Culinary Baking

Forty-something Maggie Sharpe is returning to her quaint childhood town of Dogwood Mountain, Missouri, nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Maggie recently inherited Dogwood Bakery, along with a cute little cottage, from her aunt Marjorie. With a son in the Navy, deployed six months at a time, and an ex in Kansas, Maggie decided that it was time for a change, but she soon learns that life back home is not all sprinkles and jelly-filled donuts.

Poppy Wilkinson is thrilled to be chosen as a contestant on The Great British Baking Contest. As an American with English roots, winning the crown as Britain’s Best Baker would open doors she’s dreamed of. In more ways than one. Appearing on the reality show is her chance to get into Broomewode Hall and uncover the secrets of her past. But strange things are happening on the show’s set: Accusations of sabotage, a black cat that shadows Poppy, suspiciously unsociable residents at Broomewode Hall - and the judges can be real witches.

British amateur bakers must turn out the perfect scone in this week’s filming of The Great British Baking Contest. But fledgling witch Poppy is losing her concentration as she gets closer to discovering more of her own history at Broomewode Hall, a postcard-pretty manor house in Somerset, England. However, someone is warning her to leave as she’s in danger. Can she keep her cool while solving mysteries, working on her witch skills, and still turn out a decent scone?

I can remember a time when I baked for fun. I loved dreaming up new recipes, trying different combinations of flavors. Sharing my creations with friends and family. Now? I have nightmares where the TV cameras are on me and I’m baking naked. Or I open my oven and my cake pans are empty. You don’t need to be Freud to figure out I’m freaking out. This week on The Great British Baking Contest could be my last. I am one bad bake away from being waved good-bye.

Twenty-first-century cooks and bakers are starting at the early ages of four and five. Teens are already preparing full-course meals and creating their own recipes and cookbooks. Students helped test the recipes in my book, showing me they were capable of following the recipes, using kitchen tools and techniques, and developing their own methods in the kitchen. Teens a League of Their Own includes 200 kitchen-tested recipes connecting with the upcoming generation and inspiring any age or level of cook or baker to make future attempts in the kitchen arena.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build your own baking business? Do you feel like you’re a fantastic baker but not so confident about the business? Don’t worry, Nicole has you covered! With her own experience, she wrote this book explicitly for the hobby or home baker who wants to start and grow a successful home-based baking business but doesn’t know where to begin. This will help you navigate the launch of your business while still making sure your love for baking still shines through every bite!