2 tbsp almond milk (not necessary if using normal flour).

70g gluten-free flour mix (I use Dove’s farm: link is here).

There’s a number of things I would change if I were to do it again, which I’ve listed at the bottom, I really recommend reading to the end and taking them into account if attempting this for yourself!

I put together the recipe from so many places it seems pointless to call it out really, but my main inspirations were the amazing Ed Kimber’s blog (reppin’ the Bake Off theme) here, and Martha Stewart’s recipe here. Of course, I ate me some cake anyway, suuure I felt a little ill afterwards.but it was worth it. But replacing double cream to go in things like ganache is a whole ‘nother ball game, which I’m simply not adequate enough to play! So, alas, while there is no butter in this recipe and the sponge and buttercream components are both lactose- and gluten-free, the ganache and glaze are not 😦 But for you lucky non lactose-intolerant people, get stuck in!! Replacing just whipped cream is easy, there’s things you can buy from vegan shops: soy, coconut, rice, etc. I did a hell of a lot of research into making this both gluten- and lactose-free, and while it is completely gluten-free I must admit I’m always totally stumped when it comes to replacing double cream. Which must be their way of saying ‘actually quite ugly’) In case you didn’t watch the episode, this is what i’m talking about. It did look…bizarre… in fact, I’m quite tempted to make it for Halloween, in all its brain-like, shiny oddness. And no other programme inspires in me quite the enthusiasm to get in the kitchen and BAKE! This week it was the striking Opéra cake that really caught my eye (though the Charlotte Royale was truly intriguing. No other programme has you writhing behind a pillow as another cake gets stuck in its tin, or yelping in horror as a custard curdles before your eyes. And I really don’t understand how River Cottage can always be on, yet I still haven’t seen the same episode twice.Īnyway, so I reckon I’m quite the food programme connoisseur! And in my infinite wisdom, I do declare that nothing compares to the Great British Bake Off. I have many a time been late because Nigella Express was on (Food Network is both the best and worst thing to have ever happened to Freeview).

I plan my weekends around Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch. I’d say approximately 80% of all TV I watch is food-based.

Opera cake