NOT many teenagers can say they celebrated their 17th birthday with the launch of their own cookbook.
But for baking prodigy Amy-Beth Ellice that's exactly what happened, as Amy's Baking Year went on sale at bookstores nationwide, alongside tomes from culinary greats like Mary Berry and Jamie Oliver.
"It feels amazing to finally have the book out," said the New Hall School pupil, who has been baking since the tender age of three.
"I've been working on it for about three years now, so I'm just really proud to see it on the shelves."
The book showcases Amy-Beth's own culinary inventions for occasions like Christmas, Mother's Day and Bonfire Night, including stained glass window biscuits, salted caramel peanut butter cups and Christmas baked Alaska.
Now billed as Britain's youngest published baker and a future rival to domestic goddess Nigella Lawson, Amy-Beth's star quality is set to rise faster than one of her Victoria sponges.
She started baking at home with her mum as a child, but has risen from obscurity after approaching publishers with her own recipes.
"As I'm so young, the book should really inspire people, especially those who maybe aren't that confident baking," said Amy-Beth, who commutes to Chelmsford from her home in Stanford Rivers, near Ongar.
"I think it will really encourage them because some of these books can appear quite intimidating, so if people see my age, then they might think 'well if she can do it, so can I'."
Amy has previously catered for events such as the launch of Channel 4's Big Brother and a Twilight film premiere, with singers Pixie Lott and Katherine Jenkins among the stars to have enjoyed her cakes.
Her recipes have grown in scale and imagination since she first began providing classmates with cupcakes, jams and other treats, with the book representing a culmination of her efforts.
Amy said: "I would always bake for all special occasions with my mum and my older sister, so I just decided to turn my hobby and my lifestyle into a book.
"One of my favourite recipes is my gingerbread house. It's great for this time of the year, as it's nearly Christmas, and even though it's time-consuming it just looks really beautiful."
Despite her debut book coming at such a young age, Amy says she already has plans for the future.
"I hope to have another cook book soon and I'm already planning what I want it to be – but my dream and my goal is to one day have my own TV show," she said.
"My main inspiration and my idol is Nigella Lawson. She just makes everything look so easy, and because she's so calm and confident on television, it just makes you feel like you can make all her recipes."
Amy's mum Gillian, who introduced her to baking, said: "We're very proud of her, of course, as her family.
"She's worked extremely hard on the book and she's got a real passion for cooking."
Amy's Baking Year is available in major supermarkets and bookshops now.
