The next Paul Hollywood?

Well, maybe - stranger things have happened :))

We are avid fans of baking reality programs, and there have been some terrific ones on lately from the UK. At present we are watching the first series of England's Best Bakery. I have been reminded of many wonderful things I grew up with, amongst them, parkin.

I'd totally forgotten about this delicious north country ginger cake.

The Rower, never ever having cooked a cake before in his life, decided he wanted to make some parkin.

And he did.

It's just come out of the oven and smells amazing. Now all he has to do is wait for a week or so before we can eat it.

For those who don't know, this cake improves immeasurably on keeping - becoming sticky and dense and totally delicious.