Day 119: 6 March 2026

 Short Story -- Bake Wars: Part Two

There was a half an hour break before the next round would be filmed.

All of the bakers were ushered outside to a little gazebo area where snacks and refreshments had been laid out.

Nivea came over and sat next Maisy. ‘Hi!’ she said brightly.

‘Hi,’ Maisy returned. She’d always been a little shy.

‘That was intense, wasn’t it?’ she asked, taking a sip of water from one of the bottles that had been laid out.

‘Definitely,’ Maisy agreed.

Hailey and Jason came over, each holding a small plate.

‘Have you tried these?’ Jason asked, indicating the snacks. ‘Do you think Paul and Candace make these?!’

Hailey rolls her eyes. ‘They’re world famous bakers. I’d guess not.’ Her expression softened some as she added, ‘But they are delicious!’

Each of their plates was loaded with strawberry tartlets, mini-quiches, and macarons.

‘How did you all feel that first round went?’ Jason asked, still chewing enthusiastically.

Nivea offered, ‘The judges have high expectations but seem fair.’

‘I’d agree with that,’ Maisy said.

‘Of course, there is a subjective element to it as well,’ Hailey said.

‘That’s always going to be the case with some like baking though,’ Jeremy said joining the group. ‘It’s not just about being a good baker — we’re all great bakers, I have no doubt — but it’s knowing what the judges or clients want.’

A few members of the crew came in carrying the trays of the left over baked goods they’d all made for the first round.

‘Now that they’re done being filmed, they’ll join the snacks,’ one of the crew said picking up one of the caramel and espresso cupcakes.

The bakers all fluttered over keen to try what each other had made.

This lead to essentially an unofficial second judging.

After tasting and mix discussion, the panel of peers ranked them:

1. Jason

2. Maisy

3. Hailey

4. Jeremy

5. Nivea

By the time they’d finished, it was time to head back to the kitchen for round two.