What to Watch: Great British Bake Off
Excited about your new classes? Ready for the snow that is most definitely in our future? Ready to be back on break already? Whether you answered “yes” to any of these or are somewhere in between, I have something you need: a show recommendation!
The Great British Bake Off, for those of you who don’t know, is the most blessed version of the cooking show that has ever, or will ever, exist. This is not hyperbole. Watch it. You’ll agree. (It’s fine if you don’t, but also good lord how can you not?)
What I find so special about this show is it’s genuine kindness. The bakers form lifelong friendships, and there is no prize money. They are there because they love to bake and they want to show what they can do—and hopefully win the glass “Great British Bake Off” cake plate that is the material prize. This show is perfect for snowy days, watching with family, when you need to escape for some alone time, getting ideas for new things to cook, and enjoying an hour of beautiful bakes and warm-and-fuzzy heart-feelings.
The basic premise is that a dozen amateur British bakers are selected to compete in a massive white tent, completing 3 challenges each week: a signature (which they can practice beforehand), a technical (a mystery recipe set by one of the judges, very fiddly, and judged anonymously), and a showstopper (which is, as its name implies, meant to be a masterpiece).
The original judges were Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, and the “MC” type people were Mel and Sue. The more recent seasons are judged by Paul and Prue and hosted by Noel and Sandi, and, while I am definitely biased towards the original judges, the new folks are doing a great job.
Each week one baker is awarded the title “Star Baker”, and one (or sometimes two!) of the bakers must go home. The cycle continues until there are just 3 bakers left. The victor of that weekend’s competition is the winner of the entire show!
Do yourself a favor:
