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

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

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

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

■ Serves 16 ■ Prep 45 mins plus cooling ■ Cook 30 mins 140g unsalted butter, plus extrafor the tin100ml grapeseed or anotherflavourless oil200ml milk3 tbsp yogurt1 tsp vanilla extract2 eggs, at room t