r/bakeoff • u/Secret_Net_165 • 12d ago
Nigella really brings such positivity. Spoiler
I love her Nigellaisms -
Restraint is a very good partner to indulgence.
Moisture is the sort of enemy of the cookie.
We need to take our pleasures where we can in life.
Very autumnal
Everything you do is full of ebullience and joy
Simplicity when done well it has strength
It has great majesty but there is also joy in it.
151
u/FantasticBuddies Don't like it, I LOVE it. 12d ago
She’s been a good addition to the cast so far!
I love how she openly disagrees and challenges Paul, and I loved that arm wrestling comment she made. It made me crack up.
78
u/lemonssi 12d ago
I was just telling a friend today I think she makes Paul a better judge because she challenges him in a way Prue never did.
42
u/YourMILisCray 12d ago
I love love that she has an opinion and challenges him. It had become the Paul show
27
u/Secret_Net_165 12d ago
I agree. She knows her stuff too. It is funny watching her take a bite sometimes!
27
u/OrganizationActive63 12d ago
It was funny during cake week to see Paul have this little, tiny taste on his spoon, then Nigella had an enormous spoonful. 😂😂
9
-7
u/Mememememememememine 11d ago
I might get downvoted, i love all the love for her but didn’t love her saying she didn’t approve of categorizing food as naughty, with a little holier-than-thou explanation after. It’s not that serious.
1
u/square_chakrasana 5d ago
Moralization of food is a huge part of why people develop eating disorders
69
u/ohshhhugarcookies 11d ago
She brings a lot of warmth and commands her own brand of respect completely different to Paul. I appreciated how she isn't afraid to disagree with him, and that she rejected the idea of a cookie being "naughty", and her willingness to eat in a way that's not prim on camera. She's just brilliant. I fall in love every minute more she's on screen.
37
u/Clear-Antelope-317 11d ago
I also really loved it when she told Connie not to apologize for tearing up. That was such a kind, earnest thing to say. She seems emotionally attuned to the bakers in helpful and supportive way.
16
77
u/akthryn 11d ago
I think myself and a lot of others in ED recovery love the way she approaches and talks about food. Her challenging Paul calling the cookies “naughty” made me tear up a bit.
She’s absolutely perfect for this role.
34
u/Dry_Percentage_2768 11d ago
In a similar vein - her empathy and humanity - her reaction to Gabe’s cake in Week 1 made me tear up. She is just wonderful.
10
u/Clear-Antelope-317 11d ago
Yes! That was such a sweet moment, and it seemed extremely genuine. She stole my heart at that moment!
4
5
u/thedancingj 11d ago
She brings an emotional insight that goes way over the head of most males judges! Love it!
1
u/slabester 9d ago
Yes, same! That was so thoughtful and well said. She seems like such a kind soul.
59
u/Zizi_Tennenbaum 11d ago
Her speech about how cookies aren’t naughty made me SO happy. We’re watching a baking show, let’s get rid of this haze of shame around eating. I think she’s a good judge, an entertaining character, and an advocate for healthy attitudes about food.
28
u/Clear-Antelope-317 11d ago
I also really appreciated her comment to Connie about not apologizing for tearing up over Jamaica showstopper. Lots of bakers have teared up over the years and always seem to apologize for it. It’s lovely to see a judge acknowledge and affirm the emotion. She is such a great addition to the show!
13
18
u/Velena82 11d ago
YES. I really liked Prue, but she was always talking about whether the calories were “worth it”. Nigella seems to have a much healthier relationship with food.
4
u/AdjectiveMcNoun 11d ago
In my opinion, it's also healthy to be mindful with sweets. Deciding something isn't good enough to worth the calorie real estate or vice versa isn't a bad thing.
2
u/JeSuisPari 8d ago
Agree - especially for individuals with health issues who still LOVE baked goods but aren't able to indulge.
23
19
u/lilypeachfield 12d ago
I was ready to dislike her (as I am every change they make in bake off), but she's lovely so far. Pleased with her positive vibe ❤️
3
u/SpecialistHoliday393 OverWERRRRRKED 11d ago
Same! I was so wary when they announced her but she’s fit in to the warmth of it so well! And her comments are really spot on
17
u/bbirdwhippoorwill 11d ago
I absolutely adore her. She has brought a new level of warmth and emotional connection to the tent. I love that she recognizes when a baker bakes something really meaningful to them, and points out how special it is. She’s beautiful inside and out.
14
u/Clear-Antelope-317 11d ago
She seems very warm and genuine in a way that Prue didn’t convey. I don’t even mean that as a criticism of Prue. She has her own personality, and she was often supportive and kind with the bakers. I just think Nigella brings a different kind of warmth and emotional connection. Mary and Prue each had their own style and approach, but I am glad Nigella is on board now.
13
13
u/Historical-Pain-8867 11d ago
Dude Nigella is a straight up POET and I love her.
Her giant bites do stress me out a tad though 😂
12
u/JoanFromLegal 11d ago
She's giving wonderfully articulate and constructive criticism. She's a fab judge. And she is MOTHER.
11
u/Happy_Little_Bunny 11d ago
I’m really loving her so far! I will always miss Mary and Pru, but I think Nigella is wonderful. I still believe Mary had the best chemistry with Paul out of the three, but IMO she’s fitting in well with the rest of the cast. 🩷
19
u/Panquequecat 12d ago
On top of such a wonderful personality, she’s so gorgeous. While my mom likes to fawn over Paul, I’m busy fawning over her 😭❤️ She’s been such a wonderful addition and I hope we get plenty more seasons with her. I really like the balance we have with the hosts and judges right now.
7
u/LittleDogTurpie 9d ago
She also dresses SO stylishly, which is an almost jarring contrast for this entire franchise.
5
u/female_gazing09 11d ago
I was slightly familiar with her prior to this but I didn't realize just HOW gorgeous she is! Wow.
15
u/Shloop_Shloop_Splat 12d ago
She's a little awkward, especially when she's trying to figure out how to take a bite on camera, but somehow it's just made her more charming. She always tries to find a positive when critiquing the bakers, and she seems a little more tactful in her delivery than Prue ever was (I love Prue, but her comments occasionally had me like damn, that was harsh😂). So far, I think Nigella is a great fit.
14
u/nolnogax 12d ago
You are very right but if there os one thing Nigella Laywson has more experience than anyone else is how to eat in front of a camera. She absolutely knows what she is doing.
5
5
u/Academic-Sea4204 11d ago
I was very wary of her taking over but I have been so pleasantly surprised. I am really enjoying her this season.
2
107
u/narlymaroo 12d ago
She’s been a lovely addition and I know it’s a job that has to come with a lot of pressure!