The Great Cobb Hill Baking Show

Is there a way to have your cake and eat it too? How do we bring people together for three fun days during a pandemic? Can you bake over Zoom? While dancing and singing?

From January 16-18, 2021, Cobb Hill took inspiration from The Great British Baking Show and ran a baking contest for adults and families. We followed the format of the Great British Baking Show: Day One, The Signature Bake (pies - sweet or savory); Day Two, The Technical Challenge (Paul Hollywood's Fruit Turnovers); and Day Three, The Showstopper (a layer cake with a social justice theme in honor of MLK Day and current events).

Nine households baked and two judges ("Rollin Pein" and "Stella Rose") carefully sampled their creations and declared the winners of the Star Baker Awards. We met over Zoom at 8:45 AM for the kickoff (jokes, instructions, advice) and bakers had from 9 - noon to complete each bake. Baking happened in individual kitchens. We had a grand time while the bakers were hard at work, with three MC's asking questions and encouraging contestants to sing, dance, and share stories.

The Technical Challenge recipe was tested and adapted for U.S. cooks by judge Rollin Pein and the contestants were provided with the recipe (abbreviated for all adult teams) and all ingredients. It was the first time most households had made a rough puff pastry, and all were successful. The bakers surprised themselves and impressed the judges!

The finished baked goods were brought to an outdoor table where the judges examined and cut into them. Observations were made, taste samples taken and prizes awarded. The contestants produced the most delicious, beautiful and creative result all three days – quite worthy of the TV show! They really outdid themselves on the third day, however. Showstoppers featured a tempered chocolate bridge, a stash of hidden treasure, up to seven different layers, and hand carved decorations. Exhausted and sweet tooth satisfied, everyone hung up their aprons and dreamed of ... perhaps an annual bake show?

“My cake is rainbow, and imperfect - like people!” -Kai

"My heart shines and my face smiles when I think of all the incredible joy and connection that emerged from this event! I am filled with immense gratitude for Lorie, who created this activity and all the other community members who joined the effort. Loved cooking with my 19 year old son and his girlfriend! First bake, pure fun and excitement! Second bake for us was tense and down to the wire, as we had to temper chocolate for our chocolate bridge." -Karyn

Stay tuned for the film of the whole event!