Heel Holland Bakt talk #9
For nine Sundays, we got to watch struggling and flourishing home bakers on Heel Holland Bakt. From over-the-top signature challenges to the complicated technical challenge, I’ve been glued to the television from the very first minute. What exactly goes through my head during an episode like that? I’ll write it all down for you every week.
We’ve already reached the final, and so much has happened, hasn’t it? Besides the enormous amounts of butter, flour and sugar that were used, there was also plenty to gossip about. For instance, all of Twitter was up in arms about Maroeska supposedly already being a pro. And is Cas now a couple with his interpreter? Either way, there are still three women in the final: Anna, Maroeska and Nicole. Who do you think will win? I’m rooting for Anna.
Panna cotta in your cake
For the signature challenge, the bakers have to make a chocolate bûche. I’d never heard of it, but apparently it’s some kind of log. Maroeska is taking it very literally: she made a mould from an actual log. How is she going to manoeuvre that cake out of there in the end? Ooh, and Nicole is making tonka bean panna cotta, which is honestly my favourite. Who even thinks of putting panna cotta in a cake? Brilliant!
The challenges really are getting harder and harder. Do all the ladies have moulds at home for making a bûche like that? I certainly don’t. Holy shit, that cross-section when they cut into Anna’s cake—I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.
Enormous macaron
For the technical challenge, they’re making an enormous heart-shaped macaron. Am I the only one who thinks macarons are the most overrated pastry ever? Just give me a cookie. I’m getting a little nervous watching this challenge; everything is going wrong. Maroeska mixes up milk and cream, and Anna gets everything wrong too. I can feel the stress coming from the tent. Fortunately, it’s over quickly, and Nicole is the winner, with Maroeska and Anna sharing second place.
For the showstopper, they’re making a gravity cake. Janny: “It’s a cake that looks as if gravity hasn’t taken hold of it.” It’s still not entirely clear to me, but according to Janny it’s a huge craze. Oh wow, the cakes really do have to float. I’m so curious now. Anna and Nicole are also making three (!) different cakes. This has to turn out delicious.
Without sticks
Ah, here come the families—lovely. What on earth happened to Maroeska’s son’s hair? And what’s with that gold pin on his jacket? What a creepy guy. Huh, I don’t think Maroeska really understood the challenge. “I have to say some magic words and then I hope it turns into a real gravity cake.” Um, I think time’s already up, Maroeska. Oh huh, it’s floating after all! And without sticks—I don’t understand any of this! Uri Geller has nothing on them.
And the winner is…
Anna and Nicole’s cakes are truly on another level, with three different kinds of cake. I think Maroeska is out. But which of the other two will win? Exciting! At any rate, I’m really in the mood for cake now. The families joining them are always so adorable. And the winner is… Anna! Yaaaaay! “I’m shaking all over.” What a sweetheart. This is so lovely and so deserved. She really baked with military discipline, and apparently that works. Remember that if you’re thinking of signing up for next year. In that case, I’ll write about you every week too—I hope you don’t mind.
Read also:
