In this intense and challenging Bake Off, celebrated chef Tom Kerridge hosts the search for Britain’s best team of pastry chefs. 15 teams begin, all hoping to prove that they are the ‘crème de la crème’.
To secure the coveted Crème de la Crème title the chefs must display the precision of surgeons, the knowledge of chemists and the creativity of artists for three of the industry’s most influential pastry chefs; Benoit Blin, Chef Patissier at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison; Cherish Finden, Executive Pastry Chef at The Langham; and Claire Clark MBE, entrepreneur and twice named ‘Britain’s Best Pastry Chef’.
Fifteen teams of professionals (with three chefs in each team) go head to head in tests of their skill, creativity, and teamwork to produce the most impressive Miniatures and Showpiece desserts. The margins between success and failure are wafer thin.
Led by a team captain, the 45 chefs taking part come from all sorts of kitchens. Famous hotels, top restaurants and high-end patisseries are all well represented. But some chefs hail from unexpected places too, such as the development kitchen of a leading supermarket, the Armed Forces, and the discreet and exclusive private dining rooms of the City of London.
Regardless of where they work, they all share a passion for their craft and a desire to show that they are top of their profession.
Precision is at the heart of a pastry kitchen, but cooking against the clock, in unfamiliar surroundings and in front of the leading lights of British pastry is a stern test of their skills and temperament. Some will thrive… while others wilt under the pressure.
Bake Off: Crème de la Crème, starts Tuesday 29 March, 8pm on BBC Two.