Sugar and spice

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

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 5 mins plus 1 hr 30 mins freezing ■ No cook Whip 500ml double cream to stiff peaks. Fold in 70g chopped stem ginger, 4 tbsp syrup from the jar, and the seeds from 1/2 vanilla pod. Fr

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

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

INGREDIENTS 100g sourdough starter 380ml warm water 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp salt 500g strong white bread flour TOPPINGS 2-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3-4 ripe plums, stones removed and cut into quart

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