Bake-off season is in full swing! This series has seen some of the most ambitious challenges for the amateur bakers yet, full of triumph and controversy. With the semi-final taking place this week, we look back at some of our favourite recipes of the 2019 series.
Paul's Moroccan Style Pie
We revisit the technical challenge of Pastry Week, with this delicious Moroccan style pie. Some may be put off by going to the effort of making your own pastry for a pie however we think it's well worth the effort! This pie is perfect for Autumn, as it's packed full of warming aromatic flavours. Ras El Hanout provides those quintessential Moroccan flavours whilst the introduction of Cinnamon gives a beautifully sweet depth to the pie. The combination of sweet potato, apricots and dates contrast brilliantly with the hot aromatic flavours of the Harissa paste. This fusion of ingredients produces both sweet and savoury flavours within a hot and comforting pie. What more could you ask for on these long winter nights?
Details of the full recipe can be found on the Great British Bake Off website.
Henry's Coffee, Cardamom & Hazelnut Bars
We love the curious combination of coffee and cardamom in Henry's attractive and rich hazelnut bars from Biscuit Week. The bitter flavour of the coffee mousse is balanced by the sweet caramelised hazelnuts and buttery shortbread. Whilst the cardamom within the ganache gives an aromatic twist to these chocolatey treats. This is a fairly technical bake however if you are inspired by these flavour combinations, perhaps add some cardamom to alternative cake recipes that call for the popular combination of coffee and chocolate. If you do feel like challenging yourself by following Henry's recipe, you can find it on the Great British Bake Off website.
Steph's Hot Cross Buns
Who says hot cross buns are just for Easter? Steph's hot cross buns from Festival Week are packed full of zesty citrus and cinnamon flavours earning her the ever-coveted Hollywood Handshake. Although somewhat traditional, we still love the combination of spice and sharpness within this bake. Enjoy the irresistible combination of sultanas, mixed spice, cinnamon and lemon zest within this particular and familiar recipe. Enjoyable at any time of year, these versatile treats go down fantastically with a cup of tea. Find her recipe on the Great British Bake Off website.
Michael's Mango, Lime & Ginger Tarts
We look back to 1920s week where the bakers were required to create slapstick inspired custard tarts. Michael's distinctive flavours and attractive finish certainly caught our imagination. He used ginger-infused pastry to encase the fruity custard combining both Mango puree and Lime juice. A sprinkling of homemade honeycomb and white chocolate adds an added sweetness to these decadent and tasty tarts. Difficulty-wise this bake could be quite a challenge however elements such as the Mango puree can be bought from shops beforehand.
With the final on the horizon, Series 10 of the Great British Bake Off has offered some of the most talented bakers yet. The series has delivered some questionable themes, and challenging technicals however despite these challenges, the best bakers are ready to fight it out tonight in the semi-finals. Tune in with us at 8pm on Channel 4.
Don't forget we sell a full range of spices and ingredients suitable for the budding baker on our website. Check us out - theoldsilkroadtradingcompany.co.uk
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