Bath-Knight Blog

The Great British Bake Off- The Final!

For the last 7 weeks I’ve looked forward to Tuesday evening. As at 8pm I’ve curled up on the sofa and watched one of my favourite ‘reality’ TV shows – The Great British Bake Off.

Described in one article today as ‘The X Factor – but with cake’ the show does have some clear similarities. Experienced judges; baking goddess and cookbook author Marry Berry along with artisan baker, Paul Hollywood. Contestants; 12 amateur bakers from all walks of life topped off with weekly tasks and challenges to push their baking talents to the very limit.

Although it might not sounds as glamorous and dramatic as other reality shows. You shouldn’t be fooled. I can’t think of anything tenser than contestants peering into their ovens to ensure iced fingers are rising sufficiently and tarts aren’t getting too golden.

The truth is The Great British Bake Off is a fantastically charming programme, which has rallied an incredible amount of public support. The show has single handily raised BBC’s Tuesday evening rating as viewer’s, including myself, sit with their fingers crossed hoping that Jo’s bread rises and Janet’s croissants survive their bake.

Excitingly tonight is the big night as The Great British Bake Off reaches the final. The pressure is on for finalists Holly, Mary-Anne and Jo (the show’s dark horse but a favourite of mine) who face the final challenge of baking for a celebratory street party. I’m expecting lots of iced buns, Victoria sandwiches cakes and Bakewell tarts.

After 12 weeks of watching baking triumphs and a few baking slipups I’m really looking forward to seeing who will be crowned 2011’s winner and the best amateur baker. More so I’m looking forward to seeing the wonderful creations which tonight’s final will undoubtedly offer as I’ve come away with lots of fantastic ideas and tip from the show thus far.

I thought it would be a nice idea to share Paul Hollywood’s Iced Finger recipe to celebrate The Great British Bake Off 2011– a bun which is always a pleasure to eat but one which I know people rarely bake at home.

Enjoy!