Great British Bake Off Returns!

It is one of my favourite programmes (aside from One Born Every Minute and Long Lost Family) however I do feel this year that it is slightly tainted because of the Paul Hollywood scandal!

But I am hoping to put those feelings to one side and focus on the baking, the contestants and of course Sue and Mel who make me chuckle every time. I secretly always want to go out and buy new bake ware in pretty pastel shades and splurge out on a Kitchen Aid. Oh to dream!

Having been a huge fan of baking for the past 13 years, I've tried various amateur patisserie days and sugar craft classes. Before I fell pregnant I was booked in at Ashburton Cookery School in Devon to embark on a 3 week Professional Cookery Certificate course to become an all rounder cook and maybe venture on to specialise in patisserie/baking. Obviously that went down the pan and I had my deposit refunded once I found out, surprise, I was pregnant.

I actually downloaded the application form for last years GBBO. It was so in depth and you need to have tried everything and have your own flare and creations. You need to tell them the best bread you have made, cake, pastry item be it sweet or savoury, biscuit, tarts, pies and puddings. I think I had bakers block! I must admit I am not clued up on bread making yet and I don't ever make a show stopper cake. Good job I was pregnant so I couldn't apply!

Now that the show is returning I am having that urge to bake again, I want to taste all things lemon, almond, chocolate and strawberry. Butter biscuits, moist sponges and crumbly pastry.

Isn't it funny how with the change of seasons comes a change in appetite. I love zingy summer salads and sizzling BBQ's but I am already dreaming of winter pies and casseroles that just simmer in the slow cooker all day.

Who else is excited to start baking again with this years GBBO? Returning Tuesday 20th August.

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