Bake Off 4.5: Guinness Cake by Flan Man 3000

Finally somebody introduced alcohol into this competition - yes, we really had two full previous bake off rounds without anyone baking with the magical elixir.

Not only did this scrumptious cake sound good to everyone's ears, it also delivered on the taste front and quite likely opened the door to future alcoholic treats.
We aren't sure yet, if this is a blessing or a curse on a Monday morning, but there are surely worse ways to start the week.

And here is what the experts said:

An interesting and original effort
Bearing in mind the catalogue of errors that occurred, it was amazing that a cake was actually produced!
A lot nicer than it was build up to be, Very original as well - never thought stout and cake could mix!
Love the icing.
Appreciate the risk taking and enjoyed the first entry of alcohol infused baking good in this competition to date.
Mixing my two life's passions: Chocolate and beer? You are a smart man, Flan Man 3000!

Bake Off 4.4: Bean Porrige and Chicken Wings by the Beijing Baker

Sticking with her concept of avoiding ingredients that share the same flavour compounds and instead pairing food that contrasts in flavour, the Beijing Baker introduced us 'Westerners' to the combination of  sweet porridge made with a variety of beans and rice to go with some mouthwatering chicken wings.

Interesting at first this proved to be one of those Chinese great sweet and savoury combinations, we would like to see more of - the originality scores went through the roof!

And below are the panel's comments.

Interesting bake off concept. Very original.
Top marks for originality, a crazy combination of chicken and sweet porrige.
One of the most original dishes ever seen in the bake off!
Got to love the obvious combination of chicken wings and beany-rice pudding!

Bake Off 4.3: Cheese, Spinach and Artichoke Tarte from the Dixie Chick

After a little break and a big confusion over whose turn it was to bake, the Dixie Chick scored once again some impressive points with yet another savoury fancy.

The delivery of this divine bite, however did not come along as smooth as you might think as the she first attempted some cinnamon swirls, which did not turn out quite the way she expected, to say the least.

We are, of course, sharing the good, the bad and the ugly, so below are the piccies for both her grand brakes, and we will let you guess which is which.... yes, it is a toughie.

Comments:
Like the garlic and cheesy taste!
Lovely bit of artichoke. A brave and successful return to the bake off.
Another savoury delight by the Dixie Chick
Really, really nice! More please :)
Personally preferred the cinnamon twists...KIDDING, second attempt redemption.
The queen of savoury. Why did she attempt a sweet dish in the first place?

Bake Off 4.2: Creme Brulee by Merlin from Berlin

Merlin from Berlin impressed this week not only with an amazing attempt at the French classic Creme Brulee but also tried to score some extra points with the presentation.

Taking a huge risk, the caramelised sugar crust, which traditionally is achieved with a kitchen blow torch, was re-created using the grill setting of her oven, which resulted in the crust being not as crunchy as it probably should be.
But will this cost her the winning points, or did the judges see past this and appreciated the effort? Only the results at the end of round 4 will tell.

And here are the comments:

Got to be a strong contender for the title, though it lacked blow torch activity....
Sweet, creamy deliciousness. Nothing like custard and sugar to kick start you working week.
The appearance was unique and amazing.
Beautiful presentation - looked like a pro had made them. Delicious and creamy! Definitely one of my favourites.
Best Creme Brulee I've had (out of two).

Bake off round 4 kick off: Parmesan and Pancetta Biscuits by the Dairy Queen

After a 2 week delay, slow starter Dairy Queen finally managed to kick off the 4th round of our famous Bake Off - yay!

Being brave and going down the savoury road, she impressed us with "cheesy biscuit thingies" as somebody affectionately referred to them on the scoring sheet.

And here are the jury's comments:
Very different and tasty....appearance could have been improved given they took 3 weeks!
That's what I call a real breakfast buscuit - Belvita watch out!
Perfect breakfast snack - tastes like a bacon buttie in a biscuit.

The Baking Order Is Announced!

Pulling little sheets of paper with a number written on it out of a baking tin, we can now announce the order of Bake Off Round 4.

Ding, ding, ding! Let the games begin.

And here it is:

1. Dairy Queen
2. Merlin from Berlin
3. Dixie Chick
4. Mr. Whippy
5. Beijing Baker
6. Mushroom For Improvement
7. Danish Pastry
8. Flan Man