“Taylor,” Garrett begins gently. “Your showstopper today was incredibly creative.”
She nods once, fidgeting with the tie on her apron.
“The flavor combination of peach and basil was unexpected, but it worked beautifully,” Magnolia adds. “The filling was balanced, and the sweetness wasn’t overpowering.”
“However, your lamination was slightly uneven in places, which gave us a few dense layers in the center.” Garrett interjects, eyeing Magnolia.
Taylor nods again.
“Overall, though,” Magnolia says, raising her voice and arching an eyebrow at Garrett. “A delicious bake. Very impressive for this stage of the competition.”
I let out a slow breath I didn’t realize I was holding, relief loosening in my chest as I watch Taylor take in their words. Her expression gives nothing away.
That was good—not perfect, but good.
Hopefully good enough to stay one more week.
Then the judges turn to Brandon.
“Brandon,” Garrett starts, lifting his pastry with obvious admiration, he takes another bite and chews slowly. “Technically speaking, this is one of the most impressive bakes we’ve seen all season.”
My stomach drops.
Taylor’s shoulders dip slightly, but she holds her head high. There’s a slight quiver of her lower lip, imperceptible to anyone not watching her as closely as I am.
“The lamination is textbook,” Magnolia agrees, but her voice lacks its usual warmth. “Perfect layers, crisp exterior, beautiful rise.”
Brandon gives a small, confident nod.
“The flavor is excellent,” Garrett adds. “Your orange crème filling is silky smooth. A real accomplishment.”
Beside me, Diane mutters, “Wow.”
“But Brandon…”
Garrett sets the pastry down carefully, his tone shifting—and my head snaps up.
“There’s a real problem here.”
Brandon frowns at the judges. “Sorry?”
Magnolia steps forward, gesturing to the pastry. “The challenge specifically required a laminated pastry that incorporated a fruit componentinto the pastry structure itself.”
Brandon’s brow furrows, still not understanding
“You used orangeextractin the filling. That isn’t the same as a baked fruit component.”
A thick blanket of silence drops over the tent.
Brandon straightens. “But the bake itself was perfect.”
“No one is disputing that. Technically, it was exceptional.” Garrett says matter-of-factly.
Brandon folds his arms, waiting for the judges to go on.
“That being said, the instructions were very clear. The fruit element needed to be incorporated as an actual fruit inclusion, not just a flavor.”
The way Garrett says the words and glowers over his shoulder at Magnolia, it’s clear the decision wasn’t unanimous.
