The Great British Bake Off season 15 episode 3 aired on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, featuring Bread Week. Dylan Bachelet, a retail worker from Buckinghamshire, won Star Baker despite placing last in the Technical challenge.
John Mincher, who had started the season as the first Star Baker, lost out after having difficulty with every challenge. His "Yamas!" Savoury Buns had improper textures and big steam pockets.
Even his 'Horn of Pride' cornucopia had flavorless buns. The episode featured three bread-themed tasks: 12 identical savory buns, a seven-strand plaited wreath, and a bread cornucopia display.
Dylan Rises as Star Baker, John Mincher exits in The Great British Bake Off Bread Week
New Star Baker
Dylan Bachelet, a retail worker from Buckinghamshire, claimed the title of Star Baker in The Great British Bake Off season 15 episode 3. Dylan's Signature bake, Gochujang & Garlic Savoury Buns, earned him a coveted Paul Hollywood handshake.
In the Showstopper round, Dylan's 'Cat' cornucopia impressed the judges with its flavors and sturdy structure. Paul Hollywood noted that Dylan's doughnuts looked and tasted "expensive," further solidifying his strong performance.
Dylan was placed last in the Technical challenge, making his overall win even more remarkable. Paul Hollywood commented on Dylan's performance, stating,
"The standard he took it to has been exceptional. I'll remember this week in particular for a long time."
Surprise elimination
On the other end of the spectrum, John Mincher, a 37-year-old directorate support manager from Willenhall, faced elimination. John's departure came as a surprise, given his previous success as the first Star Baker of The Great British Bake Off season 15.
His Bread Week performance, however, fell short across all three challenges.
The Technical challenge saw him place ninth out of ten bakers. His Showstopper, the 'Horn of Pride' cornucopia, while visually impressive with its colors and shine, disappointed the judges with underproved and flavorless buns, as well as overproved bagels.
Reflecting on his elimination, John said, "It's fine – it was expected... it was just a bad week." He added, "The tears are tears of pride," acknowledging the emotional impact of his journey on The Great British Bake Off season 15.
Signature Challenge: 12 Identical Savory Buns
The Signature challenge required bakers to create 12 identical savory buns, with judges looking for good structure, stretchy dough, and flavorful results. Dylan's Gochujang & Garlic Savoury Buns stood out, earning him the Paul Hollywood handshake.
Paul expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I've never had anything like it," noting his surprise at the flavor profile.
Christiaan's Mushroom & Sage Savoury Buns impressed Prue. Georgie's 'Pesto Brunch' Savoury Buns received a pat on the shoulder from Paul. Illyin's Jamaican Brown Chicken Savoury Buns succeeded with their spice levels.
Nelly's 'Ethnic Harmony' Savoury Buns surprised The Great British Bake Off judges with their light texture.
Sumayah's 'Sunflower' Savour Buns struggled with irregular bakes and dense bread. Mike's 'Baa-o' Savoury Buns had a tight bake. Andy's 'Maisie's Mini Salami' Savoury Buns achieved balanced flavors and Gill's Bury Black Pudding Savoury Buns received praise for their "mustard custard."
Showstopper Challenge: Bread Cornucopia Display
Bakers created horn-shaped sculptures filled with at least two bread types. Dylan's 'Cat' Cornucopia had indulgent flavors and a sturdy structure. Nelly's Cornucopia was described as "spectacular". Christiaan's 'Wildflower Delights' had good flavors but a questionable orchid shape.
When it comes to Georgie's 'My Favourite Things' Cornucopia, it had good structure and tasty chocolate hazelnut bakes. Illyin's Bread Cornucopia received praise for delicious bakes with good spice.
Sumayah's 'Friendship & Family' Cornucopia on the other hand had mixed reviews. Mike's 'Zeus's Horn' Cornucopia had great flavors but needed texture improvements.
Andy's 'New York, Neeeeeew York!' Cornucopia was criticized for bland flavors and small size. The 'All Day Holiday' of Gill Cornucopia was flavorful and well-executed. John's 'Horn of Pride' cornucopia had underproved, flavorless buns and overproved bagels.
Technical Challenge: Seven-Strand Plaited Wreath
The Technical challenge presented a unique twist this week. Bakers were tasked with creating a seven-strand plaited wreath, but instead of written instructions, they received a live demonstration from Paul Hollywood himself.
The full ranking for the Technical challenge was:
- Nelly
- Sumayah
- Andy
- Illyin
- Gill
- Mike
- Georgie
- Christiaan
- John
- Dylan
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The Great British Bake Off season 15’s upcoming Caramel Week is scheduled to air on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 8 pm BST on Channel 4.
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