Bolton Bake Off star Mak Patel shares lemon drizzle cake recipe

I’m on a slightly more serious note today. An issue that could be affecting the male population which may sometimes be overlooked, or not discussed as often as it should be; men’s mental health and wellbeing.

No person is immune to the trials of life. We find ourselves in a very precarious situation, the perfect storm of financial worries, a general economic strain on the country and an all round malaise brought in by the dreary world outlook.

Don’t suspect even for a minute that I am saying men are more affected than women, they’re not.

However, due to the way we are men are less likely to access the support they need.

An organisation has been set up in Bolton called "Manbassadors".

It is a free service provided by Bolton At Home and the aim is to reach out to men, over the age of 18, who are going through worry and anxiety.

We show symptoms in different ways. In fact we may not even know our mental health has been affected but others around us may be noticing the signs.

Bolton Manbassadors is a free service (Image: Manbassadors)

If you know a man who feels lost with no direction and has not been feeling themselves lately then help is at hand with Manbassadors.

Bolton’s Manbassadors are here for a chat, they can help get the person back on track. Manbassadors promote positive mental health and wellbeing in men.

Bolton Manbassadors are looking to take a different approach in engaging men, normalising conversations around mental health, removing the stigma, and supporting men to get the support they need.

This service is free and confidential. Lord knows there have been times when I needed support but felt too proud to reach out.

Contact Bolton Manbassadors today if you think you or someone else you know needs support. More information can be found by contacting Manbassadors.
Mobile. 07787 337 474
boltonmanbassadors@boltonathome.org.uk
www.boltonathome.org.uk/bolton-manbassadors/
#InitTogether

One way I deal with my anxieties is shutting the world out.

Not reading the news and limiting my mobile phone usage.

Then there is my kitchen, where a world of possibilities exists and today, you lucky people, I am sharing with you my signature cake.

Mak cooking up a treat (Image: Mak Patel)

My lemon drizzle has made its way around the world.

I can knock this up in an hour but the end result will be the most delicious cake you will ever make. You will feel good about yourself for not a lot of effort.

Mak's lemon drizzle cake (Image: Mak Patel)

The Best Crunchy Lemon Drizzle Cake
Prep time 15 minutes. Cook time 35-40 minutes. Makes one family sized cake.

200g soft margarine
350g self raising flour
Two teaspoons baking powder
350g caster sugar
Two heaped tablespoons poppy seeds (to give the cake a little crunch)
Four eggs, beaten
120ml milk
Finely grated rind of two lemons

For the crunchy drizzle topping
Juice of 2 lemons
180g granulated sugar

Mak in action in the kitchen (Image: Mak Patel)

Method
1. Grease and line  a large loaf tin or a 19 cm round cake tin
2. Turn oven on 180℃ fan
3. Using an electric whisk mix all the cake ingredients together. Keep whisking for two minutes. Turn out batter into the cake tin and place in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
4. Whilst the cake is in the oven make the drizzle by mixing the sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. No wasted lemons here!
5. The cake will be done when the sides have shrunk slightly from the edges. A skewer (or small knife) inserted comes out clean.
6. Whilst the cake is still hot, poke a few holes on the top using a skewer, soak the lemon mixture all over the cake. Use up all the liquid.
7. Leave to cool first before turning out and removing the paper lining.
The cake will keep for three days in an airtight container at room temperature. Afternoon teas were made for it.

Mak's lemon drizzle cake (Image: Mak Patel)

Cooking is not the only way to relieve anxieties.

There are people who are willing to listen. Kindness is all around. Manbassadors by Bolton At Home is also there for you.