Black People Exist Beyond the Universally Accepted Stereotypes.
Back in 2021, I had several conversations with my mom discussing cooking. During the pandemic, she has taken to watching cooking shows and on more than one occasion, she has recommended them to me. Watching them was a bit difficult because I gave up satellite and cable tv long ago. Basically, if I want to see something, I will use the internet and find it. But I digress. She kept mentioning the Great British Baking Show, and how good it is and how tasty the food looks. She watches it on PBS, but since I don’t have “pay TV”, I have never run across it. Until…
One day, I was logged into Netflix, looking at what new shows and movies had been added, when I saw a thumbnail for the Great British Baking Show. And I thought, “Isn’t that the show mom was talking about?” So, I double clicked and began to watch.
When I tell you that it was love at first sight, I am not exaggerating. From that point forward, when I had any free time to watch anything, I was watching the Great British Baking show. It did not take me long to realize that this series picks up several seasons into the show. Of course, I had to wonder, where are these missing seasons?
My mother was not exaggerating about how good this show is. As Americans, it makes me wonder, “What the hell are we stuffing in our faces every day?”
I love how they focus on flavor, not just sweetness, when it comes to desserts. They use fruits and seasonings that I’ve never heard of, like sultanas. They bake sweets with foods that I’ve never considered, like rhubarb. Hell, I’ve never even had rhubarb.
I’ve learned what a soggy bottom is, and what causes it.
I’ve learned what lamination is, and how it creates the flaky layers in pastry.
I’ve learned why you need to release as much of the juice as possible before adding fruit to cake or bread, less the dough or batter around the fruit will not rise.
This show has taught me so much and re-invigorated my love for cooking.
I liked this show so much that I watched every season available on Netflix, including the Christmas specials.
I liked this show so much that I regaled my boyfriend about episode after episode…
