The Great British Bake Off 2014 - Episode 2

By Mark Savile 

The second episode of The Great British Bake Off aired last night, and it was biscuit galore as the bakers faced three challenges surrounding this crunchy favourite. For the viewer it was time to flick on the kettle and crack open the digestives, sit back and enjoy the spectacle.

Be warned, don't expect any simple dunkers! With aromatic spices, global influences and traditional family recipes, the first round of making 36 biscuits for cheese in two hours produced some interesting combinations and a range of results from Norman's perfect farthings to Diana's less successful triangular puff pastry bites.

After a shallow dive into history courtesy of Sue Perkins and some gelato in Manchester, the next task was the technical one: to make 18 Florentines following a Mary berry recipe, making sure to get the correct zigzag in the chocolate base and a good crispness. Most of the bakers had never made Florentines before, and this proved a tough ask. Last week's star baker kept up the good work with a solid second place, however the winner was Richard the builder.

The final hurdle for the cooks this week was to create a 3D biscuit scene, in four hours. From out-of-this-world transport to mountain resorts, and fairy tales to monster attacks, this 'fiendish' showstopper was tackled in many original ways.

The judges, Paul and Mary, were clear on who their star baker was, but required more time to deliberate over who would be the unlucky person leaving the show.

As Richard received all the plaudits, it was left to Sue to announce that Enwezor would not be returning next week. Jordan and Norman survived, and Iain, who has been dubbed the Vincent Van Gogh of the competition, redeemed his earlier disappointments with an excellent Wild West biscuit scene.

If this week was close then the next episode, which will pit the group against the trials and tribulations of baking bread, should a make for even more compulsive viewing.