Great British Bake Off - Discuss

Ooh, tricia, you set my mouth watering. We used to eat them at night at open air food stalls and they certainly were delicious. Nothing on bake off last night looked delicious, and I only had half an eye on it. It's going down the tubes.

Paul Hollywood is spoiling it now. He's far too arrogant and rude.

I don't mind Paul Hollywood, but can't stand Mel and Sue. Not funny; don't add anything.

Val should have gone last night imho.

I used not to like PH, but then I saw how bakers reacted when he praised their efforts and realised how much his praise was worth.

I don't think he was unreasonable in his criticism of some competitors either. This is supposed to be a high-end competition after all, and there were some particularly lame efforts last night.

You'd expect dough to be cooked, at least.

Paul is ruining the show for me, far too arrogant. I don't think the lack of time is a problem, it is up to the contestants to plan their project to suit the time. The bread was a good example. some wee to ambitious and did not get their bread cooked, others less so and managed within the time.

I agree with some other posters that some of the timings were too short. In the signature bake the best loaf was the only one that needed just one proving.
Does anyone else feel that the Irish lad (sorry can't remember the names yet) should have been Star Baker. Also I felt 'lipstic'should have gone.

I agree, wobbly. Whatever the time limit is, a baking project should be designed to be complete within that time limit.

Nandalot I do find all her pouting very annoying.

I thought this weeks Technical was fascinating, I love seeing more unusual recipes. I suppose it will get tenser as it goes along but I do like the way they are all helping each other at the moment.

Anyone else now desperate for Bakewell tart and and baklava?!

No but I didn't 'arf fancy a Danish pastry.

I fancy a savoury amuse bouche - almost any of them, except the semi-raw ones.

I'm sure they turn the volume up when Mary's biting into anything crisp - I do sometimes fear for her veneers!

She has a bite on the side Ana and I don't mean Paul Hollywood

That Candice's pouting is getting in my nerves.

I didn't think proper Bakewell Tart had icing on top. They don't in Bakewell, anyway.

Very few of them managed the pastry making very well. It's the sort of thing that really tests them. I can't do it very well either. I had to get my friend to give me a master class and I did find out what I was getting so wrong.

Thank heaven for ready made pastry.

Badenkate
Just Google these search terms. ( Bakewell tart or Bakewell pudding.)

You will get pages of different theories and
"the original recipes" .

Googled baklava place and want to go as it's somewhere I visit. Family have kindly pointed out that I'm not losing weight in spite of going to SW. Maybe I can just have a nice Turkish meal there ... Yeah, right! ?

No Badenkate I thought the icing was not traditional and made it far too sweet. I occasionally watch Bake Off but find it more irritating now. Paul H loves himself so much he doesn't need any fans. Mel & Sue are irrelevant and as for Mary Berry well, retirement beckons.

I suppose it is suffering from what all programmes eventually suffer - it's run its course. I think that Channel 4 has made a poor economic choice as it will never be so popular again.

Funny you say that about icing. I never used to .. I think Mr Kipling does however. Expecting icing on a hot tart of course is asking for trouble, so that may be why.
I understand its called Bakewell Pudding in Derbyshire.

Caldwell that is.

Bakewell!!!!!

The pudding/tarts on sale in the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop are the most lumpy and uninteresting looking things. I never understand why tourists queue up for them, no icing though.

I have always associated Bakewell Tart with icing and that lovely pink spiders web . I might have a go at making my own as the Mr K's ones do nothing for me .

In Bakewell they will tell you that Bakewell pudding and Bakewell tart bear no relation to each other. Bakewell tart is made with shortcrust pastry but the pudding is a flaky pastry case. I agree with Ann - they don't look particularly appetising. I think people queue up for them to see what the fuss is all about! I ate one once and didn't care for it but I often make Bakewell tart and never put icing on top, just a lattice of shortcrust pastry. We have got to the stage in Bake Off where you don't expect any of them to be making a complete dog's breakfast of basic processes, but they still appear to be. Not that I'm any expert.