About

Please allow me to introduce myself…

Hello, my name is Jo, and I’m a bakeaholic. Whether it’s cakes, biscuits or buns… you name it, I’ll bake it. This is my first foray into blogging, and I hasten to add that I’m no expert in either writing or baking; I’m an enthusiastic amateur at best. My aim is to share my baking discoveries both good and bad, and if they’re of interest or help, it’s a bonus for us both!

Baking isn’t just a flash in the pan for me; it’s something that’s been with me for around 25 years now. I’m not really sure how it all started, but my Dad recalls me being stood on a stool in my Nan’s kitchen around the age of four helping her weigh, sieve and mix. I can’t let her take all the credit for teaching me though, both my parents have had their hand in that too – right down to braving eating my hideous technicolour early concoctions. I was fortunate that they could see past the lurid heavy-handed food colourings, and encouraged my attempts knowing that practice would eventually make perfect. 

I can still remember now the excitement of tearing the wrapping paper off my A La Carte Kitchen* even though I was bitterly disappointed that the oven was merely ‘pretend’ and couldn’t actually cook things! 

Ours was a house that always had a homemade cake in the tin, and often a pie in the oven. Both my parents are regular bakers with a wide repertoire of dishes – my Mum specialising in lunchbox treats and family favourites, and my Dad an accomplished bread baker and pie maker. 

I have been likened to a ‘happy housewife’, as I’m never happier than when I’m dressed in a pretty apron in the kitchen whipping up a cake for my fella, but whilst I love to provide cake for friends and family I am by no means tied to the stove. As much as I do admire 1950s fashions and kitchenalia, it certainly makes me no less of a feminist. I bake for enjoyment, not out of obligation and find that it relaxes me after a tough week at work. I’m a graphic designer for a fast past deadline driven environment, and on difficult days find myself daydreaming of sponges and butter cream. I bake mainly at the weekend, but can be found at my mixer during the week if duty calls (birthdays, bake sales) – which will no doubt be reflected in the frequency of my blog posts!

I consume cookbooks at an alarming rate, which will no doubt become evident as time goes on. Thankfully have some wonderful people in my life who are willing to feed my habit much to the detriment of my already sagging shelves – including one who handily works for a publishing house. Despite this, recommendations are always gratefully received, either for books or must try recipes. I don’t really have a set style of baking… just a sweet tooth and a thirst for knowledge. The ever-hungry fiancé helps too!

*For those of your who sadly missed this 80s gem, take a look here.