Great British Bake Off Recap: Houston, We Have A Shop-Bought Problem...

We didn't think it was possible to even more excited about this week's Great British Bake Off, but then they only went and made it, yes you guessed it, biscuit week!

Following Claire's exit, it was back to work for our remaining 11 amateurs.

SIGNATURE

First order of the day - 36 savoury biscuits, the only requirement being that they needed to work with cheese. Chetna impressed Paul and Mary with her "aromatic" offerings, while Martha's "good fun" creations also won praise. Reigning Star Baker Nancy took the lead once again as poor Iain (we're sure Mary was scanning that beard for biscuit crumbs) found his choice of flavours under the spotlight.

The day also got off to a rough start for Diana, as her non traditional dough failed to impress her tough audience.

Our new Nation's Grandfather Norman has us beaming with pride when his admittedly plain Farthing Biscuits earned him an uncharacteristically enthusiastic Paul Hollywood handshake. For Norman though, the real victory would be in reporting the news back to his wife who was seemingly not a fan: "She'll have to eat her words now. And her biscuits."

TECHNICAL

Once again the lack of detail provided on the recipe for this week’s technical challenge seemed to raise some eyebrows. Come on guys, you've watched the show (seriously, you have, haven't you?!), you know how it works by now. We'd be spending the weeks before practicing every Mary and Paul recipe we could get our flour-covered hands on.

Mary's florentine biscuits proved quite the challenge as temperatures rose in the GBBO tent. From calculating measurements to closely watching their ovens, there was no time for mistakes. And 'Scary Mary' (thanks Jordan!) was not holding back.

It was all about the Zig-a-Zag-ah for our judges, who blind-tasted the hopefuls offerings. "Some of them have got a good forking," we were reliably informed. Stop giggling.

Enwezor's decision to take the cookie cutter to his proved disastrous, as, much to Mary's disgust, the lack of laciness left him bottom of the class. Don't ask, I'm still not sure I understand lacy Florentines.

SHOWSTOPPER

Two down, one to go - and this really was where the cookie could crumble. The Class of 2014 rose to the challenge of creating their 3D biscuit models. From pirates to a dragon, a train to a tea party, the design skills were on display as much as the baking skills.

"We don't want to see anything bought in. We want it all homemade."

With Mary's words ringing in our ears, it was with bated breath that we watched as Enwezor admitted that he had not made his own fondant. The shame. For good measure the question was asked again during judging, allowing us a second chance to see just how much Mary disapproves. Gulp. Houston, we have a shop-bought problem...

Richard cemented his position as 'Star Baker' with his stunning 3D pirate creation. Special mention for Iain who redeemed his earlier mishaps, and Luis whose George and the Dragon scene was eye-wateringly majestic. I don't think I could have stood there and watched as Paul and Mary so unceremoniously broke it apart.

GOODBYE

After his Showstopper failed to take off (sorry), it was back down to Earth with a bump for Ewenzor. The father of four's card was marked when he admitted to using store-bought fondant. Let Mary's reaction serve as a stern warning to future contestants...

Enwezor showed promise but ultimately failed to show off that extra quality needed to stay in the competition another week. Unlucky for him, but another chance for several others who will no doubt know they need to up their game.

ONE TO WATCH

Luis is clearly a strong contender, but the creativity shown during this weeks Showstopper is what separates the 'Great' and a potential winner. We can't wait to see what he does next!

SMUT

Everyone was getting in on the act this week - from contestants to judges, and of course Mel and Sue.

"Stop fiddling with your pirates", You are three minutes away from perfection" and "This is going to be really, really, really tight" are enough to make Miranda Hart blush, but we'll let the departing Enwezor take this weeks 'Smut of the Week' title with the eyebrow-raising: "Typically I do it on the floor because it gets so stiff".

And then there were 10. Next week: Bread. Join me for some live Twitter chat @YLifestyleUK next Wednesday at 8pm.

[Great British Bake Off Review: It's Back!]

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