Felsted Bake Off Round 3 & The Final

by Ms D Guerrero

Round 3

Manor got off to a great start - well ahead on timings and very organised, Follies fell behind slightly but looked like they were having a lot of fun, and Mont’s put in a great effort considering they hadn’t practised beforehand!
 

I started the Felsted Bake Off in 2016, and I have never seen a group so organised and great at washing up and clearing away as they went along!
 

Dr Strong, Mr Croft and Miss Ellis, our judges this week, commented that they were impressed with the teamwork of the groups and that the teacake shells turned out shiny and smooth. All the biscuit bases had a nice crunch, but just edging it over the others were Manor who are through to the final on Monday 18 March!

They were closely followed by Monts who are also through to the final next week, since they came out as the best of the runners up over the last 3 rounds.

Well done to all!

 

The Final

 

The brief: a two tiered cake containing a vegetable as one of the ingredients

The contestants: Manor - Emma F & Bella D, Monts - Kabir S & George C, Elwyn’s - Charlie K & Harrison W, and Thorne - Lorena B & Margi S.

The judges: Mr Townsend, Mrs Donaldson, Caroline Marazzi
 

The cakes: - carrot, spiced pumpkin, courgette and chocolate, beetroot and chocolate
 

For the final we were lucky to have Felsted Commis Chef, Caroline Marazzi, who is also the owner and creator of delicious sourdough breads and pastries at The Little Artisan Bakery, Sparlings Farm, Felsted.
 

Caroline said “What an absolute pleasure being invited to judge this year’s Bake Off. The level of skill, teamwork and creativity was heartwarming and inspiring. The students' tenacity and problem solving skills was impressive under the pressure of being in the final.”
 

The cakes were all absolutely delicious and it was a tough decision, but the winners were George and Kabir of Monts, for their spiced pumpkin cake with a cream cheese and brown butter topping decorated with candied pumpkin and crushed pumpkin seeds.
 

Mr Townsend, commented on the impressive quality of baking skills shown by the finalists this year. George and Kabir were presented with their winner aprons by the Head and this Friday they will receive a prize, and the trophy for their house.