All professional patissiers are accomplished at the art of crafting miniature pastries, bite-sized confectionery and teeny-tiny treats. In that spirit, we asked Bake Off: The Professionals hosts Liam Charles and Tom Allen to answer a quick-fire round of miniature questions.
Sweet or savoury?
Liam: “Sweet, 100%. Even my savoury has to be sweet – I like sweet potato chips and sweet and sour chicken.”
Tom: “I am a bit of both, actually.”
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Liam: “A hot chocolate brownie with ice cream and caramel sauce.”
Tom: “A crispy Tarte au Citron.”
What would you take on a foodie desert island?
Liam: “Tuna pasta bake, just like my mum makes it. That would keep me going.”
Tom: “A chicken. It could lay eggs, right?”
Who’s your mentor?
Liam: “My uncle Robert. He has a creative mind so he really gets me. Even before Bake Off he was helping me come up with ideas.”
Tom: “Sarah Millican – she’s such a craftsperson and always pays attention to detail. And she makes a good cake!”
Biggest lesson from Bake Off: The Professionals?
Liam: “I’m still learning! There are some things I knew already, but there’s been a lot in there that is completely new to me.”
Tom: “I thought lamination was a method of protecting documents. Now I know my entremet from my petit gateaux.”
Join Tom Allen and Liam Charles for Bake Off: The Professionals at 8pm on Sunday evenings on Channel 4. Soggy bottoms will not be tolerated.