After seeing it advertised quite a few times I was thrilled this evening to actually catch an episode of the Hairy Bakers on BBC 2.
I've been a fan of the duo Dave and Si that make up the Hairy Bikers
for a while now and the idea of them doing a whole series on baking seemed like a fantastic idea. There are so many cookery programmes on TV, yet I don't recall a single one that is devoted to baking alone.
for a while now and the idea of them doing a whole series on baking seemed like a fantastic idea. There are so many cookery programmes on TV, yet I don't recall a single one that is devoted to baking alone.In the episode I caught tonight (number 2 I believe) the aim was for them to prepare tea at the Henley Regatta and so first they went on a trip to try out various different recipes in different places. Their first stop was in Bakewell in Derbyshire, a town that is famous for its Bakewell Tarts, or Bakewell Puddings as they are sometimes known. This was the reason behind Dave and Si's trip and they ended up making their own Bakewell Pudding. (Also worth noting that Bakewell has a fantastic range of cross-stitch shops – worth calling in if you're ever in the area.)
Following on from here they went to nearby Chatsworth House where maple syrup and walnut scones were made in the garden. I've visited Chatsworth many times through my childhood and have always been a big fan of the children's adventure playground and also the Farm Shop. This was the first farm shop that I was introduced to as a child and I still love going there to see all the fresh produce. My mum and dad always go on Christmas Eve to collect a meat box to see the family through Christmas and I have to say that it is always delicious and far beats anything you can get from the supermarket.
The duo then visited the WI's Denman College where they participated in a class to learn to make a Victoria Sponge, although they decided to break some of the rules and add a few extra ingredients! Everything that they had learnt was then taken to Henley to provide tea (including cucumber sandwiches) for one of the rowing teams.
Overall I loved the programme and it left me feeling quite inspired to get up and into the kitchen to make something. It seems that not everyone is in agreement though…
I’ve been a fan of the Hairy Bikers for a few years now, their books make for good reading for the stories behind how and where they discovered each recipe as much as the food itself. I don’t watch much tv these days so managed to completely miss their series on baking until I read about it in Olive after it finished. meh. Still, I’m sure the DVD will be out soon enough.
I think my favourite story from their series was the woman from rural Transylvania who made Chicken Noodle Soup by royal appointment, you just can’t make that stuff up 🙂
Apparently they’ll be at the Good Food Show this year, which is just typical as it’s the first time in a couple of years I’m not going..
Never actually made it to the Good Food Show, but that certainly would be a reason to go. Although I can’t mind any mention of them on the show website…
Not actually read any of the Hairy Biker books, but with a recommendation like that I might just have to drop early hints to Mr C for Christmas! 😉