GBBO Episode 2 – 13/8/14

Sometimes you’ve just got to laugh at some at some of the things that not only Mel and Sue come out with but also Paul and Mary. This week the shining example of this came from the blue-eyed baker himself when explaining the fist challenge of the programme, baking 36 savoury biscuits. Since when do you make 3 or 4 biscuits for a dinner party? In all my history of baking biscuits, never has the dough only ever made this few a quantity.

Signature Challenge: Savoury Biscuits (36)

I need to get my thinking cap on for this challenge. I’ve only ever made oatcake biscuits before and although they were pretty moreish and great with cheese I think I’m going to have to up my game for this challenge. I have never really thought much about making savoury biscuits, which is odd, because I love cheese and biscuits and the boyfriend would much sooner eat these than sweet biscuits. It was good to see the variety of flavours that could be done and the differnet options for the bakes, from a dry oaty mix, to a sandwiched biscuit.

Key tips to take away from this weeks episode for the bake this weekend:

1. Prick the biscuits to ensure they stay flat
2. You what a short texture, so don’t knead the dough too much otherwise it’ll become tough
3. An even thickness to the biscuit will ensure a consistant even bake (hopefully)

There are a few flavour combinations I’m playing with, I just need to figure out the best biscuit base that would compliment them. So check back later to see which I’ve gone with.

Technical Bake: Florentines (18)

Now these I have made before in both mini and large sizes. These are a favourite in my family. I think the first time I had them is when Mum bought them as a treat for my Dad and I managed to sneak one out! Anyway I’ve made these a few times, mainly for christmas presents and parties, so I’m not particularly worried about this weeks challenge. Although from past experience with things, its never too good to go into these challenges with too much confidence, it can lead to silly mistakes and panicked failures!

Showstopper: 3D Biscuit Scene
I truly empathise with these guys on this challenge. I once made gingerbread house for nieces and nephews for Christmas one year, all filled with home made sweets. What resulted in an alright piece of baking masonry also created some of the fasted developing blister I have ever had!

My favourites from this episode:

1. Once again Chetna managed to bring in her family roots and influences to the signature challenge. This is something I really admire, being able to know what herbs and spices work well and having a natural flair for the combinations is a real talent
2. Iain, Richard and Luis definitely stole the show with their free standing sculptures. I used to love making cardboard cutout sculpture as a child and the guys bakes this week reminded me of this. Great ingenius planning with some amazing attention to the detail.
3. It was nice to see a variety of biscuits being used, even if there was some questionable colours. I’d never have thought of a mulled wine biscuit, I’d probably just have drunk it!

I really think it was a close call this week and I think that sadly Iain, Norman and Jordan and will really have to push the boat out next week. Enwezor, it was a shame to see him go as he had a good bake on the signature, and his technical was good apart from the cutter trimming. Mary really did not like the idea of using shop bought fondant and the editing really showed that. I think that scorn will haunt me for the rest of the week!