It’s that time of year again. When, it seems, most of the nation is glued to the telly each Wednesday night for the BBC One’s Great British Bake Off, writes Nicola Warren.
For many of us, it inspires us to dust off the mixing bowl, head to the shops for ingredients and spend some quality time in the kitchen.
Perhaps you aim to rival the contestants, conjuring up towers of profiteroles or macarons or, like me, you are more at home making biscuits and fairy cakes.
Maybe you feel baking is beyond you, or you’ve lost your confidence in the kitchen.
But help is at hand. There are lots of cookery workshops taking place over the next few months, aimed at improving your baking skills.
Last year I had the wonderful opportunity of attending a macaron and meringue workshop run by Emma Crowhurst and Anmar Odendal at the Taste Academy in Ipswich.
Previously my most adventurous creation when it came to baking was an iced fairy cake.
Macarons, I’d thought before attending, were best left for the experts.
But with clear instructions and some help along the way I managed to make both macarons and meringues, which were enjoyed by friends and family.
The good news is that, following last year’s success, Emma and Anmar are holding another workshop.
This year’s class - macarons and marshmallows - will be held at the Taste Academy in Ipswich, on October 7 from 1pm.
At the workshop, which is an Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival fringe event, you’ll learn how to make macarons and marshmallows and take some of each home.
Places cost £45, including ingredients and refreshments.
To book a place, email Emmaor call 07967 212096.
Whether you want to master the art of bread-making or cake-decorating, there’s a baking workshop for you
Outrageous Cake Co workshops
Suffolk Food Hall
Weekly on Saturdays, plus kids’ holiday clubs throughout the summer
Brush up on your piping skills and more at these regular events from the masters of celebration cakes.
Classes in August include ‘chocolate cupcakes from start to finish’, while children can try their hand at making a giant pizza cookie and more.
Adult classes cost from £40, with children’s sessions costing £15.
Go to their website to reserve your place.
French bread making with Sue Hudson
The Mistley Kitchen
September 26, 10am to 3.30pm
On this workshop, you will learn how to bake traditional French breads, including baguette, brioche and Provence’s version of the pizza.
The class will conclude with a delicious lunch with French cheese and wine.
To book your place, which costs £100, visit their websiteDivine Desserts
Baythorne Hall
November 18, 10am to 4pm
Juliette Bryant will lead this workshop on how to make sweet treats without the guilt.
Make ‘raw’ desserts including chocolate mousse, strawberry cheesecake, millionaires shortbread, brownies and more.
Each dessert will be free from gluten, refined sugar and animal products.
The event costs £95 and can be booked by email or calling 01440 785680.
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