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| In 2015, 13 million people watched Nadiya Hussain win in the finale of “The Great British Bake Off.” It was the most-watched TV show of the year. And Hussain’s star was born. |
| In the years since, she’s written 17 books, including “Bake Me A Story,” which was shortlisted for Children’s Book of the Year, and starred in multiple television series. In 2017, she was named one of the U.K.’s 500 most influential people and made BBC News’ 100 Women list. She was even commissioned to bake the cake for Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday party. |
| We were lucky to snag some time with Hussain to learn more about her journey. Read our Q&A below for cooking tips and insights from this inspiring woman. |
| Q: |
From winning “The Great British Bake Off” to writing children's books like “Today I'm Strong,” you’ve got several food shows, books, and accomplishments under your belt. Where did your passions for food, cooking, and writing come from?
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| A: My passion for food and cooking has definitely come from growing up in a home where cooking was always the focal point. My dad ran restaurants and my mum is an amazing cook, so that definitely stirred my enthusiasm and interest. |
| Q: |
Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how you got to be where you are now? |
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| A: I have always cooked, but I started baking when I was 21. I learnt a lot from watching videos online and watching cookery shows. |
| Q: |
Do you notice that eating different foods affects your health and the way you feel? If so, how? |
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| A: Drinking plenty of water and eating a handful of nuts are a daily must in our home. We like to make sure having a rainbow on the plate is something we strive for our evening meals. |
| Q: |
What’s your go-to healthy snack? And how do you make it? |
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| A: I love cashews. I like to mix them up with egg whites and a few of my favorite spices and bake till crisp and dry. |
| Q: |
What are your three favorite ingredients to cook with? And why? |
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| A: Garlic for zing, lemon for sharpness, turmeric for color and smoky flavor. |
| Q: |
What are your three favorite kitchen tricks? (These can be tricks for simplifying meal prep and cooking, fixes to common cooking mistakes, swaps that make meals healthier, etc.) |
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A:
- Make double batches and freeze one half for another day.
- To peel garlic fast, add the cloves to boiling water for 1 minute, and they peel right off.
- Instead of using vegetable oil, I like to use olive oil as a healthier fat alternative.
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