FINDING a new career path has been a piece of cake for two Ryedale women.

Neighbours Karen Selby and Alison Mitchell have joined forces to open a bakery in their home village of Sinnington after giving up their previous jobs to start the new venture.

Roots & Fruits Home Bakery aims to sell the highest quality bread and cakes, using natural produce sourced locally and following additive and preservative-free recipes.

Karen said they had developed some unusual cake ranges using beetroot and butternut squash and, in addition to baking traditional breads, they will use ingredients such as courgettes, cheese and herbs in some loaves.

“We’re already growing our own fruit and vegetables and keeping free range hens, so it was a natural choice to use our own crops in our baking,” she said.

“We will have vegetables or fruits in almost all of our bread and cakes, focusing on what is in season and using mostly fat-free, traditional recipes.”

Another key approach in their business plan is to fill a gap in the market for gluten-free cakes and they will be sourcing many of the ingredients from Ryedale producers, such as flour from Spaunton.

Alison said: “I know from my own circle of friends that many people with allergies and special diets simply can’t find gluten-free products locally, so we hope this will prove a successful part of our range.

“We really want this to be a community business, using local suppliers and organic ingredients whenever possible.” After showcasing their major lines at the Malton Food Lovers’ Festival this weekend, Karen and Alison will open the bakery in early June, offering home deliveries.

They are also planning an open day in Sinnington so friends and neighbours can sample the variety of products and give the couple some useful feedback.

To contact Roots & Fruit Home Bakery, phone Karen on 01751 430104 or Alison on 01751 432524.