In a delightful fusion of Britain's favourite pastimes, gardening and baking, national treasure Dame Mary Berry set up a makeshift kitchen in Alan Titchmarsh's magnificent garden for the latest instalment of the BBC's Mary At 90. The episode saw the celebrated baker, with the esteemed gardener as her nervous sous chef, creating a heartwarming spectacle that felt quintessentially British.
A Garden Kitchen and a Nervous Sous Chef
The action unfolded within the stunning four-acre garden that Alan Titchmarsh has lovingly cultivated for over 20 years. As Mary Berry took charge, Alan confessed to feeling the pressure, stating, 'I've never been this scared since I did my exams for horticulture,' while diligently chopping dill and chives. The television veteran appeared far more at ease when later spotted mowing the vast lawns with his proper petrol mower, a detail noted with approval.
The pair, who have collaborated before, chatted happily like the old friends they are. In a touching moment, Alan showcased the first cookbook he ever gave his wife, which, unsurprisingly, was Mary's own Hamlyn All Colour Cook Book. Under her expert and watchful eye, Alan was guided through making his first-ever cake, an apple and almond sponge.
Television Tricks and Changing Tastes
The baking process revealed that even after a long career on screen, there are always new tricks to learn. Mary imparted a crucial piece of television wisdom: when tipping the sponge mixture into the tin, you always turn the bowl towards the camera. This charming segment was given greater depth as Mary reflected on her long career and the dramatic evolution of British cuisine.
She highlighted the vast improvements in the nation's diet, recalling that 'When I started, salads were tomato and cucumber, or maybe a coleslaw,' a stark contrast to the modern salad with roasted pine nuts, pesto, and burrata cheese she was preparing. Alan chimed in with his own memory, noting how in the 1950s North, Christmas sprouts were put on to boil at the end of November.
A Quaint Slice of British Life
The programme also served up a charming linguistic puzzle. A clip from the mid-1970s showed a young Mary Berry advising Judith Chalmers on picnic items, mentioning rolls with 'laird' fillings. After several viewings, it became clear she was actually saying 'layered', not 'laird', offering a quaint glimpse into how speech and pronunciation have subtly shifted over the decades.
Ultimately, the episode was a pleasant, comforting watch, perfectly blending cooking and gardening. While as light as a perfect soufflé, Mary's nostalgic trips down memory lane provided a satisfying substance, celebrating not just a national treasure at 90, but the very fabric of changing British life.
