My daughter just texted me about this show ! I will have to check it out, probably when my husband isn’t home
You may find it hard to believe but here in the UK, The Great British Bake Off (as it’s called here) is the highest rated program on TV with 13 million viewers for the finale. I find it kind of crazy. I like watching the show, but frankly find British cakes to be very dry and heavy. I bake a lot and still use American recipes and even bring American cake flour back with me from the States. My American style baked goods are the hit of our church choir.
I like reading your comments and I will try not to give away spoilers! (Ruby was my favorite of that season!)
I’ve grown fond of Kimberley, though I did enjoy Becca.
Meg mom, I think it is great this show is so popular. It recognizes talent. I think the judges try to be fair with praise and suggestions and criticisms. I like that they get judged on 3 challenges, rather than one, before deciding who goes home. Who knew so many folks would enjoy a show about baking?
My hobby as a baker is sadly feeling the wear. I offered to make cupcakes for a Sunday luncheon, as there would be many kids present. So, on Saturday I baked large and small cupcakes, with candy bits cut into the vanilla mix. On Sunday, I made 2 icings, and covered each one with Halloween and sparkles. They looked so pretty, but they turned out to be superfluous. I wish the hostess had told me she had so many desserts I could have brought wine.
I have to say that I think, cynically, that Ruby is very good at manipulating people with her “I’m just so lovely but I’m such a klutz, poor sweet little me” routine. If this were an American show she would definitely win. I’m hoping that one of the others does.
Becca’s use of banana was her downfall.
Both Mary and Paul are wary of banana because the fresh fruit doesn’t impart enough flavor and the use of any banana extract to boost gives it a “fake banana” flavor.
Paul commented on a grainy texture that he contributes to the banana.
Can think of only a couple times in the past few seasons where fresh banana flavor was successful.
I have watched the last couple of episodes with my daughter and yesterday I watched them make the opera cake. They all are very talented and if I was a participant I would be the first to be eliminated.
As a side note, given its on PBS as well, have you guys been watching the new show I’ll Have What Phil’s Having? Love it, He’s such a goof he makes me laugh and being a foodie, it’s right up my alley. If you haven’t watched it, check it out.
^ as a fan of everybody loves Raymond, I’m taken with phil- thanks for suggestion, he is so much like the character he wrote for on the show.
I just watched the Barcelona episode- love it. The skype session with his parents so authentic, and funny moment. Thanks again for suggesting doschicos.
Now I occasionally stick my fingers into baked goods at home and say things like “it’s a good bake” just to make everyone laugh
Veruca…then do you say “oh, no one wants this piece with my finger poke…ok guess I will eat it”?
@SouthJerseyChessMom - Glad you like it. As a fan of Everybody Loves Raymond, you’ll enjoy his most recent Los Angeles episode. His skype sessions with his folks are reoccurring and I love them.
@TempeMom - how did you know? It’s like you were here in my house- LOL
I don’t have cable so I haven’t been watching this current season, but I just binge-watched all of last season on Netflix. I loved Martha and was really rooting for her, but all of the contestants just seemed so nice (all of the moderately annoying ones went were eliminated early-ish). I’ll have to keep an eye out for more seasons of the show! My only problem now is my husband won’t stop imitating Mary and exclaiming “WHERE HAVE ALL THE CHERRIES GONE?!” in his most dramatic British old lady voice.
@doschicos - I just watched my first episode of “I’ll have what Phil is having” and really enjoyed it. Thanks for the recommendation. I love shows like this and Bake off that are respectful and good natured. No created drama something you could watch with your grandma.
I also dislike Ruby. There was some gossip that Paul favored Ruby (and that he favors female contestants). Did anyone else see the brief shot of Paul looking longingly at Ruby from across the tent? I wish she had been eliminated instead of Becca.
CTTC, agree with you. Becca’s looked the best, but was too sweet. Ruby’s had the flavor. But Becca did better on the other two challenges. So, I was surprised at the elimination.
I love this show! I was so disappointed that they kept Ruby. Paul has a big crush on her! I’m tired of her “poor me I’m doing such an awful job” attitude (and she really was pretty awful this week) but somehow managing to stay.
I had 2 people I would have been. Happy to win, so I am satisfied. They only announced winner, not 2nd or 3rd place. Such a difference from American TV
^^I was thinking the same thing. The assignments were very challenging. I missed a little bit of the beginning. I only aw the vegetarian basket. That looked interesting.
I was happy with the outcome as well and, like Bookworm, would have been happy with 2 results.
I think Ruby has talent but, based on comments in the show tonight, I think her negative thinking goes beyond the stress of the show.