The Great British Bake Off

It's that time again, time for the marquee to go up, the ovens to go on and the delicious looking bakes to take shape! The Great British Bake Off (#gbbo) has captured the hearts and minds of the country and beyond, with amateur bakers creating ever-more incredible feats of ingredient engineering to wow the judges - stern but honest Paul Hollywood and strict but lovely Mary Berry. We're at the start of a brand new series, and it looks like there are cakes on the menu.

200 responses

Christine20/08/2013 at 18:15

Baking!
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:16

Evening :D
GBBO shameful admission - I've never watched a full episode.
Christine20/08/2013 at 18:16

GBBO shameful admission - I've never watched a full episode.
How can this be!?
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:18

How can this be!?
I know... I missed the boat on the first series, then never got round to really getting into the second (despite your best efforts)...
But after feeling like I've missed out, and seeing Mary at the Good Food Summer Show, we're going to make the effort this time.
Plus I can never turn down commenting on something.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 18:24

I will happily join you guys once Sony finish their Sony thing
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 18:25

But after feeling like I've missed out, and seeing Mary at the Good Food Summer Show, we're going to make the effort this time.
Now you too can enjoy Paul Hollywood's dislike of soggy bottoms.
Christine20/08/2013 at 18:26

But after feeling like I've missed out, and seeing Mary at the Good Food Summer Show, we're going to make the effort this time.
Yay for Mary! I do have to get to the Good Food Show at some point.
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:29

Yay for Mary! I do have to get to the Good Food Show at some point.
Was great (apart from on the feet)!! I'm sure you saw this at the time, but... http://notonlyahatrack.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/bbc-good-food-show/ #pluggage
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 18:32

Sweet, PS4 date confirmed, conference all done, time to look forward to GBBO.
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:32

Sweet, PS4 date confirmed, conference all done, time to look forward to GBBO.
Which is when? (Although I seriously doubt I'm getting one...)
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:32

DW - just seen your tweet
Christine20/08/2013 at 18:39

Which is when? (Although I seriously doubt I'm getting one...)
We were leaning towards the Xbox, although who knows what will actually come out with Microsoft backtracking so much.
This is to play in all our heaps of spare time, of course.
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:40

This is to play in all our heaps of spare time, of course.
Not sure you've even got enough time to invent a machine that will give you more hours in a day.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 18:40

We were leaning towards the Xbox, although who knows what will actually come out with Microsoft backtracking so much.
The new Xbox has Zoo tycoon. Just to make that decision easy :)
There needs to be a GBBO game. It's about as good as I would ever get at baking.
Christine20/08/2013 at 18:41

The new Xbox has Zoo tycoon. Just to make that decision easy :)
Sold!
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:41

There needs to be a GBBO game. It's about as good as I would ever get at baking.
It's called baking along - Christine played it last year
Christine20/08/2013 at 18:43

There needs to be a GBBO game. It's about as good as I would ever get at baking.
I played Cooking Academy which is basically just chopping stuff up and mixing stuff around:
http://i1-games.softpedia-static.com/screenshots/Cooking-Academy-2-World-Cuisine_3.jpg
http://i1-games.softpedia-static.com/screenshots/Cooking-Academy-2-World-Cuisine_7.jpg
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 18:46

I'm watching grat british railway journeys on bbc2 in build up to gbbo. I quite like this.
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:47

We've got an old BBT on e4 :)
Christine20/08/2013 at 18:55

I have been, surprise surprise, editing a podcast.
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:56

I have been, surprise surprise, editing a podcast.
Are we allowed to know which?
A new Joe? :D
Christine20/08/2013 at 18:57

Not Joe, I'm afraid. New race, new Digest.
Will^20/08/2013 at 18:57

Not Joe, I'm afraid. New race, new Digest.
Still gets a happy face :)
Christine20/08/2013 at 18:58

I'm quite enjoying last year's contestants exploding with excitement all over Twitter. You'd think they were still on it!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 18:59

Not Joe, I'm afraid. New race, new Digest.
Oh yeah, there is a race this weekend! Phew.
...not that I forgot...
Christine20/08/2013 at 18:59

...not that I forgot...
We'd have helped you remember :)
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:00

Yay, Mel and Sue.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:01

there is a gregg wallace lookalike. How confusing
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:03

Gawd, I can feel the pressure already!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:03

Mmm, cake week
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:04

13 is an odd number. I mean, literally and otherwise.
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:04

13 is an odd number. I mean, literally and otherwise.
Bakers' dozen
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:05

That's classic
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:06

I did a sandwich cake last week, they're soooo behind.
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:06

I've spotted a lot of plasters already!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:06

Rhubarb always reminds me of sweets or liqourice...
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:08

Howard looks like he is a detailed baker
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:08

Making cake in cake week is always a good start
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:09

Literally a sandwich!
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:09

In a bag?!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:09

In Wales you would have to pay 5p extra for that cake. #baglaws
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:09

In Wales you would have to pay 5p extra for that cake. #baglaws
:)
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:09

In Wales you would have to pay 5p extra for that cake. #baglaws
But technically that bag is edible, so it part of the cake?
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:10

But technically that bag is edible, so it part of the cake?
oooh a tasty loophole!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:10

I appreciate Ali's mess
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:10

I appreciate Ali's mess
He's fun :)
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:11

I appreciate Ali's mess
Looking forward to some of his brand of chaos :)
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:12

She has to be the favourite because she has the best name and also comes from Didcot which is a bit near Williams. Win.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:12

Oooh something new for Mary. Brave,
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:13

Sue and Howard are already a fun duo :)
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:13

I don't know how so many people cut their fingers when just baking a cake.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:13

Oooooh dear.
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:14

Oops, oven fail.
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:14

Cold oven. School-boy error. Been there, done that.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:14

Poor Crofty is having a disaster
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:14

Poor Crofty is having a disaster
Hehehehe!
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:15

Blimey, they're breaking out the blow-torches and it's only the first week!
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:15

Yey for blowtorching :)
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:16

They are a better judge than me, I'd just walk up to it and put my face in it
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:18

all the contests look like someone else. that one guy is dario franchitti.
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:18

Christine ran out of time.
Yep, that sounds about right.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:18

Yep, that sounds about right.
sidepodtime even on gbbo!
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:18

Yay Ali!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:18

Rough plasterer's cake :)
Mr C20/08/2013 at 19:19

well i've seen you all live comment on some odd things, but this takes the... biscuit.
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:19

Rough plasterer's cake :)
Extra icing ftw
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:19

well i've seen you all live comment on some odd things, but this takes the... biscuit.
It's a piece of cake
lou20/08/2013 at 19:19

I'm so late, what have i missed.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:20

I see Mary is wearing a stunning jacket again. Love that woman.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:20

I'm so late, what have i missed.
someone forgot to turn their over on!
Mr C20/08/2013 at 19:20

It's a piece of cake
:)
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:20

I'm so late, what have i missed.
In summary, some good cakes, some bad. A lady called Christine and a fun guy called Ali. Lots of plasters. A blowtorch.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:20

*oven
lou20/08/2013 at 19:20

someone forgot to turn their over on!
amazing :)
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:20

I'm so late, what have i missed.
...I'm hungry for their cakes.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:21

Ali appeared to turn his kitchen top into flour as well
lou20/08/2013 at 19:21

...I'm hungry for their cakes.
i just made a home made chicken katsu. so am stuffed... but i could have cake... hmmm cake
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:21

Here comes the ~~science~~ history bit.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:22

i just made a home made chicken katsu. so am stuffed... but i could have cake... hmmm cake
chicken katsu is always a good build up to cake
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:22

i just made a home made chicken katsu. so am stuffed... but i could have cake... hmmm cake
Ooo, tasty. I've still got my cake in the fridge, but I want theirs :(
lou20/08/2013 at 19:23

that looks so tasty...
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:24

We still have birthday cake from the ridiculous amount of family birthdays this past week. Although it's ou de la tesco so not the most luxurious.
Still, it's cake and I will destroy it. :)
lou20/08/2013 at 19:24

ooohhh i love the technical challenge :)
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:24

Jog on!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:24

mmmmmmm angel cake
lou20/08/2013 at 19:24

Lemon and passionfruit!!!! hmmmmmm
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:24

"Hey, make a cake newbies. By the way, MARY KNOWS THIS REALLY WELL LIKE. Good luck."
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:25

I don't know what this is.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:26

That is such a cool job description.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:26

he designs satellites!!!!
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:26

Almost a genuine rocket scientist.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:26

Almost a genuine rocket scientist.
well the medical student did so well last time, who knows how this guy will do :)
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:27

he designs satellites!!!!
So what do you do?
Ah I just work in an office, doing bits and bobs. You?
Well I do the odd designing here and here. Designing satellites and space stuff."
He's living the dream
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:27

I have just seen a cat on twitter eating someone's cake. It felt relevant.
http://t.co/psfGsCaQMs
Mr C20/08/2013 at 19:28

c++ dude!
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:29

Mr C has a favourite then.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:29

Crofty doesn't understand gravity.
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:29

Never heard of the mix griping the side of the pan if it is a fat-less cake.
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:31

"She's gone a little bit pottery class."
Mr C20/08/2013 at 19:31

Mr C has a favourite then.
i am not watching a baking show. i am not commenting on a baking show. i most certainly do not have a favourite contestant on a baking show.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:31

Seriously, that is Dario
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:31

Salt - opps #ayyyahhh
lou20/08/2013 at 19:32

that happens every single series!!! scary how often it happens!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:33

gosh. that poor girl.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:33

"I can't remember." :)
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:33

gosh. that poor girl.
She's gettin a lot of air-time, I'm worried
Mr C20/08/2013 at 19:34

pretty sure that's rodney's other half cassandra.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:34

pretty sure that's rodney's other half cassandra.
:D
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:34

pretty sure that's rodney's other half cassandra.
hehehe
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:34

Oh Dario what have you done
Mr C20/08/2013 at 19:35

c++ dude needs an undo action.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:35

wait, is c++ dude Dario? he's even cooler now.
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:35

She's a bit sulky though, that girl.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:35

hahaha ''and look what happend to john'
yeah, he won... so looks like Mr C's fav will win ;)
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:36

Greg Wallace had a good cake
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:36

Love the sheeps.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:36

Greg Wallace had a good cake
:D :D
Mr C20/08/2013 at 19:36

wait, is c++ dude Dario? he's even cooler now.
i dunno actually, i'm not watching.
#honest
lou20/08/2013 at 19:37

the interior of the tent always makes me want my house to look like that.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:37

chocolate cakeeeee!!!
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:37

but remember, It's 8pm, BBC2 ;)
lou20/08/2013 at 19:37

ah i've missed Mel and Sue.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:38

"Here is my cake made out of tree"
lou20/08/2013 at 19:38

ohhhh! interesting!
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:39

"Here is my cake made out of tree"
And they say chocolate doesn't grow on trees.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:39

And they say chocolate doesn't grow on trees.
Mmmmmm.
edible environment.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:39

uh-oh.... soggy cake here we come!
Steven Roy20/08/2013 at 19:40

So this is this program people keep going on about? First thing I heard was chocolate ginger cake. That sounds like the winner to me
lou20/08/2013 at 19:41

So this is this program people keep going on about? First thing I heard was chocolate ginger cake. That sounds like the winner to me
there is a guy who designs satellites!
lou20/08/2013 at 19:41

WOW!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:41

#include
#include
#include
Steven Roy20/08/2013 at 19:41

there is a guy who designs satellites!
Is his cake going to be out of this world?
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:41

awww my c++ puns didn't work in thr coding
lou20/08/2013 at 19:41

Is his cake going to be out of this world?
http://instantrimshot.com/
lou20/08/2013 at 19:42

ahahaha i love these early episodes XD
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:42

C++ is so funny
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:42

He is a maniac!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:42

it's time to head back to indy car, chap
Steven Roy20/08/2013 at 19:42

C++ is so funny
Unless someone else gets B-- for their cake
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:43

C++ is so funny
void Overcooking();
Jen20/08/2013 at 19:43

Oh no I'm late - missed the first half. This guy that used salt and forgot to set the timer isn't going to last long! Which is the satellite one?
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:44

What the.... how has he done that??
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:44

Oh no I'm late - missed the first half. This guy that used salt and forgot to set the timer isn't going to last long! Which is the satellite one?
Gregg Wallace, I think
lou20/08/2013 at 19:44

woooww!
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:44

Wow! Those b+w shardy things
lou20/08/2013 at 19:44

chocolate bearr!!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:44

mmmmm. edible bears
I think
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:44

chocolate bearr!!
It's cute!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:44

Aww, howard is sweet.
Steven Roy20/08/2013 at 19:44

What the.... how has he done that??
He had a thing that cut a sheet of white chocolate into strips then he poured dark chocolate over it
lou20/08/2013 at 19:45

The bake off squirrel!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:45

PROFITEROLE MONSTER.
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:46

At least his timer went off that time.
Steven Roy20/08/2013 at 19:47

Why are they in a tent?
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:47

Why are they in a tent?
It's the Bake Off tent!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:47

Why are they in a tent?
Because that's where the kitchen is, silly
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:48

aww, poor ali.
Steven Roy20/08/2013 at 19:48

It's the Bake Off tent!
Because that's where the kitchen is, silly
Couldn't they afford anywhere inside
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:49

Couldn't they afford anywhere inside
His name is paul hollywood, he needs a hollywood kitchen
lou20/08/2013 at 19:49

Another baking programme you baking lovers should check out is definitely TLC's 'Cake Boss' or 'Next Great Baker'. They make the most crazy, ridiculous, cakes... like... this - http://diydilettante.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/cake-boss-buddy-valastro-tv-show-nyc-city-cake-skyscrapers-building-empire-state-replicas.jpg
If you can cope with the way he pronounces 'fondant' and things then it's worth a watch of one episode, if only for the amazing cakes!
Just google cake boss and you can see the crazy cakes - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cake+boss&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=0sYTUtKIAaeV0AXDhoHYBQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1440&bih=698
The Next Great Baker is when he sets challenges to people who want to work for him to make super epic cakes, it's all very predictably american and dramatic and wonderful.
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:49

Couldn't they afford anywhere inside
I think it's meant to evoke summer fetes and amateur baking competitions, rather than the stainless steel horror that is Masterchef.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:50

Gregg is very good, who knew space could make you so good at cakes?
lou20/08/2013 at 19:50

I think it's meant to evoke summer fetes and amateur baking competitions, rather than the stainless steel horror that is Masterchef.
exactly, plus they travel :)
lou20/08/2013 at 19:50

exactly, plus they travel :)
i think...
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:50

i think...
They did in the first series, I don't think they do anymore. But it's different places each series, maybe.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:51

Its like a cliffside at the back.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:51

They did in the first series, I don't think they do anymore. But it's different places each series, maybe.
ahhhhhh, maybe! I thought they did last series cause they were in different places for the different things they were cooking. but i may be years and years behind in thinking.
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:51

Christine's Jaffa Hat...!!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:53

That is an AWESOME cake.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:53

awwww!!!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:53

I think Howard is my favourite
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:54

passion fruit in chocolate cake?
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:55

Cor, tough choice for the judges.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:56

i think Howard is definitely the new Brendan.
Steven Roy20/08/2013 at 19:56

He sliced both of his thumbs???
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:56

He sliced both of his thumbs???
He didn't have many digits left by the end.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:57

He's good!
Will^20/08/2013 at 19:57

Baking is a lot of science :)
Steven Roy20/08/2013 at 19:57

Thumbs down for Toby
Christine20/08/2013 at 19:58

At least the Bake Off people might save on First Aid costs next time.
lou20/08/2013 at 19:58

'anti baking monk... or not...'
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 19:58

if {
cake = (not.goodenough)
}
end
Mr C20/08/2013 at 19:59

happy coding dude gets to sit behind his desk again. making me anxious being out in the wild like that.
Christine20/08/2013 at 20:02

That was heaps of fun, thanks for commenting with me, peoples. Maybe same time next week? :)
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 20:02

If rob wins, when he's crowned winner I hope he said 'Well it's not exactly rocket science'
Christine20/08/2013 at 20:02

If rob wins, when he's crowned winner I hope he said 'Well it's not exactly rocket science'
:)
Mr C20/08/2013 at 20:02

If rob wins, when he's crowned winner I hope he said 'Well it's not exactly rocket science'
i can't believe you thought live commenting a cooking show was a good idea.
*ahem*
Christine20/08/2013 at 20:02

i can't believe you thought live commenting a cooking show was a good idea.
At some point, you're just going to have to accept that my ideas are good before they happen.
lou20/08/2013 at 20:02

That was heaps of fun, thanks for commenting with me, peoples. Maybe same time next week? :)
yes yes!! so excited that bake off is back :) great idea Christine!
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 20:03

i can't believe you thought live commenting a cooking show was a good idea.
you baker believe it.
Lukeh20/08/2013 at 20:03

i'm disappointed in myself
Christine20/08/2013 at 20:03

At some point, you're just going to have to accept that my ideas are good before they happen.
Not before my ideas happen, that would be weird.
Mr C20/08/2013 at 20:03

you baker believe it.
:)
Steven Roy20/08/2013 at 20:05

i can't believe you thought live commenting a cooking show was a good idea.
We live commented a blind being installed once. For the first hour of that we live commented a blind not getting installed
Will^20/08/2013 at 20:05

We live commented a blind being installed once. For the first hour of that we live commented a blind not getting installed
I've just decorated the spare room, we could've commented paint drying.
Christine20/08/2013 at 20:06

We live commented a blind being installed once. For the first hour of that we live commented a blind not getting installed
:)
Christine20/08/2013 at 21:07

I like this Toby guy: https://twitter.com/bake_down/status/369927343600840704
:)
Amy21/08/2013 at 12:40

I am watching this now. Stupid timezones. I'm too afraid to read down the comments in case I spoil myself
Amy21/08/2013 at 13:10

I learned not to grease an angel food cake from the American version of this show. Very educational, I just assumed you can grease any pan
Christine21/08/2013 at 15:34

I learned not to grease an angel food cake from the American version of this show. Very educational, I just assumed you can grease any pan
And this time we learnt not to line the tin with salt. Although we may have known that already!