We open with our scrummy delights - Mexican wedding cookies, (American biscuits), and caramelitas were all attempted by the crew with ... some mixed results (spoiler... Sheldon's were the mixed results).  

We have a little chat about the articles and "controversy" of Mexican week and the use of cultural symbolism, clothing, recipes et al.  Always open to thoughts and opinions on this subject - we recognize our position is one of "outside" looking in so take our thoughts with that being acknowledged by all. 

Note: Spoilers below! While we don’t give away WHO won Star Baker or went out - we talk about other details on the show!

The bakers this week took on a number of Mexican challenges. Was a weird week where a lot of the bakers were out of their element it felt… maybe the case that Mexican cuisine isn’t at all popular in the UK? Nobody really displayed strong confidence in their abilities this week it felt.

Signature bake of pan dulce - "little buns".  Lots of different things were tried some better than others.  Paul complained a lot about "under proofing" and Alison calls out that this should be an obvious outcome considering the time given for an enriched dough.  A sweet moment occurred when Noel asks Maxy if she is ready to take down Janusz to which she replies "he's my best mate".  ok... where are my tissues.  The handshakes are stingy... but Sandro probably should have gotten one.

Tacos.  Oh dear.  Is this even a bake???  No oven.  Not even a proof needed.  Tortillas is the only thing close to qualifying.  Not a one had a clue on how to make things...  not even grilling the steak for them.  Kind of a terrible result overall.  Carole probably hurting herself the worst.  And does Rebs burn EVERYTHING??  Don't even get us started on the travesty of the refried beans.... 

Tres leches cake was the showstopper - Alison called it last week.  Some questionable direction given on this... the traditional version requires a long almost absurd amount of liquid soak.  This was not that.  We felt that not too much creativity is being displayed as people are not putting "spins" on things like we would expect.... except Syabira... who maybe goes a little TOO far outside of the lanes.  

In the end - two left the tent (not a surprise considering nobody left last week) and we felt it was probably justified.  We see a couple more on borrowed time.  Star baker was well deserved... but one of our crew is a little put off by the star's overuse of piped decorations.  

Overall score:  Alison 11, Meredith 18, Sheldon holding at 0... but he has what looks like could be a very strong team to last a while.