The Great British Bake Off Series 15, Episode 3 Recap
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2 months ago
Who will rise to the occasion?
Another week, another episode of The Great British Bake Off. And with two bakers down, there’s just 10 contestants left in the show – and the competition is only set to heat up with the arrival of Bread Week. Here’s everything you might have missed in episode 3 of Bake Off.
What Happened In The Great British Bake Off Series 15, Episode 3?
Back: Illiyin, Dylan, Sumayah, Nelly, John, Christiaan, Andy, Mike, Jeff, Hazel, Georgie, Gill.
Front: Prue, Paul, Alison and Noel
What Was The Theme This Week?
This week, we’re saying goodbye to biscuits and stepping into Paul’s domain: bread. ‘It’s Bread Week and the bakers take on a savoury Signature, an instruction-less Technical and Horns of Plenty,’ summarises Channel 4. ‘Who will rise to the occasion, and who kneads to dust themselves off?’ Let’s find out…
Signature Bake: Savoury Buns
It’s proving drawers at the ready for bakers this week. Bread Week kicks off with a Paul Holly special, with a Signature Bake consisting of 12 identical savoury buns. ‘This is one of the few workplaces you can compliment someone’s buns,’ Alison laughs. (Jokes at the ready.)
And what are the judges after? ‘We’re looking for good structure, nice stretchy dough and good flavour,’ emphasises Paul. Prue, meanwhile, isn’t worried about the bakers’ creativity with this challenge. ‘I would like something original,’ she muses. ‘But ultimately it’s got to be good bread.’
Here’s how they got on:
- John, ‘Yamas!’ Savoury Buns: It was a slightly disappointing Signature for John, whose buns revealed large steam pockets when opened. Paul and Prue were also quick to point out the dry textures inside.
- Illyin, Jamaican Brown Chicken Savoury Buns: Taking inspiration from a dish her mother used to make, Illyin sprung back this week with a flavoursome bake. Despite the judges’ worries about the chilli, the spice levels were deemed a success.
- Christiaan, Mushroom & Sage Savoury Buns: A good-looking set of buns from Christiaan. Prue was amazed once again by the ‘alchemist’s’ flavours, despite her earlier concerns – ‘I was wrong,’ she happily said, tucking into another bun.
- Georgie, ‘Pesto Brunch’ Savoury Buns: Some classic flavours from Georgie, who served up tomato and pesto buns. She sadly fell short of a Paul Hollywood handshake, as the judge felt her bake was missing a bit more parmesan. Although she did get a pat on the shoulder (‘The first Paul Hollywood pat!’ exclaimed Mike).
- Nelly, ‘Ethnic Harmony’ Savoury Buns: The judges were pleasantly surprised by the lightness of Nelly’s bake, having expected heaviness. Paul was looking for a little more punch from the bread, but soon found it in the dipping sauce.
- Sumayah, ‘Sunflower’ Savour Buns: A slight 180 from last week, as Sumayah struggled with irregular bakes and some splits. While her flavours were delicious, she was also let down by underproved and dense bread.
- Mike, ‘Baa-o’ Savoury Buns: Mike delivered a set of great looking buns with a defined swirl, with a delicious filling – but his bake was ultimately dubbed a little tight, and Prue said she’d like some more cumin.
- Andy, ‘Maisie’s Mini Salami’ Savoury Buns: Raiding his daughter’s lunchbox for a set of salami buns, Andy delivered a balanced bake that the judges enjoyed. ‘I could sit and eat this all afternoon,’ said Prue.
- Dylan, Gochujang & Garlic Savoury Buns: Despite being unhappy with the look of his bake, Dylan was the next recipient of the famed Hollywood handshake. Paul was impressed – ‘I’ve never had anything like it,’ he said, noting that he was surprised by the flavour.
- Gill, Bury Black Pudding Savoury Buns: Both judges were enamoured with Gill’s ‘mustard custard’, praising the flavours and softness of her bake.
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Technical Challenge: Seven-Strand Plaited Wreath
It seems the team at Bake Off aren’t quite done with twists and tricks this season. There were no instructions for this week’s Technical – instead, it was a live demonstration from Paul Hollywood himself. Bakers were given a quick demo from ‘Dr Denim’, alongside a list of ingredients, before being sent off to make their own seven-strand plaited wreaths.
Here’s who came out on top (and who got themselves tangled in knots):
- Nelly
- Sumayah
- Andy
- Illyin
- Gill
- Mike
- Georgie
- Christiaan
- John
- Dylan
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Showstopper: Bread Cornucopia Display
‘Today, the judges are expecting an abundance of breads,’ notes Noel. This week the bakers were given the challenge of creating a huge cornucopia Showstopper display. The criteria included a solid, horn-shaped sculpture, packed with at least two different types of bread.
The judges emphasised their want for the bakers to really show off this week, and demonstrate some flair in their breadmaking skills. A mammoth task – if not for the bakers, then definitely for the small ovens in the tent.
Here’s how the colossal cornucopias went down with the judges:
- John, ‘Horn of Pride’ Cornucopia: It’s not been a good week for John, and his luck didn’t fare any better with the Showstopper challenge. The judges loved the colours and shine of his cornucopia, but he was let down by overproved bagels and underproved, flavourless buns.
- Illyin, Bread Cornucopia: There was good feedback for Illyin, who was praised for her delicious bakes that contained a good kick of spice.
- Christiaan, ‘Wildflower Delights’: Paul was slightly worried about the look of some of Christiaan’s flowers (in particular, one very suspicious-looking orchid), but overall he demonstrated good flavours across his bread.
- Georgie, ‘My Favourite Things’ Cornucopia: Opting for a classic cornucopia shape, the judges noted Georgie’s good structure and colour. Her chocolatey hazelnut bakes were dubbed tasty and luxurious, although Paul noted her pumpkin buns needed a little more proving.
- Nelly, Cornucopia: Detailed designs, tasty flavour and good texture meant Nelly’s Showstopper received the title ‘spectacular’, as the judges enjoyed both bakes and the cornucopia itself.
- Sumayah, ‘Friendship & Family’ Cornucopia: It was mixed reviews for Sumayah’s cornucopia showstopper; where one of her bakes was criticised for being ‘a bit boring’ by Paul, she redeemed herself with her second bread, which both judges raved about.
- Mike, ‘Zeus’s Horn’ Cornucopia: ‘A treat on the eyes,’ said the judges. Mike was praised for his great flavours in this challenge, but was told he needed to improve his textures.
- Andy, ‘New York, Neeeeeew York!’ Cornucopia: Unfortunately, it wasn’t wholly positive with feedback this week for Andy. The judges had a list of improvements and criticisms, ranging from needing a bigger cornucopia and more defined-looking pretzels to finding the pizza and focaccia breads bland.
- Dylan, ‘Cat’ Cornucopia: There was more praise for Dylan, with the judges commenting on how fun and appealing his stripey cornucopia looked. Paul and Prue were also impressed by the baker’s doughnuts (noting they looked and tasted ‘expensive’), his indulgent flavours and the combination of a good, sturdy loaf and whipped bone marrow.
- Gill, ‘All Day Holiday’ Cornucopia: Gill ‘kept it safe’ this week, but was ultimately rewarded for her choices with a solid Showstopper and good bakes. The judges in particular praised her neat execution and good flavours.
Who Got Star Baker?
Despite coming last in the Technical challenge, Dylan came out on top as star baker with his impressive bakes and flavours. ‘The standard he took it to has been exceptional,’ said Paul. ‘I’ll remember this week in particular for a long time.’
Who Went Home?
And sadly, we had said goodbye to John. ‘It was expected,’ said the baker. ‘I’ve just had a bad week… when you drop the ball, it’s your time to go… [But] the tears are tears of pride.’
What’s Happening Next Week?
We’re swerving away from the classics next week in favour of Caramel Week. Expect plenty of gooey shenanigans as the bakers take on caramel biscuits, tarte tatin and mousse cakes.
Where To Watch Bake Off Series 15 Episode 3
You can stream Bake Off series 15 episode 3, and all episodes of The Great British Bake Off, at channel4.com
Series 15 episode 4 will air on Tuesday 15 October 2024 at 8pm on Channel 4 and channel4.com
Featured image: Channel 4 / Mark Bourdillon
