Kriti Mehrotra
With Netflix’s ‘The Great British Baking Show’ arguably being one of the most feel-good and light-hearted reality competition series, we get an original that can only be described as binge-worthy. It actually revolves around home bakers from across the UK as they take on three challenges per episode for a lifetime of bragging rights, but the best part is that there is no drama or sensationalization. Thus, season 16 AKA Collection 13, is absolutely no different – although contestant Nataliia Richardson has already established herself as the one to watch out for.
Nataliia Richardson Proved Her Mettle During Cake Week
Born and raised in Ukraine before ultimately settling down in Yorkshire, Nataliia made it clear from the very beginning that her every creation would be an homage to things that make her who she is. The first challenge was to bake a beautiful Swiss Roll with an inlay design as well as at least two fillings, so she decided on a “Passion Petal Swiss Roll” with cream cheese and mango-passionfruit jam. This piece was essentially her heart on a platter, considering the colorful inlay was inspired by the wildflowers of her homeland, whereas the traditional flavor profile was her husband’s favorite.
Nataliia unfortunately ended up overbaking the sponge, but her embroidery-like, precise preparation and the actual taste of her confection impressed both Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. The ensuing Technical challenge of baking nine perfectly decorated Fondant Fancies further propelled her forward as the judges ranked her third overall, owing to the neatness and color of her bites. However, it was the Showstopper challenge that really cemented her place in this competition as she made a landscape of her homeland on a cake, depicting cities, fields, mountains, and rivers alike. The fact she put a heart right over Kyiv was also sentimental, yet it was her execution using chocolate rum sponge with cherry jam and a blue mirror glaze that won her the Star Baker title.
Nataliia Richardson’s Passion for Baking is Rooted in Her Heritage
Since all kinds of food are a big part of Ukrainian culture, Nataliia never shies away from conceding that she was taught to bake by her grandmother, who imparted some crucial life lessons to her, too. The latter actually helped her truly understand her roots by passing down age-old generational recipes while also making sure she knew it would be okay for her to put her own spin on them sometimes. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the 32-year-old loves to use these recipes to this day, often even infusing them with classic British flavors as an ode to the place she now calls home. If we’re being honest, this is the first and most significant sign of her being a great baker because she doesn’t limit herself; instead, she simply lets creativity as well as intuition take over.
Nataliia has always been open to trying new things and experimenting with different flavor profiles, even if they may seem strange at first, but that’s precisely what has enabled her to shine. This exploration of hers, though, has seemingly only grown multiold from what it used to be over the past four years, since she left Ukraine in August 2021 to settle down in England for good. In other words, she has better supplies and opportunities today, but it is also evident that she is determined never to get complacent, take her standing for granted, or forget where she hails from. We should even mention that when the war first broke out in 2022, Nataliia started selling “Ukraine Bakes,” all the proceeds of which she donated to the British Red Cross – Ukraine Crisis.
Nataliia Richardson is a Hardworking Family Woman and a Travel Enthusiast
It was in August 2021 when Nataliia admittedly emigrated from her homeland upon tying the knot with the love of her life, a proud Englishman named Harry Richardson. It’s unclear precisely how they first met or when they started dating, yet we do know that the economics graduate with an artistic streak had previously resided in Kyiv for a few years. However, in 2022, the couple suddenly found themselves facing several changes, all of which they embraced with open arms despite the surrounding circumstances. That’s because they knew they would just get to be encircled by love. On one hand, Nataliia’s family followed her to the UK as refugees once the war broke out, and on the other, the Richardsons welcomed their daughter Francesca into the world.
Today, Nataliia resides in East Yorkshire, where she is surrounded by her husband, their daughter, their immediate families, and their Ukrainian rescue dog, Aria, at every step of the way. As for the 32-year-old’s individual standing, whenever she is not at work as an Office Assistant, she simply prioritizes either spending quality time with loved ones or continuing to hone her skills as a baker. If she is not doing that, she can be found taking walks in the countryside, painting, or planning her future travels since she has almost unquenchable wanderlust. Whether it be Italy, Monaco, France, Greece, Indonesia, Scotland, or different areas within England, she has been everywhere in the past few years alone, with seemingly no intention of stopping her travels anytime soon.
Read More: Carol “Pui Man” Li: Where is The Great British Baking Show Contestant Now?
