The Rise of the Home Baker – uncut interview

In the Spring edition of Archive, Anna interviewed Ruth Clemens, runner up on 2010s The Great British Bake Off. Here, exclusive to our website, is the uncut interview.

To you, what is the importance of baking?

If we don’t teach our children how to bake it will die out, the power is in our hands to maintain the tradition. In the past few years there’s been a massive supermarket boom, we’ve been conned into thinking its wonderful, but it will never taste as good as home made.

Why do you enjoy baking?

I’m not good at cooking at all, but I love baking. I watch shows like Masterchef, which are way out of my league, but I love baking for everyday purposes, to put biscuits in the tin. I like baking because it’s a giving past time, it’s very selfless.

How did you apply for The Great British Bake Off?

I saw an article for keen home bakers and thought it looked like fun!

“I like baking because it’s a giving past time, it’s very selfless.”

Did you want to win the Great British Bake Off?

I never set out thinking I’d win, it was all about enjoying the experience. As long as I was enjoying it, I was happy taking part. I didn’t like the competitive part, I made a lot of friends and it was upsetting to see them go.

What do you think about the British reputation as a ‘tea drinking, scone eating society’?

[Laughs] I think it is something we British do very well! I’m very proud of our heritage.

What do you love about baking?

I like to play at baking, all the recipes on my website are my own work, which I’ve adapted from traditional methods. Baking never goes wrong, it just doesn’t always go right. My family are my critics, if it goes down well with the boys, then it’ll go on the website.

What are you favourite recipes?

My ultimate favourite recipes are my scones, ginger cakes and minced meat and onion pies.

Visit Ruth’s website for more information about her home baking experiences, recipes and tips.