Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

I’m Ruth Clemens, Mum to 3 naughty boys and wife to 1, I run The Pink Whisk a baking blog packed full of recipes, photo tutorials and all sorts besides! I took part in the first series of The Great British Bake Off in 2010 which set me off on a whole new baking journey.

Tell us a bit about the book?

There’s recipes for all sorts of cakes, hopefully something to suit everyone. Its full of step by step pictures to help along the way, in the same way I write the blog.

What was the inspiration behind it?

I wanted to start writing recipes books but my criteria was that it had to be full of pictures, lots of books these days often don’t have even a finished result picture which I didn’t want. The blog is full of pictures – to help everyone along the way and make sure you’re on the right track. Unfortunately in books pictures cost money so I had to hold out to write the sort of book I wanted, and that the blog readers would associate with me. Fortunately I didn’t have to wait too long and David & Charles backed me all the way!

Which is your favourite project?

It has to be Swiss Roll – you can make it (and eat it) within about half an hour – you can’t beat the taste of a freshly made swiss roll!

What is your craft space like?

The honest answer is my kitchen is the size of peanut, in an old falling apart kind of state. My biggest length of worktop is 50cm long, which I share with the kettle, tea, coffee and sugar! I am sure a lot of people envisage me working in a large modern space but for now that’s just a dream! My writing space is the dining room table – at least there’s space to spread out there.

Have you always been creative?

I think I’ve always been crafty and creative, I loved making things as a child, whether it was rehashing clothes on Mums sewing machine or glueing dried flowers onto straw hats I was always up to something. I think it was a trait encouraged by my Mum, and something I’ve never stopped doing!

When did you first start crafting?

As a child I was always making something, birthday cakes, peppermint creams all sorts of things with my Mum so I can’t remember the first thing I made. I loved Home Economics lessons at High School too – I do remember a Cherry Cobbler I was extremely proud of!

Who are your crafty heroes?

I love Rachel Allen, Mary Berry and I love watching the Hairy Bikers.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes from all over the place, out shopping, in cafes and restaurants and often ideas strike me at the strangest of moments. I’m always on the look out for inspiring ideas and flavour combinations.

What's next for you?

Who knows what’s around the corner! Opportunities come along all the time so I’m very lucky! I love writing the books as I can work from home and around family life, the same with the blog, hopefully I’ll be doing those for a long time yet.

Ruth Clemens, finalist on the highly successful television series The Great British Bake Off, shares her delicious cake recipes, fitting for all sorts of occasions. With detailed step-by-step photography you can check your progress as you go, knowing that you're on the right track.

Divided into three techniques sections: Creaming Methods, Whisked Cakes and Melting Methods, each recipe is bursting with techniques, hints, timings, shortcuts and cheats, plus all the essential information needed to maximize your creativity, so you really can achieve the perfect pudding.

Whether you are a backing expert or a complete novice, you can learn how to back impressive celebration centerpieces, party cakes, birthday treats or just feed your family a delicious dessert every single time.