Great British Bake-Off (Contains Spoilers)

You might call me a fanatic lover of the Great British Bake-Off. I've mentioned before how I enjoy the camaraderie of the contestants, the interesting and very British nature of the baking challenges, and the judges' high standards for both flavor and appearance. Most of the baked items are really appetizing and I always wish I could taste them.

In the US, the Bake-Off is called the Great British Baking Show because only Pillsbury can have a bake off. It appears on PBS six months to a year after it shows in England. Well, we couldn't wait so we managed to watch on the BBC using something called a VPN which Len coaxed and coaxed until we saw each show. 

Tonight was the final show of the 2016 series. Furthermore, this is the last of Great British Bake-Off as we know it, because BBC has lost the rights. On the next season of the show, only judge Paul Hollywood will participate -- not judge Mary Berry, and not comediennes Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins. Don't worry: if you aren't a fan these names might easily mean nothing to you, but if you're a fan, you know who I mean. 

Here are some screen shots from this final episode:

The judges Paul and Mary and the comic hosts Mel and Sue. 

Contestant Candice.

The tent where the competition takes place.

Judges Paul and Mary with an example of today's "technical challenge," a Victoria Sandwich --
a very British layer cake composed of two layers of cake put together with jam and cream.

Mary Berry -- a famous cookbook author that I had not encountered
until I watched the show.

A "Royal Picnic" -- the last challenge for the final three contestants required them to bake in five hours
the following items: sausage rolls in flaky pastry, little quiches, savory scones, fruit tartlettes, and a chocolate cake!