I watch far too much t.v. I know that I do it, and I don't like the fact, but still I settle down on the sofa after dinner and am often still glued there at 11 p.m., even if there is nothing worth viewing. If we were approaching a new year, I'd make it a resolution to switch off the box in favour of music, reading or some other pastime (use your imagination), but maybe even though it's not, I'll do it.
However, there's one programme that I just won't miss, and I'm already looking forward to next Tuesday just because of the return of the Great British Bake Off (BBC 2, 8 p.m.) It really is great - understated, gentle, modest but with an allure that tempts me to get off my backside and create something lovely in the kitchen. This week I want to make an upside down cake (chocolate with pears) and I didn't realise that you need to make a caramel which goes into the tin first. I'll also make a hidden shape cake, once I decide on the shape (I'm thinking of a message running through it which says 'eat me', just in case I even think of not having an extra piece), and I may even try my hand at rum babas, which I can't remember ever eating, but must must have in the 70's when they were on the menu at Wimpy bars. If I don't do one of these I'll make a lovely coloured sponge and decorate it all over with buttercream roses so that it looks like a wedding hat - I'm inspired!
We've already lost one contestant who boiled her rum babas in a bain-marie (ooh-er vicar!) and then soaked her cake in so much rosewater and pressed it to such an extent that it looked like a blancmange. Others made mistakes too but overall the cakes looked so delicious I could almost smell and taste them. Watching this group of very ordinary but very skillful people do precisely what I love doing and should do more often, made me smile.
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