Excellent stuff here !!! The thread title reminded me of the first time I tried any baking. One of my chores when I was a lad was supper as Mum and Dad both worked. I was twelve when this honour was bestowed upon me, so suppers were simply meat and potatoe type dishes. One winter's day, however, I wanted to surprise my parents with a step up. I made Johnny Cake and sausages, one of my Dad's favourites. Goodness gracious, it smelled perfect and I couldn't wait for their arrival.

The look on Dad's face when he entered and smelled that Johnny Cake was truly satisfying. Mum was equally surprised and beaming. I swelled up a foot with pride. The look on Dad's face when he took that first bite was something I will never forget. Obvious puzzlement went to sheer disgust and he spat it to the plate, looked at me and asked, in his kind and gentle manner, "What the fuck did you put in that ?"

Seems a twelve year old does need to be taught the difference between baking powder and baking soda. The next one was perfect... of course, Mum hovered over me like a guardian angel for every new dish after that. In his kind and gentle manner, Dad bestowed that chore upon her.