Bake Off’s Candice Brown
Last year’s Great British Bake Off winner, Candice Brown, 32, talks about family inspiration, the value of honest feedback and her new cookbook
I didn’t expect to win Bake Off
Never in a million years did I ever think I would win Bake Off. I applied to go on the show but I never thought I’d actually win. I still pinch myself now.
My inspiration
My nan Flo was the apple of my eye. She is, without doubt, one of the biggest influences in my life and when she died 12 years ago, it was so unexpected that the bottom of my world fell out. She was so inspirational. I learnt so much about baking from her.
A new adventure
It’s completely crazy and so exciting and nerve-wracking to think I’ve launched a new cookbook. It’s called Comfort and I am so proud of it. Each of my recipes has a story and I have drawn a lot from memories, nostalgia, something Mum used to do or my nan used to bake.
Cake brings comfort
I love a slice of cake – but everything in moderation! My other nan, Ivy, lived until she was 93 and I would say 95 per cent of her diet was sugar! It’s where I have inherited my sweet tooth! But it’s all about balance. Yes I enjoy a bit of stodge but I will also eat a lot of stir-fries, brown rice, spinach and sushi to balance out the naughty bits!
Honest feedback is good
My harshest critic is my partner Liam. He has eaten a lot of food! He is great. He won’t say ‘oh gosh Candice, that’s rubbish, what have you done?’ But he will say things such as ‘you could do this a bit better’. I know when something isn’t quite right. Honest feedback is so useful. Liam is my rock and he’s been so supportive. We will get married one day but we don’t feel the pressure to do so yet.
Life changed forever
My life since winning Bake Off has been a whirlwind! Every so often, I get a little flash where I just think ‘oh my goodness, what am I doing here?!’ Everything that has happened since the show has been incredible.
Tough decisions
Quitting my teaching job after Bake Off was a very hard decision, but I had the most incredible boss who told me to follow my baking dream and take all the opportunities thrown at me. I don’t know if I will go back to teaching because I just don’t know what to expect next.
Laughter is good for you
I am such a believer that everything happens for a reason. I laugh every day and that’s so important. My family is so close knit and I am very lucky because we have such a giggle together.