Baking Scraps

The baking talk heats up! With only five bakers left in the competition, and (possibly?) a Fairytale Week on the horizon, Lisa, Cristina, Steven and Vincent break down the birthday pie signature challenge, swooning over flavour choices and intricate sugar work. We debate par-baking versus raw crusts, share favorite pie plate materials, and even wander into savory pie territory...cheese, onions, caviar, and all.This week, the bakers tackled the tricky Egyptian Lenza technical challenge, and we swap shortcuts for pomegranate prep and suggest possible alternatives for home bakers. It's a mix of laughter, learning, and layered pastry talk: just the way Baking Scraps listeners like it. There's plenty of friendly disagreement about whether to par-bake or risk it all, whether puff pastry should be sprinkled with a spoonful of sugar or left bare, and whether to use glass or metal pie plates - and we can't resist a few tangents about flavor pairings that might be a little too adventurous for our own kitchens. When the technical challenge arrives, we collectively question the sanity of attempting something so complex under time pressure, and somehow end up swapping ideas for how we'd “simplify” it… which, of course, get increasingly elaborate as we talk.Discussion of the Mille Feuille Showstopper brings out everyone's inner pastry artist, and by the end, we celebrate the baker who won the Star Baker crown this week, reflect sadly on another departure, and hope against hope that the “Curse of the Star Baker” is not a real thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Baking Scraps, Dominic Ménard-Bilodeau joins Cristina and Lisa to reflect on his unforgettable run on The Great Canadian Baking Show. Fresh off his Week 5 elimination, Dominic opens up to us about the high level of talent this season, the pressure of limited practice time, and the emotional challenge of leaving just before the final stretch.The conversation dives into everything from Pastry Week predictions to Maple Week memories (where Dominic earned his “King of Maple” title) and his creative approach to flavour in his bakes. He shares how his baking obsession began, the story behind his memorable “treasure box” audition bake, and the long-kept secret of filming under wraps (complete with an excuse that we are thrilled and delighted to find that we contributed to!).It's a warm, funny, and inspiring conversation that celebrates growth, creativity, and the joy of baking under pressure.Clips and footage from The Great Canadian Baking Show © 2025 Boat Rocker's Proper Television Inc., in association with CBC/Radio-Canada and Love Productions. Used under fair dealing for review and commentary. Photography © Geoff George / CBC. Used for review and commentary under fair dealing. All other content © 2025 Baking Scraps Podcast. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Scrap Recap, we dive into Indulgence Week on The Great Canadian Baking Show, where luxury takes center stage and even the cherries glitter! We unpack all the lavish challenges, the creative flavor combinations, and all the high-stakes energy that comes with trying to make mini cheesecakes worthy of the title “indulgent.”We also get into the week's wild Technical Challenge, featuring the viral Dubai chocolate bar turned into a giant cookie. It's a bake that has us talking about textures, fillings, and just how over-the-top a single cookie can be. Vincent might actually be the only person alive who hadn't heard of the Dubai chocolate craze until now, but he's already planning to make his own kataifi to try it out. Steven, meanwhile, wants absolutely nothing to do with that plan.And once we get to chatting about the incredible details and thoughtfulness that went into the Showstopper (a CAKE-WRAPPED CAKE?? What is that even ABOUT?!), we can't help but marvel at how talented these bakers are. Every episode feels tighter than the last, and at this point, it's almost impossible to guess who might go home. Watching them create such detailed, imaginative bakes each week is inspiring, and saying goodbye never gets easier.By the end, we've covered all things indulgent: sparkle, skill, and the difficulty in seeing anyone go home. It's decadent, unpredictable, and totally Baking Scraps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Baking Scraps celebrated the first-ever Maple Week on The Great Canadian Baking Show with a very special guest, Rejean Mayer (the King of Maple!), joining us for the discussion. Lisa couldn't make it this week, but the rest of the team had plenty to say about the syrupy sweetness of the challenges, and the incredible talent of the bakers this season.Cristina, Rejean, and the Fabulous Baker Boyz Steven and Vincent explore the rich traditions behind maple-based desserts and how this iconic Canadian ingredient can shine in both classic recipes and inventive new creations, even if a couple of us - ahem! - aren't the biggest fans of maple. We also unpack a technical challenge that tested precision and patience, share our thoughts on single-dessert versus multi-bake showstoppers, and reflect on the risks of working with sticky syrups and hot sugar (and empathize with one baker who unfortunately got injured this week). The episode celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship, and nostalgia that maple brings to every bake, and how each baker combined that classic taste with their own individual heritage. Join us for a conversation that captures everything we love about baking, Canadian traditions, and the joy that is the Great Canadian Baking Show. It might be a little bit sappy…but that's why we love it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Baking Scraps crew is back "in the tent" (or rather, peeking through the door) for Carnival Week, and it's a wild ride of deep-fried dough, bold flavors, and big laughs! After taking a short break to reflect on listener feedback, Lisa, Cristina, and Steven return with gratitude, energy, and a fresh appreciation for the bakers of Season 9.The team dives into the Great Canadian Baking Show episode, celebrating standout moments like Dominic's peach-themed pies, Jennifer's Korean hot dog mochi rings (complete with instant noodle powder!), and Jo's beautifully simple apple hand pies. We admire how the bakers' confidence has grown, leading to more authentic, creative bakes full of color and personality.From Margaret's sesame mochi donuts and Ryan's churro cones to Tamara's Newfoundland toutons with rum glaze, we can't help but be impressed by the imagination and heart in every bake. Along the way, there's plenty of laughter, including a detour into Newfoundland traditions; a memorable “deep-frying cat turds” moment; and a chat about pop culture crossovers (hello, K-Pop Demon Hunters meets Bake Off?).We also share our own kitchen adventures recreating the week's bakes, including Lisa's scrambling for a Prinjolata Technical Bake recipe (since CBC didn't share it this week) and Cristina and Steven's thoughts on mastering Italian meringue.The recap wraps up with praise for the Cookie Mask Showstopper Challenge, featuring jaw-dropping designs, and a sad farewell to the latest baker to leave, who will be missed. We now look ahead to next week: Maple Week (and Steven teases his secret for silky maple buttercream!). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Baking Scraps, Vincent and Steven step in as guest hosts while Cristina's away, and the laughs come easy with our guest: the charming, witty, and wonderfully honest Shaneka Ekanayake, the second baker to leave the tent in Season 9 of The Great Canadian Baking Show.Shaneka opens up about her love of cake (for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, thank you very much), what first inspired her to bake, and the heartfelt reason she and her family moved to Canada: to support her son's dream of becoming a pilot. Between stories of family, cake, and why she won't let anyone into her kitchen while she's baking, we get to see Shaneka's humor, warmth, and honesty shine through.We chat about the strength of her support system, why she hasn't been able to watch the Bread Week episode yet, and why she keeps a little Santa outside her house all year long. (Spoiler: she would celebrate Christmas every day if she could!)It's a funny, tender, and delightfully festive conversation that reminds us why we love bakers like Shaneka…full of heart, hope, and holiday spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Bread Week on The Great Canadian Baking Show, and the puns are on the rise! Lisa, Vincent, and Steven are joined by the ever-yeasty Larry Harris - bread expert and GCBS alum - to break down every moment of this week's challenges.The gang dives into the bakers' steamed bun signatures, shares behind-the-tent stories (including proofing memories and pandemic filming quirks), and laughs their way through the ups, downs, and dough disasters of Week 2. Lisa talks about improvising her own steamed buns at home, Vincent gets nostalgic about tea breaks in the tent, and Steven manages to sneak in some yoga jokes.It's a warm, pun-filled, and slightly unhinged deep-dive into one of the most beloved GCBS weeks of the season - with plenty of laughs, baker insight, and just the right amount of gluten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Baking Scraps, special guest hosts Vincent Chan and Steven Levitt (from Great Canadian Baking Show Season 5) join Lisa to chat with Dan Vano, the first baker eliminated on Season 9 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. His time in the tent may have been short, but it was packed with heart, humour, and plenty of butter.Dan talks about the whirlwind experience of stepping into the tent, the nerves and laughter of that first challenge, and the friendships that made it all worthwhile. He shares what surprised him most about being on the show, how he handled the pressure, and why he's still smiling about it all.It's an honest, funny, and uplifting conversation that reminds us why we love the bakers as much as their bakes.Clips and footage from The Great Canadian Baking Show © 2025 Boat Rocker's Proper Television Inc., produced in association with CBC/Radio-Canada and Love Productions. Used under fair dealing for review and commentary purposes.Photography © Geoff George Photography. Used for review and commentary under fair dealing.All other content © 2025 Baking Scraps Podcast. All rights reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tent is open, the ovens are hot, and the bakers are back! Lisa, Vincent, and Steven reunite for another delicious season of The Great Canadian Baking Show, and they waste no time diving into the sugar, spice, and slight chaos of Week 1.The episode kicks off with laughs and a little teasing as we adjust to being one voice short - Cristina is off living her best life in Spain and France, and while we all claim to “miss her terribly,” there's plenty of good-natured ribbing about French butter and European desserts.From there, we get into the heart of the premiere: the excitement of meeting this year's new batch of bakers, the pressure of that first Signature Challenge, and the joy (and heartbreak) that always comes with the first elimination. Lisa, Vincent and Steven share first impressions, early favourites, and a few bold predictions - plus some passionate opinions about the length of episodes and just how extra the opening montage might have been.It's a fun, cozy, and slightly chaotic return to the world of butter, flour, and friendship: the perfect way to kick off Season 9. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Baking Scraps, we welcome the endlessly joyful and creative Amos Lilley. From the moment the conversation starts, his energy and humor light up the screen…and it only gets better from there. Amos takes us on a journey from his acting days in London's bright lights to finding his true passion back home in Nottingham, where baking became both his art and his joy.With warmth and wit, he shares how his mum, a home economics teacher, unknowingly planted the seeds of his baking journey, and how those early lessons transformed into a raw talent and deep love of cake. From hilarious kitchen stories to heartfelt reflections on creativity, Amos reminds us that following your passions isn't always straightforward, but it's always worth it.This episode is full of laughter, inspiration, and that irresistible “why not?” spirit Amos carries into everything he does. If you're looking for a conversation that will lift your mood, spark your creativity, and maybe even leave you craving a slice of chocolate orange cake, you won't want to miss this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kim Goldfeder Clarke, winner of Season 3 of the Great American Baking Show, brings a theatre background and a lifelong love of baking to a conversation filled with heart and creativity. She talks about how a childhood watching family bakers sparked a passion that eventually led to the Great American Baking Show, describing the thrill of finally getting the call to compete and the behind-the-scenes challenges of unfamiliar ovens, new ingredients, and high-pressure finals.She shares vivid memories of marathon practice sessions in London, a quirky lucky-number superstition, and the deep support system she calls her Harry Potter style “army of goodness.” Kim also offers expert tips for building intricate gingerbread dioramas while baking along with the current season of Great British Bake Off, like a gorgeous time capsule cookie box and oven inspired showpiece, while reflecting on the contrast between the intensity of a baking tent and the joy of relaxed home baking.The conversation also celebrates how the spirit of the original Great British Bake Off connects bakers and fans around the globe. Lisa, Cristina, and Kim talk about how much fun it is to watch every version of the show and how sharing those stories builds a worldwide baking community. Woven throughout is Kim's commitment to kindness and animal rescue and the many people she touched through sharing the world of her English Bulldog Mr. Bentley: a reminder that her Hot Mess of Love is as generous as it is delicious. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karen Mealing, manager of culture and tourism for Midland, Ontario, joins Lisa and Cristina to explore the rich story of Canada's most beloved dessert: the butter tart. Karen traces its origins from early settler kitchens to Ontario's Best Butter Tart Festival, a free street celebration that draws about 60,000 visitors and sells more than 300,000 tarts every June. Fans of The Great Canadian Baking Show will recognize the most delicious controversy at the heart of this treat and a running joke on both CBC and Baking Scraps: are butter tarts best with raisins, or no raisins? Karen shares how that spirited debate once lit up the festival's social media and continues to shape conversations among bakers and fans alike. She also takes listeners inside the festival's detailed judging process, reveals flavor combinations ranging from traditional pecan to adventurous black garlic or peanut curry, and describes how the event adapted during the pandemic with a butter tart bicycle trail. With traditions like the ceremonial “piping of the tart,” more than 400 vendor applications each year, and a team that has grown to five planners, this festival has become a beloved cornerstone of Canadian food culture. Along the way, Lisa and Cristina reflect on their own evolving appreciation for butter tarts, making this episode a warm and lively celebration of culinary heritage and community spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this vibrant first episode of Season 3, Lisa and Cristina sit down with Gregson Gastar, a Filipino-Australian hairdresser turned baking luminary. Gregson's lifelong love for baking began at nine years old and evolved alongside his creative passions: hair styling, photography, dancing, and dabbling with flavor-rich recipes inspired by his heritage.Despite his impressive enthusiasm and flair, Gregson found himself the first to leave The Great Australian Bake Off Season 9 during cake week. But the judges and audience weren't left remembering what went wrong; they remembered his “pineapple dance” and the warmth he brought to every whisk and roll.From his early days in the kitchen to his bold leaps into the public eye, Gregson is definitely making his mark, not only with his bakes, but with the joy and authenticity he brings to everything he does.Gregson opens up about the inspirations that shape his flavors, the ways he weaves culture and heritage into his food, and the resilience it takes to keep pursuing your passion even when the journey takes unexpected turns. With warmth, honesty, and his signature “sprinkles and love,” he reminds us that baking is about so much more than what comes out of the oven - it's about connection, courage, and celebration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartwarming and inspiring final Season 2 episode of Baking Scraps, Lisa and Cristina sit down with the dynamic and ever-authentic Natasha Aschoff, a beloved cake artist and finalist on Season 11 of Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship. Broadcasting from her kitchen in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Natasha brings her signature warmth and wit to a conversation that's equal parts candid, emotional, and laugh-out-loud fun.We dive into Natasha's journey through the Holiday Baking Championship tent: what it was like competing under pressure, the story behind her showstopping Victorian Lambeth cake, and the whirlwind of making it to the finals. She also opens up about the creative process behind her highly detailed, story-driven bakes, and why each cake she makes is rooted in emotion and personal meaning.Throughout the episode, Natasha reflects on her most memorable moments on the show, life after the cameras stopped rolling, and the tricky business of the baking world as a business owner, mom, and content creator. She shares why, to her, authenticity matters more than perfection, and how baking is a form of vulnerability and connection.Get ready for behind-the-scenes insights from the competition, thoughtful advice for bakers of all levels, and honest reflections on imposter syndrome, staying grounded, and finding your voice in a curated online world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Baking Scraps Lisa and Cristina are joined by the one and only Tina Zaccardi … winner of The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition Season 4!

This week's guest is as sweet as her bakes!

It's our one-year anniversary, and we're inviting you to pull up a chair at the kitchen table! In this special milestone episode of Baking Scraps, Lisa and Cristina take a heartfelt look back on the journey so far - sharing the bake that made us fall in love with baking; talking about how the idea for the podcast got started; and, yes, confessing our biggest “Baking Craps” (those unforgettable fails that taught us just as much as our successes!).We also open up about our personal lives, getting a little deeper than usual, as well as reflecting on how Baking Scraps has shaped us both on and off the podcast. Without a guest this time, we put ourselves in the hot seat for a lively round of “This or That,” revealing our quirky tastes and preferences in all things baking and beyond.We celebrate the incredible guests who've joined us over the past year and share which ones left the biggest impression…and even ask the big question: would we trade a shot at The Great Canadian Baking Show to keep this podcast going?Looking ahead, we share our hopes and dreams for the next year of Baking Scraps and beyond. Whether you've been with us from the first crumb or just stumbled upon us now, this is a warm, messy, and delicious celebration of all things baking, community, and friendship.So grab your apron (and maybe a cupcake) and join us — here's to many more years of sharing the sweet and the sticky with you!

This week on Baking Scraps, Lisa and Cristina are joined by the Sweet Elora Khanom, the Season 8 winner of The Great Canadian Baking Show. Almost a year to the day since she first stepped inside that iconic tent, Elora reflects on her whirlwind experience…from her love of mangos and all things pink to the technical challenges that still keep her up at night. She opens up about the moments when things didn't go according to plan (including one unforgettable mishap during Cake Week) and how quick thinking and creativity helped her rise to the top. Tune in for a heartfelt chat with one of Canada's most charming and humble champions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Baking Scraps, Lisa and Cristina are joined by the sweet Pamela Kramer, a talented home baker and finalist from Season 8 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. In this inspiring episode, Pamela shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time in the baking tent, the strong and lasting friendships she built with fellow bakers, and how the experience helped her reconnect with self-care and self-love.

Lisa & Cristina are thrilled to welcome Great Canadian Baking Show Season 4 finalist @bakewithtanner to the Baking Scraps podcast. Tanner is not only a talented baker and musician, but also a proud stay-at-home dad raising his sweet toddler in Winnipeg, Canada.From living in the UK and Australia to whipping up stunning bakes on national TV, his journey is anything but ordinary.Now, Tanner and his life partner are embarking on their next big adventure: searching for a surrogate to grow their beautiful little family. @our.missing.piece Tune in for heartfelt stories, baking inspo, and a refreshing dose of real-life joy, resilience, and love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Lisa and Cristina are serving up a double helping of baking brilliance with Great British Bake Off Season 13 fan favourite Janusz Domagala, a semi-finalist known for his vibrant bakes and even brighter personality, and Keiron George, who brought his pastry artistry and skills to the elite competition of GBBO: The Professionals (2021). Now, they've teamed up - and glammed up - for season 3 of Crime Scene Kitchen, baking their way through mystery, mayhem, and meringue to the finals!We're talking teamwork, tough clues, and the real pressure of baking when there's no recipe…just crumbs and chaos. Tune in for laughs, behind-the-scenes secrets, and a sweet look at how this iconic duo cracked the case, one cake at a time. You definitely won't want to miss this one! Catch it wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts or watch it on YouTube

Join Lisa and Cristina for an exciting episode of Baking Scraps as we chat with Andrew Evers from The Great Canadian Baking Show! Discover Andrew's journey on the show, his behind-the-scenes experiences, and his best baking tips. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a fan of reality baking shows, this episode offers insights, laughs, and inspiring stories from one of your favorite bakers. Tune in to learn more about the challenges and triumphs of competing on a top TV baking show!You can also watch this episode on our Baking Scraps YouTube channel for an added visual experience.

In this episode of Baking Scraps, Lisa & Cristina chat with our buddy Steven Levitt, a standout contestant from both Season 5 of The Great Canadian Baking Show and the most recent Holiday Baking Championship. Known for his unique way of infusing joy into baking, Levitt shares insights into his journey from amateur baker to television competitor. He discusses the challenges and joys of baking under pressure, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his experiences on popular baking shows. Whether you're a fan of baking competitions or simply love all things pastry, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the sweet intersection of food and storytelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's always sprinkle season when Andrea is around! Macaron queen, rainbow and sprinkle enthusiast, and holiday overachiever…she lit up season three of the Great Canadian Baking Show, and now she's bringing that same energy to the pod. From baking chaos (the fun kind) to festive flair, Andrea's episode is a sugar-coated joyride you don't want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast, we're joined by Crime Scene Kitchen Season 3 champions Jessica Harrison and Lenore Johnson!These longtime friends (and competitors) took on mystery desserts, high-stakes challenges, and a kitchen full of clues … and came out on top! Don't miss their behind-the-scenes stories, sweet strategies, and the moments that brought them closer than ever. And consider this your invitation to seek out CSK and binge watch it if you haven't yet…it's worth it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next up on the podcast: Becky & Daniel Rosales, the dynamic sister-brother duo finalists in Season 3 of Crime Scene Kitchen! After years apart, they reunited for the ultimate baking challenge. With Daniel's pastry chef expertise and Becky's cookie artistry, they brought both skill and sibling spirit to the competition. You won't want to miss their story … and maybe even some behind-the-scenes secrets! Tune in for this all new episode of Baking Scraps featuring the talented and most lovely Becky & Daniel Rosales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for a heartwarming episode with Katelyn and Ronan Allen! This dynamic duo captured hearts (and tummies) as semi-finalists on Crime Scene Kitchen Season 3, and their love and respect for each other shine both in and out of the kitchen. Katelyn, the social media star behind @sweetkatebake brings her signature creativity, energy and dancing skills to the kitchen while Ronan is her biggest cheerleader and supporter every step of the way. As recent newlyweds, their story is as sweet as their desserts. You won't want to miss this “couple goals” episode! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Baking Scraps Podcast, Lisa and Cristina are chatting with none other than Jen Childs, finalist from Season 8 of The Great Canadian Baking Show.After seven (yes, SEVEN!) “unsuccessful” applications, Jen finally landed her spot in the tent … and she made it all the way to the finale! Proof that persistence, passion, and maybe a few dozen practice bakes really do pay off.Join us as we talk about her journey, the highs and lows of competition baking, and what kept her going after each “sorry, not this time” email. Trust us … you won't want to miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Baking Scraps, Lisa and Cristina are welcoming two incredible bakers from The Great Canadian Baking Show Season 7—Niv Menon-Saberi and Rainier Maksoud!From the first signature bake to the final showstopper, GCBS isn't just about cake … it's about connection. This episode is all about the friendships that rise from the tent, turning competitors into lifelong friends. Join Lisa & Cristina as we chat about Niv's and Rainier's baking journeys, hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, and how the GCBS experience created bonds that go beyond the bakes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Double the Fun, Double the Episodes!We've got something extra special coming this Tuesday! Lisa and Cristina teamed up with Erin and Heather from Three Kitchens Podcast for a crossover event—you'll hear us on their show, and them on ours!Three Kitchens is all about cooking (with a little baking), and these two bring fun, creativity, and great conversation to the kitchen. We had a blast chatting with them about their journey into the podcasting world and their adventures in the kitchen! Catch both episodes wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't miss this delicious double feature! And be sure to follow Erin & Heather on @three_kitchens_podcast for lots of great conversation and meal ideas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa and Cristina's next guest is none other than Arvin Garcia —winner of The Great Australian Bake Off Season 8!Known for his incredible creativity, precision, and quiet confidence, Arvin wowed the judges (and us!) with his stunning bakes. And seriously… who could ever forget that Tiramisu masterpiece?! We dive into his baking journey, his baking in the shed experience, and the artistry behind his showstopping creations. You won't want to miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Baking Scraps podcast, Lisa & Cristina welcome Dimi Jayawardene, the bright and most lovely and talented finalist from Season 8 of The Great Australian Bake Off.Dimi wowed all of us with her beautiful creative bakes, bold flavours, and infectious and inspirational energy. We'll be chatting about her journey to the shed, her favourite bakes, and all the behind-the-scenes fun (including her secret kitchen that's ONLY for photo shoots - brilliant!).

This Week on Baking Scraps: A joyful chat with Elliot Styche!First, Lisa & Cristina open the episode with a little rundown of what we brought and who we saw when we attended the Vancouver open call for Season 9 casting of the Great Canadian Baking Show this past week - it was a fabulous day with some incredible alumni, efficient and friendly crew, and some new and familiar local BC bakers. Check out the Instagram handles of some who impressed us!Then, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - at least, it was when we recorded this week's episode! Lisa and Cristina kick off a special three-part series featuring the finalists from The Great Australian Bake Off Season 8, starting with the one and only Elliot Styche.Elliot shares how his upbringing on a Yorkshire farm shaped his love of food and gave him the skills to pull off an impressive dinner party with speed and ease. We chat about what brought him to Australia; his journey to Bake Off; what's next for him; and his special bond with fellow finalists Dimi and Arvin (who we'll hear from in the next two episodes!).Of course, it wouldn't be The Baking Scraps without a round of This or That, a deep dive into Elliot's thoughts on pineapple on pizza, and his very own “Baking Scrap.” Plus, we uncover some very interesting facts about Australian wildlife and chocolate—though, fair warning, we don't have a fact-checker, so take them with a pinch of salt (or sugar!).Tune in for laughs, baking tales, and plenty of joyful chaos! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa and Cristina are thrilled to welcome the amazing Alina Fintineanu to the Baking Scraps podcast!Alina is a Season 5 contestant from The Great Canadian Baking Show and a graduate of the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu pastry school in Paris. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she's also one of the most gracious and supportive bakers we've had the pleasure of meeting. Beautiful inside and out, Alina's passion for baking and artistry truly shines through in everything she does.Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with this extraordinary baker! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first Season 2 episode of the Baking Scraps, Lisa & Cristina sit down with Marian Castelino, a talented baker from Season 5 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. Born in Bahrain to Sri Lankan parents, Marian identifies as a "third culture kid," shaped by her multicultural upbringing. She shares her journey of moving to Canada, where she and her husband—who also emigrated from Bahrain—finally met.Marian talks about her career as a designer, how her love for baking began with creating nut-free treats for her daughter who has nut allergies, and how she worked through her insecurities as she entered the competition. Despite being a self-described “weirdo”, Marian reflects on how being on the show helped her embrace her uniqueness and gain confidence in her individuality.We also dive into how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted social life, how her experience on the show shifted her career as a designer, and the lasting friendships she formed with her fellow bakers. Join us for a conversation on overcoming self-doubt, embracing your identity, and the powerful connections that come from the love of baking.Recorded November 11, 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Lisa & Cristina for an exciting episode of Baking Scraps featuring the fabulous Dyana O'Brien, also known as the Rockabilly Baker! As a finalist on Season 6 of The Great American Baking Show, filmed in the iconic Bake Off tent with judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, Dyana brought her unique flair to the competition—and she's here to share her journey with us!With her striking retro style, complete with victory rolls and funky vintage outfits, Dyana seamlessly blends her love of baking with her passion for music as a singer in a rockabilly band. Discover how her eclectic interests inspire her creations and how she stylishly matched her wardrobe to her bakes in the tent.In this episode, we'll chat about the highs and lows of being a baking finalist, her creative process, and how she and her husband embrace their empty nest by pursuing their individual passions. Tune in for a lively conversation filled with inspiration, nostalgia, and of course, a generous sprinkle of baking wisdom. Whether you're a fan of retro style or just love delicious treats, this episode is sure to rock your world! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Lisa & Cristina in this lively episode of Baking Scraps as they welcome the talented food writer Micheline Maynard! With decades of experience as a journalist and author, Micheline shares her fascinating insights into the world of food culture.We explore the intriguing differences and similarities between The Great Canadian Baking Show and The Great British Bake Off, and whether or not Paul Hollywood may be going soft. Micheline also discusses her journey into food writing and how her Canadian connections have influenced her work and her life as a foodie.To add a twist of fun, we play a game of "This or That," which sparks a flurry of entertaining stories and very strong opinions (especially on - ahem - raisins). Join us for a blend of culinary conversation and playful moments you won't want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Lisa and Cristina are excited to welcome Fred Csibi-Levin, the talented scientist-turned-pastry chef known as Doc Macaron.With a background in pharmaceuticals, Fred made the significant decision to leave his career and fully embrace his passion for pastry. He shares how his scientific expertise influences his baking techniques and how he's dedicated to teaching others through online classes and his vibrant social media presence. Fred competed in the 2022 Christmas Cookie Challenge, showcasing his remarkable creations and unique approach to baking.Join us as we explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and the upcoming cookbook set to launch on November 26th, filled with inspiring macaron recipes and insights on how to master this tricky cookie. This conversation promises to be both enlightening and delicious, diving deep into the world of creative baking and the balance between science and art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The three bakers to compete in the finale for Season 8 of the Great Canadian Baking Show brought us smiles, tears, and jaw dropping bakes week after week. Pamela, Jen, and Elora brought their own styles, creativity, flavour punches, and personality to the show, and this episode of Baking Scraps is no exception. Join Lisa and Cristina as we welcome the final three bakers in for a chat that's full of heart. All three express their memories and feelings about what they've experienced on their way to the tent, during their time competing on the show, and the aftermath. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa, Cristina, and the Fabulous Baker Boyz are joined by special guest Larry Harris, bread baker extraordinaire from season four of the Great Canadian Baking Show! With a towering bread “wedding bake” serving as the final showstopper of season eight, who better to join us and give his thoughts?We break down the episode bit by bit, weighing in on our favourite moments and the strengths of each of the final three bakers, while discussing what it was like to bake in a tent with over 40°C heat. Amazing flavours, beautiful structures, and technical difficulties abound, culminating in the crowning of the latest winner of GCBS. The S4 and S5 alumni reminisce – and sometimes argue – about their time in the tent, giving all of us some laughs and nostalgia along the way.And in the end, all the bakers gave it everything they had, truly giving meaning to the phrase “go big or go home”…because when you're all going home anyway, you might as well leave it all on the table. CONGRATULATIONS to all the bakers of Season 8 for a spectacular season; we have loved watching all of you and know that every single one of you could have made it to the end. And congratulations to the winner, who truly has shown all of us the meaning of dedication, perseverance, and beauty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nature's Recipe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebration Week Scrap Recap (GCBS Season 8) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's guest has left us verklempt! If you guessed that Lisa and Cristina would be chatting with the one and only Rita Vathje, Season 8 baker of the Great Canadian Baking Show, then you were correct (insert SCREAM here!!)!The Baking Scraps chat about who inspired Rita's baking journey and led her to bake in that iconic tent in Season 8; her role as the unofficial den mother and cheerleader for the other bakers in the tens; and her pride and love for her family and faith. It's a heartfelt and fun chat with this talented, skilled and most positive human - everyone needs a Rita in their lives! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Baking Scraps, the incredibly talented pastry king Marcus Tam joins Lisa and Cristina for a lively chat. You will know Marcus as the passionate and focused baker from Season 8 of the Great Canadian Baking Show, where he often infused bold and unique flavour combinations and unique twists into his beautiful and intricate bakes.Marcus chats with the Scraps about baking journey - that started less than five years ago - and how his passion for challenging bakes led him to the Tent in Season 8. He chats about his love for his fiancee, Amrita, his family, and of course, his favourite stuffy, Piggy - who makes a cameo appearance! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Baking Scraps and the Fabulous Baker Boyz are back once again to recap episode 6 of the Great Canadian Baking Show, season eight: Nature Week! What a week it was, with macaron fauna showing up in fabulous ways, a ssssnakey kind of Technical, and shadowboxes of all sorts. The bakers truly outdid themselves in flavour and technique, and we were HERE for it. Vincent wears pink (is it to honour Elora?), Steven conspires once again to oust Lisa and Cristina from their own podcast, and the Baking Scraps ladies discuss macarons in painstaking detail. Don't miss this recap of an incredible week in the tent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Technical difficulties abound as Lisa's power fails and she is forced to record the podcast on an unfamiliar device, and then the windstorm causes more problems (uh oh; she's frozen…)! Fortunately the mishaps stay away until the very end, and she and Cristina are able to rehash this week's artistic creations with The Fabulous Baker Boyz just in time to go watch Steven on the premiere of his latest baking competition, the Holiday Baking Championship!From focaccia fossils to a holiday wreath decorated in cold cuts, to cartoon cakes that inspire nostalgic moments, this week had the bakers bringing their A game. The foursome stress over an edgy technical they may or may not attempt, laugh over the myriad comic book noises, and join together in sadness as they say goodbye to another incredible baker this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another episode of Baking Scraps! Today, Lisa and Cristina are thrilled to welcome the talented and all around wonderful human Guillaume Boivin, from Season 8 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. Guillaume baked with such heart, always bringing unique and interesting flavours to the tent influenced by his love of foraging in the woods. Being fearless in the tent, he wasn't afraid to take big risks - some of them paid off beautifully, and he was the Cookie Week Star Baker. But sadly, the tent got him during Coffee & Tea Week - with bakes that were just a little too ambitious that didn't quite hit the mark - ultimately and sadly sending him home. Guillaume embraced it all with passion and joy. We're excited to dive into his bold choices, hear about his most and least favourite bakes, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa and Cristina are back with the Fabulous Baker Boyz—Steven Levitt and Vincent Chan, for those who may have missed it! They recap the highs and lows of Week 4 of Season 8 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. From a delicious layered Signature to a three-course Showstopper, they dive into the experiences of the seven bakers remaining in the tent, clumsily navigating a few Swedish words along the way. Their discussion of the Technical Bake, featuring a South African tart, brings some giggles, and the tent is filled with emotions as a new Star Baker is announced while another baker is sadly eliminated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The inimitable and indomitable Patty de Guia joins Lisa and Cristina for a Baking Scraps episode that is both heart-wrenching and hilarious. From sharing the story of her three life-threatening "close calls" to expressing how it felt to leave the Great Canadian Baking Show tent, the third baker eliminated from Season 8 opens up in a way that only Patty can do. She talks about her extensive cookbook collection; the friendships she made in the tent (and the gifts she left behind for her fellow bakers); and how it felt to walk her kids to school for the first time after her above-the-knee leg amputation. We play a game of This or That that forces Patty to choose between her two loves - and no, her children are not included in that question.Patty's exuberance and determination inspired us when she was in the tent and continue to do so now that she is out. Find out for yourself what a little dose of Patty can do for you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this unforgettable episode of Baking Scraps, the spotlight is on Rejean Mayer, who, despite being eliminated during Cookie Week, left a lasting impression in his two weeks on the show. With his background as an actor, Rejean brought a delightful mix of humor and flair to the tent, captivating both the judges and his fellow bakers.During his time in the tent, Rejean created stunning and delicious cookies while also paying heartfelt tributes to his loved ones—his husband, daughter, parents, and siblings. He shares with Lisa and Cristina how his adopted daughter influenced him in his journey to the tent, and how he had never even seen the show before auditioning. His infectious laughter and positive spirit made the competition even more enjoyable, as he turned each challenge into a celebration.Lisa and Cristina can't help but join in on the playful banter and show their genuine affection for him. As they reminisce about his time in the tent, it's clear that Rejean's presence was a highlight of the season. His unique blend of fun, passion, and heartfelt stories ensured that Rejean will be remembered fondly, celebrating both his talent and the joy he brought to the competition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.