Baker features on BBC cookery show

A LOCAL baker’s business was featured on BBC Two programme James Martin: Home Comforts on Monday.

Helen Bakunowicz, aka the Bakemonger, makes artistic cakes from her home in Frome, and one of her projects from last year was featured on the ‘Show Off Suppers’ episode of the celebrity chef’s show.

Helen said, “I was so excited and pleasantly surprised to be called by the BBC back in June; one of the producers had found me on Twitter and after an interview, the team came to shoot me preparing for a wedding at Hauser & Wirth Somerset in Bruton.

“I had spoken about how my mum always baked when I was growing up, so the team asked if she could come along and we could bake something traditional and Polish together. They arrived to film in my home and spent 12 hours with us!  It was a fantastic experience!

“They interviewed me for a few hours discussing my creative background and training, then  mum and I baked a traditional Polish cake ‘Piernik’.

“They filmed me creating individual cakes for the wedding ‘cakescape’ as well as the making of my edible decorations.  Filming day was wonderful, very busy, but such a pleasure to share my creativity and talk about my business.  It was also special to bake with my mum again, something I did as a child, but don’t get the chance to do very often now.

Helen sells her homemade cakes at the monthly Frome Independent Market and at Caro Somerset in Bruton. She specialises in making bespoke desserts.

To find out more or see her work visit www.thebakemonger.com

The episode of James Martin: Home Comforts will be repeated this Saturday 16th January at 11.30am on BBC Two.