Food and Science students welcomed Research Associate at the University of Leicester and 2023 Great British Bake Off finalist, Josh Smalley, into School today to learn all about the science of baking.
After studying for both a degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a PhD in Chemical Biology at the University of Leicester, Josh now works at the university as a postdoctoral chemistry researcher.
As part of his work, Josh focuses on science communications and has recently opened The Science Kitchen in collaboration with the University of Leicester – a project which explores the links between cooking and science.
Today, pupils discovered the chemical processes involved in making a chocoalate and caramel swiss roll as they watched a live baking demonstration.
One of the scientific processes Josh explained was how to temper chocolate; through a slow and careful process of heating and cooling at precise temperatures, the mix of crystal structures found in regular chocolate combine to create just one, leaving chocolate with a shiny, crisp shell often used for making confectionary like truffles.
Pupils were fascinated as Josh uncovered the close links between science and baking and they even got to taste test the final product! The winners of our very own House Bake Off also received a special surprise as Josh presented them with their certificates.
The engaging demonstration was also coupled with stories from Josh’s time in The Great British Bake Off tent as he recalled how he wanted to bring as much chemistry to the show as possible.
One of his favourite bakes, a chemistry chocolate box, celebrated the centenary of the School of Chemistry at the University of Leicester. From the glass stand the cake stood on top of, made by the specialist glass blower at the university, to the chemical elements represented on the box which ranged from oleic acid found in hazelnuts and cocoa butter to sodium hydrogen carbonate, the chemical name for baking powder, the showstopper highlighted Josh’s passion for his subject.
Throughout the talk, Josh emphasised the importance of following your passions and how closely linked they are to academic success. His Great British Bake Off experience highlighted this as skills such as accuracy, organisation and responding to constructive criticism are key to both science and baking.
All the pupils enjoyed a really engaging session and we’d like to thank Josh for such a fascinating session!
