One time on Usenet, "Temily" > said:
> Little Malice wrote:

> > To my American mind, the term "bake off" means a baking contest.
> > That seems like an odd thing to do at work. I'm not trying to be
> > offensive or anything, just puzzled.
>
> Hi Janie,
>
> The Bake Off is designed to raise money for a charity we're supporting
> at work. What happens is everyone who wants to, on a particular floor
> of our organisation (not all floors are participating) can make their
> favourite cake, slice or biscuit and bring it in to be judged by a
> 'secret panel'.

<snip>

> I think if i do enter it...I'll bake the carrot cake i was talking
> about...with the cream cheese frosting. Our Education Unit are all
> feeling a bit threatened by it all..it's really funny. I think that's
> because we're the warm fuzzy group.

Ooooh, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is one of my
favorites!

> But interesting to see the Business unit is more into it...because
> they're the cold, calculating lot! My bets are on the girl who started
> it to win it. She's VERY competitive!!!
>
> And oh yeah, apparently the baking doesn't have to be our own..it can
> be a friend who bakes it or a familiy member..it just has to be home
> baked and not store bought.
>
> Leaves it wide open really doesn't it...

Yeah, that last part doesn't seem very fair, but I guess since
it's all in the name of charity...thanks so much for explaining,
this sounds like a very worthwhile competition. Do let us know
what the winning cake is, okay?

--
"Little Malice" is Jani in WA
~ mom, Trollop, novice cook ~