Great British Bake Off: Here’s how Edinburgh student Peter got on this week

Edinburgh’s own Peter Sawkins walked off with the 'Star Baker' accolade in episode one of Great British Bake Off 2020 – but how would the youngest contestant in this year's show do in episode two?

After last week's elimination, the remaining 11 bakers were set several challenges this week which were based entirely around biscuits.

“Biscuits are quite tricky, so I think it's going to be a bit of a difficult week,” Peter said at the start of the episode.

“The judges would like you each to make a batch of 36 chocolate florentines,” announced host Matt Lucas, setting down this week's signature challenge.

Edinburgh student Peter Sawkins is bidding to win this year's Great British Bake Off.

“Interesting fact," quipped Noel Fielding, “florentines were originally called florentines.”

And so it began...

“Your florentines should be uniform in terms of texture and flavour – and the judges will be expecting a perfect snap,” warned Lucas.

Our Peter told the judges he was making sticky toffee florentines, “inspired by what is, in my considered opinion, the best pudding in the world... sticky toffee pudding.”

“Will they be thin and have a snap to them, or will they be sticky and squishy?” asked Prue Leith.

“Both crunchy and chewy – but I am also hoping you will get a snap from the caramel nut side of the biscuit as well,” replied a confident-looking Peter.

London accountant Hermine looked like a shoo-in early doors for elimination, as while most of the others had their first batch of biscuits baking, she was in a panic still moulding hers.

“I'm running a little bit behind,” she said, stating the obvious.

When Lucas announced to the bakers they had just 15 minutes left, the camera cut to a smiling Peter, who appeared to have everything under control.

Then it was time for Prue and Paul Hollywood to judge the biscuits...

“That smells delicious,” said Noel, catching a whiff of Peter's sticky toffee florentines.

So far so good.

Next it was time for the technical challenge, set by Prue.

“This is a classic, so read your recipe and no going off piste,” she warned.

And so off the bakers popped to make 12 hand-shaped coconut macaroons.

“I've made these with my mum before, but donkeys ago,” said Peter, looking a tad flustered for the first time.

A few minutes later, however, his confidence appeared fully restored.

While most of the other bakers were still concocting their creations, Peter was looking relaxed as he leaned on his work station and watched them work.

Judging time and Paul and Prue blind-tasted the macaroons of all 11 contestants.

“Under-baked,” said Paul of Peter's creations.

Ranking them from worst to best, Peter was judged to be 10th – not good.

Realising he had to pull something special out of the bag, Peter announced his intention to grab the judges attention with a gingerbread haggis filled with Scottish raspberry, oats, cranachan and cream.

“It's Scotland on a plate... Scotland as a plate,” he proclaimed.

Come judgement time and Peter's ‘Burns Biscuit Supper’ went under the microscope.

“Delicious!” said Prue, taking a mouthful. “I think it’s very witty.”

“And actually the biscuit is beautiful,” added Paul. “It’s well baked, it’s tasty… overall I think you’ve done a great job.”

Be that as it may, Peter’s efforts were not enough to earn him the ‘Star Baker’ award for the second week on the bounce.

That accolade went to Dave.

Crucially, though, Peter wasn’t eliminated either, and so lives to bake another day after Mak was sent packing.

Next week, it’s all about bread – here’s hoping Peter’s plans don’t go a rye!

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