This year’s Great British Bake Off has been somewhat controversial, what with the channel change and Paul Hollywood’s new alliance with Channel 4. Anyway, whether you’ve loved it, hated it, vowed never to watch it again, or begun watching for the first time this year, it’s certainly inspired the baker in everyone.
This week (16-22 October) is National Baking Week, so to get you started in the kitchen, here are some simply great bakes that even the most novice of bakers will be able to pull off as a masterpiece.
Mary Berry’s Victoria Sandwich
A recipe from the Queen of Baking herself, Mary Berry’s Victoria Sandwich is one of the best around. This recipe if perfect if you’re short on time with a total bake time (including prep) of less than one hour.
For this recipe you’ll need:
4 large eggs
225g self-raising flour
225g caster sugar
325g unsalted butter, plus a little extra for greasing (for the sponge and buttercream)
Baking powder
200g raspberries (for the jam)
250g jam sugar
200g icing sugar (for the buttercream)
Milk
For the full recipe take a look at the BBC site here.
White loaf
There’s nothing better to accompany a slice of Victoria Sponge than a beautifully filled, soft sandwich. And what could be better than a sandwich made from your own freshly made bread? This recipe from The Kitchn makes two loaves. Find everything you’ll need below:
Warm water (1 cup)
2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Milk (1 cup)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon salt
All-purpose flour (5½ – 6½ cups)
Oil (neutral tasting)
Cooking spray
Basic pizza dough
You’ll be everyone’s favourite baker if you can put together a fresh pizza from scratch. And, surprisingly, it’s not that difficult. This pizza base will take around 10 minutes in total, so it makes the perfect quick dinner time dish.
You’ll need:
Active dry yeast (around 14g)
Olive oil (1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons coarse salt
All-purpose flour (4 cups)
Once it’s ready, choose your favourite toppings and you’re away. You can find the full recipe and method on Martha Stewart’s site.
Once you’ve mastered these three simple recipes you’ll be ready to broaden your baking horizons with mouth-watering books like these.
