I am behind the sofa! Cherish is back.

[viques]

Bake off the professionals is back, along with scarey Cherish, who can set an entremet at 50 paces with one stare. I would love to see her doing demos of how desserts should be, well actually, I don't really want to watch her doing demos, I want to sample them.

I am also decidedly pleased that nominative determinism has apparently provided a pastry chef called Moose this series. I hope he wins, just because he should.

Pineapple upside down cake, I love pineapple upside down cake, but have never made one successfully, I think these fancy ones are a step too far for my skills.

I'm in - where is everyone? Are they usually so tough on the teams in the first challenge? I don't remember that...

I thought they were v harsh tonight. I have only watched a few before so not sure if this is normal or not.

We (dds and I) liked the Italian guys, I liked the Manchester guys and dds liked the ladies from the catering company who did to pineapple sponge outside. We also liked the boys from the Ivy as we liked the upside down pineapple and thought cherish was MEAN

Right people went though.

Dd2 also confirmed she doesn't like strawberry tarts or the idea of pineapple upside down cake so I am thinking of selling her if anyone wants a slightly grubby and battered 10 year old.

fairyfingers

A child who doesn't like desserts? That is truly a gift from the gods. never will you know the anguish of realising the last slice of the pudding that in your mind was yours has been inexplicably taken from the fridge. I would hold on to her, over the years she will be worth her weight in the extra portions you will legitimately be able to eat up to stop them being sent to landfill........

That was so much fun. I loved both challenges.

It's so bizarre (and delightful) that the professionals have recognisable treats to make after the random cooks in the main show last series.

Does Benoit seem more dramatic to you? I found him quite irritating during the tasting as it was like his response was the real showpiece 🙄

Thank you for the thread OP - I don't watch much TV in real time so hadn't seen that there is a new series BOTP.

Off to watch it now...

Didn't spot this thread till today. I always like the small patisserie things but not so much the big centrepieces, they just don't look or seem edible. Benoit did seem to be more dramatic than usual. I would love to see him and Cherish baking sometimes.

Ooooh, Cherish has brought her ruler. There will be some rapped knuckles I fear.

I am craving a Mille feuille. I think I would like one from each team because I don't want to be seen to be favouring any team (go Moose, go Moose, Moose to win)

I quite like her - yes shes scary but I'm fairly sure it's an act. They often show her laughing with contestants outside of the judging segments. Her look is flawless too

Anyone else think that Benoit is fit (and yes, a bit annoying)?

Chocolate eggs - what could go wrong in a hot kitchen! I love the programme 😁

I like Cherish and Benoit but find Tom annoying. Can't put my finger on why.

Cherish is just amazing, if you look at her work and craft , you realise why she is such a skillful judge, she can definitely walk the walk!...she is so stylish too

Benoit seems to have read the book of "cliches to excitedly shout out for maximum impact on tv" and is steadily working his way through them all, accompanied by OTT facial expressions and exaggerated mannerisms!

But I do love both him and Cherish and don't mind Liam and Tom.

Calling patisserie fans . . . if you haven't seen the superb 'Kings of Pastry' documentary I can't recommend it highly enough. It's about French patissiers competing to achieve the highest honour in French pastry world and they make our lot look like kindergarten kids playing with PlayDoh. Amazing work. It gets very tense, watch with something sweet near to hand. Its on Prime, via another company. sign up for 30 days free from them and cancel afterwards.

Yes to the Kings of Pastry, it's brilliant, we've watched it a few times over the years.

I know what you mean about Tom, in combination with Liam, I find him a bit too arch and pleased with himself, he reminds me of a child persuaded to perform for Granny by adoring parents. Annoying.

" Don't mess with matcha"

Wouldn't dare.

The fireworks were a bit of a damp squib tonight in the end. They all looked amazing and get told their shit. Not fun.
And secret recipe was a stupid name for a make a chocolate and macha dessert round.

Checks in for tonight... new teams!

new teams

And a returning team? Gosh, how could you put yourself through that stress a second time. Sha la la as Cherish might say.

I love Cherish's dress.

I’m finding the second rounds really stressful to watch.

I do too, just waiting for the crash and I don't really like the megastructures. I tend to mainly watch the first part.

The returning team had a huge advantage understanding the kitchen.
I love key lime pie, not sure any of the offerings would have tasted close.

I don't think any team should appear twice - surely there are enough other patisserie chefs around to be worthy of a twirl on the show.

I just can't take my eyes off Cherish's hair any time she's in a shot - I am mesmerised by it!