Amid the stress and chaos of modern life, do you ever long for a few peaceful moments, in which you might do something good, simple and satisfying? Baking a cake is the perfect antidote for worry and stress. With the right ingredients, anyone can whip up a creation that will dazzle your guests, silence a mother-in-law and satisfy a grumbling belly.

Cakes offers up a dizzying collection of recipes for every possible occasion. The perfection of a simple sponge will delight you, while cheesecakes are arrayed in all their creamy glory, and the full gamut of chocolate cakes are bound to tempt your tastebuds.

So tie up your aprons, take out your mixing bowls and breathe a long sigh of relief. Right now, it’s just you, a recipe and the lovely cake to come.

Marianne Hudson is a food stylist who loves to entertain, and has been asked on many occasions by friends to cater for their engagement parties and weddings.