Great British Bake Off: Semi-Finals
As another baker fell at the semi-final hurdle, we recap on the best and worst bakes from the French-themed semi-finals...
Oo la la - this week's French theme saw the four remaining contestants up to their elbows in choux pastry. Kimberley was back to her usual perfect form - sashaying through the challenges without breaking a sweat.
In the end, it came to a tete-a-tete between Beca and three-time Star Baker, Ruby. After a disappointing showstopper and lacklustre canapes, Welsh wonder Beca was forced to wave goodbye to the Bake Off tent.
It just goes to prove that no matter how light and fluffy the Bake Off may seem, there's a competitive crunch hidden within. That's something we're sure to see much more of next week as the remaining contestants move in to the Bake Off final.
Expect frayed nerves, botched bakes, no-nonsense judging and, eventually, the first ever female Bake Off champion!
Make sure you don't miss it!
Kimberley's Pea Puree Tarts
After a few off weeks, capable Kimberley was well and truly back on form. She put strides between herself and the other competitors with these perfect, little pea puree tarts.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Kimberley's Crab & Wasabi Profiteroles
Kimberley's french-oriental canapes received the ultimate accolade from an enamoured Mary Berry, who declared her crab and wasabi profiteroles were 'scrummy'. In the world of Bake Off, that's basically a lucrative book deal signed there and then.
Kimberley's steamed Buns With Barbeque Chicken
These oriental offerings proved a hit with the judges, as Mary Berry proclaimed all three canapes were 'ingenious'. Unsurprisingly, Kimberley sailed through to the final, bagging Star Baker on the way.
Ruby's Spinach, Parmesan & Egg Tartlets
At last, Ruby's gloomy premonitions came true this week as her under-filled spinach, parmesan and quail's egg tartlets left Paul somewhat underwhelmed. Call us easily pleased, but we thought they looked very tasty!
Ruby's Choux Buns With Goat's Cheese & Caramelised Red Onions
Paul criticised Ruby's flat choux, but did praise her flavours and texture; do we sense a lover's rift?
Ruby's Beetroot Jelly On Poppy Seed Biscuit
On the up side, her 'clever' and 'neat' beetroot jelly on poppy seed biscuits warranted a 'clever girl' remark from Mary Berry. Despite a slight stumble, Ruby's still looking golden for the Bake Off finals.
Beca's Beetroot And Salmon Choux Puffs
Poor Beca. This definitely wasn't her week. Although we must admit, we're not a huge fan of the Barbie pink hue of her beetroot and salmon choux puffs. Needless to say, the judges were far from impressed, slating her canapes for lacking the 'wow factor'.
Beca's Stilton And Walnut Macaroons
Things only got worse as Paul lambasted the wedge of stilton wedged between Beca's paving slab macaroons. Mary Berry deemed it 'unmemorable'. For Beca, the death knoll had all but rung.
Beca's Welsh Rarebit Tartlets
Her boozy Welsh rarebit tartlets enlivened the judges' spirits somewhat, but in the end it just wasn't enough. After a disappointing showstopper, the Welsh wonder was sent home.
Frances' Choux Pastry Tomatoes
They were the words Frances had been waiting for all season. 'You've cracked it!' proclaimed Mary Berry. At last, Frances's canapes tasted as good as they looked.
Frances' Chantenay Carrots
Her spicy Chantenay carrots were an ingenious invention that warmed the judges' favour, seeing Frances merry on through to the finals.
Frances' Cauliflower Cheese Scones
Her 'fantastic' cauliflower cheese scones sealed the deal. Now, we can't wait to see what grand designs Frances will have in store for next week's final!
-
I've finally got my hands on KitchenAid's limited edition stand mixer - I'll never look at them the same again
The KitchenAid Design Series 4.7L Evergreen Stand Mixer is a £1,000, limited-edition model. You pay a lot for the aesthetics, but I tested out the perfect functions for you too
By Laura Honey Published
-
From snow-capped French tips to subtle shimmer, these 12 short Christmas nails promise festive (yet practical) luxury
Our favourite short manicure looks are brimming with festive cheer...
By Naomi Jamieson Published