Great British Bake Off!

I think the standard has been amazing this year. I could happily spend every day baking but I struggle enough to keep my weight down to a size 14/16 without eating my entire calorie allowance for the day in one slice.

Years ago I did a lot of horseriding so I could eat like one. When I had to give up because my knees were twenty years older than the rest of me the weight piled on. Mary Berry says she only eats things like soup and salad during the filming of GBBO. She's so lucky that works for her.

I am watching the final. I am nailing my flag to the mast. I want John to win.
Second for James.
We will see.

Go James!

Congratulations John. That was one fantastic cake!

YES

It's a shame Brendan was not the most likeable of the contestants because I still think he was the best by far.

Huge disappointment that poor James shot himself in the foot. I have to mirror merlotgran's comments, though.

Great final.. and happy result but agree Brendan was technically the better baker but less creative maybe! He did not come over well until tonight when I wanted to hug him when he was trying to hold it all together! A hidden side he did not let show until tonight!

Agree, nanaej, I did actually feel a bit sorry for Brendan by the end - he looked so defeated. I was sorry James didn't do better, but John was a worthy winner.

I agree nanaej, tonight I felt warmth towards Brendan ,but was pleased that he is going to follow his dream and teach baking in care homes. What a nail biting final, they all messed up at some point but I think the right man won, I will have serious withdrawal symptoms , I think I will have start baking on Tuesday nights.

perhaps I will start a new GN bake off thread!

Good idea nanaej.

Great idea .I'm not sure I'm ready to make a Pithvier yet, has anyone ever made one?

In the end, John was seen to have more talent as a baker. James was too ambitious with his United Kingdom cakes - when he said he was going to do that, I felt that he was on a loser. Brendan's fondants were uncharacteristically messy. Pithivier - wasn't that just a fancy kind of pie?

anno fancier than any I have ever made!!

Pithivier? Just think giant vol-au-vent.

But did it have a complete lid?

I agree that John was a worthy winner, it's been a great series.

If we do have a bake off thread we'll have to hide it from Glass and the diet thread

Yes, it does nanaej but putting a filling between two layers of puff pastry is the same except the pithivier doesn't normally have a hole cut out of the top layer. Having said that, I've seen pithiviers with a circle cut out of the top so you can see the filling.

I have put the other thread up..sign up if you want to join in the 'bake' ..not exactly a bake off as everyone can bake as long as they like!

They're really easy to make. You buy ready made puff pastry, make a filling -I like garlic mushrooms in a thick creamy sauce and Robert's your Oncle. Bake in a hot oven (220C) until golden brown.

What about avoiding a soggy bottom?

We all need to avoid one of those, Grannyeggs

Reminds me of the OAP's version of Lord of the Dance. 'I am the Lord of the damp settee'

mrloygran

I thought Brendan was robbed and had been edited to sound smug and irritating. John should have gone out earlier, he was very inconsistent in the earlier rounds. James had a really bad final. OH is so cross he is refusing to watch it ever again!