Joel Recognised as a Cake Master!

Fourth Year Joel has achieved first prize in a baking competition for a renowned baking magazine, delighted in seeing his own recipe published in a book, and now aspires to advance his culinary capabilities further as his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award (D of E) skill. Here in his own words, Joel describes his passion for this creative art and science form and his journey to becoming a cake master!  

“I have been baking independently since the age of 12. My mum taught me some basic skills, but I have learnt many different techniques through watching baking programmes such as Junior Bake Off, Great British Bake Off and Cake Boss. I also read my mum's recipe books and watch You Tube baking videos.  

“I bake whenever I can, every weekend and during school holidays. Lockdowns have given me even more time to bake as I am usually busy with 22 hours a week of boys' gymnastics after school. However, during the lockdowns the gym was closed and my hours were reduced to 10 hours of online zoom sessions a week. I had much more free time to practice new baking techniques and skills. 

I love the science of baking and I like to think of baking as an art too, it's all about creativity and experimenting with new flavours and designs. I love seeing everyone eating my bakes and I find baking relaxing...when it goes to plan! 

“My favourite bakes are imaginative layered cakes with unique flavours and elaborate decorations made from fondant, meringues and different kinds of icing. I also enjoy baking biscuits, sweet and savoury pies, bread and desserts. 

“For my Bronze D of E skills section, I chose baking. Recently I have been experimenting with new techniques including developing my royal icing piping skills, working with fondant and creating intricate pastry designs for sweet and savoury pies. 

“In November 2020, I was excited to see my coconut cake with white chocolate ganache and wafer paper feature in the internationally published Cake Masters magazine.  

“I also entered a baking competition recently and found out I had won first place. My winter wonderland cake recipe was published in the book Britain Loves Baking Annual (pictured). 

“My advice for getting started in baking would be to learn basic skills like measuring ingredients correctly, following the recipe and lots of practice. Then you can start to explore more advanced baking skills. Best of all...you get to eat all your delicious bakes!”