Q&A with Alice Bennett
Asoke x co.bake
A self-taught baker, Alice Bennett was meant to be standing over a KitchenAid. Miss Trixie Drinks Tea was created by Alice back when blogs were a thing and the Instagram filter Valencia was in heavy use. Miss Trixie Drinks Tea was a way of showing friends her weekend baking. Soon she went from sharing photos to sharing the actual cakes. Fast forward through a pandemic, and this baking side hustle turned into a full-time love affair.
Together with Alisha Henderson (Sweet Bakes), Alice set up Co.Bake Space in Melbourne, where these two busy little bakers continue to grow their sweet-loving empires.
We chat with her about creativity, styling, and of course, food.
What are your creative outlets outside of baking?
I love going to the NGV and the botanical gardens - they are honestly such gorgeous spaces and they really help me to get the creative juices flowing. I also like cooking at my family home in Anglesea - it's the place I'm always willing to try new things and experiment. I also love to read!
Favourite flowers for styling?
If I'm getting them from the florist then I absolutely love Hydrangeas, Orchids, Tulips, Dahlias, Anthuriums and Poppies.
If I'm lucky enough to steal some from my parents backyard, I love stealing a few of their magnolias which only pop up in spring! I also love incorporating fruit into floral arrangements, like cumquats, which are in abundance at my parents!
Your top tip for baking?
Bake the things you want to eat and never be afraid to experiment with different flavour combinations, as you might just stumble across your new fave!
What are the ingredients for hosting a fabulous event?
These might be a little left of field, but I think they make the all the difference! Mood lighting - chuck the lamps on and turn off any overhead lighting, it'll make your home instantly feel like a restaurant. Vibey tunes, including at least one track from Louis Prima to encourage singing around the table. And finally, dress to impress!
You've got friends coming over. What are you serving?
Italian! Always! I love making a big delicious pasta (Alison Roman and Julia Busuttil Nishimura are my faves at the moment), teaming it with a couple of delicious side salads and garlic bread. Red wine, always, and finish with a great big bowl of my new fave, pistachio tiramisu.
Play favourites. What's your top pick from the Asoke x Co.Bake range?
Oh, this is difficult, but if you're making me choose, it's the peach vase!
