01x03 - Episode 3

[bunniefuu]

My vote goes to…

Dany and Ana Lau.

I felt so anxious.

I thought she loved our baking.

BEST FRIENDS

I'm voting for…

Israel and Iván.

You freeze up. Your blood runs cold.

FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES

Luis, please tell us

which team should leave
Sugar Rush: The Baking Point.

My vote goes to…

Ana Lau, Dany.

Dany, Ana Lau, you have no idea
how much we'll miss your upbeat attitude.

We'd all like to give you
a round of applause.

Thank you.

I think I'm in shock.

We didn't see this coming.

-Thanks.
-You did great.

Dany, thank you. Thanks for being here.

We'll carry this experience
in our hearts forever.

So far, Karen and Gaby
have the most time saved,

while Israel and Iván
are at the bottom of the board.

In a few seconds,
spirits from the afterlife

will roam this kitchen.

Did someone say "scary"?

This is Sugar Rush: The Baking Point.

Today, our bakers
will have to wow the judges.

The ones here
and the ones from the afterlife.

-Wait, Luli!
-No, Lis. Now!

You're alone.

-It's too much.
-Sorry.

-For this challenge…
-The theme is Day of the Dead.

And our guest judge today

is the most wicked soap opera villain
of all time.

ITATÍ CANTORAL - ACTRESS

Itatí Cantoral!

HOST

Gris Verduzco is explaining to our bakers
what the first challenge is about.

She's also reminding them
that the bottom two teams

will lose 30 minutes for their cake round.

Yikes.

And that sound means
that the sweetest race has just begun!

Follow me.

Lis, Luli.
Start things off right with a hug.

I feel like we can do no wrong today.

Ruth, Rubí, do great things.

-We're raring to go.
-Raring.

-Israel and Iván.
-Hi.

Are we gonna talk about the minibus?

What minibus? It never happened.

-Forget it.
-We have amnesia.

FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES

Karen, Gaby, staying positive, as always.

-Keep it up.
-You can do anything with good vibes.

Gris, Luis, so nice to see you.

And look at that.
Itatí Cantoral, thank you for being here.

-Itatí.
-Thank you. It's a pleasure.

I can't wait to try those desserts.

-How much…?
-Like…

Gris, please tell us
what this first round is all about.

They'll need to draw inspiration
from the delicious pan de muerto

in order to create their own version
in a cupcake.

I love cupcakes, so I'd love to try this.

ROUND 1
CHALLENGE 1: CUPCAKES

Orange. I like it.

We'll bake to honor our loved ones
who aren't with us anymore.

We'll add marigolds.

We hope everything turns out great.
In honor of my grandma.

-Orange blossom water…
-And orange.

Pan de muerto reminds me of my loved ones
who have passed on.

Especially my grandma.

-Obviously orange blossom.
-And tangerine?

We had a friend named Armando Cajero.

He was an incredible person
and an amazing chef.

This is our tribute to him.

This smell reminds me of Spain.

Nice memories, right?

It's okay, sweetie.

This right here's already quivering.

-The eye.
-Yeah.

It reminds me of home.

And my family and Christmas. Oh well.

I haven't seen them in forever.
It makes me kind of sad.

Oh well.

Don't get me started.

You're getting emotional too? Come on.

We don't have time to spare.
Come here, sweetie.

They're pouring such powerful emotions
into this challenge.

On another level.

True. Maybe it's the same for you,
when someone cooks at home,

that particular smell
immediately reminds me of my loved ones.

Weigh this.

-Do you need a mixer?
-Not yet.

We had such a beautiful ofrenda.

We have to do our best.

-Or go beyond that.
-Even if it takes an hour.

A whole hour?

I love these kinds of celebrations.

I love skulls, marigold flowers,
and Mexican hairless dogs.

Done. They're in the oven.

-With your finger.
-No.

We'll prove everyone wrong.

-It's our favorite sport.
-Totally.

I'm really inspired.
This is one of my favorite holidays.

We'll make the yeast
for our pan de muerto.

Year after year, I used to make bread
for my mom before anyone else.

She passed away this year.

-Lu.
-I'm changing my plan.

Come here, Lu.

Lu.

Yeah.

Careful with that.

Yeah, but calm down.
You've done this plenty of times.

We got caught up with work,

and we didn't let out
the pain we were feeling.

Why did it have to happen here?

-We're wasting time.
-Yeah.

Yeah.

-Lu.
-I'll weigh the flour.

We'll make regular cupcakes.

I've never seen my mom cry before.

There comes a time in life
when you can't hold your emotions back,

and they pour out.

-What?
-This isn't good.

The batter should've been
better distributed.

In fewer cupcakes.

One out.

Bakers, the first hour has passed,
and there are no cupcakes in sight yet.

Remember that the two teams
who fail to impress the judges

will lose half an hour
from the next challenge.

That's fast. Or did I take too long?

A bit of both.

Five minutes to make them.

Five minutes to make them?

How are the other teams doing?

We're going a bit slow.
It's been an hour and five minutes,

and we haven't finished the cupcakes.

A rosette.

Pretty.

-Should I put the bread on it?
-Yeah, put it on. There.

-All right.
-I'm behind you.

ROUND 1

I see finished cupcakes.

But until they finish
the second challenge,

Iván and Israel won't be able to buzz in.

Tell us about it.

They'll have to pay homage
to their loved ones,

drawing emotions from their memories

to imbue them
in a creation of their choice.

The creation is more personal
than the cupcake.

They need to put their hearts into it.

ROUND 1
CHALLENGE 2: CREATIONS

Armando worked hard
to revive Mexican cuisine,

so this dessert is a tribute to him.

Need anything?

-You need me to hurry.
-Yeah.

I knew you'd say that.

He was a very special friend.

He was a humble, good guy.

He was a great person in character,
soul, spirit, in every way.

-Hi.
-How are you doing?

-What's up?
-We're working.

Darn. These aren't right.
I'm not happy with them.

I'll make them again.

No. There's no time.

We've got four hours and 41 minutes.

I'd like to redo them.
Some came out fluffier than others.

But there's no time,
and they taste great.

It's my fault. I wasn't paying attention.

Relax.

It won't come out.

-My hand is sore.
-Need some help?

Yeah. Sprinkle it on the top
and the sides, please.

Are we ready? Come on, Rubí.

Ready.

ROUND 1

-We accomplished what we'd planned.
-Right.

-Should I put on the frosting?
-I'm ready. Thanks.

We're adding details with the piping bag,
integrating those elements.

I'm shaking. It's part nerves
and part my hands being unsteady.

The last details are the most important.

ROUND 1

Done. Ready.

Karen and Gaby even put flowers around it.

I need to taste that cupcake.

ROUND 1
CHALLENGE 2: CREATIONS

We'll make rice pudding.

Rice pudding brings back so many memories.

To our grandmas, who made it for us.

It's that warmth
of going to your grandma's house.

-We'll dedicate it to them.
-Yeah, to them.

Can you smell it?

-It smells like my grandma's house.
-Yeah, the rice pudding.

I'm inspired by my grandma.

She passed away long ago,
but I feel more connected to her.

-Itatí, let's visit the stations.
-Yeah.

-Come on.
-Yum!

ROUND 1
CHALLENGE 2: CREATIONS

This has to have a very specific flavor.

We want to make a cookie
filled with atole frosting.

Very grandma-like.

A ghost is moving my things.

Karen.

-How's it going?
-Hi.

-Talk to us.
-We're doing good.

-What's your inspiration?
-My grandma.

She left me a big legacy,
which is painting.

Before coming to this competition,

I lost my grandma.

So I know she'll be here by my side,
and that means a lot to me.

What a nice legacy.

-Thanks, Chef.
-Good luck.

ROUND 1

It's been an hour and a half.

I feel so frustrated by all of this.

These would go here.

-They're stiff.
-I'll make new ones.

Time is ticking by,
and the prize is on the line.

We're making chocolate plates

that look like clay pots.

Our friend Armando visited

the people that made these pots by hand.

He thought of everything.

-They look cool.
-Thanks.

-You look like a potter.
-I am one.

Bakers, an hour
and 40 minutes have gone by.

Lis and Luli are putting
too much work into those cupcakes.

What do you think? Do you like them?

Do they look weird?

-What can we add?
-I don't know, but--

I know, honey. Time is running out.

I don't get why it's all going wrong.

-Do I take these?
-Yeah.

I think we successfully handled
the important part, the flavor.

I'm not so satisfied
with the presentation,

but we delivered.

ROUND 1

Lis and Luli took one hour and 45 minutes
to present their cupcakes.

But I bet they're delicious.

-Yeah.
-But relax.

Meanwhile, Israel and Iván
are almost done with their creations.

A spoonful in each.

Spread it. Nice.

Do it.

Buzz in.

-And there it is!
-Bravo!

TIME REMAINING

These guys.

Israel and Iván are the first done!

-Let's go try them. Come with me.
-Yes!

We'll make a coffee cheesecake.

ROUND 1
CHALLENGE 2: CREATIONS

I came up with this recipe,
thinking of my grandmas.

It's a recipe I know by heart.

And it can't go wrong.

Israel and Iván, congratulations.
You're first.

Please tell us about your cupcake.

We took flavors that we thought
reminded us of pan de muerto,

which are orange blossom,
marigold flower, and tangerine.

And the decoration is pan de muerto

with super thin chocolate
so you can eat it easily.

Very balanced, perfectly baked, moist.
I would've liked something crunchy.

-You know how I am.
-Right.

Need anything?

This dessert is an A+ in every sense.

Every one.

We did it.

Let's hear what this creation is about

and who you were thinking of
when you made it.

Our friend, Armando Cajero.

He passed away last year.

A great chef.

It has pumpkin…

How delicate. Beautiful presentation.

…cacao nibs, burnt vanilla.

It's all to give it that crunchy element.
To balance it out.

The only thing is,
the chocolate is a bit thick.

-But it's delicious.
-Glad you liked it.

I love that you can just go…

Like, "Hey, it's actually not clay."

How's it going, Rubí?

I'll put in on the top one.
The bottom one is too hot.

-You gotta pay attention. Otherwise…
-It'll burn.

-One minute, then.
-Right. Thanks for checking them.

-I'm taking my time, but…
-They're coming along.

We're worried.

We can't completely plate
our creation yet.

How much butter did you add?

Our grandmas used to eat cheese
with coffee every afternoon.

So I came up with the idea
of combining these two elements.

And I think it'll work well here.

-Honey, it didn't turn out right.
-What's going on, Lu?

-I don't know, Lis.
-Okay, calm down.

Mom, relax. It won't turn out right
if you don't relax.

Everything's going wrong.
I'm ruining everything.

I need to unmold
what we have to make it again.

-Okay.
-How's it going?

-Go, Lis. You got this.
-You can do it.

-Keep at it!
-You can do it!

Come on, Luli!

Let's go, Lis!

Come on! This is a beautiful day!

-Love you.
-Love you.

Yeah.

It needs more time, honey.

They need to freeze the cheesecake
to unmold it, but it's not happening.

-Not even in the blast chiller.
-Let's give it a minute.

Give it a minute. If it doesn't work,
we'll do what you say.

-The cheesecake…
-We'll give it a minute.

Luli had a meltdown.

They're at that point where you forget
recipes, techniques, everything.

I'm worried they won't finish the dessert.

A challenge without conflict
between Lis and Luli isn't a challenge.

-It's not.
-Do you have coffee extract?

-We have instant coffee.
-We'll make an extract.

Whether it's allowed or not,
I don't give a damn.

I have to help them somehow.

Taste it when you can.

Add it to the mixer on high speed.

This new cheese cream
will use coffee extract.

We hope it'll work because
even though the flavors are similar,

the texture is different.

Love you.

Love you more.

We completely understand
what they're feeling.

And I know they can and will make it.

We need to finish now if we want
to save some time for the cake.

We're already anxious.

Time is running out,
and we're trying to control it.

-And to flow.
-Flow.

Ready. Buzz in.

-Buzz in. They're ready.
-Are they?

That's it!

Done. We did it.

TIME REMAINING

I think we can still accomplish a lot
in the cake challenge.

If they don't take time away from us,
of course.

Karen and Gaby,
you're the second team to finish.

First, tell us about your cupcake.

It's a spiced orange cake.

It's also got a milk skin filling.

The frosting
is chocolate mousseline cream.

And the pan de muerto
is a chocolate truffle.

I loved the truffle idea.

It was maybe a bit big,
and it was hard to cut it.

-The milk skin… wow.
-Milk skin for the win.

Milk skin for the win.

It's the best. I agree with that.

And I also loved
the texture of the cupcake.

Tell us about this colorful creation.

-Who inspired you?
-My grandma.

She painted all her life,

and we wanted to represent that
with a painter's palette.

It's a piloncillo and nut dough.

With a vanilla atole frosting.

And guava jam.

-Capi never lets us down.
-Maybe they can give you water.

-Capi, are you okay?
-I'm fine.

I think this part was maybe too thick.

That's why it was hard to cut.

-But the toasted part was excellent.
-Thanks.

I would've liked
if the cookie was a bit thinner

so you could cut it with a fork or spoon
or take a bite out of it.

Otherwise, the result
is what happened to Capi.

-I just need a cup of coffee.
-Right.

-To dunk it.
-So I can dunk it.

I think we did a great job.

It was a pretty delicious work of art.

-We're working with nitrogen.
-It's a way to make ice cream.

-And quickly.
-Relax. Time to make it pretty.

Haste makes waste. All right?

Better to lose a second of your life
than your life in a second.

Come on.

ROUND 1

TIME REMAINING

I think these dishes
deserve the time we invested

because we poured
our hearts and souls into them.

-I can't plate it.
-Sorry?

The consistency is wrong.
It's really runny.

The only solution I see

is to unmold, plate,
and decorate around it with whipped cream.

And that's it. We can't wait any longer.

I can't reach.

ROUND 1

TIME REMAINING

It's not what we initially planned,
and it meant a lot to us.

But we hope the judges like it
and that we can stay in the competition.

-Ruth, Rubí.
-Hi. Welcome.

First, tell us about the cupcake.

The base has orange blossom water
and orange zest.

We wanted to soften it
with a whipped cream center,

but we also added bits of candied orange.

The cake is great.

I loved that you made the candied orange,
but I would've liked some on the inside.

It would've tasted great.

-Thanks.
-Okay, thanks.

I feel it has too much orange.

-Too much orange.
-A bit too much orange for my taste.

Wait, what?

Now tell us who inspired your creation.

We made rice pudding with two textures.

Because both our grandmothers
made rice pudding.

-That's right.
-And it means a lot to us.

Yeah.

The two textures are a sablé,
which is harder,

like our grandmothers' lives.

And the softer one is a smooth joconde,
tender like the love they gave us.

The sauce under it is cinnamon,
sugar, and orange with a bit of cream.

Delicious. What is this called?

-It's filo dough.
-Filo dough.

I feel the taste of grandmas in this dish.

-You felt it.
-I did.

-Yeah.
-How nice.

Joconde, sablé, filo dough,
ice cream, rice pudding.

I like my rice pudding al dente,
and this was perfect.

A real dessert. Congratulations.

Well done. A great dessert.

-Thank you.
-Thank you.

Okay, Lis and Luli.

First, tell us about this cupcake.

It was originally meant
to be a real pan de muerto.

I changed my mind, and we made a cupcake.

Even though it's pink,
the flavor is orange.

It's filled with pastry cream.

The flavor is orange with cardamom.

The crunchy element
are caramelized cempasúchil petals.

I love the color.
Thanks for making it pink.

It does taste like pan de muerto.

Maybe it needed more orange.
Something acidic.

But the decoration was very pretty.

I really liked this cupcake.

It's good that it's not dry.

The color too.
The presentation was wonderful.

And the flavor.

Now, what is this?

And why did you get so emotional
when you were making it?

This is because both
my grandmother and great-grandmother

used to eat cheese and coffee.

On my birthday, she would make me
cheesecake with coffee.

I couldn't get it to turn out right today.

The only thing we didn't lose
is our love for baking.

It didn't turn out right?
It's delicious, ma'am!

-Thanks.
-Imagine if it had turned out right.

Delicious!

We didn't know
this hadn't turned out right.

And we wouldn't have guessed. It's great.

And like I always say,
flavor is what matters.

You should feel proud
that you forged ahead

after all that trouble.

Breathe.

First, let me give you a hug and tell you

that if you thought
this round was stressful…

What's coming…

-Get ready for what's coming, okay?
-Yeah.

But never lose heart. That's important.

-Thanks.
-Thanks.

We're used to working under pressure,
but not this much pressure.

Bakers, the judges and I wanted
to thank you for sharing your stories.

It's been an unforgettable first round.

The judges are very happy
with all of your work.

However, one team stood out,

and that team is…

Israel and Iván! Congratulations!

-We did it!
-Success.

Both of us. Three, if you count Armando.

Now, for the less sweet news.

The judges had to pick two teams

who will, unfortunately, lose half an hour

from their cake round.

The first team is…

Karen and Gaby.

I think the spirits from the afterlife
are messing with our feelings.

ROUND 1

The second team who will lose
30 minutes off their clock is…

Lis and Luli.

ROUND 1

We'll keep going.

Bakers, it's time
to start the final round.

Itatí, what kind of cake are we after?

There's no Day of the Dead
without an altar and an ofrenda.

We want you to create a cake
that represents your vision

of a Day of the Dead ofrenda.

We feel good about this round.

We want to see your identity
in your decorations and your flavor.

We'll give it our all this round.

And we'll dedicate it to Carmelita.

Good luck.

Israel and Iván,

you've got three hours and 53 minutes,
so you'll be starting first.

Lis and Luli have two hours,
20 minutes, and 26 seconds.

They'll be starting last.

I'll let everyone else know
when it's time to start.

Israel, Iván, to your mixers.
Your time starts now!

ROUND 2
CAKES

An ofrenda for the dead.

-We'll use tangerines.
-Tangerines.

We'll use mole, right?

It'll be flavored with mole and cream.

A pumpkin cake with an apricot compote.

The apricot will help keep the mole
and pumpkin cake from being too sweet.

Cempasúchil flowers are important
because they add a lot of aroma.

And the seasonal fruit,
the sugar cane, the tangerine.

We want all the aspects to feel real.

-We can't let them down.
-We have to be the best this time too.

It's hard. It's a lot of work.

-Are the other teams bored?
-I hope not. They should come help us.

We've got just two hours and 46 minutes

to start and finish
a Day of the Dead cake.

Confectionally impossible.

I'll make some cempasúchil flowers.

-Have you ever grown flowers?
-I prefer cakes.

-All right. Start warming up.
-Come on.

-One, two…
-To your mixers.

Your time starts now!

ROUND 2

This cake will test our time
and our ability to do what we want to.

We'll make a bigger or taller base.

We'll have room for the cake to float.

And we'll make a flower arch.

And here we'll add…

-A heart.
-A milagro charm.

It's complex. We'll see if we have time.
Pray it doesn't fall.

It'll be pumpkin flavor. Piloncillo syrup,
cheese frosting, and pumpkin seeds.

-And pink pine nuts in the layers.
-Right.

The cream is done.
I just have to chill it.

I'm working on the cream
and the compote at the same time.

-I'm like an octopus.
-A talking octopus.

How are you doing?

I'll start making the rice,

because we're making a dish
with chicken, mole, and rice.

The bad news is that
I'll have to make each grain individually.

I get nervous when Iván goes so far.

I have an ace up my sleeve
to help me with this.

Please, maestro.

Come on. Ten seconds.

Let's go. It's almost time.

We've got so many ideas
and so much to do, but we can't start yet.

-Ready.
-Karen, Gaby!

To your mixers. Your time starts now!

ROUND 2

-Our Day of the Dead cake.
-An ofrenda.

I'd say three tiers.

We want our cake to look like a coffin.

What about making some hands?

Like hugging the ofrenda?

And we'll decorate it with flowers,
tangerines, and papel picado.

We'll make a coffee cake.

The filling will be
white chocolate ganache

and caramelized pumpkin seeds.

Right now, we'll both work on the cake.

So we can get it done
as quickly as possible.

Time is against us.

I think we should at least finish the cake
and maybe sacrifice some details.

Otherwise, it won't be neat.

They're ready.

-Smooth it.
-It's tiny.

It's fine.

Smooth out the top.

It has to be nice and flat.

Especially with ganache.

-The chicken will be done in 15 minutes.
-15 minutes.

Lis, Luli.

-To your mixers. Your time starts now!
-Come here, Luli!

Officially, all the bakers
are baking right now.

It's the perfect time to remind you

that in this episode,
we'll be saying goodbye to a team,

and they'll lose the chance
to win one million pesos.

-If we don't finish this cake, I'll die.
-How?

-What flavor will it be?
-Chocolate cake.

The flavors we chose for this cake

are dark chocolate,
white chocolate, and orange compote.

We have just a bit over two hours
to bake this cake,

and we have to move really fast.

-You're making the second one?
-I am.

After that,
I'll start painting the purple parts.

Perfect.

So you can help me with the decorations.

No. Sorry, you're on your own.

Even though we're short on time,
I try to breathe and keep calm.

It's not the best use of ganache,
but it'll have to do

because I still have two tiers left.

Bakers!

You've got less than two hours
to finish your ofrenda cakes.

-Is it ready?
-I'm making the rice.

If we've got time, we'll add more grains.

Is the base covered?

-Yeah.
-Great.

Fondant is like Lycra.
You can see everything.

-If you've got…
-Cellulite? You can see it.

-So it has to be done right.
-Yeah.

We're celebrating our loved ones,

so we avoided the color black
and chose purple instead.

I'm making the texture
for the decorations.

Carmelita was my mom.

She passed away recently.

It was unexpected.

We miss her.

She'll place the dishes
we'll make for the ofrenda.

And we'll make all the dishes she liked.

Sopecitos, rice with mole,
coffee, pan de muerto.

Loaded pork rinds.

"I LOVE YOU"

-We won't have enough time.
-Okay.

The fondant is a little dry.

I don't know how to…

I can flatten it, but it's a lot of work.

I feel like my arms aren't strong enough.

You're gonna knead it?

If the fondant is too thick,
someone could die from an excess of sugar.

Bakers, we're coming up
to the moment of truth.

You've got less than an hour!

Give it your all with that cake.

-The rest are really behind.
-They're slow.

Itatí, what if we go see
what the bakers are doing?

-Let's.
-Come on.

We're working on the decorations

so we can cover all the space
on the altar.

Even though you started last,
you're really ahead.

We're working on it.

But we've got 50 minutes left.

I feel like a fish in water.
We can handle decorating.

Give me a bit of mole, please.

That rice is making me hungry.

Did you see all the details?

We're going to wow the judges.

Especially Itatí Cantoral.

You're an artist.

Wait till you hear him sing.

-He's amazing.
-Sing "La Guadalupana."

So you get inspired.

From the heavens
A beautiful morning

What's that?

If she didn't sing "La Guadalupana" live…

-To you.
-…I'd never forgive myself.

And she did it.

I'm leaving with my flower.

From the heavens
A beautiful morning

-How's the bread?
-I'll bring it.

The pressure's on.
I have to get it right on the first try.

There's very little room for error.

Perfect.

-Satisfying.
-We can do it.

-We just need to…
-Plate it, right?

Wait for the spirits.

We're adding the final details
with flow and style.

-They're about to buzz in.
-They had an hour-and-a-half lead.

One, two, three.

ROUND 2

Man! Well done!

TIME SAVED FOR THE FINALE

-We looked at the clock, and it's not bad.
-Not bad at all.

We could've saved more time,
but I'm satisfied.

-What's wrong?
-A finger fell.

It doesn't matter
if we have to buzz in at the last minute,

we're finishing this.

-Lu, the bread.
-I'm coming, honey.

We're starting to lose our cool.

There are a lot of elements,
but I'm sure we'll be fine.

Will it fit?

-Yeah.
-Over here.

Let me see. Wait.

-Careful.
-There we go.

Bakers, you have less than 15 minutes.

-No pressure.
-Sure.

-What do you need?
-It's not sticking.

In these cases
where there's not much left to do,

because we only have ten minutes,

I stop acting like a perfectionist
and just go with the flow.

I'll buzz in.

They're finished.

Another team is done.

TIME SAVED FOR THE FINALE

After all, ten minutes
could be the difference

between surviving or going to the grave.

We have to start assembling things.

We're under a lot of pressure
because of the time limit.

These last few hours have been tough.

We're adding the details,
the cempasúchil, the thoughts. The frame!

With the grandmas.

-No, it's too much.
-Okay. Sorry.

We have to remove some.

-We have to set it.
-With toothpicks.

Let's go.

-Let's go.
-Come here.

ROUND 2

TIME SAVED FOR THE FINALE

We only saved seven minutes.

But we did it, so…
Striking a balance is hard.

Lu, four minutes.

Four minutes.

Israel and Iván.

I'm listening, guys.

We were inspired
by the ofrenda we usually make.

We use tangerines. They're seasonal.

Bananas and candles.

-The candles.
-You can light them.

-You can?
-Yeah.

How else will the spirits
find their way without candles?

They won't make it.

Put it down.

We have to buzz in.

Here it is…

I don't want to leave the pot unpainted,
and it'll take me just a few seconds.

ROUND 2

I think Luli and Lis will…

-Not yet.
-One minute.

-One minute.
-Come on, Lis.

Come on.

You still have 40 seconds. Calm down.

-You can do it!
-I'm coming.

Come on!

-Wait, Luli!
-No, Lis. Now.

Come on!

Now!

ROUND 2

TIME REMAINING

Bravo!

It was an intense day.

I want it to be over.

I need my bed.

We'll be over soon.

-All right. Let's keep talking here.
-Everything blew my mind.

But when you lit those candles,
I couldn't believe it.

We have the "eshpeshial" touch.

It looks like a prop.

Like the kind we used on my soap opera.

Please cut us four big slices.

Take them to the judges' table
when we tell you to.

-Right now I feel like…
-c*ck like a rooster.

Proud as a peacock. Excuse me.

Karen, Gaby.

Tell us about your idea, your techniques,
each element in this ofrenda.

First, we wanted to give a unique twist
to the classical ofrenda.

This is made
from modeling chocolate and fondant.

-The flowers?
-They're real.

Some of them are real.

-Real ones and fake ones?
-Yeah.

I wouldn't have combined a real flower…

With a fondant flower.

I would've stuck with either real
or made by you.

I don't regret it.

I think the real flowers
gave it a nice touch.

Ruth and Rubí finished
just before time was up.

But just look at your beautiful creation.

This is our tribute to our grandmothers.

We wanted to celebrate them
with their favorite flowers

and with their textiles
printed on the cake.

And a cross crowning the cake,
a typical Mexican craft.

I love that milagrito.

It reminds me a lot of my childhood.

The height is something I think

a cake like this should have
in order to make an impact.

I'm not sure about the lights.

I'll sneak around when he's not watching
and yank out the lights.

And the exposed acrylic is something
that's usually covered up in cakes.

But you ended up

with a winning formula,
as you've done so far.

Congratulations.

-Thanks.
-Thank you.

I think we have a shot at winning.

Plus, the flavor.

I'll keep my mouth shut.

Lis, Luli, you're extreme bakers.

-Extreme…
-You used almost all your time.

But now that I'm here,
I think it was worth it.

Talk to us about what went
into your ofrenda cake.

We added pozole, some loaded pork rinds.

All the lettuce you see
is actually wafer paper.

The Catrina is decorated with fondant.

And Carmelita is my grandma.

That phrase is from the song "Gema."

She loved that song.
She used to sing it all the time.

How did you do so much in so little time?

Everything you made looks real.
Congratulations.

Thanks.

I admire that you didn't use
natural flowers

and instead
made all the elements yourselves.

It's a great choice. We'll try it.

Great job. You have 32 seconds left,
but it was worth it.

We can see the effort
you put into every cake.

-Thanks.
-Thanks.

Carmelita would've been happy.

I do want to sing and shout…
that I love you.

Friends, the flavor of your cakes
will be the deciding factor.

Let's start by tasting
Ruth and Rubí's cake.

We do feel proud,
because in so little time…

We made it.

Please, tell us which flavors you used.

Our main inspiration was candied pumpkin.

It's a spiced cake with anise,
cloves, cinnamon, and piloncillo syrup.

The outer layer is a cream cheese frosting
with brown butter.

And it has a pink pine nut
and pumpkin seed brittle.

A touch too sweet for my taste,
but that's just me.

-I'm sure that…
-This is great.

-We're gonna win.
-Yeah.

No doubt.

-Well, I don't know.
-Really?

At this stage, anyone can win or lose.

This is a coffee cake
filled with white chocolate ganache,

and crystallized pumpkin seeds.

It's moistened with coffee and milk
and sweetened with a touch of piloncillo.

Wonderful.

It tastes like coffee.

Maybe a bit dry.

We're in limbo.

Not sure if we're alive or dead.

Ours is a winning flavor.

And it's delicious.

We decided to make a chocolate cake

with a white chocolate ganache

and an orange compote.

-You used the peel?
-Yes, we also used orange peel.

Sometimes there's still
some pith on the peel.

It makes the taste
of orange overpowering.

So it jumped out at me.

We don't know what's gonna happen.

I'm nervous because we took a risk
with the flavors.

This cake has a mole cream,

apricot compote, and pumpkin dough.

We wanted to use pumpkin and mole

because they're traditional
ofrenda flavors.

Do you think mole is risky?

Did you think
it was a winning combination?

We wanted to use mole.

It's odd to have an ofrenda without mole.

We also wanted to add a crunchy element
with guava to round out the flavors.

It's amazing how you always come up
with different cakes that taste good.

I just thought it was a bit dry.

-Okay.
-Maybe their mouths are dry.

Bakers, the judges
have reached a decision.

We'll start with the good news.

The team taking second place

and an extra 30 minutes

to compete in the finale is…

Karen and Gaby!

+ 30 MINUTES

Congratulations.

This is the second episode in a row
that you've gained half an hour

to compete in the finale

if you get there.

Looks like we're not dying today.

The winner of this challenge,

who will add an extra hour
to their time is…

Ruth and Rubí!

I told you.

+1 HOUR

Congratulations, Ruth and Rubí.

You've got an extra hour
saved for the finale, if you get there.

Congratulations.

This win is dedicated
to our grandmas Chita and Naty.

They're here with us today.

-Israel and Iván.
-I don't know how to feel.

Lis and Luli.

Step forward, please.

Iván and Israel.

The cherry on top of this day.

Four of the most beloved people here.

The judges will have a hard time.

And it's time to hear their decision.

Please tell me the name of the team

you feel should leave the competition.

My heart's beating so fast
because this is a tough one.

Even though one of the cakes
was very beautiful,

something happened to you
that's happened to me many times.

Cooking is like that.

Something happens.
You remember it for next time

to avoid making the same mistake.

I'm voting to eliminate…

Lis and Luli.

Today's not my best day.

I preferred one team's decoration

and the other team's flavor.

So I have to vote to eliminate…

Israel and Iván.

I have mixed feelings.
I don't want to cry.

Both decorations were well-made.

You both used flavors I like,
so it comes down to details.

I'm voting to eliminate…

Lis and Luli.

Your sweet race is over.

-Thanks.
-Thanks.

We're leaving.

Thanks for being with me

and putting up with my stress,
my bad moods, and everything.

There are two reasons.

I do it because I'm your mom
and because we're best friends.

-And friends…
-I love you.

That's what friends are for.

Oh, Luli!

-Thank you.
-Thanks.

There.

Bye!

I won't stress you out so much anymore.

These are the times

they've managed to accumulate so far
to compete in the finale,

if they get there.

They're still in the competition
and getting closer to the million pesos.

But they don't know that we'll be visiting
three teams of bakers

and asking them
to compete again in this kitchen.