Bake Off’s Nicky and her Everhot Cooker
The most recent series of the Great British Bake Off saw a return to more traditional cakes, biscuits and bread baking for the much-loved Channel 4 programme. Series 14 welcomed new presenter Alison Hammond, but we were especially excited to be introduced to Scottish baker, Nicky Laceby, who adores baking on her Everhot at home.
Nicky is best remembered for her entertaining time in the tent after creating her ‘Angus the Highland Cow’ bread and of course her ‘Norman the Beaver’ (cake!).
She now lives in Shropshire and is a volunteer for a pet therapy charity with her dog Bracken. Together they visit their local hospice and young people’s mental health hospital each week. She lives at home with her retired husband and her other cocker spaniel, Haggis. She makes fun baking and cooking Reels on her popular Instagram account nickybakesalot and manages another equally successful Instagram account for the dogs!
We caught up with her to find out how life has been since the tent:
Which Everhot did you buy and when? Why did you choose this one?
“We bought the Everhot 100i in 2021 and chose this model of Everhot for a few reasons. We liked the size of the ovens and made the cooker fit into the dimensions of our kitchen that we were planning. It also had an induction hob so in the summer, when it’s really hot in the kitchen, we could switch off the hot plate and just use the induction hob.”
How did you decide on the colour, it’s often the most difficult decision for our owners!
“It was a really tricky decision for us as there are so many amazing and exciting colours to choose from. I was really torn between the Aubergine and the Graphite. The final decision came down to our kitchen cabinet colours and what would work best with them. For me the colour of your Everhot is such a big factor when choosing your oven because it beams and smiles at you every time you walk into the kitchen which is such a lovely feeling.”
Can you describe your kitchen for us and how the Everhot fits into it?
“In truth we chose the Everhot first and then designed the kitchen around it. Our kitchen is my happy place and I spend most of the day in it, as do Bracken and Haggis. I love the fact that our kitchen is always a hive of activity, we have a central island that is used non stop throughout the day. I love that when friends and family pop by, they just plonk themselves down at the island with a coffee, or a glass of something a little stronger depending on the time of day, and have a chat while I am baking.”
What’s your cooking style at home?
“Very relaxed! I love to take my time when preparing meals. I do make a lot of one pot meals that just tick over slowly in the Everhot. Then when it is time to eat it can be served straight from the pot at the table.”
What led you to apply for the Great British Bake off?
“In true Elvis’ words: “It’s now or never” I thought to myself! In fact, it was a little nod to my gran. Like so many families up and down the country, my gran was a great baker. From the age of three she used to teach me how to make scones, pancakes, knead the bread, roll out the pastry. Which then developed into a passion for baking that has continued throughout my life. I now enjoy baking alongside my niece and passing on my handy hints that I have picked up over time. All of the above made me think that it was time to fill out the Great British Bake Off application form. I never expected for one moment that it would actually become a reality.”
Can you tell us a little about your experience on the Bake Off? What was it like being in the tent?
“The moment the big white tent came into view I realised that this was actually real and happening! And then when I walked into the tent I felt like a kid in a sweet shop, my eyes were everywhere and I wanted to touch everything. Then the nerves kicked in. It was such a surreal experience, it took a while to get used to the cameras. However when the well known catchphrase was said “on your marks, get set, bake” it was time to get baking. And in that moment, once the nerves settled, I was back in my happy place baking but maybe not in a tent in the middle of a field! It is an experience that will never leave me. Along my Bake Off journey I have made friendships that I will always cherish.”
Did you think Matty was a worthy winner?
“Matty is such a lovely salt of the earth guy and I was so happy for him when he won. Although every baker in the tent was a winner in my eyes. They were such a great talented bunch of bakers and it’s been a real privilege to get to know them all.”
What is your favourite thing to bake in your Everhot?
“Now that is a question! To be honest I can’t pick one specific bake as there are so many to choose from. Here is just a small selection…..cakes, shortbread, scones, sourdough bread, hot cross buns, sweet pastry tarts, quiches……..the list goes on and on.”
Can you give us an Everhot baking tip?
“Don’t be precise with your timings, cakes normally take a little longer. Time is always on your side with your Everhot.”
Why is an Everhot so good for baking?
“Because it bakes everything beautifully and evenly, all the way through, with a much more gentle heat source. My Everhot is my truly faithful friend that never lets me down in the kitchen.”
