Great British Bake Off

I can't see how the Kitchenaid is any different to the Kenwood Chef, apart from the retro look. It has become "fashionable" simply because of that.

Yes that is what I suspected - I only use a handmixer and manage fine - so that little dream has been put to bed!

The bigger the gadget the more washing up you have to do.

I've got a perfectly good Kenwood Chef that my mother bought me about 35 years ago. I've added a liquidiser and various slicing gizmos over the years, but to be honest I haven't used it for ages. I do everything with my little hand mixer or a kitchen knife!

kitchen aid mixer
I can't believe the prices! I manage perfectly well with my Asda hand mixer, which cost about £10,

I would love one of those machines for my kitchen I think a pale blue would be nice but am wondering if it can be used for anything other than mixing cake bread etc? Has anyone got one? Not that the purchase of one will be in the near future, have you seen the price of them!!?

I really enjoyed the Extra Slice programme. I heard that there were people on Twitter calling the girl who left "fat". You have to wonder what sort of perfect specimen of humanity they are! I'm picturing somebody morbidly obese, surrounded by crisps and chocolates, pouring out vitriol on Twitter about someone who's actually doing something. I hope she's got the sense to see how meaningless it all is.

I don't usually see GBBO but I thought the Extra Slice programme was very funny.
I didn't like the two men on the panel though so I hope they have someone different next week. Thought the comedienne was just right though.

I know a few people [mainly jockeys due to my interest in racing] that have had to stop using Twitter because of nasty comments but cowardly people that wouldn't have the nerve to say such things to someones face.

I have just been reading that Claire, who was voted off, has been upset due to bullying by strangers on Twitter since her appearance on GBBO. I fail to understand how anyone can take pleasure in posting insults! I thought she seemed a lovely bubbly girl and can see a future for her on TV.

I was sceptical about the Extra Slice spinoff, but it was a great programme. Very funny and good to see how talented the first person to leave really was.

It was brilliant. Wouldn't surprise me if the girl who left gets her own show; she's quite a discovery [and it's a tragedy that she's not in the rest of the series].

I enjoyed the 'Extra Slice' programme last night. The girl who left the Bake Off this week was very funny and a great sport, and I like Jo Brand's sarcasm. I'm not usually keen on these 'extra' spin-offs, but have set the series to record on this one.

Cakes can have soggy bottoms, and tops....its flans, tarts and quiches that should not!

What's wrong with a soggy bottom? I love orange drizzle cake and there is a great recipe www.wordstothewise.co.uk/blog/my-favourite-cake-recipe-orange-drizzle-cake that deliberately creates a soggy bottom! This recipe is quite similar to Nancy's Jaffa Orange cakes - but not quite so beautifully presented. Where can I buy a cake guillotine???

I have only watched a few episodes of the Bake Off and I really like it. Not being much of a TV fan nowadays this is one I do like to see. Only trouble is I want to have a go at some of the recipes usually the ones involving chocolate ! I do believe the idea is to inspire us ... Now let me see the Jaffa cakes looked good.

I used to love Watercolour Challenge! Some of the contestants used to come up with such interesting work and I'm sure it can't have been a terribly expensive programme to make, no extravagant sets or costumes and no enormous cash prizes. Hannah Gordon was a very good presenter too, I suppose if they made it now we'd have some blonde bimbo to catch the Yoof audience!

Now you`re talking HildaW Watercolour Challenge was such a great programme I do wish they would bring it back - having taken up watercolour painting I could do with a bit of help. However on the GBB my bet is Chetna something about her just clicked

KatyK.....thank goodness we are all different!
P.S. its probably the only programme I watch that has a cooking element.....have quite gone off what's on offer nowadays.

P.P.S. was only thinking the other day, wish someone would bring back a version of 'Watercolour Challenge', used to love watching that after picking up girls from school.

I'm not concerned at all about the presenters or contestants, but I could happily plough my way through all those cakes, tarts and buns.

Hilda - I am probably being over critical. To be fair, I have only seen a couple of episodes. I can see why people love it, the setting and all the lovely pastel coloured equipment and bunting. It's just not my cup of tea (if you will pardon the pun).

KatyK, I think one of the things that swings it for me is the generosity of spirit in this programme. Its a competition but there is a lovely sense of camaraderie and, no doubt with careful editing, we are left with a sense that everyone really enjoys being in the tent even if they are having a cooking nightmare. The cookery element is almost the lest important part. Its just lots of lovely diverse people doing something they love and having a wonderful time. Certainly leaves me with a little warm glow.....and I don't even get to eat anything!

We love it too, the lengths some of them go to is beyond imagination, I loved those jaffa cakes very imaginative.

I love the way Sue and Mel take the mickey out of Paul and Mary, and really enjoy GBBO. Some clumsy cooks last night, but I was rooting for the teenage girl, Martha, and I like Chetna and Nancy whose cakes were so nicely presented.

I think I am in a very small minority group. I find this programme totally boring. Why would you want to watch other people cooking? Mel and Sue are totally unfunny. I can't stand Masterchef either. I am a grumpy old bat!