Yours Magazine issue 242

Yours chats to much-loved TV chef Tom Kerridge, host of a brand new spin-off series of The Great British Bake Off

By Katharine Hassell t’s fair to say that Britain is in the grip of something of a Bake Off epidemic at the moment. In fact, last summer, more than 13 million of us tuned in to watch Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry crown their Great British Bake-Off winner, Nadiya Hussain.

Among the ardent fans of the show is one of the country’s finest chefs, Tom Kerridge. “I absolutely love The Great British Bake Off. It’s the best cookery TV show for a long time,” says Tom. Which is why he didn’t hesitate when he was asked to present a brand-new spin-off show called Crème de la Crème.

“I couldn’t wait to be a part of the Bake Off family,” he says, “although I did feel nervous about hosting the spin-off of a cultural phenomenon! Comparisons will be made, undoubtedly. But it’s not Bake Off. It’s a completely different show.”

It most certainly is. This time around, those dusting down their benches are not talented amateur bakers, they are professional pastry chefs who work in hotels, restaurants, patisseries, development kitchens and even for the armed forces. What’s more, they won’t be working alone, but in 15 teams of three.

And, together, their standards are, according to Tom, sky high.

That’s just as well. Crème de la Crème has three titans of taste

I

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‘I can’t wait to join the Bake Off family’

to judge the bakers’ efforts, while the reigning King and Queen of Great British Bake Off – Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry – are nowhere to be seen.

Instead, afternoon tea expert, Cherish Finden, celebrated pastry chef Claire Clark MBE and Benoit Blin, Chef Patissier at Raymond Blanc’s restaurant and so-called ‘pastry God’ are the internationally-renowned chefs in question. And if you thought Mary and Paul were difficult to please, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

The cosy familiarity of the famous white Bake Off tent is absent, too. This show’s rather more intimidating location is the old library of Welbeck Abbey, a Grade I-listed stately home within Sherwood Forest, on the borders of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Here, teams compete in weekly heats before progressing to the semi-finals and grand final.

Each heat kicks off with the ‘miniatures’ round, where the contestants make the kind of delicious delicacies served for afternoon tea. “In the threehour challenge, they make three different miniatures and 36 of each,” says Tom. “So that’s 108 creations. Every one has to look immaculate and fantastic.”

They must then reinvent a popular dessert in the second round as a breath-taking showpiece. In week one it’s apple pie and custard.

“The contestants are hugely competitive. The moment we say: ‘Your time starts now...’ the room is charged with emotion and passion. The end results are jawdropping.”

Tom is in awe of Bake Off judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry

Tom with judges Benoit Blin, Claire Clark and Cherish Finden

And the stress the chefs are under is massive. After appearing on The Great British Menu, Tom knows a thing or two about the effects of working in such a pressure-cooker environment and being judged on camera. But are professionals affected by nerves just like amateurs?

“Nerves are a big thing,” nods Tom. “A lot of chefs compete in culinary competitions, but when they’ve never been on TV and there are six cameras there... the reality hits home,” he says.

“I’m sitting there, thinking ‘If I’d just made a dessert for Benoit Blin to taste I’d be feeling very nervous, so how those three guys are feeling...’ You go on this emotional rollercoaster with them.”

Tom admits he recently boarded his own rollercoaster when he dished up for another Bake Off judge... Mr Paul Hollywood. “I do the BBC Good Food Show and, at the last one, Paul came on stage after my demonstration and tried the dessert I’d made,” recalls Tom. “It was one of those terrifying moments you think: ‘Oh my God! Paul Hollywood is eating

‘I love The Great British Bake Off… it’s the best TV cookery show’

my dessert in front of 3,000 people. Please say you like it.’ Thankfully, Paul said: ‘I don’t like it... I love it!’

Whatever level you’re at, you want to impress him.”

Tom has certainly come a long way from the food he first served up as a lad.

“I was doing fish finger sandwiches and Findus Crispy Pancakes for me and my brother,” he grins. “It wasn’t a cooking thing, it was out of necessity; we were latch-key kids and me and my brother needed something to eat while my mum was still at work. But you remember that sense of achievement, no matter how small, that you’ve made a fish finger sandwich.”

Tom later progressed onto bigger and better things after he found a job in a professional kitchen – again out of necessity when he needed the money.

“When I was 18, I ended up working as a kitchen porter washing up. I fell in love with the environment straightaway.

“The kitchen is full of people who work hard and play hard, there’s banter, you’re a team,” says the man who’s received not one but two prestigious Michelin stars and is responsible for transforming the standard of the nation’s pub grub.

Tom puts his incredible success down to hard graft and the inspiration of Marco Pierre White whose cookery book, White Heat, his mum bought him as a young man. “Marco had two Michelin stars as a 25-year-old. It inspired me to believe you could achieve stuff. It doesn’t matter what you look like, where you come from, whether you’ve got polished black shoes on in the kitchen or a pair of trainers... as long as you’re working really hard.”

And then, you too could become the crème de la crème. ✢ Bake Off: Crème de la Crème starts on BBC2 on Tuesday, March 29, at 8pm on BBC2 YOURS

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PICS: NEALE HAYNES CONTOUR GETTY IMAGES, ALAMY, BBC

❙ tv talk ❙

Style

Your big

Spring wardrobe

notes

Simply SPOTS

Add a playful edge to your outfit!

Kathy wears

Spot trousers, £16 and top, £14, both 10-20, F&F at Tesco; shoe boots, £35, 3-8, Bhs

Cardigan £26, 8-22, M&Co

By Fashion Editor, Michelle Nightingale

Perfect

Dress £30, 10-24, Bonmarché

PASTELS GREAT PRICE

Bag £38, Limited Edition at M&S

Slash neck top £10, 8-22, M&Co

Shine ON PHOTOGRAPHY RUTH JENKINSON; STYLIST JO WINCH; HAIR AND MAKE-UP SARAH JANE GREEN

refresh

Give your wardrobe a whole new look with these quick style updates

Pink bag £15, F&F at Tesco

Christa wears

Stand out with statement jewels – wear night or day to top off your look.

Bronze ring £18, Autograph at M&S

Stone ball necklace £10, M&Co

Team pretty ice-cream shades with classic white to keep your look grown-up

Leaf earrings £1.50, Primark

Wrap jacket, £55, 10-32, Simply Be; shirt, £15, 8-18, Tu at Sainsbury’s; trousers, £16, 10-20, F&F at Tesco; shoes, £35, 3-9, Hotter shoes; bag, £59, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams

Small green bag £15.99, New Look

STAR BUY!

Lemon jumper £12, 8-22, Bhs

Bra £10,32B-38DD, F&F at Tesco

e

Shades

Must-have METALLICS

of BLUE

Think vibrant cobalt, pale blue and lots more besides – a great addition to your wardrobe

Necklace £12, M&Co

Give your accessories a modern (and shiny) twist Colour-block tote £18, F&F at Tesco

Lace insert top £20, 8-22, Bhs Straight-leg trousers £55, 8-20, Laura Ashley

Kathy wears

Dress, £30, 8-22, Bhs; shoes, £64.99, 3-8, Naturalizer; necklace, £15, Marks & Spencer; bag, £49, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams

Cobalt mid heels £29.50, 3-8 (including half sizes), Limited Edition at M&S

Oversized clutch bag £18, Bhs

Ballet pumps £12, 3-8, Bhs

Mad for

MONOCHROME

Classic black and white is a winning combination that never goes out of fashion

Christa wears Monochrome stripe dress, £55, 10-32, Lorraine Kelly for JD Williams; shoes, £39.99, 3-8, Lotus shoes STOCKISTS: Bhs 0344 411 6000 www.bhs.co.uk; Bonmarché 0330 026 2728 www.bonmarche.co.uk; Debenhams 0344 561 6161 www.debenhams.com; F&F at Tesco 0800 323 4050 www.clothingattesco.com; George at Asda 0800 952 0101 www.asda.com/George; Hotter shoes 0800 083 8490 www. hotter.com; JD Williams 0871 231 2000 www.jdwilliams.co.uk; Laura Ashley 0333 202 1196 www.lauraashley.com; Lotus

Scarf £6, Bonmarché STAR BUY!

Box clutch £24, Next shoes 01706 219222 www.lotusshoes.co.uk; M&Co 0800 031 7200 www.mandco.com; Marks & Spencer 0333 014 8000 www.marksandspencer.com; Monsoon 0203 372 3050 www.monsoon.co.uk; Naturalizer available from Debenhams; New Look 0344 499 6690 www.newlook.com; Next 0333 777 8000 www.next.co.uk; Primark www.primark. com; Simply Be 0871 231 5000 www.simplybe.co.uk;

Floral blouse £14, 8-22, George at Asda

Skirt £79, 8-18, Monsoon

Tu at Sainsbury’s 0800 636262 www.sainsburys.co.uk.

Details correct at time of going to print

✢ NEXT ISSUE Put a spring in your step with our comfy shoes review YOURS

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HEALTH

THE

&

vitality Meet our expert Dr Dev Mukerjee is consultant rheumatologist specialising in osteoporosis at Ramsay Health Care Dr Jana Witt is Cancer Research UK’s health information officer (www.cancer.org.uk)

Health checks help us to get an idea of how healthy we are and whether we are at risk of some common ailments. They can help detect problems sooner, allowing us to get the right treatment or change our lifestyles accordingly to reduce our risk.

Here’s the lowdown on the tests that we all should all have.

HEALTH TESTS

you really need Which tests will help safeguard your health?

By Charlotte Haigh MacNeil

A mammogram What is it? Mammography involves taking xrays of your breasts. It can pick up cancers before they’re big enough to be seen or felt and could increase your chances of successful treatment.

When should I have it?

You’ll be invited for breast cancer screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 70, although in England the programme is being extended to include women from 47 and up to 73.

What happens afterwards?

“Most women get a normal result, but around four in 100 go back for more tests,” says Jana Witt, health information officer for Cancer Research UK. “This doesn’t mean you have breast cancer, it just means they want to take a closer look. Around one in five women who are asked to go back actually go on to be diagnosed with breast cancer.”

What about misdiagnosis?

Over-diagnosis after breast

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screening is often in the news, but should you be worried?

“The breast screening programme saves lives, but it sometimes finds cancers that would not cause harm in a woman’s lifetime,” says Jana.

“It’s important to have all the facts about the pros and cons (speak to your GP if you have any concerns about screening).

And even if you’ve been for screening, if you notice any unusual or persistent changes to your breasts, tell your doctor.”

❙ stay well ❙ A smear test

Your mid-life MOT

What is it? Cervical screening looks for early changes in the neck of your womb that may lead to cervical cancer in the future. Cells are taken from your cervix with a small brush and these are then sent to a lab to be checked for abnormalities.

Smear tests can be uncomfortable and many women feel embarrassed, but speak to the nurse if you’re worried – they’ll soon reassure you that they’ve seen it all before.

When should I have it? The NHS cervical screening programme invites women from ages 25 to 64 for cervical screening. Before 49, you’re invited every three years. After that, you’ll be invited every five years. “Cervical screening is more effective in older women, and research has shown that screening women in their 50s every five years offers a similar level of protection as screening younger women every three years,” says Jana.

What happens afterwards?

Most women have a normal result but you might be told your sample was inadequate for testing and you’ll need a repeat. This is more likely after menopause as it’s harder to get enough cells from your cervix.

An abnormal result means some cell changes were seen.

You’ll have further tests to work out how likely it is the cells might develop into cancer one day – usually a test for HPV, a virus that can raise your risk of cervical cancer – and/or a colposcopy, where doctors look more closely at the cervix. A simple procedure such as laser treatment can remove abnormal cells.

What is it? The NHS Health Check looks at your heart health, through some routine tests including cholesterol and blood glucose tests, and blood pressure checks.

The doctor will also weigh and measure you, to find out your BMI and waist measurement, and will ask you questions about your lifestyle.

The NHS Health Check is estimated to prevent 1,600 heart attacks and strokes and stop 4,000 people from developing Type 2 diabetes each year.

When should I have it? Every five years, between the ages of 40 and 74. If you have an existing vascular condition, such as high blood pressure, you will be monitored more often.

Exercise has so many health benefits

Bowel cancer screening What is it? You are sent a kit to use at home to collect a small sample of your stool, which you then send off for faecal occult blood testing (FOBT or FOB), looking for hidden traces of blood in your stool, potentially a sign of bowel cancer.

What happens afterwards? You’ll be given a score that tells you about your heart risk, along with personalised advice on what to do next. For example, you might be advised to do more exercise.

people aged 60.”

The bowel scope test involves a doctor or nurse using a small flexible camera to look inside your bowel for polyps that could turn cancerous. If they find them, they will remove them there and then using a tiny wire loop.

What happens afterwards? Around two per cent of people will have an abnormal result, but bleeding can be caused by less serious conditions and you may also get an abnormal result if you’ve been eating certain foods. If so, you’ll be invited for a colonoscopy to examine your bowel.

In most cases no cancer will be found but if it is, screening can help detect it earlier, so there’s a higher chance it can be Turn treated successfully. the page for ways to keep a check ✢ See your GP before taking vitamin supplements or herbal remedies, on your particularly if you take prescribed medicines. Always speak to your GP health before stopping any medication or before starting any diet or exercise

When should I have it? “Those of us registered with a GP in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, are invited to bowel screening every two years from age 60 to 74,” says Jana. “In Scotland people are offered screening from age 50 to 74. Flexible sigmoidoscopy – or bowel scope – is being rolled out across England, and is offered as a one-off test to people aged 55. Bowel scope is also being piloted in parts of Scotland with

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Good to KNOW...

Bring back the

romance

In a relationship rut? Find your way back to married bliss with our advice

By Stacey Carter tressful situations such as family illnesses, financial problems and even deciding whether to retire can have an impact on the strongest and most loving relationships. Romantic moments, no matter how small, can help soothe tension between partners.

“The knowledge that someone loves you on your good and bad days, and still fancies you after 30 or 40 years, has an incalculable benefit to self-confidence and general wellbeing,” says relationship and marriage counsellor, Tricia Moore, from Marriage Care.

“The nature of romance changes as time goes by, because that early spark between couples is partially down to the thrill of the new and unknown,” says Tricia. “To get some of that spark back we need to refamiliarise ourselves with what our partner loves and what we love to do together.”

S

You need an honest discussion about what you both want The only way to bring back the romance is to get closer again, which means a lot of honest discussion about what you want from each other and your relationship. To help you reconnect, Tricia has put together some advice that will add a touch of sparkle to your relationship.

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Go back to the beginning Everyone’s relationship is different, because every couple has a unique fit and chemistry, so what romance means to you and your partner will be different to another couple’s idea of romance.

There will always be silly quirks and private jokes between you, so use what you know to make your relationship fun again.

You could also turn back the clock by playing your other half’s

Meet our expert Tricia Moore is a relationship and marriage counsellor from Marriage Care www.marriagecare.org.uk

favourite music from when he was a teenager, or order some oldfashioned sweets that you enjoyed when you were a child.

Be spontaneous If things have been feeling a little mundane recently, today’s the day to change that. Do something together that will make you both smile – go for a long walk and chat as you go, have dinner together somewhere special, go dancing (even if it’s in your own sitting

HAVE A HOLIDAY AT HOME Whether you’re retired or still working, holidaying at home may feel a little pointless. But the holiday will be hasslefree, you won’t be tired from travelling and you get to sleep

in your own bed!

“Include days out around your local area if you want, but remember that it’s the time spent together that’s most important,” says Tricia. “Even planning activities to

do for their partner are appreciated,” says Tricia, “so remember to say ‘Thank you,’ with a hug or a kiss.”

Turn off the TV

Do something that you know would make him happy

Most of us are guilty of constantly having the TV on in the background. When we’re with someone every day, it becomes easy to tune out or forget something they’ve said, especially if there are other distractions like TV to take away your attention.

Taking the time to sit down, or have a ‘date night’, where you can have a proper conversation, is important because it shows that you find each other interesting.

“Paying attention to your partner when they speak or make a comment is a

do together such as gardening, baking or perhaps some muchneeded DIY. It may not seem romantic, but spending time together and reconnecting will make you appreciate each other.”

good way of showing that you care about what they have to say,” says Tricia.

Do what he finds romantic Not everyone loves flowers and chocolates, so pay attention to what your partner really likes. An unexpected gift bought with the shopping or even a relaxing cup of tea after a busy day can earn you points in the romance stakes.

“It can even be as simple as holding hands while walking, or giving them a shoulder massage,” says Tricia. The trick is to find out what makes your partner feel loved and then remember to do it regularly. ✢ For more information on what you can do to improve your relationship, call 0800 389 3801 or visit www. marriagecare.org.uk to arrange a counselling session with a marriage advisor in your area.

PICS: GETTY IMAGES, SHUTTERSTOCK

room) or visit the cinema together.

“The gesture doesn’t have to be big,” says Tricia. “If he normally does the cooking, offer to make a meal, serve breakfast in bed or just give him an unexpected cuddle.”

The key is to try to surprise him by doing something that you don’t do that often that will make him happy. “Everyone needs to know that the things they

✢ NEXT ISSUE How to tackle children’s behaviour YOURS

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❙ knitting ❙ Yours

TRIED & TESTED

✔

Chic stripes FOR KNITTERS WITH MOST EXPERIENCE

★★★★★

This knit will be a wardrobe staple for years to come MATERIALS 3(3:3:4:4:4) 100g balls Sirdar Cotton DK (F039) in main shade 501.

1(1:2:2:2:2) 100g balls Sirdar Cotton DK (F039) in contrast shade 514.

Pair each of 3.25mm (UK10) and 4mm (UK8) knitting needles.

Stitch Holder.

TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows = 10cm/4in square over pattern using 4mm needles.

It is essential to work to the stated tension to ensure success.

ABBREVIATIONS Beg - beginning; CC - contrast colour; cm - centimetres; cont - continue; dec - decrease(ing); DK - double knitting; foll - following; g - grams; g-st - garter stitch (knit every row); in - inch(es); inc - increase(ing); MC - main colour; mm - millimetres; 0 - no stitches or rows; p purl; patt - pattern; rem - remain(ing); rep - repeat; RS - right side; st(s) - stitch(es); st-st - stocking stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows); tog - together; WS - wrong side; yrn - yarn round needle.

NOTES Figures in brackets () refer to larger sizes (see measurements chart). Where one

MEASUREMENTS To fit bust 81/86 36/38 40/42 44/46 48/50 52/54 cm 32/34 36/38 40/42 44/46 48/50 52/54 in Actual measurement

Yours tip: For a different look why not make it in a single colour or change the yarn to one of these other suggested Sirdar yarns: Wash ‘n’ Wear Double Crepe DK, Simply Recycled DK, Calico DK, Ella DK, Americana DK and Soukie DK. (Amounts may vary.)

86

99

108

119

128

34

39

421/2

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501/2 541/2 in

138 cm

56

58

60

62

22

3

3

1

Full length 54 1

21 /4

64 cm

22 /4 23 /4 24 /2 251/4 in

Sleeve length 5

5

5

5

5

5

cm

2

2

2

2

2

2

in

Yarn quantities are based on average requirements when specified tension and yarn is used. Different wool may be used but ensure tension of replacement yarn matches that stated in the pattern for best results. If necessary change the needle size to give the correct tension.