"Charity begins at home" - this is one of those sayings that drives me up the wall. Too often it's used as an excuse for mean insularity and sheer selfishness - the notion that you should look after yourself before thinking of others.

In fact charity does often begin at home. How many sponsored fundraising events have been boosted by a trawl of every relative and neighbour in sight? And where would charities be without cake sales, coffee mornings and pea and pie suppers?

Baking has a proud history of supporting good causes. Which is why it's no surprise that my Bake Off buddies and I have been inundated with requests, sadly sometimes too many to cope with. But it is lovely to be able to produce something that brings pleasure and has purpose far beyond the effort it takes to make.

One charity that recognises the power of sharing food is Down's Syndrome Scotland. The annual 'Do a Dish for Down's Syndrome' is a fundraising and awareness campaign that promotes inclusion, something that's close to my heart. In support of the campaign, I've shared the recipe for my spelt, oat and ginger beer bread.

You can find out more about the campaign and get the recipe from their website... www.dsscotland.org.uk

Go on, get that oven on and bask in the warm glow of doing something good. Charity may begin at home but it doesn't have to end there.