I think so far, so good. The cakes look pretty and the contestants seem pleasant and interesting- a very diverse group- a surgeon, opera singer, music teacher, etc.
I just realized the episode is 2 hours long. (till 11pm)
Now I feel like cutting out white paper snowflakes.
Rainy afternoon here, so the perfect time to plug in the tree and watch the double episode premiere. I think this season is closer to the British version than last year’s American version. Perhaps that’s because they learned from their rookie season in the US last year. I really enjoyed both episodes and can’t wait to lust after the breads next week.
I just did that this evening, too. I did think it was closer to the British version than last year’s run. So far I like it better than last year. Great to see Mary as usual. I like Nia as a host. I’ve never been a fan of Johnny, though. I don’t think the American bakers have the technical ability of the British contestants.
I agree - watched the double episode tonight and it is closer to the british show.
Thank goodness for On Demand TV. I’m watching it now.
Episode 2 of the Holiday Bakeoff is on tonight at 9 pm on ABC.
Repeat telecast of Episode 2 is on tonight at 10pm.
Ha, watching. I appreciate the news as I’m awful keeping shows and times in my head.
I just like Mary so.
I like the format, making 3 items. So, even if one comes in last on technical, he can redeem himself.
I watched it last night. The theme was tarts. I think next week is chocolate. Do you have a favorite participant. There are a couple of strong participants on the shop. One of them being Stephanie.
And Amanda is doing very well. I like them both.
Bookworm, if you don’t watch the British version you would like it, as it has the exact same 3-bakes per episode.
On, I like the British version. I was thinking of Top Chef.
Here is episode 4 in case you missed it. (pies and tarts)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y16Ty3CeCP0
I like the fact that with this show, there seems to be a strong attempt to show the contestants in the best possible light. The focus is on baking strengths and weaknesses, not personality flaws.
I like the positive vibe of the show. Nothing like “Hell’s Kitchen” which I can’t even watch.
Watching two episodes tonight back to back. The first hour was chocolate. Watching the 2nd episode now. Looks like by end of the episode they will be down to the final three participants.
To piggypack on raclut’s comments, next Thursday is a repeat of tonight’s 2nd episode (meringues and custards). Next new episode is Jan. 5. Now I see why they called it the “American” baking show this year, as opposed to the “holiday” baking show—they are ending it mid-January.
I didn’t really get all the chocolate work. Did they have this in the British version? If so, I don’t remember it. Chocolate work is NOT baking.
I also thought the lava cake challenge was a poor one to choose. They aren’t technically difficult. The biggest difficulty is getting them to the right degree of doneness so they are still soft inside, which is kind of impossible to do for 12 at a time with just one person. I’ve done it for dinners but no more than 8 at a time and I’ve had someone help me plate as just a few minutes can make a big difference.
Johnny still gets on my nerves. 