A few months ago, gripped by baking fever, I purchased Mary Berry's Baking Bible. I quickly decided to embark upon a mission to bake everything in the book, and turn myself from an occasional baker into a bit of an expert. My Grandad Ern was a Master Baker by trade; the man responsible for introducing Danish Pastries to England in fact, and I wish it had occurred to me to spend more time learning from him, rather than simply enjoying the fruits of his effortless labours. This project is almost a way of making amends for that; I'd like to follow in his footsteps (if not in my career, at least as a hobby) and continue the proud heritage of baking in my family.
I credit my friend Rachel with the idea to write a blog about my baking exploits, hoping that there will be more successes than failures as I attempt all 213 of the Queen of Baking's recipes.
So as not to bore the husband with a monotonous diet of sponges, followed by weeks of biscuits, I've decided to tackle the recipes by selecting the first bake from each chapter, followed by the second recipe and so on. I'm not going to pick and choose; I'm determined to face my baking demons and learn how to do everything baking-related, even if the consequences are disastrous!
Everything will be photographed, with comment about how I found baking it, and a husband rating (to be taken with a pinch of salt as he has a very selective cake-tooth).


Monday 28 January 2019

108. Borrowdale Teabread

I baked this ages ago, along with a lemon cheescake (in the same weekend), and forgot to take photos of it! Happily, I'd made two loaves, so when the second one emerged from the depths of the freezer, it was duly 'papped'. It was a very straightforward bake, with relatively few ingredients; always nice to soak fruit overnight and see them go all plumpy the next day. I think maybe the tea could've been stronger; I'd probably let it stew for longer next time. I'm still doing battle with our unreliable oven, so inevitably this came out a bit on the dry side, but was nevertheless very tasty - especially with butter.
Husband rating: alas, he won't remember.
Baker's verdict: very easy to make and pleasant to eat.

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