Almond croissants

INGREDIENTS 100g sourdough starter 380ml warm water 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp salt 500g strong white bread flour TOPPINGS 2-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3-4 ripe plums, stones removed and cut into quart

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

These bakes are perfect with a cuppa – and all less than 50p per serving

Happiness is a perfect pudding made with simple ingredients and a winning recipe, say the founders of Edinburgh bakery Twelve Triangles. Here, they share some of their favourite sweet treats

Ingredients (Serves 12) ◆ 140g dairy or plant butter ◆ 45g golden caster sugar ◆ 185g plain flour ◆ 50g golden syrup ◆ 45g each flaked almonds, sultanas and glacé cherries ◆ 25g chopped mixed peel ◆ 2

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