Ep 7. Madrid

Paul Hollywood City Bakes season 1 episode 7 takes us to the heart of Spain - to the vibrant city of Madrid. With its rich cultural heritage and sublime culinary traditions, Madrid has much to offer in terms of delicious food and mouth-watering sweets. In this episode, Paul Hollywood takes us on a tour of the city and showcases some of its most iconic desserts.

The episode starts with Paul arriving in Madrid and heading straight to the bustling San Miguel Market. Here, he samples some of the city's most popular desserts: flaky empanadas filled with rich chocolate, sweet churros dipped in hot chocolate, creamy crema catalana, and crunchy almendras garrapiñadas made with caramelized almonds. Each dessert is unique in flavor, texture, and presentation, but all are equally delicious.

Next, Paul visits La Mallorquina, a legendary bakery that has been serving Madrileños for over a century. Here, he learns the art of making the perfect ensaimada, a type of sweet pastry that is a staple in the Balearic Islands and is often enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. The ensaimada is made from buttery dough that is stretched and rolled into paper-thin layers, then twisted into a spiral shape and dusted with powdered sugar. Paul takes on the challenge of making his own ensaimada under the watchful eye of the master bakers, and manages to create a stunning pastry that is as delicious as it is beautiful.

Later in the episode, Paul visits the trendy neighborhood of Malasaña to try some of the most creative desserts in the city. At La Duquesita, a trendy pastry shop that has been updated for the 21st century, he samples "la Rosa de Madrid," a stunning dessert that looks like a rose but is actually made from layers of puff pastry, cream, and fresh raspberries. The dessert is as beautiful as it is tasty, with a delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors that make it an instant hit.

Finally, Paul heads to the Casa de Postres, a popular café that specializes in classic Spanish desserts with a modern twist. Here, he tries the "torrija," a type of French toast soaked in milk and cinnamon, then coated in crunchy caramel and served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. The torrija is rich, decadent, and full of flavor, and is a perfect example of how classic Spanish desserts can be reimagined and updated for contemporary palates.

Throughout the episode, Paul meets with local bakers and chefs who share their passion for dessert making and reveal the secrets behind some of Madrid's most beloved sweets. He also takes us on a tour of the city's most iconic landmarks, from the Royal Palace and the Retiro Park to the bustling streets of Gran Vía.

Overall, Paul Hollywood City Bakes season 1 episode 7 is a delicious and informative journey through Madrid's culinary culture. It showcases the city's rich heritage and traditions, while also highlighting the creativity and innovation of some of its most talented dessert makers. Whether you're a fan of classic Spanish desserts or modern twists on old favorites, this episode is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.