On your Marks, Get Set, Bake! Sound familiar? Well, if not, let me share. My newest obsession is a show called “The Great British Bake Off.” It’s currently on Netflix but can also be found on PBS and Amazon Prime (we even checked out some early seasons from the public library).

It all started when I heard my daughters-in-law discussing an episode over Thanksgiving. They are both longtime fans and share an enthusiasm for baking.  As they talked about various contestants, my interest was piqued and I decided to give it a try.  In all honesty, I’ve never been one to bake (nor cook for that matter). Do you remember that mom that donated store-bought cupcakes for the school bake sale? Yep, that was me.

The competition is currently filmed on the beautiful grounds of Down Hall in Essex and takes place in a giant white tent.  Typically, there are 12 contestants vying for the title of the “Greatest British Baker.”  In each episode they are challenged with three different bakes: a signature, technical, and showstopper. How they perform on these will determine whether they advance.

So, what makes the show special?  First of all, the contestants are genuinely nice people. Most of the time, I don’t really care who wins because it’s easy to root for them all. And even better, they root for each other.

Surprisingly, there are no cash awards or big prizes. The winner receives the title and a glass cake stand. Each week, someone is named “Star Baker” and someone is sent home. If a baker does excessively well on a bake, they may receive a handshake from judge, Paul Hollywood. And believe it or not, receiving this handshake is a very big deal. It’s not about money, its about recognition for a job well done.

There’s also an absence of annoying theatrics.  Star bakers and season winners are announced with little fanfare and there’s no “right after this commercial” type of drama. It’s refreshingly clean and simple. The hosts are a bit corny but do their best to ease the tension, provide moral support, and add a little humor.

I also appreciate that the show features people over the age of 50. Yes, representation matters even with age. Two of the accomplished female judges, Prue Leith and Mary Berry are over 80 and absolutely delightful.

I could go on, but what’s the takeaway?  The message is that inspiration can come from unexpected places. After watching one season, I was hooked and wanted to try my hand at baking. If ordinary people with no formal training, can create elaborate masterpieces, I could certainly try something simple (and hopefully yummy).  

So, I started with a favorite family recipe of sour cream cookies. From there, I moved on to banana bread, lemon cookies, and chocolate mousse. I’ve enjoyed the process and each recipe is a new challenge.

Lessons learned along the way include:

• The first time with a recipe is a test-run.  There should be no expectations of perfection. My first batch of sour cream cookies didn’t spread. The lemon cookies were way too sweet and the banana bread didn’t rise. Determining what went array and making the necessary tweaks is all part of the process.
  
  
• Baking is a bit more complicated than one would think. Scientists often do well in the competition and there’s a reason why. A little knowledge in the field of chemistry, math, and engineering can provide an edge for the perfect bake.
  
  
• It goes without saying, but investing in proper tools is helpful. They don’t have to be expensive but certain items can make a world of difference. Things like quality baking sheets, a good rolling pin, and a decent set of measuring cups and spoons are no-brainers.
  
  
• Baking is a great way to connect with others. There is a vast community of diverse people who love to share tips and recipes. Just getting started? Sign up for a class (in person or online), or find baking groups through social media.
  
  
• And last but not least, I wish I had fully appreciated my grandmother’s gifts of baked bread, lemon meringue pies, and cherry-filled cake. Unfortunately, there was an abundance of talent and cultural history that went untapped. Baking doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Involve family members particularly the younger ones. Multi-generational kitchen time can create meaningful and lasting memories.

And most importantly, remember that learning new things is important for the brain and mental health. So, find your inspiration and try something new.