2017 British Baking Show: Must-Try Recipes Unveiled

The Great British Bake Off, known in the United States as The Great British Baking Show, has captured the hearts of millions with its delightful challenges and charming bakers. Since its inception, the show has introduced viewers to a myriad of mouth-watering British classics. In the iconic 2017 series, bakers outdid themselves, presenting some unforgettable recipes that have become fan favorites. Here, we delve into those memorable 2017 British Baking Show recipes you can recreate at home.

British Classics with a Twist

One of the show’s signatures is taking traditional British recipes and giving them a personal touch. The 2017 contestants showcased this beautifully:

• Sticky Toffee Pudding – This age-old dessert was revitalized with creative ingredients and presentations.
• Victoria Sponge Cake – An evolution of flavors, textures, and presentation made this British staple unforgettable.
• Sausage Rolls – With a variety of fillings, from vegetarian to experimental meats, these rolls stood out in the savory challenges.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Here’s a simplified version of Sophie Faldo’s Sticky Toffee Pudding, which was a showstopper:

Ingredients:

• 150g dates, pitted and chopped
• 250ml water
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 85g butter
• 175g caster sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 175g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp vanilla essence

Toffee Sauce:

• 115g butter
• 100g dark muscovado sugar
• 140ml double cream

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease a pudding basin or similar.
2. In a saucepan, boil the dates with water, then remove from heat and add bicarbonate of soda. Let it sit until cool.
3. Cream butter and sugar until pale, add eggs, then fold in the flour and vanilla. Add the date mixture, mix well.
4. Pour the batter into the pudding basin and bake for about 40-45 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, make the toffee sauce by melting butter, sugar, and cream in a pan, whisking until smooth. Pour over the pudding once baked.

👩‍🍳 Note: Sophie used a special flambé technique for extra flavor; this recipe is a safe, simplified version suitable for home kitchens.

Victoria Sponge with a Creative Twist

While traditional, bakers in 2017 added their flair:

• Fruit and Floral Variations: Instead of just strawberry jam, variations included rhubarb, raspberry, or a mix of fruits, sometimes with edible flowers.
• Spice Integration: Bolder flavors like ginger, cardamom, or even a hint of turmeric.
• Geometric Patterns: Using stencils or artistic piping techniques.

Here's a basic Victoria Sponge recipe with room for personalization:

Ingredients:

• 225g unsalted butter
• 225g caster sugar
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 225g self-raising flour, sifted
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• Jam and cream for filling
• Icing sugar for dusting

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Grease two sandwich tins.
2. Cream the butter and sugar, add eggs gradually, then fold in the flour, baking powder, milk, and vanilla essence.
3. Divide between the tins, smooth the top, and bake for about 25 minutes.
4. After cooling, layer with your choice of jam and cream, then dust with icing sugar.

🎨 Note: Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors, but ensure the cake itself remains light and balanced.!

Sausage Rolls for Every Palate

The 2017 series showcased an array of fillings in the sausage roll challenge:

• Cheese and Chutney Rolls: Cheddar cheese with caramelized onion chutney.
• Vegetarian Versions: A mix of mushrooms, lentils, and herbs to simulate the meat texture.
• Seafood Sausages: Incorporating elements like crab, prawn, or salmon for a nautical twist.

Here's a simple recipe for traditional sausage rolls:

Ingredients:

• 375g puff pastry
• 500g sausage meat or ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp sage, chopped
• 1 egg for egg wash
• Seasoning to taste

Steps:

1. Mix the sausage meat, onion, sage, and seasoning in a bowl.
2. Roll out the pastry and cut into strips. Place a line of sausage mix along each strip.
3. Roll up the pastry, seam side down, brush with egg wash, and slice into individual portions.
4. Bake at 200°C/400°F/Gas 6 for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

🍽 Note: Try various fillings, but ensure your sausage mix is well balanced in flavor and texture.

Wrapping Up

As we’ve seen, the magic of The Great British Baking Show lies not just in the competition, but in the innovation and personal touches bakers bring to time-honored recipes. From a spectacular Sticky Toffee Pudding to a spiced-up Victoria Sponge or adventurous Sausage Rolls, these recipes have not only showcased culinary talent but have also become part of baking culture. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, these recipes offer a pathway to delicious exploration. They remind us that baking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about infusing it with creativity and heart.

What are the key ingredients for a traditional Sticky Toffee Pudding?

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Sticky Toffee Pudding requires dates, bicarbonate of soda, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a caramel toffee sauce made from butter, dark muscovado sugar, and double cream.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Victoria Sponge recipe?

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Yes! The traditional recipe calls for jam and cream, but you can swap these for flavored creams or fruit curds, and even mix in spices or additional flavors to the cake batter.

Are there vegetarian options for sausage rolls?

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Absolutely! Vegetarian fillings can include mushrooms, lentils, cheeses, or even bean-based mixtures, providing a texture and flavor similar to meat.