Big thanks & hugs to ...

Mum, for your perfectionism. Without it, I would never have learnt that attention to detail is everything. I’m sure the stoic team behind this book at Murdoch are cursing you for it but without it, this book would never have come to fruition. Truly everything I know about baking I inherited from watching you stubbornly cook things over and over until they were sensational, since I was yay high.

To Koo Poh, you’ve given our family the greatest gift possible, your selflessness, humility and want for nothing except to see us flourish as human beings. You taught me how to feel my way with ingredients, to taste unusual things and to be able to find beauty in the simplest of flavours.

Dad, my roller shutter-selling superman, for always encouraging me to dream big and live a creative life. Your enthusiastic support is often embarrassing but secretly appreciated.

My big bro, Casper, and his tribe, Teena, Trent, Tyler, Trini and Hayley, for your continual patience and understanding of the strange and wonky roads I choose to travel, which have me perpetually missing in action as a sister and aunty. I hope you all know I care about you deeply.

To my closest confidantes and Jamface compadres, Matt, Sarah and Gingy – for sharing all my miseries and happinesses whether you want to or not; Sarah for putting up with the weekly ‘gate’ scandals; Matt for all the early morning wig outs ... we will get there and breathe life into Bonaparte, and the Mighty Misfits and ALL the things. I promise!

Of course to my beautiful Joffy, who still thinks I’m wonderful even when I wake up looking like Medusa. Thank you for keeping me grounded, yet allowing me to be an utter nutter.

Rhino and Tim, without you guys there would be so many more melt downs. Thank you for looking ridiculous always and giving me so many laughs.

To my Jamface family, I feel very lucky to have a team of such whacky, amazing people to help realise our small biz dreams.

To my friend, Emmanuel, I wish so much you could have seen Jamface. Thank you for sharing everything you knew and loved about pastry with me. Without your encouragement and influence, Jamface and this book might never have happened. Forever when I think of you now, I will laugh and cry ... there were so many funny, joyful moments. May you rest in peace.

Finally, to the long-suffering team behind this book at Murdoch Books: Jane, Katie, Vivien, Siobhan and Sarah. Thank you for letting this book be completely me. We got there in the end and it’s a beauty!

To Alan 'Squarepants' Benson and Michelle 'Nori' Noerianto for the stunning images, so many bad puns and those sublime 11pm finishes. I have one word for you both - H.U.R.R.Y!