Dot Dicks chats to us about winning The Great SA Bake Off last year, and how she’ll be watching the new season wine in hand!
What is life like a year after Bake Off? What have you been up to?
I spent a while basking in the glory of winning the Bake Off, but now life has gone back to normal – I’m focusing on work, my husband, our daughter. It is great when someone comes up to me in a shop or restaurant and asks, “Weren’t you the winner of that baking show?” or when somebody wants me to make a birthday cake for their son or daughter because they were my biggest fan when I was on the show.
I still bake a lot and am enjoying developing my own recipes, using what I’ve learnt over the past year.
READ MORE: Find Out More About Dot Dicks’s SA Bake Off Experience
How does it feel seeing new bakers step up to the plate this year? Are you a bit nostalgic?
I have to admit, I was quite jealous of the new contestants, especially when I saw the beautiful tent again, but then I remembered the stress of the competition and thought maybe not. I know the bakers are going to have the time of their lives, and I hope they enjoy every bit of the amazing journey they’re embarking on.
What advice do you have for the new bakers?
Practise your recipes at home as much as you can, then when you’re in the tent read your recipes over and over. But, above all, enjoy yourselves!
PLUS: Meet The New South African Bake Off Contestants
What advice do you have for women who want to cook these creations at home? Who maybe want to become amateur bakers?
Baking is a science, with a whole lot of passion thrown in. When I bake, I mainly do it for the joy of creating something someone else will love. So, if you are going to bake make sure you take your time, follow the recipe and have fun.
What are some of the things you’re looking forward to about season 2?
I can’t wait to see what these 12 wonderful bakers come up with. I’ll be watching the show from my couch, sitting back with a glass of wine, thinking thank goodness I don’t have to be judged by Tjaart and Shirley again…
