*SPOILER ALERT* Bread was the focus in episode 3 of the BBC cookery show. Whipping out their best kneading and plaiting techniques, the bakers set about to create quick breads, French baguettes and 3D bread sculptures
Bread week, AKA Paul Hollywood’s week – regular fans of the show will know what this means – the contestants were in for some harsh criticism from the master baker. As Flora succinctly summed up, “Paul Hollywood, he was punching bread and shattering dreams – it was nasty”.
First, the signature challenge was to create quick breads – a bake that requires no proving and for which the ratio of bicarbonate of soda with buttermilk is “crucial”. Both Mat and Nadiya opted for a Mexican inspired loaf “He’s totally copied me” joked Nadiya. Paul’s cranberry and orange sweet soda breads were the stand-out bake, receiving a rare congratulatory handshake and smile from Hollywood.
The technical challenge was to bake four identical French baguettes, with minimal instructions. After a promising start, this challenge saw Paul fall to last place after producing a “half baked” attempt. Last week’s Star Baker, Ian, came top of the French sticks, with Flora a close second.
The showstopper challenge was to create a 3D bread sculpture. Dorret went for a baffling take on Tracey Emin’s Turner Prize-winning unmade bed – not the most appetising proposition and one that she hadn’t practised at home. Ian created a bread flower pot complete with flowers, with the help of a homemade mould. While Paul baked an intricately detailed bread lion, complete with almond claws and rosemary whiskers.
Results time and Paul was awarded a Bake Off first – “a special commendation” for his roarsome lion sculpture. Ian won star baker for the second week running, “I might just have a little fizzy pop in the bar this evening” he said. Dorret became the third baker to leave the tent – a warning to the other bakers that only practise makes perfect in the world of Bake Off.
If all this talk of baking has got you running for the kitchen, head over to Great British Life to find the best baking accessories.
Try making it for yourself with our essential bread recipe – the classic white loaf.
