GBBO 2018

Jellybaby1 · 06-09-2018 1:18am #1

Hope this isn't duplicating another post, haven't found one for 2018 yet. Whatcha think so far? Here is my tuppence worth.

No-one should have to leave over Biscuits!

I've stopped watching the Extra Slice this year. Thought it had got worse with the comedians this year who I didn't think were particularly funny.

kylith · 06-09-2018 10:04am

I've stopped watching the Extra Slice too, I really just can't be bothered with the comedians.

I was sorry to see Imelda go, but I know she had a bad week. I know it's a thing about 'showstoppers' but I hate when they put too much emphasis on artistic talents, like someone can be a fantastic baker, but not able to draw at all.

Shenshen · 06-09-2018 12:03pm

I have to admit I'm starting to go off it at this point. Not because of the show itself or the contestants, but the ad-breaks now seem to happen every 5 minutes and last for 10 minutes at a time. At this point, I'm considering just waiting until they show it on Netflix.

Shenshen · 06-09-2018 12:06pm

kylith wrote: »

I've stopped watching the Extra Slice too, I really just can't be bothered with the comedians.

I was sorry to see Imelda go, but I know she had a bad week. I know it's a thing about 'showstoppers' but I hate when they put too much emphasis on artistic talents, like someone can be a fantastic baker, but not able to draw at all.

Completely with you on this one. While I agree that a good bake should look appealing, I'm actually usually put off by over-elaborate decorations. I appreciate the talent, but I really don't want to eat that. Showstopper is always my least favourite part of the show.

kylith · 06-09-2018 12:07pm

Shenshen wrote: »

I have to admit I'm starting to go off it at this point. Not because of the show itself or the contestants, but the ad-breaks now seem to happen every 5 minutes and last for 10 minutes at a time. At this point, I'm considering just waiting until they show it on Netflix.

I got rid of my telly channels so I'm watching it on 4od. That's bloody painful. I'm thinking that from now on I 'won't' be torrenting it.

chuckles30 · 06-09-2018 12:23pm

Oh I never watch it live anymore because of the ad breaks.....record and ff the breaks. Am I the only one that can't stand Noel??
Agree with others about the artistry on the showstopper - just because something looks fantastic, doesn't mean it tastes fantastic. I think that's why some of the cakes are so bad - they're trying to do a million things and the cake is almost the forgotten element

Jellybaby1 · 06-09-2018 9:57pm

chuckles30 wrote: »

.....- they're trying to do a million things and the cake is almost the forgotten element

Absolutely agree with you. It's almost cake sculpting. I think the judges are just trying to think up more evil ways to try the nerves of the bakers, then they just stand back and smile their evil smiles. The baking is being forgotten and now its all about the game. I'd say Mel and Sue and Mary are glad they are no longer involved. I think Noel and Sandi are doing their best but its getting harder to pull it off. And now this........!!
https://metro.co.uk/2018/09/05/great-british-bake-off-fans-reckon-they-caught-maron-lagreve-cheating-during-the-latest-showstopper-challenge-7916367/

Getting fed up with it now.

Shenshen · 07-09-2018 9:16am

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

Absolutely agree with you. It's almost cake sculpting. I think the judges are just trying to think up more evil ways to try the nerves of the bakers, then they just stand back and smile their evil smiles. The baking is being forgotten and now its all about the game. I'd say Mel and Sue and Mary are glad they are no longer involved. I think Noel and Sandi are doing their best but its getting harder to pull it off. And now this........!!
https://metro.co.uk/2018/09/05/great-british-bake-off-fans-reckon-they-caught-maron-lagreve-cheating-during-the-latest-showstopper-challenge-7916367/

Getting fed up with it now.

How exactly is it cheating if the judges know?
I expected her to be told off about it, possibly that had happened but been cut out, but something so obvious can hardly be cheating, can it?

kylith · 07-09-2018 2:26pm

Shenshen wrote: »

How exactly is it cheating if the judges know?
I expected her to be told off about it, possibly that had happened but been cut out, but something so obvious can hardly be cheating, can it?

I agree. If they know about it it wasn't cheating, and I really felt for all of them, having to work with chocolate in the heat of this summer. And something so tricky so early on seems mad; didn't chocolate work used to be a lot later in the series?

Jellybaby1 · 07-09-2018 7:03pm

No it wasn't cheating but when these things are thrown about the media/internet it just sours everything.

Dizzyblonde · 09-09-2018 3:08pm

I can't watch it unless it's recorded, so I can flick through the ads. It's definitely losing its sparkle this year and if it wasn't for Sandy and Noel I don't think I'd watch at all. Paul seems to be more interested in looking witty for the cameras than anything else, and I found some of his comments way too harsh this week.

I do love some of this year's contestants though!

Shenshen · 09-09-2018 6:25pm

Dizzyblonde wrote: »

I can't watch it unless it's recorded, so I can flick through the ads. It's definitely losing its sparkle this year and if it wasn't for Sandy and Noel I don't think I'd watch at all. Paul seems to be more interested in looking witty for the cameras than anything else, and I found some of his comments way too harsh this week.

I do love some of this year's contestants though!

This, very much. I wonder was it Mary who kept him grounded? Some of the conversations between them that you could see on the BBC did kind of hint at Mary having quite some influence on him, like a mentor perhaps. Not sure Pru can fill that gap. For all her colourful jewellery, I do find her a little on the bland side.

I love Noel, though

Dizzyblonde · 09-09-2018 7:38pm

I agree, Prue's no craic at all and Paul definitely behaved himself around Mary. I love Noel too

Birdsong · 09-09-2018 11:00pm

For anyone missing Mary and Mel & Sue, you can watch season 1-7 on Netflix. I am really enjoying season 1 at the moment, it was more about the bake.

B0jangles · 10-09-2018 10:26am

I've only watched up to the first ITV season, but I thought even then that Paul was taking major advantage of being the 'star' among the newbies - when he was with Mary, Mel and Sue, Mary used to shush him occasionally and the other two used to laugh at him a fair bit.

With the new set-up, it seemed to me that he wanted to effectively play every role - the 'friendly one', the 'funny one' AND the 'stern one' sometimes all in the same episode. Sounds like the new series has the same thing going on. Thing is, I actually quite like Paul as a judge, but his ego does seem to need a fair bit of squashing.

Jellybaby1 · 10-09-2018 8:31pm

I watched the first five minutes of the second Extra Slice which I had recorded. When I saw PH hugging my favourite contestant Briony so tightly, I switched it off and deleted it from my planner list.

LirW · 11-09-2018 3:24pm

Paul Hollywood is being Paul Hollywood, a smug know-it-all guy who actually does know it all. It is his job to be a bit of a d1ck. And honestly he was quite one in earlier seasons too but he is an everybody's darling and gets away with it. He certainly knows his stuff though so he's a judge for a reason.

I like Noel too, I always enjoy eclectic characters and he reminds me of a guy I went to school with who was equally hilarious.

I'm looking forward to tonight's show though, it's about bread and me being the worst baker in the world always loves to see others struggle with things I couldn't do any better myself

kylith · 26-09-2018 12:45pm

The 4OD site won't load for me so I can't see this week's episode

tickingclock · 27-09-2018 10:44pm

Those biscuit chandeliers were very very impressive

Shenshen · 28-09-2018 8:59am

tickingclock wrote: »

Those biscuit chandeliers were very very impressive

You know when one of the contestants said he googled the term and there was nothing out there at all?

I've got a feeling there will be soon, they have potential of becoming the next big thing for birthdays and other kinds of parties.
The really posh would hang it up right next to the chocolate fountain

RhubarbCrumble · 28-09-2018 9:38am

Shenshen wrote: »

You know when one of the contestants said he googled the term and there was nothing out there at all?

I've got a feeling there will be soon, they have potential of becoming the next big thing for birthdays and other kinds of parties.
The really posh would hang it up right next to the chocolate fountain

Off to Dragons Den with ya Shenshen. This time next year you could be a millionaire

tickingclock · 28-09-2018 12:12pm

Shenshen wrote: »

You know when one of the contestants said he googled the term and there was nothing out there at all?

I've got a feeling there will be soon, they have potential of becoming the next big thing for birthdays and other kinds of parties.
The really posh would hang it up right next to the chocolate fountain

That's funny. It'll be a long time (never) before there's either made in my house!! The one Dan made with the butterflies would've been perfect for a birthday party for children

kylith · 28-09-2018 12:23pm

Shenshen wrote: »

You know when one of the contestants said he googled the term and there was nothing out there at all?

I've got a feeling there will be soon, they have potential of becoming the next big thing for birthdays and other kinds of parties.
The really posh would hang it up right next to the chocolate fountain

I thought exactly the same! Coming soon to Pinterest, no doubt

I loved Kim Joy's, her attention to detail and her piping was just gorgeous.

I don't know why but I just can't warm to Manon.

Dizzyblonde · 28-09-2018 3:47pm

Kim Joy's was fabulous, she's very artistic. I bet the biscuit chandeliers will definitely take off now

Jellybaby1 · 29-09-2018 5:22pm

Not impressed with the idea atall atall! Lots of bickies dangling from a frame! Naw, not for me. I guessed the two who would be going correctly though.

Dizzyblonde · 02-10-2018 4:05pm

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

Not impressed with the idea atall atall! Lots of bickies dangling from a frame! Naw, not for me. I guessed the two who would be going correctly though.

I'd never make one, but I'd be willing to eat one

I'm delighted that pair have gone.

Jellybaby1 · 03-10-2018 10:31am

Did the judges actually judge Briony's pastry in her showstopper? I don't think so. (Sorry, if you read my post earlier I originally said Manon by mistake)

Jellybaby1 · 11-10-2018 4:15pm

I was amazed at the whiteness of the vegan meringues. My egg meringues are never white, or is there a tip I should know of?

Tar.Aldarion · 11-10-2018 4:17pm

I've never made egg meringues but I've never seen an aquafaba meringue look any different than theirs. That stuff is magical, no idea how somebody thought to use it. It's also good for making your own mayo, or in your own bread like brioche.

Jellybaby1 · 11-10-2018 4:19pm

Where would one find aquafaba if one was to look for it?

I fancy giving it a go.

Tar.Aldarion · 11-10-2018 4:24pm

Just buy any tin of chickpeas and take them out (39 cent in tesco), the liquid left is aquafaba plus you have some chickpeas to use, haha!
It's used in a load of things, some pictures here https://www.vegansociety.com/whats-new/blog/20-amazing-things-you-can-do-aquafaba

There's also a group on facebook about it if you need any tips, that's where it was first created!

B0jangles · 11-10-2018 4:24pm

Apparently all you need is a can of chickpeas - the liquid you pour off is the aquafaba

Jellybaby1 · 11-10-2018 4:27pm

News to me! Thanks, easy enough so as I've several tins of chickpeas in the cupboard already. I'd probably need to use a few tins though. We'll be eating chickpeas for a while I'd say. We're not vegan/vegetarian but often eat vegetarian salads.

Tar.Aldarion · 11-10-2018 4:28pm

Make a big thing of hummous of falafel or both, chickpeas are quite versatile!

Jellybaby1 · 11-10-2018 4:32pm

Thanks, I'll keep those in mind for my chickpea bounty!

B0jangles · 11-10-2018 4:35pm

You can roast + season them to make a crunchy and healthy snack too!

https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-crispy-roasted-chickpeas-in-the-oven-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-219753

Jellybaby1 · 11-10-2018 4:37pm

They look great! Secretly, I have been known to eat Epicure chick peas from the tin.

RhubarbCrumble · 11-10-2018 4:42pm

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

I was amazed at the whiteness of the vegan meringues. My egg meringues are never white, or is there a tip I should know of?

I normally put a drop of vinegar in. I think that helps to keep them white

Jellybaby1 · 11-10-2018 4:47pm

I tried that many years ago and they still weren't white so I gave up the vinegar.

Tar.Aldarion · 11-10-2018 4:53pm

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

They look great! Secretly, I have been known to eat Epicure chick peas from the tin.

Ha, i do too. And the tins of mixed beans from lidl

B0jangles wrote: »

You can roast + season them to make a crunchy and healthy snack too!

https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-crispy-roasted-chickpeas-in-the-oven-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-219753

I forgot about this, great idea. Have had those in pubs a few times even.

kylith · 11-10-2018 5:19pm

I've made chocolate mousse with aquafaba but never meringue. I might have to give it a go.

It was nice to see a vegan week, especially a range of savoury and sweet stuff. I agree with Manon regarding the cashew milk for baking, it's the most neutral tasting I've managed to find.

Jellybaby1 · 03-11-2018 1:13am

GBBO seems to have faded away into oblivion. Have we lost interest in the programme? I thought some of the challenges were daft, i.e. camp fire cooking, what on earth were they thinking?

Tar.Aldarion · 03-11-2018 2:06am

There was a much more active thread in the reality tv forum

Dizzyblonde · 03-11-2018 12:30pm

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

GBBO seems to have faded away into oblivion. Have we lost interest in the programme? I thought some of the challenges were daft, i.e. camp fire cooking, what on earth were they thinking?

I felt it was quite lacklustre this year, and very few of the contestants were actually good bakers. Those challenges were ridiculous.

shortcircuitie · 03-11-2018 12:51pm

Dizzyblonde wrote: »

I felt it was quite lacklustre this year, and very few of the contestants were actually good bakers. Those challenges were ridiculous.

Some of the challenges were absolute nonsense. Making paintings out of biscuits. Cooking on a camp fire ffs. The final showstopper was absolutely absurd.

I think the real issue was that some of the best bakers came a cropper too early. Jon went home because he couldnt bake with chick pea water and almond milk - hardly a capital crime! Dan was excellent but he had a stinker one week and kinda had to go.

Ruby should have gone twice, but was mysteriously kept around... wonder why!

On the plus side I like Sandi and think Noel is brilliant he is so nice to the contestants and his off the cuff surreal comments are class.

I far prefer Prue Leith to Mary Berry. I had always liked her on GBM and I like that she is a strong personality and isn't afraid to be cutting about something when she deserves it.

Jellybaby1 · 03-11-2018 2:33pm

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

There was a much more active thread in the reality tv forum

I didn't know that as I've never been interested in that forum. I'll check it out.

Dizzyblonde · 03-11-2018 4:39pm

shortcircuitie wrote: »

Some of the challenges were absolute nonsense. Making paintings out of biscuits. Cooking on a camp fire ffs. The final showstopper was absolutely absurd.

I think the real issue was that some of the best bakers came a cropper too early. Jon went home because he couldnt bake with chick pea water and almond milk - hardly a capital crime! Dan was excellent but he had a stinker one week and kinda had to go.

Ruby should have gone twice, but was mysteriously kept around... wonder why!

On the plus side I like Sandi and think Noel is brilliant he is so nice to the contestants and his off the cuff surreal comments are class.

I far prefer Prue Leith to Mary Berry. I had always liked her on GBM and I like that she is a strong personality and isn't afraid to be cutting about something when she deserves it.

Fair points. Hopefully they'll go back to the original formula for the next series because trying to do all that weird stuff this time didn't work.

Jellybaby1 · 04-11-2018 1:09am

After the BBC series they used to have PH and MB actually make some of the bakes in the series. Prue and Paul don't do that now and in fact although Prue has a major rep I've never seen her bake, ever!

shortcircuitie · 04-11-2018 3:01am

Prue founded and ran Leigh's cookery school which is reputed to be one of the best in Britain. So I'd say she surely knows her way around a sponge!

shortcircuitie · 04-11-2018 3:01am

Prue founded and ran Leigh's cookery school which is reputed to be one of the best in Britain. So I'd say she surely knows her way around a sponge!

Edit : Leith's cookery school. Damn autocorrect

Jellybaby1 · 04-11-2018 3:52pm

I'm sure she knows her way around lots of bakes all right. Still, I've never seen her on TV cooking or baking.

GBBO 2018

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