An invaluable baking companion, this beautiful hardback is part gift, part baking reference, and full of practical baking advice, the history of baking as well as fascinating trivia. If you have ever wanted to know the difference between a Devonish and Cornish Cream Tea, why shortbread is the Queen of Biscuits and the origins behind the Victoria Sandwich, this book will give you the historical context behind our favourite British bakes.But more than that, this book will also help you to improve your baking, with a more in-depth guide to techniques than you'll find in recipe books. How to stop the fruit from sinking in the cake batter, how to avoid a domed top on your sponge cake and how to achieve the perfect cross on your Hot Cross Bun.Baking Basics is a light-hearted but informative guide to the science of baking to give you a thorough understanding of the process as well as the ingredients, while the Troubleshooting section will become an invaluable reference.And there is lots of competition facts, figures and trivia from The Great British Bake Off itself.