Astrid Graf
 

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The Art of Desserts - Astrid Graf’s Creations at Seaside Palm Beach

Jan 29, 2025

A dessert may appear simple, but each bite reflects a meticulous creative process. The craft of pastry-making requires precision to master textures, temperatures, and flavour pairings. At Seaside Palm Beach, our dessert selection is a testament to the passion and dedication of Astrid Graf, our talented pastry chef. In this interview, she shares some of the secrets behind the sweet creations that make the hotel’s dessert corner truly irresistible. 

Astrid Graf

 

Baking has always been a part of Astrid’s life, accompanying her on her journey to the Seaside Palm Beach. From a young age, baking cakes was more than a hobby; it was her way of exploring endless possibilities and discovering a paradise of flavours. Over the years, she refined her passion, studying in Germany and gaining experience in the Netherlands and Switzerland, before ultimately finding her home on Gran Canaria

Despite her expertise in the newest pastry techniques and her ability to create masterpieces, Astrid still faces significant challenges in her role as head pastry chef, particularly when it comes to passing on her knowledge to the next generation. “The biggest challenge here is training new staff, especially since, unlike in Germany, there are no formal pastry training programs available.” 

Throughout her career, she has witnessed the evolution of the pastry world, embracing new trends that “are increasingly focused on smaller portions and individual desserts, moving away from large cakes and more traditional sweets.” 

dulces PB

 

Astrid considers the returning guests at Seaside Palm Beach to be her most loyal fans, who eagerly indulge in the restaurant’s signature desserts during their holidays. "We have many guest favourites, such as our chocolate cereal, toffee tarts, and the classic apple strudel, which is a must on Fridays. Many customers also love taking treats home with them.” However, the baker's true passion lies in surprising her guests with new creations. “I get my inspiration from books, the internet, but also from bakeries I visit or even from my colleagues.” 

dulces PB

 

A Fusion of Traditional Canarian and International Pastry Delights

Her style is evident in every sweet creation at the restaurant, though she is quick to highlight the collective effort of her team. “Each member plays a part in crafting our beautiful dessert buffet”, she says. 

At Seaside Palm Beach, you can indulge in not only the most classic and beloved desserts but also explore the unique ingredients and traditions of Gran Canaria, allowing diners to savour the island's authentic flavours. “The most popular include mousse de gofio, truchas de batata, and Príncipe Alberto, a speciality from La Palma.” 

These artisanal delicacies combine the expertise of our team with a dedication to locally sourced, zero-kilometre products. “Our desserts featuring fresh strawberries, delivered daily from Valsequillo, are always a favourite thanks to their intense flavour.” 

dulces canarias

 

Aware of the growing demand for healthier options tailored to specific diets, the pastry team at Seaside Palm Beach is always on the lookout for alternatives. 'There is an increasing demand for gluten-free, lactose-free, and even vegan desserts.' Despite these emerging trends, the hotel has always focused on using very natural ingredients – flour, sugar, salt, eggs, chocolate, and nuts – steering clear of processed products. 

As head pastry chef, Astrid not only trains and manages her team, but also encourages her colleagues' creativity and professional development. ‘Everyone is encouraged to share their personal recipes and experiment with new ideas. If the results taste and look amazing, there are no limits.’ 

It is this perfect blend of technique mastery, a constant search for inspiration, a commitment to quality ingredients, and above all, teamwork, that ensures our restaurant's dessert buffet offers an exquisite variety of treats every day — the perfect finishing touch to a delightful gastronomic experience. 

Astrid Graf 2

 

Do you want to try the latest creations from our talented pastry chef? Book your next holiday on our website and allow yourself to be delighted by the culinary experience at our restaurants in beautiful Maspalomas. 

 

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