Previously on The Great British Baking Show: The basic facts of last week’s episode are as follows. Howard was sent back home to Yorkshire for alas his hemp loaf and peachy buns didn’t make the grade. Bless him. Ruby, thanks to her solid skills and habit of downplaying her bakes, was named the reigning Star Baker. If you require more detail regarding the events of the recent sweet dough round, the recap can be found here.
But as the field narrows, the pressure builds and with the quarter final fast approaching, this week’s competition couldn’t be a walk in the park. Paul and Mary ruthlessly escalated the difficulty of each challenge. No more sponge sandwich cakes or custard tarts for our bakers. In order to advance, they had to up their game and show they had the skill, ingenuity and organization of a professional pastry chef.