You wouldn’t estimate the quantities of the ingredients when baking so why would you estimate your household bills? This was the idea behind an event organised by Smart Energy GB I attended in trendy Hoxton.
A couple of weeks ago I received an invite from Smart Energy GB inviting me to a “baking event with a twist”. I was told Ian Cummings, one of the finalists from the Great British Bake Off, was going to co host the event and that really roused my interest. I love the Great British Bake Off. I am by no means and expert, but I can bake basic cakes, so I was curious to attend.
The event took place in a training kitchen in Hoxton. On arrival Ian explained we were going to be given two challenges; to bake something sweet and something savoury, so far so good, right? Then he went on to explain that we were going to be given all the ingredients but no measurements.
Luckily, to make the challenge a bit easier we were all paired with other bloggers. I was partnered was with the lovely Jenny from Midwife and Life, which I had never met before, but we really had a good time and a giggle throughout the evening.
Our baking challenges were to make chocolate and raspberry cupcakes and cheese and herb scones. Now, considering that we had no measurements, oven temperature details or timings, I think we did pretty well.
Our cupcakes were ok, they looked decent and they tasted all right. They had a bit of a baking soda after taste as we put a bit too much on, but they were eatable.
Our scones didn’t look that great, they looked flat and a bit too herby for my taste.
There were prizes for the best and worst bakers and we didn’t win either of them. I guess we were somewhere in the middle, which is not too bad.
Once the baking was done and over some canapes and drinks and we had the chance to learn a bit more about the smart meters. Smart Energy GB is the national campaign for Great Britain’s Smart Meter rollout. The national campaign has already begun and will reach all households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales. Everybody in the UK will be offered the opportunity to upgrade to a Smart Meter by 2020. Smart meters mean an end to estimated bills and allow you to see in near real time how much you are spending on gas and electricity in your own home.
We were shown how the smart meters work and I must admit is a great idea and a no brainer. I am up for anything that will help me save on my household bills.
I also had a chance to have a chat with Ian, he is really a lovely guy, very approachable and you can see how enthusiastic he is about baking.
