Bring-a-dish eurovision party

Boxty potato pancakes, crusty pies and ploughman’s platters: hearty autumnal recipes inspired by traditional Irish pub food

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 5 mins ■ Cook 20 mins 5 tbsp olive oil1 tsp smoked paprika1 tsp cumin seeds400g can cherry tomatoes200g fresh cherry tomatoes2 garlic clovessmall bunch of parsleysmall bunch of basil

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

Often, it’s the supporting roles that command the most attention – like these glorious starters, sides and sauces

Comforting, creamy mash, with added flavour, warms up chilly, late autumn days

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