Review: How to Bake by Paul Hollywood – and a spare to give away!
Ah we love a bit of the old Silver Fox. There’s not much telly that makes me stabby when disturbed, but the Great British Bake Off is one of them and I’ve been known to get very shushy if people start talking over the lovely Mr Hollywood. I remember him making me laugh like a drain with the adorable Jeni Barnett back in the days of Great Food Live and I still love him now. Le sigh…
Anyhoo, enough about the man himself and on to the book. Often ‘celebrity’ books can be a bit disappointing (I would point you in the direction of Gregg’s Favourite Puddings, but I’m far too polite) but Paul Hollywood knows his stuff. There’s a satisfying mixture of easy, basic recipes and challenging new ideas to please even the most enthusiastic home bakers. I tried his shortcrust pastry when making a treacle tart (and this was a wrench, as my own shortcrust recipe is tried and tested), but I have to say Paul’s – using a whole egg – was really good. The recipes are sprinkled with professional tips and tricks and good ingredient notes too.
There’s a whole chapter on sourdough, something that I’ve tried before but not really mastered, and I’m dying to have a go at making my own Danish pastries. The photos are fab (you know how picky I am about photography) – check out the lavender honey and toasted almond sourdough – and the methods are clear, concise and not too waffly. I suffer from this when writing recipes – it’s so easy to go off on a tangent about some ingredient or other – very distracting when you’re actually cooking it.
A great addition to my already groaning cookery book collection. If you need further persuading, here’s Paul walking you through his grape and stilton flatbread recipe:
How to Bake by Paul Hollywood is published by Bloomsbury, RRP £20 and is out now. If you’d like my spare copy, leave a comment. The one that makes me laugh most gets the book. I’ve got it here so I’ll send it anywhere, no UK only competitions today! Entries must be received before midnight, Friday 3rd August. No cash alternative. My decision is final, so there.
*****THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO RACHEL, WHO WON ME OVER WITH HER EPIC POEM *****
17 Responses to “Review: How to Bake by Paul Hollywood – and a spare to give away!”
There once was a time I did needst,
To concoct a poem about yeast,
It had to be funny
To be on the money.
This competition is policed!
Englishmum wants a poem about bread.
These are the words in my head!
It started off as one style
And it’s taken a while
But now it needs putting to bed.
I do love a good book and him of the telly,
My kitchen could be Miss Radio’s deli,
How fantastically good
To get my mitts on Paul Hollywood.
He’s one foxy beast
Who is wicked with yeast!
I could cook up a feast
Some bread at the least
I Live in the West not the East.
I have now run out of rhyming words.
Oh dear! Not my best I’m afraid! ( Gawd that made me laugh heartly – not my best!!!! Muuhahahaa ) It did take a whopping 3 minutes 27 seconds! I timed myself!
Claim to fame – I was actually tweeted BY the lovely blue eyed Mr Hollywood and I do also chat to the lovely Holly Bell.
If I don’t even get runner up in this competiton I might give up! ( You don’t know how much I wanted that Kitchen Aid!! )
Umm Love Rachel – come see my blog if you get time! I’d be dead honoured cause you are like a pro!!
but I’d still like to put my name in the hat.
How do you beat a poem by Ms Radiostar?
How do you make it better than Rachel?
She’s already won the book
But I’d really like to look
At the lovely photos of the bread inside!
How do you make a treacle tart for supper?
How do you bake a grape and stilton loaf?
I’d like to see the way
I’d like to see him play
With yeast and cheese and honey and lavender too!
How do you win a book by Mr Hollywood?
How do you show that book is really yours?
It’s needed where I live
You really ought to give
This lovely book to me to try it too!
Sue
I could have baked all night
I would have baked all night
And still have baked some more
I could have oiled my tins
And baked a dozen things
And still I’d bake some more.
I never knew
Poemwars could be exciting
I always knew I’d never win for sure
I’ll only know when she
Begins to email me
If I will bake, bake baaaaaaaake
All night!
I thank you Rachel all poemed out Radiostar!! ( 4 mins 45 )
Superbakingpastrymakingthisismostdelicious,
Even though the sound of it is making me mendacious ,
Who will win this lovely book is up to hostess Becky,
I am giving up this poem now, I’ll check back after brekky!
Sue
Fiona
Angela