The Great British Baking Show

My new favorite TV show is on PBS: The Great British Baking Show. I watched it last year and loved it, so was happy to find it in the listings again this year. The premise is fairly standard: a group of bakers are brought in, given 3 different (and often challenging) baking tasks to complete, each of which is judged by Mary and Paul, both of whom are well-known and respected British bakers. They are critical in their opinions and comments, so only the best are kept from show to show, no matter how well s/he has done previously. Thus, a star baker one week can go home the next: it all depends on this week's bake.

The three challenges are a technical challenge, which means making a baking product that each baker should not only know how to bake, but bake well. A runny custard can ruin the bake, no matter how good the crust. The second challenge is the star baker challenge, where the bakers are given a recipe to make with minimal directions -- and they each have to figure out how to do it and how to do it well enough to be #1 for that contest. The third and final bake is the showstopper, which is a challenge that the bakers may have practiced at home and done well, but the only performance is that at the actual baking contest. Too thick a crust on a game pie? Sorry, that's not acceptable. Too little or too much seasoning? Sorry, that's not going to cut it. Game is under-cooked or over-cooked? Not worthy of being the showstopper winner.

The variety of bakes is interesting, sometimes featuring recipes from the 1800s, othertimes featuring recipes from the early 20th century. Appearance is a big part of the challenge, so if the crust is too pale or too brown? the filling is too thick or too thin? the appearance is not grand enough? Not going to score points and can lead to a contestant leaving the show. And, beware artificial flavorings! It has to have a natural taste or the judges turn up their noses at the bake, regardless of how well all the other many criteria are met.

This season has come to an end, but look for reruns on your local PBS station. It's well worth the time to watch this dignified British delight.