Feast your eyes

     A few months ago I was at a very special party at which a fellow guest was The Great British Bake-Off's Paul Hollywood. Keen bakers and fans of the programme as we all are, Simon, Elaine and I were a bit starstruck to see him there, but we didn't get a chance to quiz him on his technique or pick his brains over the finer points of baking. However, as all that knowledge is now accessible in book form, there'll be no stopping us!

    I've been taking a close look at How to Bake on what is a very cold, wet, un-summery day here, one of those days when the thought of spending the weekend in the kitchen making bread or cakes or pastries is a very inviting one. The book's bread section alone is truly impressive with any amount of types, styles, flavours, old favourites and new ideas, and then there are all the sweet treats, too.

    To give you a taste, pictured here from the top left are: Portuguese egg custard tarts, Victoria sponge, mince pies, pecan and chocolate tart, pains aux raisins, blueberry breakfast pancakes, a selection of breads, shortbread, and mozzarella and bacon bites, but there are countless recipes which produce the 'I must make that' response and will have you tying on your apron and grabbing the flour from the cupboard.

Comments

[lila]

That book even has a beautiful cover....using your "cornflower" blue! Have a great day and I hope whatever recipe you bake (if you do) comes out delicious!

[Cornflower]

It is a very blue book! I like the styling - plain and simple but attractive, and it's good to see a cookery book with so much blue about it.

[Rebecca]

Am now envious of Cornflower's celebrity filled life, you know I have something of a passion for that Mr Hollywood - did he charm and delight?

[Cornflower]

Such were the crowds (yes, celebrity-filled!) that we didn't get the chance to speak to him. Ah well ...