Described by one service user as ‘our best themed day ever’, the event saw the dining room at Cygnet Aspen House converted into a Bake Off Tent. Four service users volunteered to be bakers and they were all provided with the same cookie and scone recipes.
The bakers’ creativity shone with them selecting their own signature ingredients, and the event allowed them to demonstrate their planning, sequencing, problem solving and communication skills. Each participant had their own designated stations and they all really got into the spirit and fun of the day as the Bake Off Music played in the background. Bakers could be heard shouting ‘I need more milk’, ‘I need some salt’, ‘Can someone check the weight of my butter?’ as staff members ran around ensuring the Bakers had all they needed.
The Bakers between them baked; White Chocolate and Macadamia Cookies, Chocolate Chip and Hazelnut Cookies, White Chocolate and Honey Cookies and Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies. The scones saw a variety being baked including; Cheese Scones, Sultana Scones, Lemon Drizzle Scones and Cherry and White Chocolate with a Golden Crunch Scones.
The three judges took into account the taste, smell, appearance and overall effort, and both scones and cookies were judged together anonymously. The winning baker received the ‘Star Baker’ wooden spoon as well as a £10 gift voucher, and the other bakers received a £5 voucher each.
The event was initially planned by the OT and Therapy Coordinators. On the day all the service users and staff team got involved, watching, asking questions and enjoying the tasting session at the end of the day. It was a great effort from all at Cygnet Aspen House, and is hopefully the first of many more Bake Offs to be held. Indeed the planning for the Christmas Theme Bake Off has already begun!