The Great British Bake Off has not always been a show which has seemed required watching to The MurdockMan (or at least to this MurdockMan - others in Murdock HQ have been avid viewers for the last few series). Perhaps it was Paul Hollywood's goatee and school boy wet look fringe that was putting us off.
Well in this new series the level of good beardedness has risen like a strong white loaf in a Hovis ad. Belfast born and London residing Mr Iain Watters has entertained us with his agonised facial expressions and impressed us with the good growth and tri-colour of his rusty beard. It's started us thinking about the correct preparations for kneading the dough with facial fur.
1. Moisturise
It gets hot in the kitchen and even hotter if you're sporting a half-mask of hair on your face. And that means your beard and skin will get dry and itchy. You don't want to start scratching and find loose whiskers in your Victoria Sponge or sprinkle your ginger bread with flakes of dry skin. So prepare with Beard Moisturiser to ensure your facial hair is smooth, soft and healthy and your skin is moisturised.
2. Think About Pirates
Black Beard, Red Beard, Silver Beard. These are all great names for pirates. Cake Mix Beard and Flour Beard are not. We're not saying being a pirate is something that you should morally or professionally aspire to, just that the classic Jolly Roger and eye-patch types had a knack for strong facial hair based monikers. Something to think about when you next fancy a quick taste of the coffee and walnut mix. So don't be tempted to lick the bowl or start itching or handling your facial hair. Beard Moisturiser can help with the latter, it's up to your will power on the former.
3. Get A Man's Apron
Our Shoreditch friends over at Labour & Wait sell some great work aprons and this will be your beard's perfect partner in your masculine baking endeavours. However, a heavy work apron will add to the heat which makes Tip 1 all the more imperative.