NADIYA HUSSAIN

Winner in 2015, Bake Off’s most famous contestant has presented several TV shows and recently released a homeware range

Describe your dream kitchen

I would love an open-plan kitchen with an attached dining space that is big enough to sit my family down comfortably, all set against my garden space.

What’s your baking essential?

Vanilla bean powder paste, because it produces such a strong flavour and can really elevate the piece.

Which cookery books are on your shelf?

I’ve got so many. I love Shelina Permalloo’s

The Sunshine Diet and Richard Bertinet’s

Crust. For the festive season, I adore

Nigel Slater’s The Christmas Chronicles.

Most memorable baking fail?

I was making a liquid chocolate cake and didn’t seal the spring form tin properly, so all the cake leaked out! how did you get into baking?

I started baking because I suffer with anxiety, and it really helped me to relieve some of those symptoms. Plus, my husband really likes cake…

best Bake Off memory?

When I made the chocolate peacock in Chocolate Week.

What should a beginner invest in?

I think the right oven is so important, but it’s worth trying before you buy as there are so many options. If you are ever out with friends or visiting places where they have equipment you have never used, see if you can try it out.

What are you up to at the moment?

There’s been lots of activity surrounding my latest cookbook and TV series, Time to Eat. I’m also busy with my homeware range and filming for new programmes. It’s non stop and I love it!

Nadiya’s homeware range (seen left) is available at Unique & Unity