In early July we said goodbye to our sweet beagle Hankie Poo. I was crushed. I remember sitting on the couch and surfing the channels, but all the shows sounded so heavy and I wanted something lighter. Then I decided to tune into The Great British Baking Show. I had seen the title for years on Netflix, but I had zero interest in a baking show. However, given my other options I thought I would give it a try.

Fast forward two months I have now watched all the seasons and realize that in America we have very little exposure to a variety of deserts. We normally like cake, cookies, brownies, the occasional custard, and a couple of different pies. That about sums up the American pallet. Wanting to expand my skills, I have decided to bake my way through the Great British Baking Show. I figure it will take me a few years, but I am in no hurry, I want to enjoy the journey and hopefully be able to share it with friends and family along the way. However, before I get started I wanted to lay out a couple of ground rules:
- No fruit cake, EVER. Call it by a fancy name, but it's still fruit cake and I won't do it:)
- All recipes will be vegetarian. If it requires an animal product I will try to find a substitute. If I can't find a substitute then I will not bake it.
- Meringue, maybe. I will try it. But I can't promise I will make all of them.
- If there is a massive challenge where multiple things are baked, I will probably only bake one or two.
- Phyllo dough challenge, again maybe. That might be too much rolling:)
- No cooking time constraints. Remember, this is for fun.
- I will bake when I have time. But I imagine it will be about 1 - 2 a month. I am not in a hurry.
- My husband will be the main judge (he is dying to judge pasty like Paul Hollywood) and when I share it with others they will also judge.
​That's it for now. I need to get baking. Season 1, Episode 1, Challenge 1 is a cake. I am working on a Tres Leche Cake with Mango Cream. I will post soon.
Jovina Coughlin
Thank you for following my blog. I look forward to reading yours.
Ruth Grindeland
Thank you! I feel the same way about your blog. Yours combines two things I love, heathy and Mediterranean â¤ï¸
TanGental
We are addicts and my daughter wants Mary Berry for a grandma. Splendid challenge you've set yourself!!
Ruth Grindeland
Thank you! I am having fun learning about all the different types of baking. Next up is biscuits. I honestly never thought of making them.
I totally agree with your daughter. I have been saying I wish she could adopt me. She seems like a national treasure.