National Baking Week 2024
15th October 2024
15th October 2024
October brings with it cosy autumn days, which are perfect for spending time in the kitchen. As the UK celebrates National Baking Week from 14th to 20th October, now is the ideal time to whip out your apron and grab a mixing bowl.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this week is all about embracing the art of baking, experimenting with recipes and indulging in tasty homemade treats.
National Baking Week was established in 2007 as a way to inspire more people to bake at home and enjoy the simple pleasure of creating something yummy from scratch. Over the years, it has grown in popularity, coinciding with the massive rise in home baking, driven in part by hit TV shows like The Great British Bake Off.
Baking has seen a resurgence over the past decade, with more people picking up whisks and spatulas to try their hand at making cakes, pastries and bread. According to recent statistics, 54% of British households now bake at least once a month, and sales of baking products soared by over 28% during the lockdown period, showing just how much we love our baked treats.
One of the main catalysts for this rise in baking has undoubtedly been The Great British Bake Off. Since its debut in 2010, the show has captured the hearts of millions, with its mix of competition, camaraderie and, of course, mouth-watering bakes.
The show averages around 6 million viewers per episode and has inspired a whole new generation of bakers. Whether it’s the infamous “soggy bottom” or the stress of making the perfect meringue, Bake Off has shown the highs and lows of baking and has encouraged people to try their hand at challenging bakes in their own kitchens.
The appeal of baking lies in its combination of creativity, comfort and reward. In a world where life often feels rushed, baking offers the chance to slow down, focus on a task and create something tangible. The joy of pulling a fresh loaf of bread from the oven or decorating a perfectly risen cake is hard to beat. Moreover, baking can be a form of self-care, allowing people to relax, de-stress and enjoy the satisfaction of making something by hand.
It’s also a great way to bring people together. From baking with family and friends to sharing treats with neighbours, baking fosters a sense of community and togetherness. This is something we’ve seen increase over recent years, particularly during the pandemic, when people turned to baking as a way to stay occupied and connected.
If you’re looking to get into the spirit of National Baking Week, you’ll want to pop into Trevor Mottram at The Pantiles. Established in 1975, Trevor Mottram is the go-to shop for anyone passionate about cooking and baking. Whether you need basic supplies or specialised tools, their extensive range of kitchen equipment will set you up for baking success.
Here are just a few of the essentials you can find at Trevor Mottram:
Bakeware: From cake tins to muffin trays and loaf pans, Trevor Mottram stocks an array of bakeware in all sizes and shapes. Whether you’re making a classic Victoria sponge or a hearty loaf of sourdough, they’ve got you covered.
Mixing Bowls & Measuring Tools: Precision is key when it comes to baking, so invest in high-quality mixing bowls, measuring spoons and digital scales. Accurate measurements will ensure your bakes turn out just right.
Decorating Tools: If you enjoy decorating cakes and cupcakes, you’ll love their selection of piping bags, nozzles and cake decorating kits. Create beautiful designs with ease and impress your family and friends with your decorating skills.
Electric Mixers & Hand Tools: Baking gadgets like electric mixers, hand whisks and pastry brushes can make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Trevor Mottram carries a wide variety of these tools to suit both beginners and experienced bakers.
Now that you’ve got your supplies, it’s time to decide what to bake! Here are a mixture of ideas to help you get started:
Classic Bakes: From scones to Victoria sponges and Bakewell tarts, these traditional British bakes are always crowd-pleasers. Why not try making a batch of scones and serve them with jam and clotted cream?
Sourdough Bread: With the rise of homemade bread-making, sourdough has become a popular choice. Trevor Mottram offers fantastic bread-making kits that make it easy to create delicious loaves from scratch.
Cupcakes & Cookies: Perfect for a fun and creative baking session, cupcakes and cookies are great for experimenting with different flavours and decorations. You can even get the kids involved!
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, National Baking Week is the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. And with everything you need available at Trevor Mottram, there’s no excuse not to bake up something delicious. From classic British cakes to experimental bakes, celebrate the joy of baking with The Pantiles.
Happy Baking!