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This week ‘The Great British Bake Off’ stepped back time for its first ever Tudor-themed quarter final.
In episode eight of the BBC’s hit baking show, which aired yesterday (Wednesday, October 12 at 8pm on BBC1), co-judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood set the remaining five contestants three challenges that embrace the time when Henry VIII reigned. They tested every aspect of British baking – from 500 years ago.
The signature challenge was to make shaped individual pies (using any pastry or savoury filling) that come together to form a ‘magnificent’ display.
In the technical challenge. set by Paul, the bakers had to make 12 ‘jumbles’ (Tudor biscuits) in two shapes: the Celtic knot and the knot ball.
The showstopper challenge was to construct a marzipan centrepiece, called a Marchpane, which was a favourite at Tudor banquets .The marzipan had to be made from scratch, 3D and entirely edible.
Next week’s episode (on Wednesday October 19) is the Bake Off semi-final. It’s Patisserie Week, with just four bakers remaining.
In the signature challenge, the bakers need to create a difficult French pastry.
In the technical challenge, Paul will test the bakers’ patisserie prowess with a yeast-based cake that has a fruity top and delicate chocolate work.
And the showstopper is the bakers’ last chance to prove they have what it takes to make it to the final, with a multiple mini-cake bake.
L-r: co-presenter Sue Perkins, co-judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, co-presenter Mel Giedroyc
