In the Kitchen With: Nicole Johnston (Le Bon Baker)

Attention, baking Foodies! If homestyle cooking makes your heart skip a beat, then you've got to meet Nicole (also known as Le Bon Baker.) She's not just any baker - she's a mum to twins and a YouTuber on a mission to make baking at home a breeze. 

We caught up with Nicole in her kitchen to chat about her love for baking, her secret cast-iron hacks, and why Crumble Cookware is her go-to. Whether you're just getting started or you've got a rolling pin in every drawer of your home, Nicole's tips and recipes will have you whipping up magic in no time!

Thanks so much for having us in your kitchen, Nicole! Can you give us the inside scoop on what really goes on behind-the-scenes at Le Bon Baker? 

"[Hey there!] I'm Nicole and I'm a baker, mum to twins and You Tuber based on the Gold Coast. I create and share delicious homestyle recipes, perfect for beginner home cooks who want to whip up something special for family and friends."

"My husband and I launched my YouTube channel, Le Bon Baker in 2017, as a way to keep my passion for baking alive and [share my tips and tricks with others]. These days, my channel is a cute mix of cooking videos and vlogs where I share not only my favourite recipes but also the adventures and insights on mum life with twins. 

Wow, we might have to start calling you Super Mum! You've mentioned that the kitchen is your go-to spot for letting your creativity flow. What is it about cooking that makes it such a therapeutic escape for you? 

"From a young age, I've always loved cooking and baking. [I have fond memories growing up] baking with my mum for special occasions. [Nowadays] I find cooking and baking quite therapeutic. [Not only is it a creative outlet] but it's a way for me to just be in the moment and [focus on something else].'

"I always say my cooking style is 'homestyle baking' meaning traditional recipes and family favourites that are delicious and unpretentious. [You could say] my baking style is like the feeling of a big warm hug!"

We couldn't agree more, food really does feel like a big ole' hug! Since you're all about creating a comfy kitchen, do you have any quick hacks or words of wisdom to share with our Crumble community? 

"Haha, I have so many! But if you're baking with cast-iron, [my biggest advice is to keep a close eye on your recipes]. It's tempting to just pop something in the oven and forget about it until the timer goes off, but cast-iron is different!" 

"Cast-iron retains heat more than other cookware so it's possible you may have to reduce the oven temperature, or reduce cooking time on recipes to avoid over baking or over browning. Because of this, I like to periodically check whatever is in the oven to make sure it's perfectly baked!"

That's a great piece of advice, cast-iron really is the MVP of heat retention! Now, we have to ask - is there a Crumble product that's become your go-to when baking? 

"I am totally in love with Crumble Cookware, especially the cast-iron range!"

"Aside from being non-toxic and durable, I love the versatility of being able to go from stove top, to oven and straight to the table. The colour are totally my vibe and it's so nice to finally have cookware that ticks all the boxes across functionality and style."

"I use the Classic Skillet and Shallow Casserole a lot, but my favourite has got to be the Baby Dutch Oven. I love the size, practically and not to mention, it's super cute!"

Talk about a golden trio! We heard you've been dying to share a new recipe, spill the deets - we're all ears.

"I recently created this melt-in-your-mouth Peach & Bourbon Upside Down Skillet Cake. It's buttery, soft and sweet with a caramelised topping of peaches and irresistibly chewy rim. Hope you enjoy it!"

Nicole’s Peach & Bourbon Upside Down Skillet Cake

Nicole Johnston (Le Bon Baker)

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Ingredients

For the Peach Topping

• 2 cups canned sliced peaches 

• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 1/4 cup (60g) butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

For the Cake Base

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 & 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup full fat milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Strain the peaches well, then in a bowl pour the bourbon over the peaches and allow to soak for 10 mins.
3. Generously coat the base of your Crumble Skillet with butter, then place remaining butter in the skillet and let it melt in the oven for 5 mins.
4. Once melted, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter and then arrange the peach slices over the brown sugar.
5. For the batter, in another bowl, add the sugar, butter and cream and mix until light and fluffy. Then beat in the egg and vanilla.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg and then add to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, beating after each addition just until combined. Careful not to overmix.
7. Spread the batter evenly over peaches.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
9. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before turning the skillet upside down, straight onto a serving plate.
10. Serve warm with custard, cream or ice cream and enjoy!

Recipe Note

Can’t get enough of Nicole? We don’t blame you, subscribe to Le Bon Baker and stay in the loop with all of her latest adventures, plus get tips on how to master traditional home cooking for you and your loved ones.