My biggest fear is celebrity chef Paul Hollywood telling me I have a “soggy bottom.” If you’ve never watched “Great British Bake Off,” that statement might be the most bizarre thing you’ve ever read in The Dart; however, if you are a fellow “Bake Off” watcher, there’s a good chance it’s the most relatable. 

I watched my first episode of the Netflix Original series during advisory lunch last fall. My love of baking originally came from my gigantic sweet tooth but has gradually evolved into a method of relaxation and, as strange as it sounds, meditation. The smell of muffins baking in the oven has the ability to put my stress to sleep. 

The 2021 Season of “Bake Off” kicked off with Cake Week; however, the challenges were no piece of cake. The first episode of each season starts off by giving an introduction to the 12 new bakers who’ve been invited to compete in the decade-old baking competition. I was nervous to meet the new bakers because my heart still belonged to last year’s quarantine bunch (Peter will always hold a special place in my heart) However, this batch of bakers seem to be growing on me. My personal favorite is the 45-year-old Italian engineer, Giuseppe. Giuseppe might struggle a bit with understanding the heftiness of British baking, but his delicate piping designs and mouth-watering Italian flavor combinations steal the show. 

Though I was glad to have “Bake Off” content during quarantine, last year’s season was a bit of a disappointment. The good-natured, go-with-the-flow atmosphere of the “Bake Off” tent just wasn’t there. I can happily say that the air of COVID depression has been wiped out of the tent this year and has been replaced by a newfound sense of humor, one that’s filled with British quirks and quips. Each of the contestants gets their time to shine and their distinctive personalities steal the show.

My overall rating of “Bake Off” season 12 is a solid 4.7 out of 5. I admit that my review could be considered biased due to my love for the show, but the overall rating still stands strong: good-natured contestants, mouth-watering bakes, and interactive challenges never disappoint. If you’re looking for something entertaining to watch after a long day, give “British Bake Off” a shot!