--- Watch Nadiya Bakes Mondays 8pm on SBS Food, with episodes available after they air for a limited time. ---
"I very rarely sing - but this brownie makes me sing!" says Nadiya Hussain of the triple-layer decadence she calls her '. "I have this saying that money can't buy you happiness, but brownies can," she says, explaining the name of the tray of delight she cooks up in the eight-part series Nadiya Bakes.
Along with those brownies (we've decided we'll call them Happiness Brownies, for short), the series has all kinds of recipes that will make you, and those you bake for, smile. There's ice-cream flavoured cupcakes, ideas for baking on a budget, an eight-layer honey cake, and an episode devoted to savoury bakes, too.
Nadiya with her triple-layer brownies. Source: Nadiya Bakes
Here's what you can look forward to:
Episode 1: Classic Bakes with a Twist
Nadiya shares her favourite recipes for classic bakes with a twist. Everyday cupcakes are transformed into fun-filled treasures in her , a traditional scone is given a modern remix in a , while a spicy Asian kick takes a traditional toad-in-the-hole to a new level to create a comforting savoury classic with her . And, finally, the traditional sponge is taken up a notch with mango and coconut flavours that are sunshine on a plate in her .
Episode 2: Indulgent Desserts
Banana cheesecake Source: Penguin Books / Nadiya Bakes
In the second episode of Nadiya Bakes, Nadiya Hussain turns her attention to desserts to end any meal in style. She kicks things off with her ultimate bursting with bananas and blueberries. It's the ultimate spectacular centrepiece, plus it's vegan too. Next up is Nadiya's husband's absolute favourite, a , served with lashings of steaming custard, and best eaten curled up on the sofa. Comfort food that's guaranteed to lift your spirits. Nadiya also gives us a taste of the Middle East with her take on delicious Lebanese bite-sized treats, perfect , and laced with orange blossom and saffron syrup. Finally, Nadiya shares her tips and tricks for her picture-perfect .
Episode 3: Savoury Bakes
Nadiya loves pie and starts off with her her - with a whole brie hidden inside. Next, she turns her attention to bread, but instead of making a simple loaf, she goes all out with a cheeky : a brilliantly creative recipe that has all the flavours of pizza and is so much fun to tear and share. Nadiya's next recipe involves throwing the rulebook out of the window and making noodles. Her one-pan wonder is so easy, super speedy, and the perfect fuss-free midweek meal. Finally, Nadiya reminds us all that the joy of baking can come from mastering the basics, so she teaches us her foolproof shortcrust pastry, which she then uses as a delicious base for her bright and beautiful .
Episode 4: Baking with Chocolate
'Happiness' brownies Source: Penguin Books / Nadiya Bakes
Episode 5: Bakes To Share
Nadiya with her brioche ring Source: Nadiya Bakes
Episode 6: Baking on a Budget
Nadiya's pretzels are a budget-friendly bake. Source: Nadiya Bakes
Episode 7: Biscuits and Bites
Nadiya Hussain with her chicken 'doughnut' parcels. Source: Nadiya Bakes
Nadiya believes that a homemade biscuit is one of life's greatest pleasures so she kicks off with her deceptively simple but beautiful Italian-inspired . Next, Nadiya breaks all the rules with her insanely wicked but ridiculously tasty , deep fried for the ultimate crunchy exterior and topped with spicy savoury dust. Who says doughnuts have to be sweet says Nadiya! Also on the menu is a colourful , laced with ginger and turmeric for the perfect bite-sized pick-me-up. Finally, Nadiya shares her recipe for her .
Episode 8: Celebration Bakes
Having won The Great British Bake Off and baked Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday cake Nadiya is an expert when it comes to cakes to mark a special occasion. First up is a spectacular e with a heart on top that has birthday written all over it. At a glance, this bake looks fiendish, but with Nadiya's fool-proof tips and tricks, it is achievable for even the novice baker. Next is Nadiya's sparkly e, enriched dough filled with a luxurious praline cream, inspired by the New Orleans Mardi Gras and so perfect for a party. Nadiya also shares her recipe for the ultimate . With a pink cross on top and stuffed full of jam, these buns are so delightful they could be baked and enjoyed at any time of the year! For the series finale, Nadiya wows with a spectacular . Decorated in edible flowers, and with a stash of chocolates hidden inside, it is the ultimate festive centrepiece. The episode also showcases the extraordinary skills of Nastassja Lusengo whose jaw-dropping wedding cakes are like works of art.
