Welcome to the Women’s Running podcast: a very special Bake Off edition. We’re your hosts, Esther Newman and Holly Taylor, and usually you can find us chatting about life and running – though, let’s be honest, it’s mostly the life bit. Every year we get terribly overexcited for the Great British Bake Off and discuss it at length on the pod. So here we are, turning it into its own spin off so we can dissect each episode properly. We’ll be chatting about all the highs and lows from the Bake Off tent, playing total favourites and slagging off bakes we could never dream of producing ourselves. Whether you run while you listen, bake while you listen, or neither – enjoy this extra little morsel!

SPOILER ALERT: Of course, this episode is chock full of spoilers. What did you expect? Go and watch this week's episode before listening!

Bake Off series 14 episode 6: Botanicals Week

We are properly confused at what constitutes a botanical, but on we march – apparently spices are allowed, and so we turn neatly on to…

Signature: Spiced buns

Esther and Holly are in raptures at the flavours here; pretty much all the bakers do average to spot on, with some notable exceptions. Matty’s hot cross buns are a bit rubbish, Dan’s buns contain saffron – we debate its merits.

Technical: Lemon & Thyme drizzle cake 

It’s a Holly fave right here. She would have hoovered up every single one, and Esther would have gladly let her. Tasha is in trouble, Cristy is showing her stripes.

Showstopper: Floral

A mixed bag! But we are overwhelmed by some of the talent on display here. Not so much Matty’s, but we love him, so we’ll let it pass. We’re choked at the loss of a fave. Next week: Desserts!

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Lovely extra bits

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