Bake it till you make it

My life-sized creations really take the cake

They all started out on different paths – from sales offices to science labs – but each of these professional bakers found purpose and joy in baking. Here, they tell Jill Foster why it has become a passion that continues to nourish their souls

I have a confession to make. I’m a terrible baker. Last time I attempted a loaf, circa 2007, it was mockingly named ‘Ailsa Craig’ – a granite island off the west coast of Scotland – and flung into a s

SERVES 8 | PREP 10 MINS PLUS COOLING | COOK 20 MINS | EASY 10g butter, softened, for brushing200g plain flour, plus extrafor dusting100g polenta1½ tsp baking powder200g caster sugar1 large orange, zes

EACH time Bethan appeared, she’d be singing the same song softly under her breath. It was starting to get on Nia’s nerves. Nia knew the Welsh words to “Calon Lan”. Well, some of them. They often sang

Emma is lonely and missing her old life – could the kindness of a new neighbour help her embrace a fresh start?