Seasonal bakes and tips on growing your own produce by former The Great British Bake Off contestant, Michelle Evans-Fecci. With thanks to Liz for her review.
Seasonal Baker: Baking All Year Round is the first cookbook written by Michelle, a former Great British Bake Off contestant, and it is a delightful celebration of baking through the seasons.
The book opens with an excellent introduction, including a section entitled Cook’s Notes, which provides plenty of useful hints and tips to consider before you even begin baking. It’s a thoughtful addition that will be especially helpful for less experienced bakers.
Divided into the four seasons, each section begins with guidance on what to sow, plant and harvest at that particular time of year. It’s a wonderful reminder to make the most of seasonal produce and to connect our baking with what’s growing around us.
There are so many recipes I’d like to try. The Bacon, Cheese and Chive Soda Bread sounds both delicious and incredibly easy to make. The Za’atar Tortilla Wraps with Sweetcorn Salsa and Yoghurt Dip would be perfect for a hot, sunny day, while the Asparagus, Broad Bean and Pea Tart is a recipe I can imagine serving with a lightly dressed salad for a simple but elegant lunch.
This is a book to keep on your cookery shelf all year round. With summer approaching, the Big Summer Pavlova is already calling my name, but the beauty of this collection is that it encourages you to follow the seasons and plan ahead. Packed with inspiration and practical ideas, there is more than enough here to see you through the entire year.
About the Book
Former Bake Off contestant Michelle was known on the show for her flavoursome, colourful bakes and for championing seasonal, locally sourced and homegrown produce. Whether it’s a simple loaf for breakfast or a striking showstopper cake for a celebration, she loves using seasonal food to create tasty recipes for the whole family to enjoy.
The Seasonal Baker is a collection of recipes straight from Michelle’s kitchen to yours – from quick-and-easy bakes to others that are a bit more challenging – with an emphasis on special events such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas. Inside you will find delicious, vibrant recipes such as:
– Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding
– Truffle, Rosemary and Garlic Focaccia
– Smokey Pulled Pork Sausage Rolls
– Butternut Squash, Feta, Maple and Pecan Cups
– Vanilla, Rhubarb and Raspberry Celebration Cake
Michelle grew up on a farm and learned from a young age how to grow vegetables and the basics of cooking and baking. She now lives in the beautiful seaside town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire with her husband Ben, their teenage son Alfie, little whippet Rosie, and two cheeky hens. As a family they love to be out in the garden where they grow a lot of the fruit, vegetables and herbs that Michelle uses in her everyday cooking. The book shows just how easy and rewarding it is to grow your own produce.
As well as delicious bakes for all abilities, The Seasonal Baker contains hints and tips on ways of being thrifty with food. There is something for everyone, from what to plant, when to plant it and when to harvest – whether you have access to a plant pot, window box, balcony, raised bed or garden veg patch with intuitive, creative photos to help.
About The Author
Michelle is a passionate baker who featured as a contestant on series ten of The Great British Bake Off and was star baker of cake week.
Purchase the Book
This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box.
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