Insights from Prue Leith on Season 3 of The Great American Baking Show

The long-anticipated Season 3 of The Great American Baking Show premiered on April 11, captivating audiences with its blend of amateur baking and competitive spirit. Prue Leith, the esteemed restaurateur and cookbook author, shared her thoughts about the new season in a revealing interview with amNewYork.

Season Highlights and Contestant Talent

The newly released trailer hinted at a familiar setup, emulating the much-loved tent-style format of its British equivalent. During her interview, Leith expressed her admiration for the contestants, stating:

“They’re such good bakers, you know, you really think they were professionals and very good professionals at that, especially on the decoration side.”

Leith emphasized that despite their professional-level skills, all participants are amateur home cooks, reflecting the essence of the show’s ethos. She confidently remarked that this season boasts the most talented group of contestants in the history of the series.

Prue Leith’s Initial Hesitations

In discussing her role as a judge, Prue shared her initial concerns regarding the competitive nature of American cooking shows. Drawing from her experience, she noted:

“I had watched a few American competition shows, and in most shows, the competitors are competing for a large sum of money, so they become extremely competitive and they’re very inclined to diss their fellow competitors to sabotage them if they can, to be extremely rude and cutthroat and horrible.”

Leith suggested that producers often ramp up the pressure to create dramatic television, which deterred her from wanting to join the American version initially. However, her experience on set proved her worries to be unfounded, as the atmosphere on The Great American Baking Show remained friendly and supportive.

Building a Positive Baking Environment

According to Leith, past contestants have understood the lighthearted vibe of the show. She elaborated on the selection process, explaining that they aimed to recruit enthusiastic bakers who would thrive in a joyful environment. Remarkably, many applicants were familiar with the show’s ethos, which contributed to a delightful mix of personalities this season.

Judging Criteria for Excellence

When it comes to evaluating the baked goods presented to her, Prue maintains high standards. She articulated her expectations, saying:

“I want it to look amazing, I want it to taste fantastic, and I want the texture to be right. Often, the texture is what trips them up.”

For instance, she provided an example with chocolate chip cookies, noting that even if a cookie looks and tastes great, it must also have the right gooey texture in the center to be deemed successful.

A Diverse Group of Bakers

Leith encouraged viewers to tune in, assuring them that they would be “astonished”by the skill level of this year’s contestants, who represent a vibrant mix of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity enriches the competition and adds depth to the viewing experience.

Stay Updated

For fans eager to follow along with the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content from The Great American Baking Show Season 3, be sure to check out the show’s official Instagram account, @thegreatamericanbakingshow.

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