Sweet surprises

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

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

Get the mixing bowls out for traditional cakes and bakes that will fill your home with warming aromas as they cook

By Francesca Bonadonna (plantifullybasedblog.com) Makes 20 | Prep 35 mins plus chilling | Cook 10-15 mins FOR THE GINGERBREAD COOKIES 113g vegan butter, softened100g brown sugar45ml unsulphured molass

Expect lots of admiring comments when you round off your celebratory meal with an impressive prep-ahead dessert

By Rosie Millen Serves 3-4 | Prep 15 mins plus resting | Cook 35 mins 2 x 400g tins of black beans, rinsed and drained125g pine nuts150g cashew nuts4 garlic cloves, crushed4 sage leaves, chopped50g oa