S03.E01: Cake and Morning Treats Week

[Athena]

Quote

Bakers from across the country battle through six challenges, all in the hopes of being crowned "America's Best Amateur Baker."

 

[Frost]

I normally enjoy this show, but I'm not feeling it this year.  Jonny looks even more greasy and unkempt and the magic that is Mary Berry is gone!  I like the combination of a male/female judging pair and the Jonny/Paul combo doesn't work as well for me.  And who on earth are the 'hosts'?  Who's that Spice guy?

[BusyOctober]

First hour... I know Great British Bake off. I love Great British Bake off.  You, show, are no Great British Bake off!

 I am underwhelmed by 80% of these “bakers”. And I’m irritated by at least half of them.   Did they mix up this cast with the dregs who couldn’t cut it on “Worst Cooks in America”?  Some of those cakes  looked like pre-schoolers made them.  And even though the majority of what was presented looked amateurish, unappealing and sloppy, Johnny and Paul were very gentle in their critiques. I mean, overly generous with not calling out some of the complete failures offered up! Both judges have been much more harsh on their other shows (US and UK versions). 

No idea who either of the hosts are, but they are a HUUUGE improvement over last year’s hosts.

Let’s see what the next hours has in store before I drop this from the DVR...

[dgpolo]

It all seems very ...rushed.

Also, I find it amusing that the two hosts have names like 'Spice' and 'Curry'.

Edited December 8, 2017 by dgpolo
Added something.

[mjc570]

On 12/7/2017 at 10:43 PM, dgpolo said:

Also, I find it amusing that the two hosts have names like 'Spice' and 'Curry'.

1st hour:  Wasn't that why they were hired?  That's about the level of humor on this show.  I don't really have a problem with the fact that it is a greatly dumbed down version of GBBO, and I assume that the generally lower level of ability is due to the difficulty in finding contestants who can commit to the taping schedule while being away from home.  That, to me, is the biggest advantage of the British  and a large source of its charm, that the contestants are at home during the week and can practice their showstoppers/signatures and can get help making molds etc..

My biggest problem is that there is no suspense at all - or rather, the only suspense is whether Jessie actually will win every challenge every week before winning the over all title.  She's not at all unlikable, and so far, has earned her wins.  Scientists, engineers and detail-oriented types seem to do better than the more creative types who may not have the technical skills to match their creativity.

I thought some of those naked cakes looked delicious, and will (if I remember it) try to seek out the recipes for some of them.  I thought it was pretty funny that none of the contestants were familiar with llamingtons- i only was aware of them because of some past GBBO.  I'm not a white chocolate fan, but they looked good.

Edited December 10, 2017 by mjc570
accuracy, GBBO has been shown here as GBBS

[Eliza422]

What I find odd is how they’ve changed the way they do the technical. They explained a lot of the actual challenge  , and while the judges are still there!

 

i think it’s more of the dumbing for us Americans....god forbid we rise to a higher standard.

Edited December 8, 2017 by Eliza422

[Irlandesa]

I liked Curry but not Spice as much, although he grew on me a little in the second episode. 

While the talent level isn't what the GBBO talent level is, I still enjoyed this.  It's comfort viewing.  I do miss Mary and I feel icky watching Jonny given the recent allegations.  Last season they did so much better so I wonder why they went back to being super rushed.  At least the Christmas theme is more subtle than I thought it'd be.

[rhys]

Aeysha (sp) Curry is Steph Curry's wife. Steph plays for the Golden State warriors. Aeysha is a published cookbook author.

[rhys]

Fr Kyle needs to learn how to pronounce macarons.

[Sew Sumi]

She also has/had a show on Food Network and has just opened up her first restraurant under the tutelage of Michael Mina. 

[GaT]

I still don’t understand why they film in England, they couldn’t find a field in the US?

The Swiss rolls did not look like showstoppers to me, the sweet breads were a bit  better. This is the same problem they had the last time, the American showstoppers were nowhere near as good as the British ones.

I don’t have any favorites yet, but we saw Jessie helping people twice so I like her.

[justmehere]

5 hours ago, mjc570 said:

I assume that the generally lower level of ability is due to the difficulty in finding contestants who can commit to the taping schedule while being away from home.

That is a huge limitation, and it's unfortunate, because it makes Americans look bad. Paul even made a comment about "oh, Americans can make [whatever it was]."  Along with feeling the need to explain things so much more (I don't remember that in prior years), it detracts from what the show can be.

That said, there were some really good outcomes (in both cakes and morning treats), and the Brits have also had early contestants who did poorly.

 

2 hours ago, GaT said:

I still don’t understand why they film in England, they couldn’t find a field in the US?

British production company? It would be nice if they could film this iteration in the US, but perhaps it's too complicated.

A thought, though, that I'm sure someone else has noted before: Even if they did film here, the US is so much bigger than the UK that traveling every week would still be something of a problem and so might still limit availability.

Edited December 8, 2017 by justmehere

[festivus]

I'm fine with the hosts. You don't see that much of them and I didn't notice them getting in anyone's way which is something I don't like. I've eaten many a king cake and that thing looked delicious. The ones I've eaten always have that much sugar on the top and they are usually the three colors of Mardi Gras so I wasn't really down with her getting dinged for that. Sorry I don't know the contestant's names yet, it's usually about halfway through these shows before they start registering with me. However, last night I realized I'm watching way too many baking shows right now because I dreamed about baking all night. 

[Kohola3]

5 minutes ago, festivus said:

Sorry I don't know the contestant's names yet, it's usually about halfway through these shows before they start registering with me.

I have been watching the Great Canadian Baking Show and they have aprons with their names embroidered on the front.  Makes it SO much easier to remember w ho is who.

I tried the first two episodes of this version and I think I'm done.  It just doesn't have the charm of the British or Canadian versions.  Plus I dislike both of the judges and find the comic relief, well, unfunny.

[rollacoaster]

I was really looking forward to this, and, unfortunately, I was bored. I miss Jeff Foxworthy and Mary Berry.  I recall previous seasons being much better than this. 

I will watch a few more, though. Jessie and Valerie seem to be contenders.  

[Adiba]

The show is OK, but I do miss Mary Berry.  I do agree that the level of skills seems less than the GBBO, but I agree that the Brits have a huge advantage being able to practice bakes in their own kitchens during the week and film on the weekends. Some of the previous British contestants have mentioned being up till the wee hours practicing and some have been able to continue their studies while appearing on the show. American contestants would not have that option as they would have to be free for the whole time filming the show (unless they could do courses online, I guess) and would not be home during the week.

[festivus]

1 hour ago, Kohola3 said:

I have been watching the Great Canadian Baking Show and they have aprons with their names embroidered on the front.  Makes it SO much easier to remember w ho is who.

I didn't even know there was a Canadian one. I wish I could watch that. These baking shows are my crack for some reason.

[Kohola3]

16 minutes ago, festivus said:

I didn't even know there was a Canadian one. I wish I could watch that.

I get CBC in my area so I watch a lot of Canadian TV.  It's way better than the American version and is filmed in the Toronto area.  

Here are the gingerbread houses from last week.

Edited December 8, 2017 by Kohola3
to add link

[Ruprecht]

I enjoyed this episode. For me, cake rolls are something I've not mastered (I just don't do them enough). I thought Jessie could have held her own on the GBBO. She produced beautiful work and I really want to try her technique to make the "fire' for the log. So clever! 

While I'm not fond of the naked cake trend, I did think it was a good challenge and I would love to try some of those flavor combinations. I liked Paul (as always) and I tolerated Johnny (he seems so stilted in his comments - like an android trying to remember how to emote). Surely there are other pastry chefs that could serve as a judge. 

Overall, I like the premiere and I found several contestants that I will enjoy watching, starting with my girl Jessie. 

Which is why I feared for her during the morning treats (which to me were all about dough). I loved how Vallery really shown here and I really, really, REALLY wanted to try her doughnuts. I loved how she was confident in her abilities and was glad she won star baker. Even in the GBBO, a type of baking can humble a previous star and I'm glad Jessie managed to survive that round (and I totally love her glasses). 

I'm easy to please - so I'm looking forward to next week!

Edited December 8, 2017 by Ruprecht

[ReallySpecial]

39 minutes ago, Ruprecht said:

I really, really, REALLY wanted to try her doughnuts.

Me too!  They looked and sounded like they were so delicious.

Okay, time for a couple (apparently) unpopular opinions LOL:

13 hours ago, Frost said:

the Jonny/Paul combo doesn't work as well for me.

I don't mind Paul and Johnny as a combo, actually.  I miss Mary, of course, but they're okay, too.  P&J seem professional and encouraging, and I also enjoy Paul's solo interviews.

2 hours ago, festivus said:

I'm fine with the hosts. You don't see that much of them and I didn't notice them getting in anyone's way which is something I don't like.

I'm actually not a fan of them yet.  Curry does all the voice overs, and Spice hardly does anything.  I am a person who liked seeing Mel and Sue interacting with the bakers, so I thought it was cute when Spice asked Cindy to try some of the cherries she had.  Mel and Sue had been business partners for many years, Nia and Ian were married, so you can really tell that there is currently a lack of chemistry between Curry and Spice. 

I will keep watching, though, because last season it just took people some time to get on their feet.  So I want to give them more time.  I think the show will get better as it progresses.

[festivus]

I honestly don't care who hosts the show. I'm watching for the food porn. I also like the generally nice feeling of the whole show (Getting it from the British one). I like Mel and Sue just fine and sometimes they are helpful with the contestants but I don't like it when they get in their way. That's just my own issue, I don't like anyone being too close to me and if I was trying to bake it would really throw me off.

[AZChristian]

When that one guy was pouring liquor into his concoction, I looked at hubby and said, "Wow.  Mary Berry would have loved that!!!"

[proserpina65]

I miss Nia and Ian.  I was already tired of Ayesha Curry long before this, and I have no idea who the other host is.  But maybe if they settle into their roles a little, I'll change my mind.  I miss Mary Berry as well, but do like Paul Hollywood, so that's kind of an even trade in my book.

Oh, and a blind man could see that Nick was going out first.  He seemed nice, like all the contestants did, but he was clearly having a bad weekend in the kitchen.

Edited December 8, 2017 by proserpina65

[ReallySpecial]

51 minutes ago, AZChristian said:

I looked at hubby and said

Does your husband watch the show with you?  Mine has a few times, but he's not really into it.

 

12 minutes ago, proserpina65 said:

I have no idea who the other host is.

I wasn't familiar with him either because I don't follow the NFL.  ABC calls Spice Adams a "former NFL star and media personality."  I don't know if you watched the extra video online where the hosts introduce themselves, but here's what he said:

Quote

I'm kind of like a sponge because I don't know anything that's going on.  I don't know the terms.  I don't know any of that stuff, so Google is my friend.

So he seems like a nice, friendly person, and I hope they give him more to do!

[AZChristian]

16 minutes ago, ReallySpecial said:

Does your husband watch the show with you?  Mine has a few times, but he's not really into it.

Absolutely.  We both loved the British original version, and this one is almost as good.  No, we don't bake at home.  We just love watching creativity at work . . . because neither of us has any.  And we love to watch shows without bleeps.

[LaChavalina]

11 hours ago, GaT said:

I still don’t understand why they film in England, they couldn’t find a field in the US?

Good point. When Mary was hosting, they said they filmed in England because she wouldn't travel overseas. Maybe Paul just doesn't want to run into any former dalliances... I watched on Hulu and was amused to note that they haven't bothered to update the featured images to reflect the new hosts.

I liked morning treats as a concept, but the contestants aren't really standouts. And those wonky candle Swiss rolls! Ouch!  

[proserpina65]

8 minutes ago, LaChavalina said:

I liked morning treats as a concept, but the contestants aren't really standouts. And those wonky candle Swiss rolls! Ouch!  

Yeah, I'm hoping they settle down and improve quickly.  The candle Swiss roll wasn't a bad idea, but JC tried to do too much; it could've worked if he'd stuck with one large stable candle rather than three unstable ones.

[mertensia]

Loved Antoinette hurrying over to help.

Loved that the Paul Hollywood handshake awe s Americans, too.

[mlp]

I have mixed feelings so far.  This show lacks the charm of the British version IMO despite everything about it being as close to the original as possible.  It's things like one of the young women saying "you guys" to the judges.  I can't imagine a British contestant saying that to Mary Berry.

I didn't care much for Johnny long before recent allegations.  I don't mind his personality and I know he has expertise but he always looks like he never bathes and shaves or washes his hair which is not a good look for someone who works with food.  The contrast with Paul who always looks pristine just makes him appear more grungy.  Paul does seem a bit more relaxed than he did on GBBS.

I knew that Ayesha has a show on the Cooking Channel but I'd never seen her before.  I can't say I was impressed.  Everything she says sounds rehearsed.  I had no idea who Spice is.  He seems nice enough but it's clear that his only experience with baking has been eating it.  He seems like a very odd choice to host this show.

I really liked Nick but he was the obvious choice for the first elimination.  

[dubbel zout]

4 hours ago, festivus said:

I dreamed about baking all night

You say that like it's a bad thing! ;-)

3 hours ago, Adiba said:

I do agree that the level of skills seems less than the GBBO, but I agree that the Brits have a huge advantage being able to practice bakes in their own kitchens during the week and film on the weekends.

If they insist on bringing over Americans, I think they should cast better bakers. It doesn't seem quite fair for less-experienced bakers to get less practice time and have to use possibly unfamiliar equipment and ingredients.

It's got to be a drag to schlep to England and get bounced in the first week. On the upside, he was in England for a week on someone else's dime (I presume).

2 hours ago, Ruprecht said:

I'm not fond of the naked cake trend

I'm not either—the cakes always look unfinished and a bit sloppy to me—but then, I love frosting. Heh.

I loved Valerie getting a Hollywood handshake for her doughnuts after getting slammed when they talked to her in the prep stage. She also deserved to be this week's Star Baker.

[illdoc]

16 hours ago, rhys said:

Fr Kyle needs to learn how to pronounce macarons

I didn't notice how he pronounced it. In my house, we pronounce it mac-a-rons (like it's spelled) mainly to avoid confusion with "mac-a-roons" (coconut cookies generally only found around passover). However, on other shows, I have heard the sandwich cookie one pronounce with the "roons".

[Jillybean]

I can't believe it, but i miss Nia and Ian.

I checked out the cast bios on the website since I had no idea who "Curry," "Spice," and Paul were (I've never seen GBBO).  I agree that it works better to have a man & woman judging duo, and I miss Mary Berry. I think they made up the "Spice" nickname for the purpose of this show. His bio says:

Quote

Anthony "Spice" Adams is a retired professional football player and media personality. After graduating from Penn State University, Anthony was selected in the 2003 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. After four seasons with the 49ers, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears where he played until his retirement in 2012. In 2010, while playing for the Bears, Anthony was awarded both the Ed Block Courage Award and the Brian Piccolo Award demonstrating his work as a role model of inspiration, courage and loyalty within the community and on his team. Since his retirement, he's has kept busy serving as a football analyst and television host for shows on the Big Ten and Chicago Bears Network's, along with racking up tens of millions of views with his social media. videos in which he has displayed the comedic and charismatic personality he's become known for. Anthony currently resides in Chicago's northern suburbs wife his wife, Andenika and four children.

I have no idea why he was tapped for hosting this. He's unamusing after one episode and he and Ayesha have no chemistry together.

Team Jessie.

[festivus]

1 hour ago, dubbel zout said:

You say that like it's a bad thing! ;-)

You'd think it wasn't but I'd wake up and keep thinking about it and couldn't go back to sleep! I think I'm watching too many baking shows right now. :)

[nokat]

Thought I'd try this because I love the Great British Baking Show. I miss Mary but at least Paul is there. I liked the two comediennes on GBBS who would be tasting the bakes and almost ruining things.

Was it just me or did Jessie keep changing what she did? I was an artist, then I did molecular biology. I sent a rocket to mars, and cured cancer.

 

I think I have to edit that, it was molecular gastronomy.

 

Edited December 8, 2017 by nokat

[mjc570]

S3E2:  Morning treats

I know I have a sweet tooth, but I guess I'm also a morning person because I would happily have eaten every single thing baked on this episode, even Father Kyle's coffins.  Those donuts generally were amazing, the hand pies are one of my favorites, and even though the show stoppers weren't at the WOW level, they all looked festive and good to eat.  I'm glad to see that Jessie had a bad week, because I thought it just wouldn't be fun to watch her win all the time.  Vallery seems to be giving her a challenge.  Sorry to see the father go, perhaps a little more prayer might have helped him? 

I do like Johnny and Paul as judges, especially Paul, both are personable and expert. I just wish Johnny - who is quite a handsome man - wouldn't go for the grunge look.  I don't hate them, (yet) but I don't think the hosts really add anything at all to the show.  They don't show the gentle humor of Mel and Sue, and the man, certainly, has nothing to contribute.  Unlike the items being baked (ha ha), they have no chemistry whatsoever.  I assume they were selected to attract a younger, more diverse audience.  However, since they are new, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and hope they improve. 

[Writing Wrongs]

16 hours ago, GaT said:

I still don’t understand why they film in England, they couldn’t find a field in the US?

I was wondering that myself.

[dubbel zout]

It doesn't have to be a field—there's got to be some resort or someplace that would host the show for credit at the end. If they're going to keep everyone in one place anyway, why not get some sponsorship bucks at the same time? It doesn't have to be done in an obnoxious, craven manner.

[rhys]

5 hours ago, mlp said:

 

I didn't care much for Johnny long before recent allegations.

Can you share?

[mjc570]

Johnny:  Accused of sexual harassment by 4 former employees. 

From the article:  "Iuzzini denies some, but not all, of the allegations. In a statement to Mic, he says he’s “shattered and heartbroken at the thought that any of my actions left members of my team feeling hurt or degraded.” He also notes that “I began working in kitchens when I was 15 years old, back in a time when it was rare to see women in the kitchen, and behavior was more bawdy than professional... And it was wrong.”

Edited December 9, 2017 by mjc570
in the interest of fairness

[Kohola3]

The usual - a powerful man makes life hell for female underlings.

[dubbel zout]

"Everyone else was doing it, so I did, too."

[AZChristian]

1 hour ago, dubbel zout said:

It doesn't have to be a field—there's got to be some resort or someplace that would host the show for credit at the end. If they're going to keep everyone in one place anyway, why not get some sponsorship bucks at the same time? It doesn't have to be done in an obnoxious, craven manner.

And there are some (of us) who would go stay at a place we've seen and loved on TV, so there could be some genuine financial benefit to the sponsor.  Last time we were in England, we took a day trip out of London on the train to go to Highclere House ("Downton Abbey").  If we could have stayed at the main house overnight, I'd have cajoled Mr. AZC into the expense by saying, "This could be my birthday and Christmas for the rest of my life."  Alas, it was not an option . . . but the tour itself was magnificent.

I do love the tent, though, rather than an ugly interior set (looking at you, "Chopped").  

[retrograde]

White chocolate on lamingtons? As an Australian, I am very bothered by this. Lamingtons are coated in regular chocolate, sometimes raspberry icing, but never white chocolate. Heresy. 

[EyewatchTV211]

15 minutes ago, retrograde said:

White chocolate on lamingtons? As an Australian, I am very bothered by this. Lamingtons are coated in regular chocolate, sometimes raspberry icing, but never white chocolate. Heresy. 

The real version sounds WAY better. White chocolate is blasphemy!

[Maya]

The Paul/Johnny combo is weird. It’s like they’re both competing to be the “sexy bad boy.” 

[Omeletsmom]

13 hours ago, Maya said:

The Paul/Johnny combo is weird. It’s like they’re both competing to be the “sexy bad boy.” 

I agree.  It also seemed like they were taking turns being the "mean" one.  First Paul would be overly critical and Johnny would be kind and then they would switch roles.  They really are too much alike to be a good team.

[mjc570]

2 hours ago, Omeletsmom said:

I agree.  It also seemed like they were taking turns being the "mean" one.  First Paul would be overly critical and Johnny would be kind and then they would switch roles.  They really are too much alike to be a good team.

I think they are still working out their dynamic. 

[ari333]

Why  is this in a tent?

[Kohola3]

Quote

Why  is this in a tent?

They are mimicking the wildly successful Great British Baking Show which had the tent set up for the competition.

[Mondrianyone]

I think the tent might be a holdover from the first season of the British original, which moved from one location to another with each episode.  I'm guessing the tent was easier than finding a workable venue in each different place.  Or that could be totally wrong.  I hope they never stop using the tent--I love it, and I especially love seeing the weather outside, and the wildlife, and the changing light, even an occasional human strolling by.  It's one of the best things about the show, IMO.