Sometimes, I really get the wanties for something. And then I see them everywhere and the universe keeps sending me subliminal 'buy it' signals. The anticipation is possibly the most delicious thing - researching where the best place to get it from might be; agonizing over the colour choice - I can keep the excitement going for weeks.
But yesterday I finally gave in to temptation - it seemed justified. Aside from just having been paid for a piece of work which covered the purchase cost of a stand mixer, I had made a little bargain with myself and fate and it was time to shell out.
Last month, I had read an article in the Waitrose Weekend paper asking for applicants for the next series of The Great British Bake Off. I went to have a nosey, and found myself filling in the application form - you see, it asked the kind of questions that simply invited a trip down baking memory lane. And there's nothing I like more than reminiscing about foodie tales. So I emailed it off on a whim and thought nothing more of it.
Until along came a very nice phone call from someone at the production company wanting to have a chat about my application. I was surprised, to say the least. And flattered. But I didn't think it would go any further - not least because we talked at cross purposes about pastry and I confessed my utter reluctance to even try making my own puff, which I'm sure marks me out as a total baking dilettante.
But it was a laugh and I had great fun telling the couple of friends who knew I'd filled in the form that I'd had a call back. I also promised myself that if things progressed any further, I would finally treat myself to a stand mixer.
So now you see where this is going, don't you? Because I am through to the next stage - on Tuesday I'm headed off to London, clutching samples of my sweet and savoury baking, for the judges to taste. And if they like my stuff, it'll be off for a screen test. The least said about that part, the better, for I have never harboured the remotest desire to be in front of the camera. But I'm calming my nerves with the thought that it almost certainly won't come to that - as the production assistant warned me, the standard is terribly high and I've already seen some blogs from really passionate and inventive bakers with amazing skills who haven't made it through to the next round.
But tra la la, I don't mind, because no matter what becomes of Tuesday, I have a shiny new mixer to play with and by the end of the day, I will be able to say that Mary Berry has eaten my cake.
wow! go ali!
Posted by: kirsten | 25 February 2011 at 15:01
How exciting!
Oooh ooh ooh - I will have to email you about this at the weekend! ;0) x
Posted by: PinkCat | 25 February 2011 at 15:02
Gasp!! Ali, I am squealing, squealing I tell you, with excitement. I will be rooting for Team Ali all the way.
Posted by: Rebecca | 25 February 2011 at 15:13
Oh this is so exciting! I definitely want to hear all about it--every detail! And speaking of details, which color did you pick?
K x
Posted by: kristina | 25 February 2011 at 15:23
Oh what fun! You go, girl. And as Kristina said, what colour did you pick? Spill the beans! Details please.
Posted by: Pebbledash | 25 February 2011 at 15:35
Oh my, oh my! Good luck, you!
No holding out though - we need mixer details ...
Posted by: dottycookie | 25 February 2011 at 16:18
Oh wow! I want you to get through! I am sending you good baking thoughts.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 25 February 2011 at 16:40
Ooo how exciting! Congratulations on getting this far, I bet it will be a fun (terrifying but fun!) day. I inherited a Kenwood Chef from my Great Aunt Ithurial and I love it, dough hook and all :)
ps A Waitrose has just opened near my house and I think my partner has moved in... so many luxury ingredients so little time...
Posted by: Sarah | 25 February 2011 at 17:01
Wow! Well done Ali! Hope you have fun.
Posted by: Amanda | 25 February 2011 at 17:07
Wow!!! And double, WOW! What fun - and yes, a picture of the chosen colour is definately in order. (I'm planning on a pear green one!!) x
Posted by: Karen | 25 February 2011 at 17:09
Oh my goodness that is just so exciting!! Well done you for going for it. Good luck in the next round - I will be keeping my viennese fingers crossed for you!
Posted by: Karen | 25 February 2011 at 17:15
Oh, this is fantastic news. I will keep everything crossed for you!
Posted by: Dragonfly | 25 February 2011 at 17:16
OhMyGosh -- how exciting!!! I can't wait to hear the rest of this story -- what fun. And you're going to LOVE your new mixer!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 25 February 2011 at 17:18
Oh my goodness. I am rooting for you all the way. I am waving flags and cheering.
Posted by: Emma | 25 February 2011 at 17:25
Oh Ali... how exciting! In fact I'm all excited on your behalf. And a new mixer too... could it get any better!
Posted by: Gina | 25 February 2011 at 17:27
Cor blimey Ali.
Posted by: Sue | 25 February 2011 at 17:35
And a mixer to the bargain! Have fun in London...congratulations!!!
Posted by: Laura | 25 February 2011 at 19:08
Wow! I don't know which I'm more excited about - the stand mixer (I have one and it really is my BFF) or sharing cakes with Mary Berry - eeep! Well done!
Posted by: The List Writer | 25 February 2011 at 19:14
OH WOW!! I was addicted to the last series, you go Ali! You definitely deserve a stand mixer!!!
Posted by: Laura | 25 February 2011 at 20:07
Holy shit that's brilliant!! I loved the last series & have been working through the book to prove it.
Also deeply excited by the stand mixer :)
Posted by: Joanne | 25 February 2011 at 20:14
OMG that is so exciting!! I would love to see you get through!! Good luck :)
Posted by: lazylol | 25 February 2011 at 20:15
Woo go Ali! Am super excited for you (and only a little jealous - next time tell us all about the form!). And am very excited about the new mixer too, I have my eye on one of them!
Posted by: domestikate | 25 February 2011 at 20:29
Oh wow!!!! That's SO exciting - but what on earth are you going to bake?! I think I would be paralysed with indecision. Good luck for Tuesday.xx
Posted by: Helen | 25 February 2011 at 21:00
Very exciting!
You
never
know!
Posted by: blackbird | 26 February 2011 at 01:06
Ooh, how exciting, I can't wait to hear what happens. I know you are going to love your stand mixer, I adore mine.
Posted by: Jennifer | 26 February 2011 at 02:43
What incredibly exciting news! Well done you, be thinking of you next week.
Go Ali!
Lisa x
Posted by: Lisa | 26 February 2011 at 08:49
Wow what a fantastic opportunity! Enjoy every minute.
Posted by: Kristy | 26 February 2011 at 09:36
Gosh, how exciting. At least you'll have the stand mixer whatever happens!
Posted by: Jane | 26 February 2011 at 10:29
how exciting! Enjoy every minute of it. And wear a homemade apron!
Posted by: janet clare | 26 February 2011 at 11:01
Proud of you!!
I am pondering whether we should all be wearing aprons with pictures of cupcakes and 'TEAM ALI' across the front.
Posted by: Alice C | 26 February 2011 at 12:19
hey!!! I'm glad you own up publicly... there's definitively no going back now, we won't let you!!!
and the mixer? sooo jealous. What colour?
Posted by: Monica | 26 February 2011 at 16:25
How exciting is that!! I enjoyed the last series and look forward to cheering you on in the next! Have a fantastic day!
Posted by: Louise | 26 February 2011 at 16:55
So many congratulations - I shall watch your blog even closer for news of your progress.
KitchenAid or Kenwood? I have had a Kenwood ever since I married in 1977 (wedding present from my mother). Not the same one though - I have worn out 2 and the third is on its last legs. Thinking of a KitchenAid next because they come in such pretty colours...
Posted by: Catherine | 26 February 2011 at 18:01
Please don't tell me you have a red kitchen aid. I might die of jealousy.
The great british bake off indeed - well done you. I hope it goes well and we get to see you on the telly. I'm sending good baking vibes your way.
Posted by: Monda | 26 February 2011 at 18:20
so exciting - well good luck
Posted by: Janice Perkin | 26 February 2011 at 18:59
Ali that is FANTASTIC news! Well done! Lucy xxx
Posted by: lucylocket | 26 February 2011 at 19:12
Goodness how exciting, what an adventure it will be! We can all wear our best pinnies and bake something on Tuesday to support youx
Posted by: French Knots | 26 February 2011 at 19:34
In any case, it will be a great experience! Good luck.
Posted by: Simone Schermann | 26 February 2011 at 20:06
Blummin' heck, I'm well impressed. The results of your baking aways looks marvellous on your blog so I'm sure Mary & co will enjoy munching on them. Good luck.
Posted by: lovethosecupcakes | 26 February 2011 at 20:12
wow wow and wow. and enjoy your mixer you'll love it, I made the most amazing mashed pototoes in mine the other day........
Posted by: driftwood | 26 February 2011 at 20:43
Golly, how exciting - we really enjoyed that show last time around - I shall be watching with baited breath to see how you get on!
Posted by: Kate | 26 February 2011 at 22:21
You're already a star, Ms. Ali. Probably about time the rest of the world understand this fact.
Posted by: Megan Young | 27 February 2011 at 05:51
This requires me to congratulate you and to send off all my best vibes.
And that knit does look fantastic on you!
Chin up and off you go with all your support fans cheering.
Posted by: Paola | 27 February 2011 at 09:03
Something tells my Aquarian nature that you will be appearing on the little screen - you wait and see!
Posted by: Claire | 27 February 2011 at 14:44
How exciting; a new mixer and a tv audition! Good luck and in the words of Johnny Craddock, "may all your doughnuts turn out like Fanny's". ;)
Posted by: Pen at Oliver Boliver | 27 February 2011 at 17:28
How exciting Ali, what fantastic news. Sending you good luck and yummy baking vibes xx
Posted by: simply h | 27 February 2011 at 17:56
Oh well done Ali - first for being game enough to fill in the application and for making it through to a taste-off. I hope you get through to the screen bit because you'd be brilliant even with a few nerves! Hope your new mixer does you proud and keeps all your cake batter light and airy ready for the big day! PS: Adore your tweedy throw from a few posts back - it's stunning!
Posted by: Julie | 27 February 2011 at 19:38
Wow!!! Good for you Ali! Oh and I totally thought that about Kirstie's Homemade Home ;)
Hope it goes well!!
Posted by: manda | 27 February 2011 at 23:27
Oh wow that's so cool, good luck for tomorrow!!!
Posted by: Petit Filoux | 28 February 2011 at 10:16
oh I so want to know what happened! That was 3 days ago now....tell me tell me. You are my baking queen! seriously.
Posted by: Tiel | 28 February 2011 at 12:01