Sweet freedom

Are sugary treats your downfall when trying to slim? You don’t have to ban them – think moderation. ‘If you eat whole foods 80-90% of the time, you can have a few sweet treats now and again,’ says nut

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

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

By California Walnuts (californiawalnuts.co.uk) Makes 12 | Prep 10 mins 75g California Walnut pieces100g dried apricots100g dried figs, halved2 tbsp mixed seeds 1 Place 25g walnuts in a food processor

We’ve given this retro favourite a low-fat makeover, with tangy frozen yogurt. SERVES 10PREP 30 MINS,PLUS FREEZINGCOOK 10 MINS ✱ 2 x 500ml tubs vanilla frozen yogurt (3% fat) ✱3tbsp 70% fruit blueberr

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