GBBO 2018/19

[cyprusmoira]

Why didn't anyone make a classic American Key Lime Pie for the custard pie challenge ?

[earthmaiden]

Someone did make one with lime in it. It seemed to me that 'classic' anything wasn't what they wanted but noticed that those which contained a classic custard filling were well received. I still don't fully understand what the brief was really looking for. An interesting programme, I had not come across the fried choux pastry before and didn't think it was something you'd swot up on (the basic pastry of course, but not the rest of it), it was quite a tough one. Some are still stupidly ambitious!

[scullion]

maybe they couldn't get key limes!

[earthmaiden]

Spoiler!
Has anyone apart from me and Moira stuck with this?

I don't think that generally it is as entertaining as it was, I would like to see more of the methodology and less messing about.

Last night I was quite impressed with the glass domes but baffled as to why, in the tartlet section, at least two people baked the cases blind without any baking beans in the centre. They seemed to me extraordinarily lucky to get away with it. I was rather glad to see the loser go - bit of a drama queen

Who will win?

[Busybee]

I’m watching Em. I agree in so much as it hasn’t been a stellar season, too many controversial eliminations.

I don’t think Steff will win, the editing has been far too positive for her throughout the series. I thought Alice was going to have a breakdown last night so goodness knows how highly strung she will be next week!

I think a David does some beautifully designed pieces but his almost paranoia about healthy eating means that he does some unusual flavours.

I think it could be anyone’s to win.

BB

[earthmaiden]

I think that's a very fair assessment BB! No-one really stands out, I don't think it will be David.

[Suelle]

I'm still watching, but don't have much interest in the outcome. None of the three left seem to have the 'spark' that will give them a career in the public eye, like so many of the previous winners.

I was disappointed that so many of the tasks seemed to be gimmicky rather than showing real baking skills - last night's showstopper being a case in point. Making the 'glass' box must have been time-consuming but wasn't really related to baking, as Steph showed by just glueing 5 sheets of isomalt together.

[StokeySue]

I’m still watching but find myself not paying it full attention
For the final I’m supporting David but realistically think Alice

[cyprusmoira]

I am glad that others think that making sheets of Isomalt is not baking. Perhaps in the next series they should go back to the original tasks, if only to show how everyone has progressed. I can remember when a mirror glaze was a challenge not routine.

Moira

[scullion]

i'm still watching but i think it's getting more and more silly. why would you use over a hundred eggs just on practising for the next episode? do they get an allowance for practice?
there have been a few things that aren't really baking. i agree, maybe they should start using previous series challenges rather than trying to come up with some obscure things that they've had to trawl the world or history for, things that one could think 'ooh, i'll have a go at that' .
i've only once made a cake that had been made by one of the contestants (without the decoration). it was a good cake - but just that - a cake, not a showy thing that ended up being criticised for being dry, flavourless or whatever in favour of being artistic, over constructed and faffy.

[StokeySue]

[earthmaiden]

Definitely. I would like the technical challenge to be something like a Victoria sandwich which would stand a chance of being presented flawlessly.

[StokeySue]

Well, now we know

The right result on the day I think

[cyprusmoira]

With added jeopardy, will a contestants parents get back from Dublin in time ? Why do I think that the production company helped there?
Are soufflés a baking task?

Moira

[Suelle]

[earthmaiden]

I had come to the conclusion during the programme that the person that won would be the winner. It was a bit of an odd series, as someone said in a previous post, no-one really stood out.

I suppose that the way they do it makes better telly and discussion! It has lost its sparkle a bit though.

[Ratatouille]

The right person did win on the night.
Two points, bot girls let their nerves and emmotions get the better of them. Twice cooked souffles are not baking.

[cyprusmoira]

[earthmaiden]

Just in case anyone's keen to take part next year ..

https://gbbo.take-part.co.uk/

[cyprusmoira]

In the January edition of The Oldie, it is published in December, there is a full page advert for applicants for GBBO. Given that The Oldie is published for an older readership it would suggest that the production company are trying to recruit some older competitors.

Moira

[StokeySue]

That’s interesting Moira

[Pepper Pig]

Oooh, you get The Oldie too Moira! Have never met a fellow subscriber and when I give anyone an old copy they seem mystified!

[cyprusmoira]

[Pepper Pig]

Elisabeth Luard. Oh gosh yes!

[StokeySue]

[suffolk]

I have her European Peasant Cookery .... fascinating

[Pepper Pig]

http://elisabethluard.com/home

[StokeySue]

Yes, that' site represents what people have told me, I think the photo is quite old
I know that people like Rachel Roddy and Thane Prince are fans

[Pepper Pig]

Re The Oldie. Elisabeth's husband Nicholas who was, by all accounts, a complete rogue helped Richard Ingrams found Private Eye and she wrote the food column for that. When that closed and The Oldie started a lot of the same journalists were kept on.

I've noticed that in the last couple of issues Prue Leith has a quick sandwich recipe. I suspect they are easing Ms Luard out!