Have you got the baking bug?

To celebrate the return of the nation’s favourite innuendo-filled show,  I have a little baking give away for you.

But first, what do you think of the new series so far? Are you pining for Mary, Mel and Sue or have you fallen for Prue, Sandi and Noel?

I loved Bake Off when it started; it was so new and different and gave some great bakers a platform. I’ve been lucky enough to cook with a couple of the local stars too.

Last year I did a show stopper workshop with John Whaite at his sexy as anything cookery school near me. John is such an amazing baker, and he is a hoot too. He’s been kind enough to let me host two cake clubs there, and I am saving up to do a course, hopefully early next year as I would love to get some more of his knowledge.

The year before that, I also had a great workshop with contestant Luis Troyano, another local lad (Stockport) who took the fear out of pastry in a fun workshop at the Coop HQ. Involving booze and Nutella, it was a perfect tart! 

However, I have thought for the last couple of series that maybe they need to change things a bit to keep it fresh. It feels a bit samey at times. For example, for the love of god, put a blast chiller in! In no way is cooking against the clock anything like cooking at home, so I find it a bit mean that they don’t help with stress by having a blast chiller.

Also I wonder if it is time to add new challenges. I know that many people hate change, but if this wonderfully British institution is going to keep going it needs to keep reinventing itself. But even saying all of that, I love, love, love to bake so will always watch when I am in! What do you think?

Win Opies baking goodies

There is loads of new foodie telly at the moment. If it has you dusting off your mixing bowl and fretting about soggy bottoms, then this give away is for you! Opie’s Foods create top quality ingredients that will take your baking to the next level. Our baking box includes:

• Cherries in kirsch – ideal for my addictive cherry bakewell brownies 
• Cocktail cherries – great for garnish and cupcakes
• Stem ginger – the key ingredient in these honey ginger palmiers 
• Crystallised ginger – perfect in these fiery ginger cookies 
• Summer fruit compote – use it in these no bake desert pots if cake isn’t your thing

Super easy to enter – just complete the Rafflecopter below. Entries close on the 31st October at midnight and the winner will be notified via email.

Good luck, and happy baking!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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