GBBO #2 - These bakers are not to be trifled with...

[PolkadotsAndMoonbeams]

Following on from the first thread (we were getting a bit short on space!).

Pastry week next - it's time for the dreaded soggy bottoms!

Yes when she does 'adult' flavours my mouth waters at the description. Which is unusual for me I'm fussy.

Ooooh Listen, listen everyone (comes in all excited) !! I heard Sue perkins interviewed about her new book, (which sounds worth buying btw).

She said that her and Mel DID nearly walk from GBBO because of it's cruelty So that's why Mary ALWAYS finds something positive to say about each bake. I thought that the contestants do watch it ,hopefully, and know what they're getting into.

Oh ppeatfruit that has shattered my illusions about it being a 'nice' programme.

I know what you mean emotion But it's always had an 'edge' to it hasn't it? I suppose if it was a cookery demonstration programme it wouldn't keep viewers' interest in the same way.

Still it's much better than masterchef IMO!!

but ppeatfruit I want all light, fluffy and nice like a light, fluffy nice bakery confection.

Seriously, I felt 'the edge' came from the viewers perception of what the bakers had made and how they were judged even though the viewers were lacking the ability to judge one of the most crucial aspects - taste. Thinking back, either last series or the one before that did seem to become harsher and I seem to remember a number of complaints, I am not sure if it coincided with the move from BBC2 to BBC1. Before the move long time viewers were voicing concerns and anticipating that changes to the general feel and attitude of the programme would be made in order to chase viewer ratings.

I don't remember PH being light and fluffy though

No it is fair to say PH could never be described as light and fluffy, he has ratcheted up his 'tough judge' act though.

Yes true I must say however good my baking was I wouldn't want to compete on it, it must take a hell of a lot of confidence. I bet the producers wet themselves when they nearly lost Mel and Sue though which is why Mary seems to be formally 'good' judge to PH's 'mean' one .

Sue Perkins said (interviewed by Richard herring, google RHLSTP if you want to listen) that she will start swearing / slagging of big corporate firms very loudly if contestants are getting upset. Just to make sure that any footage of them crying is pretty much unusable. Love Sue

CentreYourCheese Yes she's a REAL person. Her book is good because it actually tells stuff that some of us would like to know! (not like most 'celebrity' books) According to Chris Evans.

I am about to try to make my first-ever Battenberg.

Wish me luck.

Go for it Trills. Post a pic!

Ta-dah.

A bit wonky, but tasty.

Ooh Trills that looks scrumptious. Well done you - that sort of thing is far too complicated for me.

It's taken from the most flattering angle of course - it's a bit lumpy, but it does taste like cake.

Not wonky at all, looks yummy!

Looks great, Trills!

DD made the coffee and walnut Battenberg from the bake-off book at the weekend. Sadly, I am the only person in the house who likes coffee, so found myself eating the whole thing. [thighs]

Bless your DD she made it for you Latin

Yes Trills it looks good did you make the marzipan?

Ian is 41!

I am in shock, thought the poor bloke was nearing retirement age.

I did not make the marzipan. I bought it and rolled it out.

And ate all the extra bits that I had to trim off the ends.

Well done trills that looks amazing.

Take it everyone's seen the news on the 'betting scandal'?

I saw the 3 finalists on the One Show last night. Yes Ian looks older than his years. Nadiya in make up looked amazing! Tamal looked dishy too!

'Ere we go then!

Have had to negotiate whether we are watching bake off and recording rugby or vice versa. Guess who won

Here we go!