As if Batter Week wasn’t enough, the Bake Off execs have decided to throw another all-new round into the mix with Botanical Week, encouraging the bakers to look outside the tent for ideas. Last week’s set of pastry-based challenges tested the technical skills of the bakers, but this week seems to be more about creativity and flavours than anything else.
For the signature challenge, Paul and Mary set the task of creating a lemon meringue pie with a twist. While they should still be citrus-flavoured, we’re expecting some more exotic fruits to be thrown into the mix. Will we see the Bake Off tent’s first ever yuzu meringue pie?
Flavour aside, the bakers must be able to make a good sweet pastry, turn their fruit juice into a silky curd and be able to pipe perfect peaks of meringue. Sally Abé’s Ultimate lemon meringue pie is foolproof and easily adapted to include different fruits, while Matthew Tomkinson’s Lemon meringue pie with poached oranges and basil proves how new flavours can turn the classic pud into something truly special. If the idea of homemade curd sends a nervous shiver down your spine, then this recipe for Lemon curd is well worth a read – it’s actually a very easy process and makes a fantastic edible gift for friends and loved ones.