Baking has existed since 5600 BCE when early humans cooked grain pastes into bread-like substances. Baking developed further in ancient Rome where it became a respected profession. Since then, baking has spread throughout Europe and Asia as bakers sold their goods from home or carts. Nowadays, baking is a popular hobby in Britain as demonstrated by the success of the television show "The Great British Bake Off". The author was inspired by TV chef Mary Berry to pursue baking and plans to create a Victoria sponge cake and banana tart for their project, as well as a baking sketchbook.