Share a story – Jennie Jacques

What is Bake4ME?

Bake4ME hosts themed virtual bake-offs online to raise funds and awareness forME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). This Christmas, 2024, we’re teaming up with you, Smile For ME, for a special collaboration!

Check out our Instagram @bake4me_ (click here) to see former themes! Or X/Twitter. We are @bake4me1 on Facebook. And we recently joined Bluesky. For detailed information visit bake4me.co.uk

What’s the new theme?

“The Wicked Christmas Bake Off!” inspired by Wicked the musical and the new movie. We’re encouraging “pink and green” bakes, but any Christmassy creations are welcome!

Is it true Elphaba from Wicked is on the Bake4ME celebrity judging panel?

Yes, Laura Pick, who plays Elphaba (the green witch) in the UK musical, is joining our celebrity judges!

Any other exciting reveals?

Indeed there are! Sarah O’Connor, who plays Glinda (the pink witch) will be joining too! Both have generously offered autographed Wicked programmes as prizes for the star bakers! How wicked is this?

That’s exciting…

Wait, there’s more. Lauren Kelly Casting has just confirmed Karis Musongole who plays young Elphaba in Wicked the movie and Hattie Ryan who plays Curious Munchkin will be joining the Celebrity Judging Panel too! We hope this encourages lots of young bakers to participate.

Is BAKE4ME just for the ME community to join in, or is it for everybody, including the ME community?

This is 100% for EVERYBODY to join in. I especially want to encourage ‘new’ bakers outside of our wonderful ME community. Initially I chose ‘baking’ with exactly this in mind. I appreciate many people with ME often cannot commit to the luxury of hobbies such as baking. And that’s why I made the concept of the “Collaborative Baker.” It’s my dream to have as many people as possible within and outside of our ME community to help us to continue to be heard.

What are collaboration bakers?

We do our best to pair a ‘Collab Baker’ with someone if they have ME (or any chronic illness/disability) and they request it, to make sure as many people as possible can join in and feel included. The person with ME, for example, shares their cake idea, and the ‘Collab Baker’ creates it as their entry. This is by Lizzy who won star baker for this particular round!

The email bake4me.social@gmail.com

The Bake

Our Collaboration Baker

How do you enter as a regular baker? And how might someone offer their talent as a Collaboration Baker?

It’s simple to enter. Donate via the website, bake and tag your photo online—or email some pictures to us. And if you’d like to become a ‘buddy/collab baker’ please email bake4me.social@gmail.com or comment or DM @bake4me_ on Instagram. All funds raised go to Smile For ME.

Is there an age limit and/or different baking categories?

We welcome bakers of all levels and ages, judging accordingly. We sometimes create titles like Teen StarBaker or Tiny Star Baker and may look to add Home Star Baker and Professional Star Baker. The more participants, the better!

Why did you choose Smile For ME as this year’s Christmas partner?

Smile For ME is one of my favourites. You embody the idea of “the gift that keeps on giving,” sending thoughtful, personalised gifts to carers and people with ME. It’s a beautiful mission, and I couldn’t imagine a better partner for Christmas.

How did Bake4ME start?

During lockdown, my partner had a mini virtual bake-off with friends on WhatsApp, and they loved it. We thought it could work on a bigger scale, and Bake4ME was born!

Do you enjoy baking?

Ironically, no! I’m not great at following instructions and have always been more of a spoon-licker or chocolate-chip eater. I prefer cooking savoury dishes and consider myself a good chef in the dinner department.

And how does your ME affect your cooking?

I’m in my sixth year with ME, which, though fortunately milder now than my first few years, still limits me significantly. Cooking requires rest between tasks, even on good days, so I pace myself, often use pre-chopped ingredients, and find energy-saving hacks. I have a Garmin watch to monitor my heart rate for pacing but will soon switch to Visible, which I’m excited to try out.

What are your cooking hacks to accommodate pacing?

I use frozen pre-chopped garlic, ginger, and vegetables for convenience but chop fresh when I can. More recently I’ve started using a chair in the kitchen. Sitting upright can still be tricky, and I need to ensure I have my legs raised. I also wear my compression socks. I tend to cook things like bacon, sausages or mince in the oven, stirring and checking as needed, rather than standing over a pan. However, brain fog has caused me to forget food in the oven, which can be dangerous. My partner helps remind me, and setting phone alarms is beneficial. This can allow me to go back to bed or the sofa. I try hard to prioritise staying within my energy envelope to avoid PEM (post exertional malaise) as best I can.

What’s your favourite meal and dessert?

I’m a big foodie, so picking a favourite meal is tough! Comfort food for me is macaroni cheese, and I love a good Sunday Roast. Indian cuisine is a favourite too. For dessert, I enjoy cheese and biscuits. Sweet? I’d opt for anything with very dark chocolate, peanut butter and/or salted caramel. Warm desserts with cold ice cream are a big yes. A Chunky Chocolate Bake Off sounds like a good idea for 2025!