I’m Lizzie Acker, a quarter-finalist in the Great British Bake Off in 2021. I’m passionate about baking and love to put my personality into all my recipes. I live in Liverpool with my partner and Prudence the dog.

What are your plans for Galentines Day?

I’ll certainly be celebrating Galentine’s Day with my friends on 13 February. This new tradition came over from the US, where friends get together with their pals to celebrate all their female friendships. I am not really into buying lots of gifts to show my love for my friends; instead, I like to spend time creating something special to convey that I’m thinking about them. So this year, I’ve come up with a special Galentine’s Day Blondie recipe using Nielsen-Massey Gourmet Vanilla Extract to provide the perfect vanilla flavour for them. I’ve put my heart into creating my signature Blondies to give to my best friends, so only the very best will do. This particular recipe is an ode to my best friend, who has made brownies for special occasions over the last ten years. I wanted to honour this symbol of friendship with my own unique version of the traditional recipe, which has received my best friend’s full approval! 

For many people, food is the way to their heart. Would you agree?

I totally agree; if anyone takes time out from their day to make me something to eat, it gives me butterflies.

If you were cooking a 3 course Valentines Day meal for the girls, what would it be?!

Obviously, I’d serve the Galentine’s Day Blondies for pudding, but I’d also serve Hoisin duck pancakes and then spaghetti for that lady and the tramp moment.

What’s your favourite style of cooking/ baking at the moment?

I love traybakes as they are simple and can feed lots of people. I can take them to work and keep everyone happy. To make them taste even more delicious, I use Nielsen-Massey products; this is a must!

What’s on the agenda in 2022 for Lizzie Acker?

I’ll be continuing my baking journey, and I am currently discussing several potential projects for 2022, including a book, a TV series, a Podcast, Food Festivals and social media collaborations. Having just bought my first house, I’ll be busy designing and renovating it to create my palace, and as my main is baking, I’ll be busy in my new kitchen coming up with lots of tasty recipes.