, of course, the joy of sharing my creations with loved ones.
The first creation I ever truly nailed that made me SO proud was a batch of soft pretzels. I made it for my family and they absolutely devoured them. That's when I knew.... dough and I would be friends for life. I then started making all types of doughs: homemade burger buns, Cheese & Spinach Fatayer, Brioche Buns, and so much more!
I started experimenting with more baked goods: layered cakes, macarons, meringues, pies, and more! The first time I ever made macarons, I somehow nailed it, and that gave me the biggest boost of confidence to keep going.
As I dove deeper into the world of baking, I was determined to master new skills and techniques. Layered cakes were one of my first challenges—at first, the thought of stacking delicate layers seemed intimidating, and almost impossible! But with practice (and tons of Youtube), I learned how to level, torte, stack, and properly crumb coat a layered cake. I then started practicing my fondant skills and creating cute cake decorations (like the carrots and bunnies in the image below). In 2017, I started taking small cake orders and finding random occasions to bake and practice my new-found craft.
The birth of Sift with Kima
Today, baking is not just a hobby; it’s a way for me to express myself, to experiment with flavors, and to bring a little sweetness into the lives of those around me. Whether it’s a warm loaf of banana bread on a cozy morning or a delicate layer cake for a special occasion, I love how baking can bring people together and create lasting memories.
I started this blog with one simple goal: to help people who have never baked before feel confident and excited in the kitchen. When I first began baking, I felt overwhelmed by all the different techniques, ingredients, and tools. But with each success (and a few mistakes along the way!), I gained the confidence to keep going—and I want to help you do the same.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to improve your skills, I’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow recipes, helpful tips, and step-by-step instructions. Baking doesn’t have to be intimidating, and I’m here to show you that with a little practice, anyone can create delicious treats from scratch. Let’s bake together and turn your kitchen into a place of creativity, warmth, and, of course, deliciousness!
Thank you for visiting, and happy baking!
-with love, Hakima ♥️