If you’re anything like me, and a lot of you are, as the end of each season of The Great British Bake Off ends, you anxiously await the next season. Well, my baking beauties, wait no more; it’s back! Twelve new bakers will enter the tent next week, plus one new host, and yes, I need someone to remind me to breathe!
I was late to the GBBO party, but once I got there, I jumped in whole heartedly. When I started watching, I didn’t know a macaron from a macaroon, but now, I stare horrified as I watch bakers, short on time, forced to frost a cake just out of the oven (THAT’S GOING TO MELT RIGHT OFF!!!). I pass judgement on bread showstoppers like I’m Paul Hollywood himself (oh that was definitely over proofed). And I somehow get to the point where I am convinced, I too can bake a handshake-worthy 3-D sculpted cake depicting my favorite childhood memory.
Just hearing the theme music instantly calms me down. Even in the most stressful moments, the bakers, hosts, and even judges are all lovely to each other. It is remarkably refreshing to watch people in direct competition with each other still show each other kindness and empathy. Watching this show just makes me happy, plain and simple. And who doesn’t need an extra little bit of happiness?
If you too harbor dreams of baking the perfect loaf of bread, the perfect pie crust (NO SOGGY BOTTOMS!), the perfect showstopper, why not check out these books and start elevating your baking game. Turn your kitchen into “The Tent”. Let us know what you bake, and most importantly, bring us samples!
