This week Her Campus got to meet Campus’s Queen of Cakes, Pippa. She’s the newly appointed President of Cake Soc, and with big plans for the society, from charity work to organising all-you-can-eat pudding evenings, Pippa is Nottingham’s very own Mary Berry. She tells us about her signature bake, how her passion for baking started and what else she enjoys doing when she’s not cooking up a storm!
When did you first get into baking?
I started baking at a very early age, taught by my mum and gran. I started off fairly simple with basic cakes and scones. My mum’s theory was, if she could do it, so could her daughter. Obviously the only motivation I needed was licking out the bowl at the end!
How did you get involved with the society?
I loved the look of the society last year, having a love of both eating and baking cakes. So I went to a few of the sessions and events like the all-you-can-eat pudding evening at Encounters restaurant. Then I was hooked. After all who doesn’t love unlimited puddings! So after that I decided to apply for a position on the committee for this year with lots of big ideas for the society, especially more charity work!
Do you have any special/exciting events coming up?
We have so much planned in Cake Soc and as the year goes on it will only get better! We have just had our Halloween murder mystery event which was a massive success and everyone that came loved it! Tomorrow is the first all-you-can-eat pudding event of the year, which I am massively looking forward to. After that we have our usual baking sessions on a Wednesday, a highly recommended session would be the giant jaffa cakes. Then to end the year with a bang, we are joining up with other food related societies such as coeliac society and throwing our members a ‘not to be missed’ ball. We have a three course meal, function room, private bar, red carpet, DJ and a disco… for a tiny price!!
Were you pleased with the Bake Off result the other week?
Me and my housemates watch the Great British Bake Off religiously and were more than happy with the winner! Truly deserved!!
What would be your signature bake?
I love to make Christmas cakes, my favourite that I make is my boozy chocolate Christmas cake. A twist on a classic. It is by no means a quick recipe but you can pack it full of flavour and be as creative as you like with the decorating. What makes it even better is the ease in which the recipe can be adapted to suit anyone’s favourite taste and a small unique cake can be made which people will love. A great individual Christmas gift!
Any top kitchen tips for aspiring bakers?
Don’t be afraid to try something new and more importantly to have fun whilst doing it! Baking shouldn’t be a chore. It should be enjoyed! Don’t forget, everyone loves cake; it’s so easy to make someone’s day with a baked gift!
When you aren’t baking what else do you enjoy getting up to in Nottingham?
When I am not baking or doing events with Cake Soc, I have my degree- Psychology. I also am part of the UNICEF on campus team for Nottingham Uni so help out by fundraising for such a worthy cause. I am also a massive fan of comedy, so comedy soc was a must this year. So cake and laughter – second year at Nottingham Uni is looking good!