When Auckland baker and mother-of-four Naomi Tailolo needed a creative outlet, her sister suggested social media.
Last year Naomi released the bilingual cookbook Whānaukai, based on her popular Instagram account.
She also shares her love of te reo Māori and baking in a video series called The Giving.
Food writer Naomi Toilalo Photo: Whānaukai / Facebook
Back in 2019, Naomi – a former Māori Television presenter – was runner-up in The Great Kiwi Bake Off.
Competitive baking on camera was really hard, she tells Anna Thomas, but the experience also confirmed that baking was what she wanted to do
Although the kitchen can be a place of stress - right now the creative challenge is developing recipes without eggs - Naomi says it is also her happy place.
The same goes for her two older daughters who share the "baking bug".
Naomi likes to give her kids the Whānaukai cookbook, then leave them to their own devices.
"Because of my passion, I am a bit of a control freak… I'd rather let them go for it and if they have questions come and find me.
'That was my mum's technique and I just loved it as a kid 'cause then the kitchen was allowed to be my domain for a moment.'
"Yesterday they whipped out two batches of biscuits from my cookbook. They're just so good, man. Very clever."
With baking, practice is key, Naomi says.
"I make mistakes all the time… but you just gotta get in there, keep it light keep it fun and make it about people. Food is about gathering people so if you can do that it doesn't matter if the baking is a bit weird."
Sharing food is a great "neutraliser". she says.
"People can be a bit awkward, a bit shy… but if you bring out some beautiful food it instantly relaxes people. I thnk it sparks joy, i think it inspires people. Wonderful conversation ad kōrero happen around the table as well. Just all things good, really."
Naomi will finish shooting the second series of The Giving at the end of January and hopes to release a second cookbook in the future, too.
Recipes:
Ngā Kapukeke Pata Parauri Me Te Wanira / Brown Butter and Vanilla Cupcakes
This is one of my new favourite recipes as you can adapt it to any flavour combination you want.
I love to eat iced buns as baked cream doughnuts. These are absolutely delicious and perfect for sharing.
Naomi Toilalo Iced Buns - Parāoa Pani Reka Photo: Sarah Henderson
