As autumn sets in and leaves cascade from the trees, the anticipation for another season of The Great British Bake Off is like a ray of sunshine in the midst of impending chill. The show returns, wrapped in the nostalgic embrace of British summertime, inside a charming bunting-lined tent.
Full disclosure, I’m a baking enthusiast. My sourdough starter even has a name (Kenneth), and every birthday cake I’ve ever baked could easily grace the Louvre’s halls. To add a twist to my relationship with the TV series, I spent a year at Prue Leith’s culinary school but stumbled at the final exam due to the challenge of making puff pastry rise in sweltering 37-degree heat and over-salting a chicken ballotine. Hence, for me to tune into every series and be captivated rather than frazzled by the Bake Off challenges is a testament to both my personal growth (37 degrees! Quite the challenge!) and the show’s enduring charm.
Though it may have dimmed a tad since its peak in 2014-15, featuring lion-shaped bread, custard controversies, a discarded baked Alaska, and Nadiya Hussain’s tear-jerking victory speech, Bake Off has always remained a reliable source of joy. While the stakes are low (the winner gets a plate, after all), the passion runs high, making a compelling case for keeping carbs in your diet.
Despite some of the familiar handshakes and soggy-bottom humor becoming somewhat stale, season 14 wisely infuses a lovable burst of energy in the form of Alison Hammond, who takes the reins alongside Noel Fielding, succeeding Matt Lucas. Hammond’s infectious cheerfulness, capable of melting even the most stoic of hearts, stands unparalleled.
Hammond kickstarts the narration with her distinct Brummie accent, jubilantly announcing, “It’s cake week!” This marks a joyful initiation into this new era. However, the first episode of Bake Off is never its finest hour. We hurtle at breakneck speed to meet the 12 new bakers, including the 21-year-old student Rowan, foraging farmer Abbi, laid-back deli manager Amos, and quick-witted accountant Keith. As is customary, it’s particularly brutal for the first-episode eliminee, as they barely get to showcase their skills.
If there’s a criticism to level at this series, it’s that the bakers are almost too good. While hints emerge about potential frontrunners (my bet is on Rowan), there’s hardly anything between them. The signature bake, a vertical layer cake resembling a sideways Swiss roll, seems tailor-made for a slow-motion shot of a collapsing sponge. Nevertheless, none of the bakers display the level of incompetence needed for such a catastrophe.
The technical challenge, a chocolate sponge cake adorned with raspberries as seen in the credits, proves equally attainable; even Paul concedes that the bottom-ranked bakers produced a perfectly serviceable cake. When it comes to the showstopper, there’s usually a runny gateau or a terrifying Lupita Nyong’o sculpture to elicit giggles.
Without major disasters, the laughter is somewhat limited, but Prue’s playful innuendos about beavers have everyone in stitches. Best of all, there are no grandiose Hollywood handshakes, but rather, warmed by Hammond’s warmth, Hollywood breaks tradition to offer a reassuring hug to a nervous contestant.
Bake Off occasionally falls back into familiar patterns, but they are the fun ones. Paul and Prue still love to build suspense with pregnant pauses and offer assessments like “That is very unusual… And rather delicious” or “I don’t like that… I love it.” They deliver these lines with the subtlety of a theater matinee performance. Cheesiness aside, it’s hard to resist the pure delight of an amateur baker being told they’ve excelled, which is virtually the case for each of them.
Even if the challenges in the first episode seem a bit too manageable, the show’s infectious positivity is impossible to resist. So, put aside the gloomy thoughts that seasonal affective disorder might bring, forget about that overly salted chicken ballotine, and let the light into your heart as you savor a slice of cake. Bake Off is back!
As the Great British Bake Off returns, there’s a certain reassurance that comes with it. It’s a show that thrives on simplicity, showcasing the joy of baking in all its sugary glory. Even in the face of world-changing events, Bake Off remains a sweet escape into a world of dough, icing, and delightful confections.
Alison Hammond’s presence on the show has injected a new sense of enthusiasm. Her infectious cheeriness not only complements the baking challenges but also resonates with the contestants and viewers alike. Hammond’s charisma is like a warm hug, reminding us that sometimes, in the midst of life’s complexities, there’s comfort in the simple act of baking a cake.
In a television landscape often saturated with drama and competition, Bake Off offers a different kind of entertainment. It’s a reminder that amidst the chaos of the world, there’s solace in the precision of measuring ingredients, the artistry of cake decoration, and the shared delight in tasting a well-baked treat.
The show’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to strike a balance between competition and camaraderie. While there’s a coveted title at stake, the bakers often rally around each other, offering support and encouragement in times of baking crises. It’s this sense of community that sets Bake Off apart, creating a heartwarming atmosphere that resonates with viewers of all ages.
As we dive deeper into the 14th series, it’s clear that the bakers are a talented bunch. Their skills are impressive, and their creations, even in the early episodes, are nothing short of remarkable. This presents a new challenge for the judges, Paul and Prue, as they search for that elusive “wow” factor amidst a sea of deliciousness.
While some may argue that the absence of major baking disasters reduces the show’s humor, the charm of Bake Off goes beyond kitchen mishaps. It’s about celebrating the small victories, the beautifully risen cakes, the perfectly executed bakes, and the heartfelt compliments from the judges.
Bake Off’s return is not just a television event; it’s a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. It reminds us that even in uncertain times, there’s comfort in the familiar, joy in the delicious, and the possibility of creating something extraordinary from the most basic of ingredients.
So, as the autumn leaves fall and the temperatures drop, let The Great British Bake Off be your source of warmth and inspiration. Bake a cake, share it with loved ones, and savor the delightful moments that this show brings. Thanks to Alison Hammond and the entire team, the joy of Bake Off remains as irresistible as ever.
As we continue to follow the journey of these talented bakers, we can’t help but be captivated by their passion and creativity. With each episode, they remind us that there’s magic in the kitchen, and it’s a magic we can all partake in, one delicious slice at a time.
In conclusion, The Great British Bake Off is more than just a TV show; it’s a testament to the enduring love affair between the British public and baking. And with Alison Hammond’s infectious charm leading the way, it’s safe to say that this beloved show has a lot more delectable moments in store for us. So, get ready to be enchanted once again by the magic of baking and the sheer joy it brings to our screens.