The Great British Bake Off Season 15 Episode 3 Recap: Paul Hollywood’s Live Demo and a Baker’s Struggle in Bread Week
The latest episode of The Great British Bake Off, series 15, recently aired its third installment featuring 12 enthusiastic amateur bakers vying for the title of champion baker. Following last week’s intense double elimination, another contestant had to say goodbye.
This week’s episode bid farewell to Hazel and Jeff, as the theme of the night revolved around Bread. Contestants kicked off with a signature bake challenge, where they were tasked with creating savory buns. The technical challenge required them to craft a seven-strand plaited wreath, while the final showstopper challenge ultimately determined who would be leaving the competition.
According to Channel 4, the episode’s synopsis indicates:
“It’s Bread Week, and the bakers face a savory challenge, with `Breadfather’ Paul Hollywood leading a demonstration. Contestants prepare horns of plenty filled with delightful goodies.”
Beloved judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood returned to oversee the baking efforts, while the hosting duties were shared by Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, who is back for her second season of The Great British Bake Off.
Highlights from The Great British Bake Off series 15 episode 3
As Bread Week kicked off, the contestants were instructed to prepare 12 identical savory buns as their signature creation. Paul highlighted the importance of “good structure, stretchy dough, and robust flavor.”
Prue encouraged bakers to unleash their creativity, but also emphasized that a well-made bread should be the ultimate goal.
The baking began in earnest, with John attempting ‘Yamas!’ Savory Buns. However, Paul was disheartened by the outcome, noting issues like large steam pockets and dryness. Illyin’s Jamaican Brown Chicken Savory Buns received praise from the judges, despite initial hesitance regarding the chili.
Nelly’s ‘Ethnic Harmony’ Savory Buns were described as light and paired with a bold dipping sauce that impressed the judges.
Sumayah’s ‘Sunflower’ Savory Buns didn’t quite meet expectations from the judges this week. Conversely, Mike’s ‘Baa-o’ Savory Buns garnered much acclaim, particularly for the filling, although Prue noted a missing cumin flavor. Andy’s ‘Maisie’s Mini Salami’ Savory Buns were also very well received.
Dylan took a risk with Gochujang & Garlic Savory Buns, which resulted in a coveted handshake from Paul Hollywood, a noteworthy achievement on The Great British Bake Off. Meanwhile, Gill’s Bury Black Pudding Savory Buns impressed with their delightful tastes and softness.
This episode introduced some unique twists, including a live demonstration by Paul for the technical challenge, a first for the series. Bakers were provided a quick demo along with the required ingredients to create seven-strand plaited wreaths.
The following scores were tallied from this surprise challenge:
- Nelly
- Sumayah
- Andy
- Illyin
- Gill
- Mike
- Georgie
- Christian
- John
- Dylan
The contestants faced relentless challenges as the significant showstopper challenge approached. This decisive challenge would determine who would stay in the competition and who would exit The Great British Bake Off.
The contestants had to construct an impressive cornucopia display featuring a horn-shaped sculpture made from two different types of bread.
Here’s what the ten bakers crafted:
- John: ‘Horn of Pride’ Cornucopia
- Illyin: Bread Cornucopia
- Christian: ‘Wildflower Delights’
- Georgie: ‘My Favorite Things’ Cornucopia
- Nelly: Cornucopia
- Sumayah: ‘Friendship & Family’ Cornucopia
- Mike: ‘Zeus’s Horn’ Cornucopia
- Andy: ‘New York, Neeeeeew York!’ Cornucopia
- Dylan: ‘Cat’ Cornucopia
- Gill: ‘All Day Holiday’ Cornucopia
Dylan made a remarkable turnaround from the technical challenge, emerging as the star baker after wowing the judges with both flavor and presentation. Unfortunately, John was the contestant sent home this week after not receiving positive feedback on any of his bakes.
“It was expected. I’ve just had a bad week… when you drop the ball, it’s your time to go. The tears are tears of pride,”John remarked.
Next week, The Great British Bake Off will feature the caramel theme, with the new episode available on October 15 for UK viewers and on Netflix for US audiences starting October 18.
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