When Caramel Afternoon opened its doors on June 28 at 216 E. Calder Way in State College, it marked a significant milestone in Seyhan Baskaya’s career.
From Banking To Baking
“I used to be a banker,” Baskaya says.
Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Baskaya spent several years working as a banker before deciding to change paths in 2017, when she enrolled in a culinary school in Istanbul. After graduating, she spent a year in Atlanta for a hotel internship, returned to Turkey and later moved to Barcelona for six months to train with famous pastry chef Jordi Bordas. However, when the pandemic hit, she returned to Turkey and worked in small pastry shops.
Returning To State College
In 2021, Baskaya found herself moving back to the U.S. for an internship in State College. Before returning and moving back to Turkey, she was offered a position at the Buffalo Marriott. Two years after working there, she felt ready to start her own business and chose to return to State College.
“I like small towns,” Baskaya says. “It’s quiet and safe. There’s a lot of potential because Penn State brings new people every year.”
The Cafe
Baskaya noticed that State College lacked a European-style bakery. Caramel Afternoon provides that influence to State College with pastries such as Budapest rolls, Russian honey cake and fruit tarts.
Baskaya ensures that she keeps American classics on the menu, including desserts such as brownies, carrot cake and chocolate cake.
Every pastry is made by Baskaya herself, using high-quality ingredients imported from Italy and Turkey. She sources Italian pistachio flour and Turkish hazelnut flour, which are used in most of her European baked goods.
Looking Ahead
Looking toward the future, Baskaya’s goal is to maintain high quality and gradually expand by introducing new pastries and offering weekly specials.
“People here are kind,” Baskaya says. “I don’t have family in the U.S., but my customers and other small businesses have supported me from the beginning.”
Have A Caramel Afternoon
Baskaya often writes a note on her coffee cups saying “Have a Caramel Afternoon.” It’s her way of making people smile and improving their afternoon.
Let us know what you think of Caramel Afternoon by tagging us on Instagram or X @VALLEYmag.
Hey very nice site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds additionallyKI am glad to seek out a lot of useful info here in the post, we’d like work out extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Great website. Plenty of useful info here. I am sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your effort!
I used to be very happy to seek out this internet-site.I needed to thanks on your time for this wonderful learn!! I positively enjoying each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.
Real clean web site, thanks for this post.
Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, wonderful site!
I got what you mean , regards for putting up.Woh I am pleased to find this website through google. “If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” by Seneca.
I?¦ve recently started a blog, the info you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website 🙂
My husband and i ended up being very joyful Michael could conclude his reports using the precious recommendations he gained out of your blog. It’s not at all simplistic to just possibly be giving out methods that many a number of people might have been making money from. So we understand we have got the writer to give thanks to for that. The explanations you have made, the easy web site menu, the friendships you make it possible to foster – it’s mostly superb, and it is leading our son and the family believe that the article is excellent, and that is extraordinarily important. Many thanks for the whole lot!
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your site. You have some really great posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Cheers!