French classics

Potager casserole PREP: 10 minutes COOK: 20 minutes ...

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 30 mins ■ Cook 50 mins 4 large field mushrooms4 tbsp olive oil1 garlic clove, chopped400g spinach leavesflour, for dusting1 tbsp thyme leaves500g block all-butter puff pastry140g sti

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

Keep a level head in the kitchen with this easy, elegant menu from the unflappable North Yorkshire-based chef Ruth Hansom

SERVES 8 INGREDIENTS 1 tsp unsalted butter, softened, for greasing the tin 1 lemon, for zesting 550g cream cheese 175g caster sugar 4 eggs 250ml double cream 4 tsp shop-bought vanilla bean paste 20g c

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