As huge fans of baked goods here at Great British Chefs, we are tremendously excited to hear about the upcoming Cake & Bake Show that will be held Saturday and Sunday on the 22nd and 23rd of September. What are we to expect from the bacchanal of baked goods at London's Earls Court? Urvashi Roe, our Great British Bake Off blogger, gives us a delicious preview of the event
Blog post by Urvashi Roe, the Botanical Baker
Have you been caught up Great British Bake Off fever? Are you passionate about baking?Do you love cake?! Then London has the perfect event for you this September.
The Cake & Bake Show 2012 launches at Earls Court. You can expect expert demonstrations, hands-on workshops, competitions, a food market and stands selling the latest baking equipment!
First off it’s the eating that I am looking forward to the most. It is cake after all!
There is an English Tea Room where you can pick up a picnic hamper or traditional afternoon tea in aid of Macmillan Cancer. The fabulously talented Peggy Porschen is bringing her Belgravia Cake Parlour to the show. You’ll be able to devour some of her utterly gorgeous cupcakes like this one - Vanilla with Cream Cheese Frosting and Marzipan Roses.
Demonstrations galore showcasing a myriad of skills from high profile bakers…..
Master Patissier Eric Lanlard, owner of Cake Boy and star of Baking Mad, will be opening the show. I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful man a few weeks ago and can tell you that his demonstration style is charming and entertaining.
For all you fans of The Great British Bake Off, Edd Kimber and Ruth Clemens from series one will be whisking up some treats to share and my lovely friend and winner of series two, Jo Wheatley, will also take to the stage. I’m not sure what they will be making but if it’s anything like these amazing Chocolate and Passionfruit Macrons from Edd, then get a front row seat!
Bread is a big focus as the show. Tom Herbert, Paul Hollywood and Richard Bertinet will all be demonstrating and on hand to sign their books. Aidan Chapman of The Real Bread Campaign will be hosting a debate about the state of bread in Britain today so if you are passionate about your loaf you can have your say too.
Chocolate is a favourite ingredient in baking and I’ve never met anyone as passionate about it as Paul A Young. Paul’s well known for his exquisite handmade chocolates. I was fortunate enough to learn all about tempering and have a hands-on lesson making his infamous Chocolate Truffles.
They were amazing! Mine were rather “large”. Ssssshhhh!
Anyway did you know he was also Head Patisserie Chef for Marco Pierre White in a previous life? So clearly he also knows a thing or two about baking and will be sharing his tips about how to bake with chocolate at the show.
…and not forgetting the growing community of smaller artisans
Finally what I think is most lovely about the show is the demonstrations and masterclasses from a handful of smaller artisan bakers and businesses. One such artist is Natasha Collins from Nevie-Pie Cakes. Her speciality is handpainting onto iced cakes and biscuits. She says this is because she can’t pipe like Peggy but I think it’s because it’s where her talent clearly lies. Here is my little corgi painted under her instruction.
Not bad for a first attempt I thought and I found the whole activity so therapeutic and relaxing that I may well do more. Her work is a million times better. Just look at the detail on this cookie.
Finally, don’t forget to take your books along. There will be a book signing area for you to get them signed. Perhaps grab a brownie or two from The Marketplace as you might have to queue.
The Cake & Bake Show 2012 is on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September from 10am.
Blog post by Urvashi Roe, the Botanical Baker
Will you be going to The Cake & Bake Show this year? What baked goods do you enjoy? Tantalising tarts, or perhaps some magnificent macarons or muffins?
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