As if we haven’t had enough of Ginger Spice
Late, but I got there in the end. The hardest part about missing last’s week’s episode when it aired was staying away from twitter and the like; also, my routine felt a bit weird. Like I had forgotten something, when all that happened was I switched over to another provider and moved the telly to follow the new terminal points. (And the new settee.)
I know ye’d probably love something more cynical and pathetic, like I was in a huff or off sulking, but no. Nothing for some of ye to t_roll around in.
Anyway, neither here nor there ‘cause in the end Spice week wasn’t worth worrying about, unless fifty shades of ginger is your thing. Not for me, my attitude to ginger bread is that its only of use when its smothered in custard, and ginger nuts are the ones no one wants anyway.
And I did warn us all in week four that there mightn’t be much more to it than gingerbreads.
But t’was a savage week for innuendos. I won’t repeat too much because it’s a bit weird coming from me, but wet and ghee made it to the top of my best ever list.
The first ever, and hopefully only, Spice week Signature; would I bake a family ginger cake? I doubt it to be honest with ye, but I do like the idea of Lemon and Ginger topped with meringue. The only thing that I would criticize about Manon’s, which in fairness got a ‘soft and lovely’ PruePat, is that Italian meringue has no staying power, and ye don’t need me to tell ye ginger bread or cakes or anything, does better after a day or more in the tin. Also, the curd involves gelatin, and you’ll also need a sugar thermometer, and I’m always reluctant to promote anything that can’t be done with stuff you’re more likely to already have.
Maybe its something for a Roulade – Lemon Curd and Ginger Crumbs. Now there’s a guilty heemmm
An interesting thing about the Signature, all the bakes that weren’t classed as claggy, boozy, more rum than ginger, dry, gluey or a shambles got a Hollywood. Three in fact. So, we have officially reached peak Hollywood handshake; the Hollywood has now dished out the same number as he had in the whole of last season, and we’re only half way through.
Ma’amoul, anyone else call it a fancy feckie fig roll? That isn’t meant to cause offence, like I love its significance and its lovely remembrance in a religious and cultural setting; but I find it hard to believe the skill is set at easy. One thing I would add to the Technical recipe is that the pastry is worth trying on its own, and drop in a thought; mincemeat (the Christmassy kind) paste.
Do I really need to go into the Showstopper? Sorry lads, but none of us have any intention of it, but it has to be said that Kim-Joy owned Spice week and didn’t even need to turn up for Showstopper day. Although I’m glad she did. She’s not my favourite, but she deserves to be.
Although I already twigged she was one to watch in Week 4’s edition, I have to make more of an effort on her behalf this week.
Kim-Joy’s ability to bake, create, combine flavours along with not being afraid of being different or using techniques others never heard of is brave and its charming, but it’s her finishing and piping skills that need particular mention, because they have not been seen yet in the tent in nine seasons.
Like I said, we wouldn’t dream of doing biscuit chandeliers, but we will all be doing these bikkies. if ye don’t have the cutters already they’re easily got in any supermarket or euro shop. I’m touting for them because they have one of my favourite ingredients, and its one that never seems to get a look in with cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice being more everyday, everyday; ground cloves.
The two to go home, no surprise, even Terry’s ‘tash had thrown in the towel before its owner took his place in the Technical line up. Whereas I never warmed to Karen at all. I really don’t think we’re going to miss them next week, oops tonight. Or the other night now as it happens
Another Gran Prix event; Pastry
Again, sorry for the wait.
and for one night only
Vanilly Spice
Frilly Keane 