It was my birthday last week, the big dreaded 3-0. Needless to say I wasn’t particularly looking forward to it; and the only thing I’d actually asked for as a present was Paul Hollywood’s ‘How To Bake’ recipe book!

I love baking, and have done all sorts – and this was intended to get me to step up to doing more breads, as there’s nothing better than freshly baked bread. So yesterday I set about making one that’s fairly easy to start off with, focaccia.

T’was a total success in my eyes! There’s always room for improvement, but I reckon for a first attempt at making it, it’s not half bad!

So, thank you Mr Hollywood, your book is now pride of place! Pics, from initial mix, first proving, shaping, second proving, and the finished result.