Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood have made baking a big hit.
But the team behind The Great British Bake-Off, are lagging behind a group in Huddersfield.
They’re the cake bakers of The Dusty Miller in Longwood.
And on Sunday, they will again be putting their skills to the test when they hold their Christmas cake competition for the 10th year in a row.
It has proved a great draw over the years and this year’s contest is expected to attract more than 20 bakers.
And every one of them will be a man – the rules of the competition strictly forbid women from entering, although there are women on the judging panel.
“We were ahead of our time with the bake-off idea” said competition organiser and current title-holder Roger Daker.
“It all started 10 years ago when a few of us were in the bar on a Monday evening and I happened to mention I’d made a Christmas cake.
“People doubted me so I went home and fetched it and everyone admitted it was pretty good. That spawned the idea of the bake-off contest and we have managed to host one every year.
“The cakes have got to be home-made and should not have marzipan or icing on them.
“We will have at least three judges on the panel and it should be a great contest”.
So what is the secret of a good Christmas cake?
Roger, a 48-year-old window cleaner, admits it is something that has to be made well in advance and timing is everything.
“I made mine at the end of October so hopefully it will be at its best come Sunday.
“I live on a narrowboat in Elland and that brings added problems, because I have to cook with Calor gas and that is different to other cookers.
“As last year’s winner and a top-three finisher every year, I really hope I can become the first to retain the trophy. No-one has managed to do that over the past nine years, even though there are at least six of us who have competed each year.”
The final is at 7.30pm on Sunday, December 22, at The Dusty Miller in Gilead Road, Longwood.
