Kate Livingston's interview
Interview by LaurenceWe interviewed Kate Livingston!
Visit the blog: Cakes and Bakes by Kate.
Discover Kate Livingston's favourite recipe: Lemon Cheesecake
Kate is based in Leeds and is the recent winner of the Renshaw's Royal Baby Cake Competition! Well done Kate!
Through her blog, Kate shares her baking and cake decorating tips she learns with each creation. If you are looking for inspiration to make a special occasion cake - this blog is a must to follow!
Hello Kate Livingston, so tell us...
When and how did you decide to start your blog?
I started blogging in November 2012 to share my experiences and tips with other amateur bakers. I also hoped to meet new people who love to bake!
I first attempted baking at around the age of 15, but ended up with a truly disastrous cake. As my Mum isn't really a baker, I assumed that I just didn't have the knack to bake, and never really tried again.
After watching the 3rd series of "The Great British Bake Off" in Autumn 2011, I was inspired to give baking another go!
I was pleasantly surprised with my first few bakes - they turned out fairly well despite the earlier failure in my teens!
I did some sugarcraft at school, making sugar flowers and cake toppers. I really enjoyed it, but haven't done anything like that since. However, I've subscribed to "My Cake Decorating" magazine to enhance my sugarcraft and decoration skills.
I've recently started making cakes and cupcakes for friends and neighbours birthdays and parties, and I share a lot of these on my blog.
I'd love to have my own cake decorating business one day. Who knows what the future will hold!
If you could go back in time, what is the one piece of advice you would give your younger self as they started out on your blog?
Work hard and don't worry about comments or pageviews - they come with time! Don't be pressured to update daily - it's your blog not anyone else's.
Your photos are fantastic, in your opinion what makes a dish beautiful?
Don't rush! Putting the finishing touches to a dish or cake is a careful process. Take your time and make sure you are happy with the end result.
What is your earliest memory involving food?
My mum has always been a keen cook, so I've been helping in the kitchen from a young age. I particularly remember making profiteroles at Christmas when I was really little and eating the choux pastry leftovers.
What is your favorite type of cuisine?
Japanese food has to be my favourite! I lived in Japan for a year and loved it. My host mum taught me a few dishes, and I've learned a lot more too.
Are there any chefs that you admire in particular?
I love Nigel Slater's food - it's always fresh and simple!
If you could be a contestant or guest on any cooking show what show would you choose?
I'd love to enter the Great British Bake Off, but I've got a lot of work to do to get up to that standard!
Do you have a secret weapon in the kitchen?
Only my Mr - the washer upper!
What Gourmandize recipe would you recommend? (if none take your fancy add your own!)
I really like the sound of the Lemon Cheesecake recipe - I must give it a go!
Do you have anything else that you'd like to tell our readers about?
I recently won Renshaw's Royal Baby Cake Competition. I've won a days course at the Peggy Porschen Academy in London - I can't wait to go!
Thank you Kate Livingston for answering our questions and see you soon!
Published by Laurence - 12/08/2013
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