'The Great British Baking Show' Season 4 Episode 9: Patisserie Week

The air was steamy and the stakes were high as our four remaining bakers entered the tent this week. With just three patisserie challenges standing between the contestants and a spot in this season’s The Great British Baking Show final, even Mel and Sue’s bad French accents couldn’t completely relieve the anxiety. You could cut the tension (and the fancy yeasty cake) with a knife.

Last week’s Tudor round resulted in Benjamina saying farewell. While none of her bakes were a total disaster, she struggled with pie pastry, jumble knots and her marzipan maze. Candice was awarded Star Baker for a third time on the strength of her first-place technical effort and her outstanding marzipan peacock centerpiece.

However, a new week meant the danger of elimination was in the forefront of Andrew, Candice, Jane and Selasi’s minds. The pressure began with the signature challenge to make twenty-four savory puff pastry palmiers, in two completely different shapes and flavors of course.  Paul and Mary were looking for delicious fillings and laminated pastry layers throughout.