Season 8: Week 8 – Finale Week

Can you believe it?! It might have taken all season, but we’ve finally caught up and just in time for the Finale! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes of the week one final time and listen as they celebrate the winner of Season 8. Thanks again to all our listeners for coming on this journey once again!

Signature – Elegant Tartlets (0:00)
Technical – Choux Cake (9:56)
Showstopper – Korovai (22:19)

Season 8: Week 7 – Celebration Week

Ceeeeelebrate good times, come on! It’s Celebration Week in the Baking Show Tent and Michael & James are here for a good time as they breakdown all the bakes of the week.

Signature – Diwali Sweets Box (0:00)
Technical – Turrón De Doña Pepa (14:05)
Showstopper – Kek Lapis Sarawak (19:28)

Season 8: Week 6 – Nature Week

It’s time to get back to earth and keep it natural for the first ever Nature Week in the Baking Show Tent! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes of the week.

Signature – Macaron Critters (0:00)
Technical – M’Hancha (19:22)
Showstopper – Nature Shadowbox (27:58)

Season 8: Week 5 – Arts & Crafts Week

Time to get creative and crafty in the Baking Show Tent! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes in Arts & Crafts Week.

Signature – Focaccia Painting (0:00)
Technical – Origami Entremets (10:06)
Showstopper – Cartoon Cake (18:30)

Season 8: Week 4 – Coffee & Tea Week

We’ve got a fresh brew of The Cooling Rack here for you to breakdown all the bakes of the week in the Baking Show Tent to celebrate the first ever Coffee & Tea Week. Join Michael & James as they steep in the bakes!

Signature – Tiramisu (0:00)
Technical – Melktert (12:57)
Showstopper – Fika Spread (24:35)

Season 8: Week 3 – Savoury Week

It’s Savoury Week in the Baking Show Tent, but we’ve got a sweet episode for you! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes of the week (Michael may be extra hungry) and end up discussing slang.

Signature – Samosas (0:00)
Technical – Korean Cream Cheese Garlic Buns (13:50)
Showstopper – Wellingtons (28:15)

Season 8: Week 2 – Cookie Week

It’s time to get kooky for cookies in the Baking Show Tent! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes of the week and then go on a journey about Stanleys and Fridgescaping.

Signature – Stuffed Cookie (0:00)
Technical – Pink Wafer Cookie (26:38)
Showstopper – Cookie Map (36:22)

Season 8: Week 1 – Cake Week

Well, better late than never, right?! The Cooling Rack returns to breakdown all the bakes of Season 8 of the Great Canadian Baking Show. We may be a few days late, but we’re here to have fun and figured it’s better to be late than to not do the podcast at all! Thanks for sticking with us!

Signature – Love Cake (0:00)
Technical – Schmoo Cake (16:48)
Showstopper – Split Cake (25:23)

Season 7 Lookback – Interviews with Bakers Andrew Evers, Candice Riley, Camila García Hernández, & Loïc Fauteux-Goulet

It’s time for our treat to you! Join Michael and James as they sit down for fireside chats with Season 7 bakers, Andrew, Candice, Camila and Loïc. A special thanks to all our listeners and to the Season 7 bakers; it’s been a blast and we’ll see you for Season 8!

Interview with Andrew (1:45)
Interview with Loïc, Candice, and Camila (24:08)

Season 7: The Great Canadian Holiday Baking Show

Sleigh Bells Ring! It’s The Great Canadian Holiday Baking Show! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the festive bakes of the week and revel in the glory of these amazing bakers. Also, don’t miss out on a special bonus treat next week! Happy Holidays everyone!

Signature – Milk & Cookies Tart (0:00)
Technical – Sufganiyot (10:45)
Showstopper – Edible Gift (19:55)

Season 7: Week 8 – Finale Week

How are we already here?! It’s Finale Week in the Baking Show Tent, so join Michael and James as they breakdown the final bakes of Season 7 and celebrate the winner. But don’t worry, we’re not done just yet! We’ll be back next week for the Holiday Baking Show, and we’ve got some other fun surprises in store…

Signature – Torta Diplomatica (0:00)
Technical – Passionfruit Mille Crêpe Cake (11:27)
Showstopper – Anti-Gravity Cake (28:10)

Season 7: Week 7 – Patisserie Week

Don’t try this at home! It’s Patisserie Week in the Baking Show Tent, so sit back and watch the Season 7 bakers do all the difficult bakes instead of trying to yourself. Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes of the week!

Signature – Religieuses (0:00)
Technical – Chaja (12:41)
Showstopper – Entremet Display (22:41)

Season 7: Week 6 – Spice Week

Ooooooh it’s getting épicée up in here! It’s Spice Week in the Baking Show Tent, so join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes of the week.

Signature – Ras Malai Cake Slices (0:00)
Technical – Jamaican Patties (9:57)
Showstopper – Spiced Cookie Architectural Wonder (20:19)

Season 7: Week 5 – Old School Week

It’s time to go back, back, back, back, back in time for Old School Week on The Great Canadian Baking Show! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the groovy bakes of the week.

Signature – Toaster Pastry (0:00)
Technical – Knafeh (17:32)
Showstopper – Kitsch Cake (25:04)

Season 7: Week 4 – Harvest Week

Hey there, hi there, ho there! It’s Harvest Week in the Baking Show Tent, so join Michael & James for a cornucopia of opinions as they breakdown all the bakes of the week.

Signature – Pide (0:00)
Technical – Thousand Layer Moon Cake (14:44)
Showstopper – Fruit Tile Tart (21:47)

Season 7: Week 3 – Cookie Week

It’s time to get kooky! No wait, cookie! It’s Cookie Week in the Baking Show Tent, so join Michael & James as they break down all the bakes of the week.

Signature – Embroidery Cookies (0:00)
Technical – Kaak Nakache (19:27)
Showstopper – Cookie Layer Cake (36:22)

Season 7: Week 2 – Bread Week

The time has come for the Season 7 bakers to proof themselves! It’s Bread Week in the GCBS Tent and Michael & James are here with breakdowns of all the bakes of the week. Thanks for listening and Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Signature – Cornbread (0:00)
Technical – Rosca de Reyes (19:41)
Showstopper – Tower of Buns (31:41)

Season 7: Week 1 – Cake Week

Guess who’s back in the tent?! Or at least back with microphones and opinions few people asked for! Join Michael & James as they embark on the Season 7 journey of The Great Canadian Baking Show! Be sure to stick around til the end of the episode as we also have special on-set interviews with judges Bruno & Kyla and hosts Alan & Anne.

Signature – Roll Cake (0:00)
Technical – Boston Cream Pie (18:20)
Showstopper – Top Forward Cake (30:47)
Interview with Alan & Anne (47:44)
Interview with Bruno & Kyla (57:12)

Season 6: The Great Canadian Holiday Baking Show

Seasons Greetings & Many Happy Bakes! It’s time for another edition of The Great Canadian Holiday Baking Show! Join Michael & James as they breakdown all the festive bakes of the week. Thank you to the show & all our listeners for another fantastic season; we’re looking forward to returning next season!

Signature – Holiday Parter Platter (0:00)
Technical – Gefullte Herzen (14:01)
Showstopper – Holiday Cake Scene (22:16)

Season 6: Week 8 – Finale Week

As Season 6 of The Great Canadian Baking Show comes to a close, join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes of the week and celebrate the Season 6 winner! Thanks again for all your support this season and congratulations to all the bakers! We’ll return for the Holiday Baking Show.

Signature – Paris-Brest (0:00)
Technical – Cassata Siciliana (9:17)
Showstopper – Garden Party Centrepiece (16:50)

Season 6: Week 7 – Fancy Dessert Week

Veré Phancé! It’s Fancy Dessert Week in the Baking Show Tent! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all of the bakes of the week and get a mean hankering for Jell-O along the way!

Signature – Mochi Donuts (0:00)
Technical – Sans Rival (14:01)
Showstopper – Jelly Art Cake (28:30)

Season 6: Week 6 – Pastry Week

We’re rolling in to Pastry Week in the Baking Show Tent! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all of the bakes of the week and stick around at the end for an extra special interview with Season 6 Baker Rosemary O’Neill. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Signature – Hungarian Chimney Cakes (0:00)
Technical – Mango Rose Tart (13:17)
Showstopper – Baklava Tower (21:40)
Interview with Rosemary O’Neill (39:09)

Season 6: Week 5 – Chocolate Week

We’re melting with excitement over Chocolate Week in the Baking Show Tent! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes of the week, and stick around at the end when they enjoy some tasty treats from Season 6 Baker, Rosemary!

Signature – Ice Cream Sandwiches (0:00)
Technical – Sacher Torte (13:28)
Showstopper – Chocolate Reveal (23:36)
Tasting – Gingerbread & Bergamot Cakes (38:10)

Season 6: Week 4 – Botanical Week

Things are in full bloom in the Baking Show Tent as the bakers enter Botanical Week! Join Michael and James are they breakdown all the bakes of the week with plenty of fun along the way. And don’t forget, a rose by any other name…

Signature – Sandwich Cookies (0:00)
Technical – Chebakia (14:31)
Showstopper – Illusion Cake (27:04)

Season 6: Week 3 – Bread Week

You bread-er believe it; it’s Bread Week in the GCBS Tent! Join Michael & James as they breakdown all the bakes of the week with some fun interludes along the way!

Signature – Flatbreads (0:00)
Technical – Swedish Tea Ring (14:16)
Showstopper – Bread Work of Art (30:23)

Season 6: Week 2 – Biscuits & Bars Week

It’s Biscuits & Bars Week in the GCBS Tent and Michael & James are here to breakdown all the *checks notes ~ Wait, what did I write down?* bakes of the week. Thanks to all of our listeners for so many kind messages upon our return last week. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Signature – Meringue Bars (0:00)
Technical – Alfajores (12:01)
Showstopper – Fairy Tale Cookie Scene (23:34)

Season 6: Week 1 – Cake Week

Welcome back to an all-new season of The Cooling Rack! Join Michael and James as they get to know the 10 new bakers of Season 6 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. To kick things off it’s Cake Week and the duo breaks all the highs, the lows and the bolo de rolos of the week!

Signature – Friands (0:00)
Technical – Bolo de Rolo (15:17)
Showstopper – Kawaii Cake (29:40)

Season 5: The Great Canadian Holiday Baking Show

It’s the most festive time of the year! And what better way to celebrate than with a second helping of The Great Canadian Holiday Baking Show!? Join Michael and James as they breakdown all of the festive bakes from returning contestants Jodi, Colin, Sachin & Linda. Happy Holidays everyone!

Signature – Goodie Tray (0:00)
Technical – Vinarterta (12:23)
Showstopper – Festive Choux Wreath (19:11)

Season 5: Week 8 – Finale Week

It’s Finale Week in the Bake Off Tent and if the tension were any thicker you could cut it with a knife…or prove it in a drawer! Join Michael & James one last time in Season 5 as they breakdown all of the bakes of the week.

Also, don’t miss when they return next week for the Great Holiday Baking Show!

Signature – Mousse Tart (0:00)
Technical – Delizie al Limone (13:53)
Showstopper – Baking Journey Cake (20:24)

Season 5: Week 7 – French Patisserie Week

It takes a delicate touch to make it to the final & French Patisserie Week is all that stands between the bakers and the Season 5 finale. Join Michael and James as they breakdown all of the bakes of the week & speculate who may be the winner!

Signature – Vol au vents (0:00)
Technical – Baba aux rhum (11:57)
Showstopper – Petit fours (19:45)

Season 5: Week 6 – Caramel Week

Is it care-a-mel or kar-a-mel?! These are the eternal questions and more that Michael & James attempt to answer as they breakdown all the bakes in the GCBS Tent from Week 6.

Signature – Florentines (0:00)
Technical – Caramel Glaze Donut (11:57)
Showstopper – Caramel Layer Cake (17:36)

Season 5: Week 5 – Pie Week

So happy you could pie! It’s Pie Week in the Baking Show Tent & the competition is really heating up as the bakers are all vying for a spot to get ever closer to the final! Join Michael & James as they breakdown all the bakes from Week 5.

Signature – Provincial Pie (0:00)
Technical – Portuguese Custard Tarts (9:43)
Showstopper – Hand Raised Pies (16:05)

Season 5: Week 4 – Bread Week

The proof is in the proofing! It’s Bread Week in the Baking Show Tent & the yeast you can do is listen to the latest episode of The Cooling Rack. Join Michael & James as they breakdown all of the bakes of the week.

Signature – Babka (0:00)
Technical – Bo Lo Bao (9:55)
Showstopper – Bread Basket (16:27)

Season 5: Week 3 – Celebration Week

Cheers! It’s Celebration Week in the GCBS Tent and there’s plenty of reason for good spirits. Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the bakes from Week 3.

Signature – Eclairs (0:00)
Technical – Spider Web Cake (17:43)
Showstopper – Meringue Wedding Centrepiece (27:50)

Season 5: Week 2 – Cookie Week

Munch munch; crunch crunch! It’s Cookie Week in the GCBS Tent, so join Michael & James as they breakdown all the bakes (including some truly jaw-dropping creations) in Week 2.

Signature – Ice Box Cookies (0:00)
Technical – Pirouette Cookies (19:28)
Showstopper – Cookie Mosaic (28:17)

Season 5: Week 1 – Cake Week

Oh me, oh my! TWO seasons of The Great Canadian Baking Show in one year?! How lucky can we be! Michael and James are back with weekly recaps and breakdowns of all the bakes on GCBS. Join them as they share their thoughts on the new cast of bakers and how everyone fared in Week One.

Signature – Pound Cake (0:00)
Technical – Lamingtons (18:04)
Showstopper – Fault Line Cake (27:58)

Season 4 Lookback: Interviews with Bakers Larry Harris, Tanner Davies, Mahathi Mundluru, Maggie Frith & Raufikat Oyawoye-Salami

Season 4 of The Great Canadian Baking Show may have wrapped, but that doesn’t mean our craving for more has been satisfied! Hopefully our interviews with Season 4 baker-contestants Larry Harris, Tanner Davies, Mahathi Mundluru, Maggie Frith & Raufikat Oyawoye-Salami will help satiate your appetite until Season 5! Thanks for listening all season long!

Larry – 2:13
Tanner – 17:27
Mahathi – 30:41
Maggie – 46:13
Raufikat – 59:18

Season 4: Week 8 – Finale Week

So it all comes down to this! Three bakers enter the tent and only one will win! Join Michael and James as they breakdown the bakes for a final time this season and find out who won the Baking Bracket. Thanks again for all the support this season! We’re hoping to have a surprise to share soon!

Signature – Ice Cream Bombe Cake (0:00)
Technical – Gâteau St-Honoré (16:47)
Showstopper – Treat Trolley (25:35)

Season 4: Week 7 – Fancy Dessert Week

Put on your glad rags, it’s Fancy Dessert Week in the Baking Show Tent! As we get ever-so-close to the finale, Michael and James break down the bakes of the week, provide a final update to their baking brackets and guess who may win the season!

Signature – Entremets (0:00)
Technical – Passionfruit Chocolate Charlotte Cake (14:50)
Showstopper – Meringue Crunch Cake (26:26)

Season 4: Week 6 – Pastry Week

It’s Pastry Week in the Baking Show Tent and Michael and James are here to breakdown all of the bakes of the week, including their veg-filled thoughts on the Showstopper! Later, the guys go over their Baking Brackets and give a listener shoutout.

Signature – Strudel (0:00)
Technical – Bakewell Tart (19:15)
Showstopper – Vegetable Tart (33:29)

Season 4: Week 5 – Botanical Week

Spring is in the air and Botancial Week is in full bloom in the Baking Show Tent! Join Michael and James as they break down their favourite bakes of the week and update their baking brackets!

Signature – Fruit Tart (0:00)
Technical – Herb Garden Dumplings (23:50)
Showstopper – Two-Tiered Floral Cake (34:31)

Season 4: Week 4 – Italian Week

Buongiorno! It’s Italian Week in the Baking Show tent and Michael and James are here to dish on all the amazing (and we TRULY mean amazing) bakes from Week 4 of The Great Canadian Baking Show!

Signature – Biscotti (0:00)
Technical – Cannoncini (20:05)
Showstopper – Leaning Tower (34:33)

Season 4: Week 3 – Cookie Week

NOM NOM NOM! It’s Cookie Week in the Baking Show tent and Michael & James are here to gobble it all up. Join the guys as they breakdown the bakes for the week and check in on their Baking Brackets.

Signature – Linzer Cookies (0:00)
Technical – Stroopwafels (20:05)
Showstopper – Cookie Family Portrait (33:35)

Season 4: Week 2 – Bread Week

It’s Bread Week and The Cooling Rack is here to rise to the occasion (get it)! Michael and James are breaking down all their favourite bakes from the week and they also update their Baking Brackets. Did you have a favourite bake from the week?

Signature – Tropezienne (0:00)
Technical – Pretzels (21:33)
Showstopper – Bread Wreath (32:42)

Season 4: Week 1 – Cake Week

Season 4 of The Great Canadian Baking Show starts off with a bang with Cake Week! Join Michael and James as they breakdown all the highs, lows, and delicious moments as they get acquainted with all the bakers. If you’re a new listener, please don’t forget to subscribe!

Signature – Bundt Cake (0:00)
Technical – Cupid Cake (22:42)
Showstopper – Cascading Mirror Glaze Cake (37:46)

Season 4 – Prep Week

Wow, what a year and a bit! Michael and James are thrilled that The Great Canadian Baking Show has returned for a fourth season and they’re excited to get back to breaking down all of the bakes in this upcoming season.

To kick things off, the guys discuss the new batch of bakers and their first impressions. We’ve also got an interview with the show’s new hosts, Ann Pornel and Alan Shane Lewis. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode this season!

Baker Breakdown (11:59)
Interview with hosts Ann Pornel & Alan Shane Lewis (58:27)

Season 3: The Great Canadian Holiday Baking Show

The holidays are fast approaching and what better way to get in the mood than with some festive spirit in the Baking Show Tent? Michael and James talk about all the holiday bakes and the returning bakers, James & Vandana from Season 1, and Timothy & Megan from Season 2. They even speculate on some other guest appearances…

Later, the guys are also joined by Season 2’s Megan Stasiewich and Season 3’s Colin Asuncion! This is an episode you absolutely DON’T WANT TO MISS!!

Signature – Cookie Ornaments (0:00)
Aurora on Record – (9:48)
Technical – Challah (11:08)
Megan Interview – (16:59)
Colin Interview – (32:35)
Showstopper – Holiday Village Sculpture (53:09)
Winner – (1:02:04)

Season 3: Week 8 – Finale Week

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS! It’s Finale Week in the GCBS Tent (a very French-inspired finale, if we may add) and someone is going to win. Join Michael and James one last time for Season 3 as a winner is crowned!

We will also be doing an episode for the Great Canadian Holiday Baking Show, so stay tuned!

Signature – Fraisier (0:00)
Technical – Marjolaine (10:20)
Aurora on Record – (16:02)
Showstopper – Pièce montée  (18:58)
Winner – (28:08)

Season 3: Week 7 – Pie Week w/ special guest Jay Smidt

We’re almost at the finish line! It’s the Semi-Finals in the Baking Show Tent, and this year that means it’s pie week! Michael and James provide “insight” as usual; although for this episode, they also share their experience being on set while the episode was filmed. Later, the guys are also joined by Jay Smidt, Season 3 baker, for a chat about his time on the show!

Signature – Face Pie (0:00)
Technical – Pithivier (15:23)
Aurora on Record – (21:39)
Interview with Jay – (24:28)
Showstopper – Tiered Pies (41:10)

Season 3: Week 6 – International Week

It’s time to hit the road for International Week on The Great Canadian Baking Show! Michael and James suffer a complete and total case of the giggles at one point, but decided to leave it in because we still laughed so much during editing. We’ve also got a new Aurora on Record this week!

Signature – Tres Leches Cake (0:00)
(End of Laughing Fit – 14:45)
Technical – Kransekake (18:14)
Aurora on Record – (27:10)
Showstopper – Cheesecakes of the World (30:16)

Season 3: Week 5 – Chocolate Week

The chocolate is flowing in the Baking Show Tent this week and the laughs don’t stop coming on this episode of The Cooling Rack. James and Michael are here again to offer uninformed critiques of the bakes and unsolicited opinions on email structure.

Signature – Chocolate Sandwich Cookie (0:00)
Technical – Marquise au chocolat (14:29)
Showstopper – Box of Chocolates (27:08)

Season 3: Week 4 – Old School Week

Super Duper! It’s Old School week in the Baking Show Tent and James & Michael are totally here to break down the episode bake by bake. (Insert some sort of reference to Jell-O here.)

Signature – Coffee Cake (0:00)
Technical – Crème Caramel (17:31)
Aurora on Record – (25:29)
Showstopper – Slab Cake (28:18)

Season 3: Week 3 – Bread Week

It’s Bread Week in the Baking Show Tent and boy, does everything look delicious! James and Michael breakdown all the bakes, as per usual, give an update on their Baking Brackets and offer some completely unsolicited, unrelated opinions. But what else is new?

Signature – Povitica (0:00)
Technical – Brioche à tête (17:55)
Aurora on Record – (27:40)
Showstopper – Bread Sculpture (28:53)

Season 3: Week 2 – Biscuit Week

SNAPS FOR THAT! It’s Biscuit Week in the GCBS Tent and Michael and James are here to breakdown all the highs, lows, crumbles and cracks of the week, as well as an update on their Baking Brackets. We’ve also got another “Aurora on Record” in store this episode, so don’t miss out!

Signature – Savoury Crackers (0:00)
Technical – Marshmallow Puffs (18:35)
Aurora On Record – (26:26)
Showstopper – Cookie Of Your Fantasies (29:41)

Season 3: Week 1 – Cake Week

The latest season of The Great Canadian Baking Show is officially underway and Michael & James are here with their recap of Cake Week! The guys discuss the bakers in action, their faves from Week 1, as well as their brackets for next week. Aurora, one of the new hosts of GCBS, also stops in to drop some behind the scenes details in our new segment, “Aurora on Record.”

Signature – Lucky Number Cake (0:00)
Technical – Strawberry Roulade (28:20)
Showstopper – Provincial Flag Cake (41:14)
Aurora on Record – (1:05:10)

Season 3 – Prep Week (with special guests Bruno Feldeisen, Kyla Kennaley, Carolyn Taylor & Aurora Browne)

We’re back! WE’RE BACK! Hard to believe it’s already time for another season of The Great Canadian Baking Show, and with it another season of The Cooling Rack! In this season’s Prep Week special, Michael and James give their initial impressions of the bakers from Season 3.

This year the guys also had the opportunity to go on the set of the show and meet the judges and hosts. Our interview with Bruno & Kyla starts at 35:10 and our interview with Aurora & Carolyn starts at 51:05. (Sorry if there’s any airplane noise in the interviews—we were outside!)

We’ve got lots of exciting and fun new content for this new season, so be sure to subscribe to The Cooling Rack so you don’t miss a thing!

Season 2: Week 8 – Finale Week

Here we are! We’ve arrived at Finale Week for Season 2 of The Great Canadian Baking Show. James and Michael, as per usual, break down their thoughts on all the bakes of the week, their thoughts on the winner and their hopes for Season 3.

We’d like to thank all the listeners, as well as the actual Great Canadian Baking Show, for another really fun season.

Signature – Swiss Roll
Technical – Princess Cake
Showstopper – Choux Tower

Season 2: Week 7 – French Week

It’s the Semi-Final and Michael and James are excited to get down to business discussing all of the lovely French bakes in the Tent this week! Competition is fierce! The guys also give their thoughts on who they think will win next week.

Signature – Mille-Crêpe
Technical – Raspberry Mousse Joconde
Showstopper – Canapés

Season 2: Week 6 – Chocolate Week w/ guest Devon Stolz

It’s Chocolate Week in the Baking Show tent and for the first time this season Michael and James are also joined by a guest: Season 2 contestant Devon Stolz! Michael and James do their regular rundown of all the challenges and at the end of the episode interview Devon (around 45:00).

Signature – Chocolate Tart
Technical – Soufflé
Showstopper – Black Forest Cake

Season 2: Week 5 – Pastry Week

Delicate! Delectable! Delightful! It’s Pastry Week in the Baking Show Tent and Michael and James are here to break down all the bakes from the most recent episode. Somewhere, somehow along the way they also get into a discussion of Cher’s new ABBA album. SNAP OUT OF IT!

Signature – Slab Pie
Technical – Palmiers
Showstopper – Basket of Breakfast Pastries

Season 2: Week 4 – International Week

It’s time to take a trip around the world in 44 minutes. It’s International Week in the Baking Show tent, so join Michael and James as they dish on how the bakers did this week!

Signature – Hand Pies
Technical – Daifuku Mochi
Showstopper – Italian Cookie Sculpture

Season 2: Week 3 – Bread Week

It’s time to rise to the occasion as it’s Bread Week in the Baking Show tent! Join James and Michael as they go all in on this week’s episode. Don’t forget to get caught up on your Baking Bracket!

Signature – Quick Bread
Technical – Hot Cross Buns
Showstopper – Sandwich Cake

Season 2: Week 2 – Biscuits & Bars Week

It’s Biscuits & Bars Week in the Baking Show tent and Michael and James are here to breakdown all the challenges the nine bakers encounter this week. And of course, there’s also an update on The Baking Bracket standings.

Signature – Bake Sale Bar
Technical – Digestive Biscuits
Showstopper – Biscuit Box

Season 2: Week 1 – Cake Week

The new season of The Great Canadian Baking Show kicks off and our 10 new bakers enter the tent. Join James and Michael as they discuss their thoughts on the first set of challenges the contestants face. The guys also give an update on their Baking Brackets and make predictions for next week.

Signature – Upside-Down Cake
Technical – Orange Chiffon Cake
Showstopper – Birthday Cake

Season 2 – Prep Week

On your marks. Get set. Bake! Join Michael and James as they prepare for the new season of The Great Canadian Baking Show. In this Prep Week special, the guys watch all of the “Meet the Bakers” videos and give their first impressions of this season’s 10 bakers. They also start a new game for the season, “The Baking Bracket,” and invite listeners to join along!

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Cooling Rack so you don’t miss out on any episodes this season!

Interview with the GCBS Season 1 Winner

Did you miss us? We missed you! But we’ve got something special in store to go on the heels of the announcement of The Great Canadian Baking Show coming back for a second season! Join Michael and James as they interview Season 1 winner, Sabrina Degni and talk to her about her experience on the show and what it’s been like since she won.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of our content leading up to, and including, Season 2 of the The Great Canadian Baking Show.

Week 8 – Finale

After eight weeks it’s down to three final bakers: Linda, Vandana, and Sabrina. Join Michael and James as they break down the bakes of the Season 1 finale with another couple glasses of bubbly and eventually reveal the winner. While this might be the last episode of the TV show for the season, we’ve still got some surprises in store so make sure to subscribe!

Signature – Mousse Cake
Technical – Pear Charlotte
Showstopper – Three-Tier Wedding Cake

Week 7 – French Patisserie Week w/ guests Terri Thompson & James Hoyland

As we draw closer to the finish line, Michael and James are joined by recently departed GCBS contestant Terri Thompson. The guys discuss Terri’s baking roots, spirituality, and bright green icing. After talking with Terri, the duo breaks down French Patisserie week. Later, they cap things off with an interview with baker James Hoyland about his experiences on the show and what it was like to be a semi-finalist.

It’s an episode that’s as long as a croquembouche that you definitely don’t want to miss!

Signature – Mille Feuille
Technical – Opera Cake
Showstopper – Croquembouche

Week 6 – Holiday Baking w/ guest Corey Shefman

As we head into December, the bakers are given the theme of Holiday Week and James and Michael have plenty of thoughts to share. In the second half of the episode (around 38:40), the guys are joined by Baking Show contestant Corey Shefman where they learn more about his baking process.

We apologize for the mispronunciation of rugelach. James actually was right.

Signature – Bûche de Noël
Technical – Rugelach
Showstopper – Gingerbread Houses

Week 5 – Best of Britain w/ guest Julian Dentremont

It’s time for the Best of Britain in the Canadian Baking Show tent and James and Michael return to give their thoughts on the week’s bakes. Later in the episode (around 41:05), the guys have a chat with Baking Show contestant Julian Dentremont about his experience on the show!

We’d also like to extend our thanks to our listeners and the bakers for embracing the podcast.

Signature – Trifle
Technical – Brandy Snaps
Showstopper – High Tea

Weeks 1-3 – Cake, Bread and Dessert Weeks

It’s a “bake to the future” episode! Although James and Michael originally started recording this podcast at Week 4, the guys decided to go back and give their thoughts on some of the bakes from the first three weeks of The Great Canadian Baking Show!

If you’re a brand new listener, this is your starting point…just be prepared for a slight change in the next episode. And if you’re a returning listener, then you know what’s up!

Cake Week
Signature – Cupcakes
Technical – Battenburg
Showstopper – Chocolate Layer Cake

Bread Week
Signature – Focaccia
Technical – Montreal Bagels
Showstopper – Sweet Bread Centrepiece

Dessert Week
Signature – Sweet Pie/Tart
Technical – Fondant Fancies
Showstopper – Pavlova