Aran: Recipes and Stories from a Bakery in the Heart of Scotland

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Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin, or similar rectangular baking tin. There are five sleek, electronics-free rooms – the top floor eyrie has a lute on the wall, more sheepskins, a polished-concrete bathroom with circular tub, double monsoon shower and Laura Thomas toiletries. There is a bed in a cupboard for the one who snores – or you could squeeze in a child or two. Breakfast is delivered in a hamper for enjoying in bed or, if it’s sunny, by the river.

However, don’t ask her who she wants to win the latest series of The Great British Bake Off, which has its finale coming up on November 15. Serve immediately with good hunks of the honey and oat bread (below) and any extra dressing. You can also add some green chilli slices and lime wedges for a bit of heat. Cover loosely with cling film again, and place in the fridge overnight. Make sure it is not cramped, as the dough will grow in size. Put the sliced onions into a deep saucepan with the vinegar and sugar and cook over a medium-low heat for about 15 minutes. You are looking to soften the onions, then almost caramelize them. There should be no excess liquid in the pan. But, as the most wholesome show on TV has grown in popularity – last year the series attracted a peak of more than seven million viewers per episode – so too has the ambitions of the home bakers. And success in the famous white tent can result in more than just a sweet treat.With veganism gaining in popularity among Gen Zedders, does she offer vegan options? “A couple, but that’s not something we do massively,” she replies, with an almost imperceptible sigh. “Apart from the fact that it’s very hard to cater for every possible dietary requirement, our ethos here is hugely based on local, as opposed to dietary. Even if it wasn’t planned, Bake Off certainly did boost Flora’s career – although the now 24-year-old walked a very different path to her cooking contemporaries. Yes, the ubiquitous book deal followed, and her debut collection of recipes, Gatherings, was published in January 2017. Last week, Scots clan chief Lady Claire Macdonald, Irish TV chef Rachel Allen and Yorkshire cook Frances Atkins were photographed attending screen tests in London with judge Paul Hollywood, sparking rumours they are to be the replacements for Mary Berry. I’ve had lovely messages from my fellow contestants on Bake Off including Nadiya Hussain and Mat Riley.

I will be doing most of the cooking but I will be employing a full-time baker and my mum will be lending a hand. It’s going to be a real family affair. Remove from the oven once crisp and allow them to cool completely before serving with a good selection of cheese and antipasti, or with the above soup and some nice salted butter. They will keep in an airtight container for a month.

Flora’s book, Gatherings, has been flying off the shelves since its release on January 26 and she isn’t ruling out a second. It’s a very bizarre experience and I suppose it can be quite damaging. I was just aware it wasn’t something I wanted to do again.