Janusz Domagala's new book boasts some glorious rainbow-coloured recipes. But as the Polish-English GBBO star and LGBTQI+ champion writes in the introduction, that's not all it is.
"Before I even started thinking about the contents of this book, I already knew what I didn't want it to become. I didn't want to just create a Pride-themed baking book filled with generic, rainbow-coloured bakes without any deeper meaning. Instead, after a lot of research and self-reflection, I put as much of my time and effort into the chapters, flavours and LGBTQI+ stories within this book as I have in my heart," he explains.
Thus, many of the bakes in the book share short but meaningful comments about why he's included the recipe: 'fashionista cookies' that reflect the colourful jumpers he often wears ("when it comes to fashion, there are no rules"); 'body confidence biscuits', fudgy chocolate discs with icing in a range of skin colours ("they should be shared with everyone as a reminder that all bodies are beautiful"); a 'Ru-lade Paul' that pays homage to drag icon RuPaul.
It's all shared in a fun, encouraging and embracing tone – much like his Instagram account.
Others are sheer fun: edible party glasses inspired by Elton John, an 80s-inspired neon party cake, with cola-flavoured sponge and neon buttercream.
And some share a taste of his Polish heritage. Domagala was born and raised in Poland, before moving to England in 2012, where he now lives with his partner Simon and sausage dog Nigel. In the book, the self-taught baker shares Polish treats including Polish honey cake, poppy seed roulade, rose doughnuts, and his mother's pierniczki (gingerbread biscuits stuffed with plum jam).
Whether you're looking for bakes with heart, something fun and colourful for a Pride party, a cake for a special occasion, or even something for your dog (the book includes dog-friendly banana and peanut butter cookies!), the 100 colourful and uplifting recipes in the book offer plenty of options.
Here's a taste of what's between the pages:
Rainbow mini Bakewell tarts from Baking with Pride Credit: Murdoch Books / Frankie Turner
Polish honey cake. Credit: Murdoch Books / Frankie Turner
Cinnamon funfetti buns. Credit: Murdoch Books / Frankie Turner
Images and recipes from by Janusz Domagala, photography by Frankie Turner (Murdoch Books RRP HB $49.99).
