It’s been a whirlwind of flour, eggs and a lot of sugar and this season has seen its fair share of baking highs and lows. The incredible hosting duo, Lesego Tlhabi and Glen Biderman-Pam and talented judges Siba Mtongana and Paul Hartmann have brought all the fun, laughter, and baking knowledge to the tent. Now after ten weeks of non-stop challenges, it comes down to three bakers battling it out to not only be named as South Africa’s best amateur baker, but be awarded with a Prue Leith Patisserie Diploma 6 month pastry course and 3 day Valrhona course in Paris.
The Love Productions format is produced locally by award-winning production company Rapid Blue.
The series is available to catch-up on DStv catch-up and BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174.
Meet finalist 1 –
CHIKOMBORERO “CHIKO” CHIOBVU
Hometown: Pretoria
Occupation: Investment and research Analyst
Hobbies: Visiting farmers markets, golf, reading, crochet, hiking, tennis, bake blogging
Favourite bakes: Cakes and breads
Most challenging disciplines: Biscuits
On being in the final Chiko said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be here. I would be lying if I said I knew this would happen. This has been such a happy surprise but also a reminder to embrace my ability and the fact that I am a good baker!”
Chiko’s most difficult challenge has been “The most difficult challenge was baklava. Ensuring that the pastry was super thin was a mission, but I got it done! unfortunately, the finish let me down a little as I lost a few of my baklava pieces.”
Chiko’s plan for the final is “being myself and bringing in the flavours!! That is one thing I have always held so close to my heart. Ensuring that the bakes taste good! I also hope to bring in some perfection with the showstopper. That one is the biggest hurdle for me.”
Meet finalist 2 –
MARIZA MUNDOW
Hometown: Cape Town
Occupation: Homemaker
Hobbies: Makes and sells chilli sauce, oil painting, fishing, scuba diving, travelling.
Favourite bakes: Bread, cakes, tarts, cheesecakes, pies, puff pastry
Most challenging disciplines: Macarons
On being in the final Mariza said, “I feel so excited and nervous to be selected as a finalist, it’s a major milestone for me”
Mariza’s most difficult challenge has been “My most difficult challenges have been the technical bakes as I was so nervous and the petit fours were very tricky to ice and at that point of the competition everything was so intense.”
Mariza’s plan for the final is “Firstly to do my ultimate best and deliver as well as I possibly can keeping within the brief as it is set out.”
Meet finalist 3 –
MIA STEENEKAMP
Hometown: Johannesburg
Occupation: Experience Design Director
Hobbies: board games, socialising with friends.
Favourite bakes: Cakes and sourdough bread
Most challenging disciplines: Pastries and tarts.
@miaatethis
On being in the final Mia said, “I feel elated being selected as a finalist. There have been many ups and downs, many mistakes but also successes. I have worked harder than I could ever imagine, and had to overcome so many challenges, and I am so grateful and proud to be here.”
Mia’s most difficult challenge has been “Time constraints were the most difficult challenge – it was my downfall in many challenges, such as the cake scape, bread loaf and baklava! But in terms of specific bakes, the bavarian gateaux and the entremet were some of the most technically challenging – all the parts had to be perfect and if one part failed, all the rest suffered.”
Mia’s plan for the final is “Lean into my strengths, and the positive feedback I have received, by being a bit unconventional, focusing on creativity, and above all having fun.”
