'That loaf looks better than okay,' noted a lovely friend and fellow baker when she saw the photo of my latest creation. I must admit, I thought it looked better than good too. To me, my bread looked like one of those artisan loaves that one buys for upwards of $10 at specialist bakeries. So, I must admit I was feeling rather chuffed, and even more so once I'd tasted it.

Saffron buns and lardy cake were at the top of the 'wish list' of good things I wanted to taste while travelling in the United Kingdom. To my huge delight, saffron buns featured on the shelves of numerous patisseries and bakeries. My favourites would be found at (Rick) Stein's Patisserie in Lanadwell Street, Padstow – fortuitously right opposite the inn where we were staying. Suffice to say I called in there often.  

It's baking day and as I open the oven door, the heady aroma of freshly baked bread brings me to reflect on the summer of '94 spent with my family at Budaörs on the outskirts of Budapest.