Tales of daring dough
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF: THE FINAL Channel 4, 8pm
IT’S the closest Bake Off final ever. No really, it actually is.
Each of the finalists has won Star Baker twice and two Hollywood handshakes. No one can pick the winner.
Giuseppe has consistently turned out stunning Italian-influenced bakes, while Crystelle has delivered some incredible flavours from her Goan family recipe book. Underdog Chigs is the least experienced – but you’d never know it.
As they head into the final, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith set three challenges that will test every aspect of their baking skills.
“There’s no room for error,” says Crystelle. They’re all nervous.
In a classic signature challenge, they have the chance to show if they can create a winning carrot cake. Of course, it’s a classic but everyone will want to add a twist.
Paul sets the final technical challenge, to make 12 Belgian buns filled with sultanas and lemon curd.
But all are slightly horrified to discover that their only instruction, after Paul removed most of the method, is: “Make Belgian buns filled with sultanas and lemon curd”.
Helpful.
“That’s unbelievably unkind,” notes Prue.
Finally, in the Showstopper, they must create a baked banquet fit for the Mad Hatter’s tea party, with sweet and savoury afternoon tea treats showcasing at least four different baking disciplines.
“It all comes down to the showstopper,” says Matt Lucas.
The results, as expected, are incredible (bar the odd disaster)... but only one can take home the coveted glass cake stand.