Saffron, sparkles and savoury delights: Elora Khanom wins Season 8 of The Great Canadian Baking Show
Fans can now stream all episodes and watch her inspiring journey to victory!
Season 8 of The Great Canadian Baking Show is over and we're so excited to announce Elora Khanom as our winner.
Who is Elora Khanom?
Elora is a 43-year-old e-commerce process assistant who immigrated to Canada from Bangladesh in 2004. In love with the colour pink, all things that sparkle and tea parties, Elora was a charming addition to the tent this season. "This winning means the world to me!" she says, "I never thought I would be able to go that far! I remember telling my husband before I went to the tent that please pray for me so that I can stay at least two weeks. I don't want to go home first week!"
What inspired Elora Khanom to start baking?
Elora's baking journey started when she moved to Canada. She borrowed books from the library to learn in her spare time. But in 2009, her son was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of three and Elora was determined that he not miss out on his favourite treat: donuts.
She started experimenting with how to reduce the carb and sugar content of her baking to make foods that he would be able to enjoy, "still sweet but bit less sugar. I thought, 'he doesn't have to compromise!' Since then I'm falling in love with baking!"
Elora is also an accomplished artist who paints and creates resin geode art, which she learned from watching internet tutorials. That's part of why her baked creations were so stunning!
What are some of Elora Khanom's most show-stopping creations?
Elora admits that she's competitive and has been training for her appearance in the tent since 2019. She even bakes with a timer just for practice!
She clearly has a knack for savoury treats too. Her favourite spice is saffron and she loves using chillies in her baking. Elora's savoury Chicken Secret Spice Samosas hit the mark with the judges and secured her position as Star Baker during Savoury Week.
She had the most fun making a showstopper cartoon cake in Episode 5, a boozy mint cake with lime curd and buttercream shaped like a high-end handbag. It was her first time baking with alcohol!
What's next for Elora Khanom?
"I learned so much from the other bakers. All the bakers were so talented and creative," Elora says. "The best part of being in the tent is, I made nine amazing friends!"
She encourages all bakers to apply to appear on The Great Canadian Baking Show, "do not hesitate, if I can make it! So can you!"
With her new bragging rights and cake plate, Elora would love the opportunity to collaborate with restaurants and other bakers in the future.
Follow Elora Khanom on Instagram to see more of her baking creations.
Watch Season 8 of The Great Canadian Baking Show free now on CBC Gem and apply for Season 9 here.
CBC Gem is available for free as an App for iOS, tvOS, Fire TV, Android TV, Android phones and tablets, LG and Samsung Smart TVs, Roku, and Xbox One/S/X and online at gem.cbc.ca
