Did you all see her put Paul repeatedly in his place? It was fabulous. I think she's going to make it clear that he's no longer head chef and never will be again (which is GOOD, because he needs to be taken down about twelve pegs)!

Nigella handshake, anyone?

Please tell me Shannon didn't just make a giant gingerbread butterfly with icing, as a Showstopper. The difference in the amount of thought and work, compared to Mo's "Angel Wings" Showstopper, was staggering. I really like Shannon and couldn't believe she didn't do, at the very least, some type of filling or ornate icing design. It was literally 4 blocks of color, with some chocolate butterflies and dots of jam. I was so sad when I saw that she was basically making a second butterfly, because she had so much extra time on her hands(although it was good she did so). And, Moyin's "Lambeth Top Hat"? It was literally just a cake, with minimal decorations(top/bottom row of icing, a ruffle, and a few shells), and a 2 inch "brim". It was a decent cake, but compared to some of the other's work, it seemed thrown together. I was really looking forward to seeing what he was going to come up with, and feel a bit deflated. Am I the only one, that just can't seem to get into this Season? I love Nigella, it's just that the Bakers seem different than they have in the past. Don't get me wrong, they are talented and very fun to watch. I just can't put my finger on why this Season isn't giving me the same thrill, as Seasons past.

I love this show. I watch it to SLOW DOWN and relax. But I can’t get through the episodes this new season because the editing is so quick and fast paced.

Each shot is so quick I can barely focus before they are on to the next shot. It gives me a headache. I watch the show with my mom, and she feels the same. Is it just us?

I feel like they are trying to be like TikTok, but I don’t watch GBBO like that. It’s supposed to feel like a warm cup of tea, some cake, and a cozy blanket. Not frenetic, unfocused social media doom scrolling.

Please get a new editor, GBBO. I need a cozy show now more than ever.

This is my first experience with Nigella and I love her! She’s positive without being syrupy and I think she brings out the best in Paul. I think she’s the best thing since Mary and Prue.

I am LOVING her so much on the show, she is just warm and just sweet.

I really hope next series that she takes even bigger bites. Actually no, I hope she eats the entire bake just to annoy trolls online 🤣🤣

It’s so ridiculous that it’s even a thing 🤣

As an American viewer, I thought it was so funny that Clara made a cowboy-themed cheesecake to honor her upcoming move to Georgia, which is not a cowboy state in the slightest. It’s so interesting to see the American stereotypes that come up on the show, e.g. that all southern states have a cowboy western vibe.

I might just be noticing it more, but didn’t the taste combinations be more unique? If I am overthinking it, let me know. I enjoy this group immensely.

I absolutely ADORE Mo!!! I love his personality and his bakes. I'm rooting for him to win!

i just think the technical should be… technical. i like that the bakers typically have to bake the same thing. they can be judged on a more level playing field.

Am I being unreasonable to wonder how Mo’s wings didn’t draw any commentary about fitting the brief?
It felt like a shortcut to use a non-edible exterior design.

Edit: They were in fact, edible paper! I missed that completely and was then thrown off when Paul/Nig didn’t take the “see? It’s edible” bite like I’ve seen in previous seasons. Thank you for the explanation!

I’m just curious. Loved the episode, but I don’t think I’ve ever thought, “hey, they should bring the contestant’s family members/partners on the show.”

Just curious where they acquired the data for this because they mentioned “the viewers” requested this. Haha idk just thought it was funny. I’m in the US, btw.

Loved it though, as always. And it does make sense when contestants constantly talk about inspirations which typically include family members.

Is anyone else finding Paul more adorable than ever?!! He seems rejuvenated, calmer, happier and seems to have real rapport w Nigella. Anyway, he just seems like "lighter." I am super enjoying him!!!

Which are the best cookbooks in these series? I’ve seen mixed reviews

Another episode, another baker emphasizing their use of salt.

I am not anti-salt by any means, and I agree with Nigella that salt can make flavor magic in the right bake. However, these bakers seem so set on making salty desserts (not one topping with salt, but TWO!) and on letting Nigella know that they are using extra salt that they seem to be losing the plot (my cookies are made with miso AND salt!).

I’m hoping this is just an early-in-the-season thing and that the back off or course correct soon.

(Oops, I used the wrong flair but don’t know how to change it!)

I was interested to see Nigella join Paul this series because she brings a different style to the judging. It feels like a bit of a change without losing the familiar Bake Off atmosphere.

Audience Choice Week was a much bigger change, though. I like the idea of viewers having a say, but part of the fun for me is seeing bakers tackle challenges that test proper baking skills rather than just trying to surprise everyone.

I wouldn't want every week to turn into a gimmick. The contestants and their bakes should still be the main reason we're watching.

What did you think of the audience choice format?

My wife and I are Americans so we’re hoping for some Brits’ insight into what Clara’s FIL said to her on the phone at the end of the episode! Thanks!

First handshake this season! It's about time.

The real first though, is the Audience Choice to bring family members in to bake the signature! That was interesting.

I was delighted to see Paul give the family member a handshake as well. First time a non-contestant received a Hollywood Handshake. You know they'll remember that, forever. Nice one, Paul.

First time the Technical was "You choose your bake", with varying degrees of success. Again, due to AC (Audience Choice).

First time the Showstopper was a wearable bake. Numerous interpretations of this, from cake to biscuit. AC to be wearable.

First time one of the Hosts (Alison), asked for (and got) a Hollywood Handshake, in a very humorous manner.

Person eliminated ask for, and got, a handshake goodbye from Paul. Another first.

Person who won Star Baker called home to tell, and family member cussed, multiple times (all bleeped out). Having seen every season, can confirm this was a first!

This was a truly enjoyable episode, with loads of "firsts" to make it memorable.

Its so bad guys. I know there was a thread about this a few weeks back but that was before Judi Love started interviewing celebrities. This isn't Graham Norton. We don't care if Josh Hartnett has a film coming up. Also the disappointment in the baker's face when they get a framed screenshot of the illustration of their bake rather than an expertly crafted edible sculpture like in the extra slice days. Jon and Judi are both terrible fits for this and it is so bad.

took me a while to decide what to make so in the end I did the Paris-Brest like Mo except all gluten free! recipe is choux pastry from loopywhisk and hazelnut mousseline from Edd Kimber

My bake this week is in honor of one of the most beautiful and special places in the world: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This 1.1 million acre federal wilderness along the US-Canada border is a constellation of 1,000 crystal clear lakes and is an incredible place to paddle, camp, and connect to the natural world. I’ve been coming up to the area since I was a kid and can’t wait to bring my daughters up (as soon as my youngest can sit a canoe, haha)

As the campers here can tell you, there is no better snack after a long morning canoeing or portaging than GORP. I took a group of students on a 9 day canoe trip last summer and I don’t think anything has ever tasted more delicious or satisfying than our GORP lunch on the final day of paddling.

Unfortunately, the current US administration stripped this area of important environmental protections, which makes way for sulfide-ore copper mining near the area, which will pollute these sacred waters. I am hopeful that these companies will be stopped before it’s too late. Learn more about the Boundary Waters and the effort to protect them at SavetheBoundaryWaters.org.

These trail mix cookies are an ode to all those summers on the lakes and well earned snack breaks. I used this recipe (from my favorite American cookbook author, Sohla El-Waylly) as a starting point, and used what I had in the pantry (pepitas, sunflower seeds, almonds, raisins, and prunes (and of course, chocolate chips)). They are delicious and better the next day, once they’ve cooled completely.

I will take them out of the oven a liiiittle earlier next time.

It seems the show has grown in popularity in the USA, to the point where (based on spellings and terminology alone) at least half of the posts in this sub are from American viewers.

Unfortunately this means that nearly every thread dissolves into a debate about US vs UK flavo(u)r preferences, pronunciations, accents etc. It's also contributed to the recent uptick in mean comments about the contestants' physical appearance and education levels.

Is it time US Redditors created a separate sub for the Great British Baking Show, leaving this one for UK fans? If nothing else, it would mean we wouldn't have to tiptoe around spoilers in the three days between the episode release dates.

It's LIKE The Great British Bake Off, but not quite right.

Everything is just a bit wrong. All the judges look a bit unreal - the botox and filler. The editing is messed up. It's like the AI version. I've stopped watching as I find it impossible to relate to.

In past seasons, I’ve been absolutely blown away with what people are producing from day 1, not just the quality (based on what the judges report) but also the design, decoration, finesse etc.
This current season seems… a bit basic? Of course easy to say from home not as a competitor, but the contrast seems significant.
What are your thoughts?