Candice Brown - Happy Cooking

Hi, my name is Candice. I won The Great British Bake Off in 2016. I run a successful pub with my brother, I have written a book (this is my second), and I write recipes for various publications. I travel far and wide on my own and regularly go on stage to demonstrate cookery in front of huge crowds. I have appeared on TV numerous times.

I also have depression, PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) and chronic phobia. Oh, and this year I was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), which explains a lot!!

When I write this down it looks like two different people introducing themselves to you, but I am both.

Mental health is something that is becoming more and more frequently talked about in society; it is becoming more recognised, and less stigmatised. I will never claim to be an expert or give advice but what I do know is what has helped me, what has got me through some of my darkest days and what has kept me going and that is food. Food and cooking.

For me, food has always been about more than just eating. It is the cooking, the process from start to finish that I love. From the first thought or idea that excites you, gets your senses going and your mouth watering, to choosing each ingredient and turning them into something tasty, comforting and exciting. Even when it doesnt go to plan, cooking raises my spirits. It still usually tastes good even if its not what I planned!

Ive often spoken about cooking being my thing the only thing Ive ever felt comes naturally. Because of this, I cook not only because I want to, but because I need to. Cooking is a saviour for me. Learning from mistakes and knowing what to do to improve it next time this process is how I learn to be a better cook and is also my kind of therapy.

Cooking gives me confidence when I feel my least confident. It reminds me I can do something good, that I can make people smile and bring joy through something I have done myself. Cooking reminds me that I am good enough.

The kitchen has always been my happy place. My first memories of my Nan are in the kitchen, me stood next to her watching her making pastry, Yorkshire puddings and my grandads favourite cakes. The kitchen is the place I always gravitate to, whether its at a family gathering, friends houses, parties or visiting restaurants Ill always ask for a little look or try to linger there. Its the only place I feel completely at ease.

I cook and bake when Im happy, when Im sad, when Im bored, anxious or fidgety which I now know is sometimes down to my ADHD when that dark cloud surrounds me like a thick, heavy burden and I have no idea why. Its my place. Cooking has got me through some proper shit times, and it continues to do so.

Our lives are busy, sometimes chaotic and often unexpected things happen. Well, thats how I might describe mine anyway. Things change, dont go to plan, derail us, upset us, shock us and thats OK. What we need to do, sometimes, is just slow down, take time and take stock of the things that we enjoy and that make us happy or at least smile for a while.

My mental health is something I hadnt really spoken about until fairly recently, but it is something Ive been battling with for quite a few years. I have had days where I didnt want to get out of bed, Ive cancelled plans, not spoken to family and friends and felt completely useless. But I have also accomplished things I never thought possible and probably other people never thought possible and that is because I found something I love. Cooking at home puts me in my comfort zone and cooking outside my kitchen pushes me out of my comfort zone too, which is a good thing.

If you are like me and I have recently found out so many of you are you take to your kitchen to sooth anxieties, calm yourself and make yourself smile. Cooking has brought a whole load of us together through that mutual love. That and long hot baths, cake and chicken nuggets!

This book contains recipes that I want to share with you so I can spread some of the joy they give me (a bath is optional!). These recipes are simple to follow, easy to adapt if you are missing an ingredient and perfectly delicious. Many of them are quick to make because life is busy. It should be no surprise that some of my favourite bakes and cakes feature here, celebrating the simple British pleasure and comfort you get from having a cup of tea and a slice of cake or a gooey warm cookie or both! These small moments of joy just seem to make life a little bit better. Even more so, if shared.

Throughout this book you will find lots of simple, comforting meals because I find that one of the tricky things to do when life gets a little bit tough is to find meal inspiration. These are some of my favourite recipes and things to eat that have got me through low times and frazzled weeks, when my feet dont touch the ground and my brain feels like mush. These old friends from my kitchen have methodical, tried-and-tested, familiar steps that never fail to take my mind off worries and offer delicious pick-me-up flavours that feel like a hug for my taste buds. They put a smile on my face and raise my spirits, so I can get that lipstick on, ready to face another day.

I have tried to keep everything simple yet hearty and easy to adapt to the seasons and what you might have in the cupboard and fridge. This is food that fills your belly and lifts your spirits. There are recipes here that you can make in one pan throw a load of ingredients together, whack in the oven and return to after youve hidden under the duvet for a little while. Even better, youll have leftovers for another day or the base for a second meal.

There are other recipes that will help you while away a weekends worries, keeping those fidgety hands and your overworked brain busy. These are my self-care recipes lots of calming processes, such as making bread, shaping pastry for a pie, or decorating extravagant celebration cakes that you can share with your loved ones, to offer as a gift or have a big ol slice yourself while watching your favourite film!

We can often forget number one and get easily overwhelmed. We need to ensure we take time for ourselves and be kind to, not only everyone else, but ourselves too. I hope this book will help you do that.

This book doesnt aim for perfect. It aims for deliciousness.

You wont find any guilty food chats, no rules and no judgement. Just good, simple nourishment from proper food made with love and care.

SAVOURY:

SWEET:

WHEN I AM feeling particularly low, I start picking at things in the kitchen, raiding the cupboard and gravitating towards food like crisps, cheese and chicken nuggets things that are instantly available and settle cravings if only briefly.