The Bake Off by Susan Willis Read Free Book Online

lemon to suit my palate, although some people might prefer more tang. My only comment about this bake is for the semi-final you could have been a little more creative and given it a twist with the addition of some other citrus, perhaps? Or used a different theme. But it is very good…’
    ‘And now our cupcake girl,’ David said examining Gemma’s strawberry cakes arranged perfectly on the plate.
    The small paper cases were pink with white hearts and the top of each individual cake had a thick cream swirl with half a fresh strawberry in the side. Nicola had to be fair because they did look excellent but if she compared them to other cupcakes in bakers’ shops – she had seen more elaborate decorations. Maybe, she thought, trying to be charitable, Gemma was aiming for a plain and minimalistic appearance.
    David tasted one and raved, ‘They look so inviting – the texture of the light sponge is perfect. And eaten with the thick, smooth cream and the fresh strawberry, the flavour profile is delicious,’ he said, and then signalled to the director to cut filming.
    ‘I just need to give this some extra time before I make a decision and place them in order,’ he said, and went back again to taste the torte, pie and cupcakes.
    ‘Okay, I’m sorted,’ he said.
    Nicola took a deep breath digging her fingernails into the palms of her hands praying she’d make it to the final.
    David smiled. ‘This is getting harder because you guys are getting better but there are only three places for the final. So I’ll just say that I’m sorry, Thomas, but you won’t be going through to the final. You’ve done very well but on the day things didn’t quite go your way.’
    Simon was the first to commiserate with Thomas and shake his hand while Nicola squeezed his arm. She was overjoyed with happiness and grinned at Simon who would also be taking his place in the final along with Gemma.
    David interrupted them. ‘To put the last three in order, Simon, I’m awarding third place for your pie. And although there’s really very little to distinguish between the torte and cupcakes in flavour Gemma has used strawberries again which we had last week and the skill level required to make them is not as high as what is needed to make the chocolate torte – which is of course, entirely different to last week’s bakes. So without further ado, I’m going to award star baker for this week again to Nicola.’
    ‘Oh, well done,’ Simon cried and began to clap loudly.
    While everyone gathered around Nicola again and she thanked them all profusely her mind was, what Jay often called, buzzing. She couldn’t ever remember feeling so alive, happy and proud of herself – to win two weeks in a row was more than she’d ever dreamt possible.
    Gemma gushed, ‘Congratulations, Nicola. The chocolate torte and sauce looks awesome!’
    Nicola felt slightly embarrassed. She wasn’t sure if she could have found it in herself to be so gracious if the result had been the other way around and answered, ‘Thank you, Gemma.’
    With filming over, David was more relaxed and invited them all to taste the bakes. Simon and Gemma went straight away to eat the chocolate torte and she tasted Simon’s lemon meringue pie. Loud exclamations of oohs and aahs came from everyone, and they declared that her torte was definitely the best bake on the table.
    She glowed under their praise. ‘And this pie is fabulous, Simon. It’s absolutely mouth-watering. This is my mum’s favourite pudding – you must give me the recipe.’
    David chomped on another cupcake. ‘It was a very close run thing and I’m pleased you all agree with my decision,’ he sighed heavily. ‘But now with the heat and such a long day’s filming I’m longing for an ice-cold gin and tonic. Anyone fancy joining me?’
    Simon and Thomas agreed immediately while Gemma declined claiming she had marking to do for a class next morning. Nicola was in two minds. She was desperate to get home and