GRANNY INSPIRED BAKING BUSINESS
THERE might be a boom in cake making since Bake Off took to our screens. But before even the BBC version existed, Lily Jones was leading the way when it came to creating something a bit beyond the common bun.
The 35-year-old has been running her successful business Lily Vanilli in London for the past ten years, making spectacular treats and stunning cakes to order.
Now fans of Lily’s books can sample her wares for themselves as she’s hosting a stall at this weekend’s Treatyard, a new experience taking over Dublin’s Eatyard.
But a little-known fact is that Lily’s Irish granny was the person who first ignited her love of baking.
‘My granny, who is from Galway, taught me how to bake,’ Lily explains. ‘She was very classic in her cakes and recipes. She made the most amazing soda bread and she always made exactly the same things, but did so really well.’
After baking at home for a hobby, Lily saw a way she could make her passion into a thriving business.
‘I’ve been a professional baker for the last ten years,’ she says. ‘Before that I was always experimenting in the kitchen and interested in the ways of stretching what you can do creatively.’
Her solo venture Lily Vanilli has now expanded, due to a big demand for Lily’s delicious produce.
‘Even from the beginning of having Lili Vanilli in London I have always been interested in flavours and what you can do to push the boundaries,’ she says.
‘In terms of developing a recipe, I will spend the day on something depending on what it is and then we will produce quite a lot these days so we can make things in quite high volumes.’
The treat makers’ line-up includes the likes of Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, the team behind the Cruffin, San Francisco’s viral pastry sensation, MOLCi, Dublin’s exceptional hot chocolate and churro food truck, Delish Melish, the award-winning gourmet meringue and marshmallow maker and Zuko’s Bakery.
At the bar, there’ll be delicious drinks, from the classic Baileys over ice to the ultimate freakshakes and some winter warmers besides.
Across the weekend there will also be music, entertainment, talks and demos with the inspirational makers and bakers. And Lily has her own special treats in store. ‘‘I’m bringing a version of my sticky toffee pudding which I have developed for winter over here which is very richly spiced with tonka bean and cardamom.
‘Then some have Bailey’s custard piped through the middle and then they are drenched in Bailey’s salted caramel. We are doing a version with and without and that is a special for this trip.’
Just the ticket to raise your spirits on those cold autumn nights.