Swindon Lives - Food Glorious Food - Sarah Still Special

In our latest edition of Swindon Lives, we caught up with Swindon born, Food Glorious contestant - Sarah Still. Find out about Sarah's experience on the show and her Spiced Banana Cake in our exclusive interview below.

Tell us a little bit about Food Glorious Food and how you got involved with the show?

I had heard in the media that ITV were going to bring out a new cooking show and just kept my eye out until I came across the advertisement and application form online. 

They were looking for a recipe which had a narrative behind it and I instantly thought of my Banana cake recipe.  I created the recipe after returning from a holiday to Grenada, when I was sat in a little cafe in the rainforest next to a waterfall eating Nutmeg cake. 

I really wanted to re-create this and try and capture the ambience I felt whilst I was there, so I have been experimenting with this recipe for a long time!

It was an amazing experience, and when I entered I never expected to get a call to come to the regional heat, it’s like the lottery you might do it but never think it will be you who wins, as so many people enter!  It was a very surreal and wonderful show and experience to be part of.

When did you first discover that you could bake?

From a really young age, probably about 9 years old, I would always make the desserts and cakes for family occasions!

Which food would you not be able to live without?

Oh that’s too hard, there’s so many amazing foods out there….Nutmeg! I love to grate it into lots of savory dishes. Lemon I love how refreshing it is and how it can transform a dish!

What did it feel like when you first saw your ‘Spiced Banana Cake’ recipe in the Food Glorious Food cookbook? How did you come up with the recipe?

Really overwhelming, I cried! I came home from work to a package which was the book the publisher Octopus had sent directly! The recipe in the book is called ‘A Taste of Sunshine’.

Describe yourself in 3 words…

Feisty, Sensitive, Fun

You’re in the process of setting up your own business ‘Still Sweet Bakery’, what are your hopes for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I’m so excited about it, so far I only have the name ‘Still Sweet Bakery’ and a logo design.  I would like to see myself with my own cake / dessert shop which combines my love for art. I’d love to have an art gallery in my shop and my own textile range. 

I am also a designer and spent 5 years at The Manchester School of Art and would love to incorporate this, especially as in my design practice there is an ongoing theme of fascination with humanity and how food culture plays an integral part in our lifestyles. 

What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?

To believe and have confidence in yourself.

Your cakes look absolutely delicious, it must be tempting to have a slice or two every now and then, how do you stay in such great shape?

Thank you, it is, I am a great believer in indulgence and of course, I have to ‘taste test’ after all and I have a massive sweet tooth!  I think being on my feet cooking in the evenings and walking 4 miles a day to work keeps me in good shape!

When you’re not in the kitchen, how do you like to spend your spare time?

I love going out for dinner with friends, shopping, Zumba, Yoga and relaxing in the spa.  I also like to try and escape to the countryside for a change of scenery to the city!

You’ve got 20 words to surprise us with. Go…

Smile, laugh and enjoy life.  I believe everything happens for a reason and dreams can become reality if you are proactive and make things happen.