Hi everyone,

Bernie here!

Time flies when you’re having fun – and what a time I’ve been having! World Jewish Relief’s mass participation event, The Big Bagel 2 (BB2), has officially kicked off (launched by myself of course) and it’s a busy bagel time. I’ve been in Leeds, Manchester and London telling people how they can get involved and make a ‘hole’ lot of difference!

I’ve also been enjoying the onset of spring as I do get a bit soggy when it rains.

Of course, the promise of summer makes me think about some suitable bagel swimwear and as I’m surrounded by food most of the time, it is rather challenging keeping my figure in shape. My mum always assured me there was nothing wrong with being ‘a bit round’ so I’m not worrying too much…

But my taste buds have had a field day of late – particularly at the launch of BB2 at Daniels bakery in Temple Fortune where I was assisted by the very beautiful Jewish Princesses, Tracey and Georgie who also gave me a special bagel treat last month and showed how to fill the perfect bagel, you can watch our master class online http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jt2o5ZggKGM (I’m getting quite famous now!).

The JPs really are great cooks - they showed me how to make a perfect creamy mozzarella and salty but sweet sundried tomato mix for my bagels and it was delicious. I’ve made them at home too and discovered a tip of my own– they also work well toasted! I think it’s now my favourite bagel filling combination although when it comes to the rolls with the holes, I can be very indecisive. Honey and butter is also good, plus the classic smoked salmon or egg and onion...

I have to admit, it wasn’t easy to keep Passover and refrain from my bagel munching, but I managed it of course.

I was delighted to see so many of you joining in the post-Pesach fun outside Carmelli’s bakery on Tuesday night. Now that Pesach’s over it means that there are only four weeks to go until the official Big Bagel weekend (14-16th May)! Along with your cream cheese I do hope you’re spreading the word and encouraging lots of people to host a Big Bagel brunch.

I’ve just come back from Manchester and Leeds where I was promoting BB2 with our Northern friends. I popped into King David High school and Manchester’s bagel filled deli (my idea of heaven), Brackmans, as well as dropping in to say hi at Brodestsky junior school in Leeds. I’d never been to Manchester before and I was truly relived to discover that bagels taste the same up there... Phew.

So, I hope you are all signed up and ready for some big bagelling, if not, you can register here www.wjr.org.uk/bigbagel and one of my friends at the WJR office will send you a free fundraising pack along with a few surprises.

Bernie x

Ps. Does anyone know a nice Jewish bagel looking for love?