Treats with benefits

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

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

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

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

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