All was very quiet in Blogland last night, and I’d bet my
KitchenAid that all of us in the UK were
watching The Great British Bake-Off!
Bunny and I started a Bake-Off Ritual two years ago, when I
would let her stay up late to watch the show with me each week (now she stays up til
9 p.m. anyway, my big girl!).
We watched the first episode, drooling at the yummy bakes,
so the following week we made sure we had cake to eat while we watched!
Then as the cooler autumn temperatures rolled in, we added
hot chocolate to our Bake-Off snack lineup...
To add to the indulgence, the next week, while I was putting
Little Flower to bed, Bunny made what she dubbed a “nest” on the sofa,
comprised of all the sofa cushions lined up, a fleecy blanket underneath us,
and covered up with another snugly blanket.
Last year Daddy realized he was missing out on something
quite special, so he happily joined us in the nest, which Bunny expanded with
another blanket beneath and a larger quilt on top for all of us.
Darling Husband is not a baker, but we all love the gentle
drama of the series – and he loves to listen to Bunny and I discuss the recipes
and techniques, and we three chime in on who might win, who will be Star Baker,
and who is on their way out!
Now we have our ritual perfected – preparations start at 7
p.m., when I take Little Flower up to get ready for bed (we are all quite
excited about adding her to the nest when she’s a bit older, she’s quite the
baker!). Bunny makes the nest, then we ready our treats when I come
downstairs...but last night, to celebrate the first night of the show, Darling
Husband came home from a long day in London with a very special box of very
posh chocs!
He’s recently completed a big project at work, and he bought
me this present for being so supportive! (Moments like this remind me why I
said “I do!”, he’s my dream come true!)
These were, by far, the very best chocolates I have ever
eaten – and my dears, I have eaten lots (and lots and lots!) of chocolate, from all over the world! We nibbled away at them while watching the bakers nervously create their cakes...who impressed you the most? Who will win? I have my guess...
I love the Great British Bake-Off, and I love our family ritual
even more. Happy memories!
Chrissie x
Sounds like the perfect night in. Did you see my Tea Party Tuesday Rhubarb crumble cake? It has all gone now but it was fab. Jo x
ReplyDeleteOh no, I missed it!! Will have to get it on Catch Up! What a lovely ritual - it sounds like lots of fun and very snuggly - just perfect :-)
ReplyDeletexx
Wonderful. I love the snuggle nest on the sofa - I make those and I have no excuse of being a child! GBBO was great last night. Finally after all these years of not knowing I now know what the legs on an angel food cake pan are for. Trouble is now, I need a pan and to make the cake... Happy watching and snuggling in your nest.
ReplyDeleteI often wonder if sales of certain baking equipment go up during the bake-off - will angel food cake tins suddenly be easy to find in Lakeland or Sainsburys? ;-) You can also invert the cake onto the neck of a bottle, which would also prevent it from collapsing onto the counter...and I want the recipe for the grapefruit cake! Cx
DeleteI looked on Lakeland and John Lewis websites already, and no Angel Food Cake tins :( so far, but perhaps perhaps perhaps! Never thought of using the neck of a bottle - you are creative!
DeleteI just Googled it and - surprise surprise - you can buy the tin on Amazon! Is there anything you can't get on Amazon? A bit scary...at this rate, I'm sure I'll be able to buy a car or new home on Amazon some day... Cx
DeleteMmmm, popcorn and a crisp chilled wine might do nicely for next week's episode...Bunny can stick with hot chocolate! Cx
ReplyDeleteOh I love the bake off too, I really enjoyed it last night. Loved reading about your little rituals for watching it with your girl, love he little nest, so very very sweet.
ReplyDeleteMarianne x
Sounds very comfortable. I love my blanket to snuggle under on the dofa and I've watch the previous series, but my tv gave up last week so GBBO on hold until I buy another one.
ReplyDeleteS xx
What a wonderful family ritual Chrissie - just perfect! And isn't your husband a darling!
ReplyDeleteHappy loving families are such a blessing and, I believe, the true meaning of the old adage "Charity begins at home" actually means 'love' in the original language. Would that there were many more loving homes like yours in our lovely world with its troubled corners!
My heart is warmed by your sweet post, thank you!
Joy xo
I watched it too.....loved the Victoria sponge which looked like a real sandwich.
ReplyDeletemmmhh chocolates what a thoughtful husband, ali
Can I come and watch it at your house please? I watch it on my own as Mr B has not interest in it what so ever, youngest boy is a big fan of Sue Perkins but even that can't tempt him to watch it! Eldest boy probably doesn't even know what it is. What lovely rituals you have - I miss all that now my boys are older. Enjoy the series XX
ReplyDeleteI missed the great British bake off. I must be the only person who hasn't watched it will have to iplayer it!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have a "nest" too I thought it was just me hehe xx
Such a lovely post, Chrissie, and such happy family times in your 'nest' enjoying the Great British Bake Off. The chocolates look like a wonderful treat too, what a kind husband you have :)
ReplyDeleteHelen x
I do so love the Great British Bake Off....my daughter and I watch it together. I rather like Bunny's little soft nest, how sweet!
ReplyDeleteCaroline xx
Ciao!! I can't wait to start catching up on the bake-off. I am such a big fan and it is something we don't miss. Those choccies looked delish, feeling a little jealous! Off to do some more catching up xoxo
ReplyDelete