Do you remember the Great British Baking Show? I watched every season. It quickly became my favorite cooking show because contrary to other productions, the overall atmosphere is friendly, and the judges, Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood work together flawlessly to evaluate the contestants, bringing a perfect balance of criticism and praise. The show was so successful that an American version popped up a few years ago (2015), using a very similar format. Season 3 got canceled after just a few episodes but a new season is coming up probably later this year.
(Word cloud, courtesy of my dear friend Denise – do I have cool friends or what?)
I am not allowed to share any specific details. All I can say is that I got very close from being a contestant in this upcoming Great American Baking Show. I passed all hurdles, except the last one. It was a stressful process, with quite a bit of anxiety but also a ton of excitement. Probably the most amazing experience I’ve been through. For a while I was living in a kind of a daze, not quite sure it was all really happening.
I confess that I day-dreamed a lot about meeting Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry (if they would be the hosts), and ‘the tent.” I confess I day-dreamed about getting a handshake on Bread Week (hey, dreams are free, and sometimes wild). I confess that no matter how much I try to tell myself it was a long shot, that the competition was fierce and the contestants I met were better than me, I am disappointed and sad for not being chosen.
I guess what makes me most disappointed is that I feel I did not do my best on some levels. That is what bothers me. And I will have to find ways to deal with it. But it’s all water under the bridge. Life goes on, and my plan is to continue trying to improve my baking skills. I have a long list of things I want to learn and a long list of skills I want to get better at. It would have been so nice to be on the show, but unfortunately, not every dream in life comes true.
Bewitching Kitchen 
You are now ahead of the game to prep and audition for the next season!!! You know what to expect and what skills to hone. Keep dreaming🌸❣️🌸
PS: You are OUR Baking Champion always🏅
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THank you! your comment means a lot to me!
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Sally – I know the Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood Show very well in spite of not being a baker myself – indeed we have a wonderful and happy and loving Australian version as well . . . . somehow both British and Australian shows of the ilk seem to be more relaxed, caring and loving and helping. You should be very proud of yourself that you tried and got there most of the way: if our Baking Show and Masterchef are to be counted, thousands apply every year and we have 1/10th of your population. I do understand how you feel but please see that glass half full and not half empty! Now: in Australia one can reapply – as a matter of fact I have heard many a failed would-be contestant told to come back the next year. Could that be true in the US? You would have the prior experience, know what was wanted, where perchance you could have been stronger? Sally – please dream on, please . . . and keep your eyes open to other possible opportunities to show what you love and what you can achieve. May I say ‘the best of British’ 🙂 !
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Thank you!!!! Yes, I was actually told to re-apply, but let’s say right now the thought is not appealing to me… I am in a sort of spiritual hangover mode… I am sure you understand 😉
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OMG, congratulations for putting yourself out there. I kind of had a feeling that “something” was going on. You are so brave my friend. Way braver than I would ever be. I want all of the details!!!! P.S. You are the BEST baker I’ll ever know.
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You were probably reading me between the lines… it does not surprise me at all… 😉
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You are THE star baker every week as far as I’m concerned 😘😘😘
I know you will have worked so hard for this, but I also understand how you feel. All I can say is that it’s the shows loss, it won’t be half as fabulous without you xx
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You are too sweet! Is that possible? to be too sweet? nah, I think any level is good!
thank you!!!!!
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😄😘😘😘😘
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I’m so sorry but yes maybe you could try again. I’ve been told to go on similar shows by friends, family and collegues but I guess I’m not as strong as you. I’d end up crying or having a panic attack! 😉 hahaa..
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it’s hard to know how we would perform for real, but I definitely would be up to try the challenge. Heck, what’s the worst thing to happen? Be the first to be kicked out and be embarrassed in front of MANY people? 🙂
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How wonderful for you Sally and I would not consider your endeavor a loss at all!
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yeah, I am a bit nuts… I knew that already… that just proved it! 😉
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Aw. Now i know you’re crazy! I could never put up with that kind of pressure. Next time!!! Very cool, tho.
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yeah, it was super cool – I just have to concentrate on that aspect instead of beating myself up…
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Hard to do when you’re a perfectionist.
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Wow. Must have been a great adventure trying though.
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oh that was for sure! I am glad I went through it… pretty amazing, everything so well-organized and planned. A nice, well-oiled operation for sure.
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So sorry that you won’t be on the show! I was really looking forward to seeing you! But I am so very proud that for you. Girl you went to far! How wonderful for you! So congratulations for now and on to next time ! Love 💗 your blog!
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Thank you, Stephanie! It was not to be…. sad, but that’s the way, some get to go, some get to stay behind… (sigh)
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What you accomplished is amazing. I hope you will try again if that is allowed.
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yes, they encourage re=applying. But I am not sure I want to. I need a little time to settle down and re-evaluate things. This year would have been perfect for many reasons.
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Sally, I’m sorry for your disappointment. I do know that I often see people on food shows that did not get on the first time they tried. I would love to root for you in some future episodes.
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will have to think about next year… as I mentioned to some of my friends, right now I don’t feel like it at all.. but that might change as I recover from the blow 😉
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You are very talented ….aspiration is a wonderful thing, now you have to decide how best to invest all of this. Courage and enjoy each day. Big hug.
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those are wise words – enjoy each day. I do that, or try hard to do that. All is well when we are healthy, as my Mom used to say. All else is relative and we can deal with. A little frustration here, another there… part of life!
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Wow. What a ride! The left and right sides of your brain must be yelling at each other all the time: dreamer/pragmatist, risk taking/predictability, creative artistry/scientific process. So you let that dreaming, risk taking artist take over and now the other side is doing an evaluation. Ouch. And all of that is what makes you YOU — so interesting and valuable to those of us who live in the middle rather than on the edge. Sorry for your disappointment and your cognitive turmoil.
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You know, it will be impossible to find a better way to describe what is going on inside my mind, you hit it fully, perfectly, completely..
😉
this comment goes to the Hall of Fame of All Things Comments!
thank you!!!!!
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A dog is always a great comfort.
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so very true!
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It is amazing to me, this whole “Food is Entertainment” on the food channels. It is no longer about quality. You are a very accomplished baker and cook. I look at some of the clueless misfits on these programs and whereas I used to think, “How could this person pass the interviews and auditions to be on this show when they are so inept, inexperienced, and clueless”” to now believing that it isn’t about the talent, the experience, and the passion, it is about the “Foodtainment” and they have to have a few assorted jokers to make the drama and have the epic failures and catstrophes for the entertainment value.
“Foodtainment”!!!
Sally, you were just too good for them.
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