While no official premiere date has been announced for the upcoming season of Holiday Baking Championship, the series has historically begun each new season on the first Monday of November. While the bakers could pick the flavor and seemed to have some free reign on this challenge, it was a tall tale to accomplish this challenge in just five hours. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onFood Reviews, Recipes & More and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Naomi runs a bakery out of her home in McKinny, Texas and is a wife and proud mother of her three children. The first round is the "Preliminary Heat" where the bakers must create small pastries centered around a holiday theme. Several others commented on a photo posted on November 8th that they love her hair cut, where she is sporting a much shorter do! The base was well decorated, and the idea made sense. While not a bad dessert, it wasnt as good in comparison. +2 featured Sign up to receive weekly recipes from the Queen of Southern Cooking, Warm Up with These 7 Hot Cider Recipes for Fall, Paula Deens Family Kitchen Book Signing Foley, AL, Paula Deens Family Kitchen Book Signing Nashville, TN, Jam Packed with Love Jelly Jar with Strawberry Preserves, White Freshwater Pearl Simulant Starburst Necklace, Paula Deen Cast Iron Dutch Oven Enamel Coated, Pewter Super Post Measuring Cups & Spoons, Paula Deens Home Cookin Salmon & Sweet Potato Jerky Bites, Paula Deen Home Cookin Grain-Free De-Boned Turkey, Pea & Berry Jerky Bites. While there were four bakers heading into the finale, it seemed likely that one baker would depart prior to the last challenge. Holidays Your Way 31 Photos. If the cake wasnt leaning, it would have been lovely. Buddy vs Duff Holiday: Which team unwraps the win? $ 12.99. Nancy Fuller has chopped off a lot more of her hair and has lost what appears to be a significant amount of weight. SKU: PDCS422 Category: Special Issues Tags: 2022, Baking, holiday, Magazine, Paula, Paula Deen. If he won the $25k, Philippe would put the money towards opening the bakery of his dreams. Now that October has begun, get ready for the onslaught of various Halloween-themed programs to finally arrive in all their glory. List of Holiday Baking Championship episodes, "Ace of Cakes' Duff Goldman Talks Graffiti, TV, Cakes & College", "FOOD NETWORK CELEBRATES THE SEASON WITH EIGHT WEEKS OF HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING INCLUDING NEW AND RETURNING SERIES, SPECIALS, AND STUNTS", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Holiday_Baking_Championship&oldid=1128942620, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 22 December 2022, at 20:25. Add to that scenario a less than vibrant plating, the dessert was not going to earn him the final three. Out of stock. Recipes from Holiday Baking Championship, Season 2. For the first challenge, the bakers had to create a holiday dessert board. Corn CasseroleIt appears that Corn Casserole overtook Paulas iconic mac & cheese recipe in the rankings this year! Bobby, along with his mother and brother Jamie, own The Lady & Sons in Savannah, GA. She enjoys cooking doughnuts during the holidays because she celebrates Hanukkah with her family and, "doughnuts are Hanukkah.". 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. In what has become something of a However, in previous seasons, the smaller number of episodes were made up with the one-offs like the "Homecoming Special.". After [1] It airs from early November through late December, covering the U.S Thanksgiving and Christmas season. The chocolate ornament with its components was a hit. Although some fans do not like that scenario, many people would like to see what other desserts Jody and Sabrina could create. Halfway through the second challenge, however the show introduces a twist (like throwing in the need for brownies in addition to their main task). The three bakers remaining will compete in the final "Main Heat" challenge. #HolidayBakingChampionship, WATCH HOLIDAY BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP ON FOOD MONDAYS AT 8 PM, AND GET FREAKY WITH US ONINSTAGRAMANDFACEBOOK. Paula is sharing her best tried-and-true Southern cakes fit for any occasion. Fansidedmore specifically points out that the show has always begun each season on the first Monday in November, which would be November 1 this year. See past years lists here: 2020,2019,2018,2017,2016,2015, Sign up to receive weekly recipes from the Queen of Southern Cooking, Warm Up with These 7 Hot Cider Recipes for Fall, Paula Deens Family Kitchen Book Signing Foley, AL, Paula Deens Family Kitchen Book Signing Nashville, TN, Holiday Cooking & Baking Recipes with Paula Deen. For Adam, Jody might have given him a gift with this theme. Whether you like your biscuits slathered in butter, jam, honey, or anything else, one thing is clearyou just really like biscuitsPaulas Southern Biscuit recipe that is. As of publication, official news regarding the production of "Holiday Baking Championship"Season 8 has yet to be released. Of course, its delicious enough, it can also stand on its own two feet as the main course if youre in the mood for something decadent. Jose had a nice cheesecake with an oozing center, but it had flaws. $ 12.99. While he looked to apply strategy, he might have picked the hardest theme for himself. Given that the board trend continues to be popular, this challenge is a perfect way to tests the bakers skills and creativity. All rights reserved. WebSouthern Cakes 2021. The winner of the "Main Heat" advances to the next episode while the baker with the worst dish is eliminated. In 2019, he welcomed triplets with his wife, Claudia. In the space of a year, she has completely transformed her look. WebSeason 8. Although unconfirmed by Nancy herself, some believe she had a face lift and a full face laser to smooth out her skin. WebIn stock (can be backordered) Add to cart. While Jennifer is a dietician obsessed with "everything nutrition," she really loves cake! Should this continue in 2021, Holiday Baking Championship season 8 should arrive on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021. Photo provided Food Network. However, eyes are darting to the chefs weight loss instead. Her New Years Eve cake looked like a celebration. It wasnt that the boards were bad; they just werent as good as the others. 2023 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved. The show may veer towards the formulaic, but as the nights grow longer and people want more simple, repetitive pleasures, the appeal of "Holiday Baking Championship" becomes clear. From the almond horn to the shortbread with meringue, the desserts were worthy of a Holiday Baking Championship finale. So while I cant play Santa and bring a gift to each and every one of yall, I can at least share with my helpful holiday gift guide so that I can take some of the stress off your shoulders. Host Jesse Palmer, Judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Carla Hall, as seen on Holiday Baking Championship, Season 8. Maybe if Jodys cake wasnt leaning it could have wrapped up his own win. Of course, we have yet to meet any of the aspiring baking contestants who intend to bring some spice to the holiday programming with their creations and their personalities. WebZydeco music, a crawfish boil and, of course, celebrity chef Paula Deen helped Easter Seals Southern Georgia raise funds for construction of a special-needs respite house. Host Jesse Palmer and warm but wise judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Carla Hall bring the cheer. WebPaula Deen shares her family holiday traditions in historic Savannah, Georgia. She enjoys decorating her plates like her garden with plenty of colors and garnishes. The first episode premiered on November 9, 2014, and it has become a yearly competition with several spin-off shows, including Spring Baking Championship, Halloween Baking Championship, Kids Baking Championship, and Wedding Cake Championship. This time of year, Paula, much like many of you, makes holiday recipes that have been passed down through generations of family members, so it also tends to stir up memories of Christmases long ago. The series' run coincides with Season 8 of "Holiday Baking Championship," giving fans a double dose of holiday cheer and motivation to bake up some gingerbread cookies for their next party, per The Futon Critic. Partway through the main heat, there's often a curveball thrown in that has the bakers adapt or change their plans. The winner of the first part always gains an edge when entering the second half, and the loser of the second half always gets eliminated. Number of seasons: 9 Number of episodes: 74 Overview: The search to find the greatest holiday baker begins as amateur bakers enter the kitchen, where they show off their family traditions and superb baking skills. WebSouthern Cakes 2021. 3. Well, in 2021, it looks like youve heard its pleas and helped skyrocket it to the #2 position, upsetting one of the most popular recipes of all-time on PaulaDeen.comPaulas Southern Biscuit recipe! The first consists of baking a small treat, like cookies or brownies. The bakers could choose any dessert as long as it revealed something different inside the dessert. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. Not Yo Mamas Banana PuddingAnd our reigning champ for the third straight year, this decadent banana pudding dessert recipe is a must-try for potlucks, picnics, cookouts, and holiday get-togethers! Yes, Adam is the Holiday Baking Championship Season 8 winner. Unfortunately, Sabrina and Jose had boards that put them in the bottom two. Presuming that "Holiday Baking Championship" does in fact run for an eighth season, we predict that it will probably launch sometime in November. Richard is a pastry chef at the Ritz Carlton in Boston. pisode 1. She may have looked 72 back then, but now Nancy quite literally looks ten years younger. While it was anyones challenge to win, it seemed obvious which baker would make the finale three. WebDeen Brothers. Philippe is a home baker who currently works for a popular grocery store. Its the perfect easy dessert recipe for anyone with a sweet tooth. WebChristmas 2021. Bobbys show, Not My Mamas Meals, currently airs on the Cooking Channel. Bring holiday cheer to your table with some of Paulas best seasonal bakes yet. Jamie Deen is an entrepreneur, businessman, author and son of American cooking and lifestyle icon Paula Deen. Photo provided Food Network. As a young mother, Paula was living the American dream married to her high school sweetheart and raising two adorable boys when tragedy struck. The second part gives bakers the task of constructing a large-scale, edible, and thematically relevant Christmas dessert. Description. Here's everything we know so far about "Holiday Baking Championship" Season 8. Although his presentation was a little bland, the flavors, including the macaron surprise, had all the wow factors. Southern Lady Southern Recipes Autumn 2015. At Paulas house, a meal is a feast filled with the tastes, aromas, and spirited conversation reminiscent of a holiday family gathering. And, they got help from Jody and Adam, who were tasked to be their sous chefs. In what has become something of a tradition here at PaulaDeen.com, were celebrating the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 with a look back at the top 10 most popular recipes on the site. In fact, his dad keeps the Christmas tree up year round because he loves it so much! Jennifer started as a home baker and used to cook for friends and family. With well-executed desserts, Jody received rave reviews. Of course if you have more great gift ideas, Id sure love to hear themand I think my friends out there would love to hear em too! The second round is the "Main Heat" where the contestants get more time than the first round to create a larger confection (in size or quantity) that sticks to the holiday theme of the episode. From Sabrinas miss on her red velvet cookie to Joses loose crme anglaise, the few mistakes put them in the face off. Although many people assumed that these two bakers would be in the final bake, they did have to earn it. WebPaulas Southern Cooking Bible (2011) In this 480 page book Paula shares a generations worth of stovetop secrets. From the many layers to the luscious fillings, it was clear that Adam delivered a cake that was worth of the title Holiday Baking Championship Season 8 winner. Yes, Adam is the Holiday Baking Championship Season 8 winner. Maybe if Jodys cake wasnt leaning it could have wrapped up his own win. Also Exclusive Interview with the Season 3 Holiday Meet the Competitors of Kids Baking Championship, 2023 Warner Bros. Given the talent in this 9. Well, 2021, while far from perfect, sure did bring some good news Paulas way. She was able to participate in her first book signing since the pandemic began and she and Michael were able to move in to her newly renovated old house. Also available as a Digital Edition. Since then, she has also lost a lot of weight, which is significantly noticeable in her face and chin area. WebGet to know the twelve bakers competing for a chance to win $25,000 and the title of Holiday Baking Champion. [1] It airs from early November through late December, covering the U.S Thanksgiving and Christmas season. senior producer / senior story producer / story producer (24 episodes, 2015-2021) Melysa Lovell Garratt. Jody took big risks with his dessert board. Fansided more And at the top of our reasons to stress tends to be shoppin for gifts. (2) 2021 TV-G. Twelve of the best holiday bakers in America compete for $25,000, a spot in Food Network Magazine and the title of Holiday Baking Champion. The variation of flavors and textures delighted the judges while not being death by chocolate. Even though the twist happened periodically throughout this season, there was a twist in the finale. #HolidayBakingChampionship pic.twitter.com/TZ9hcAwuro, Food Network (@FoodNetwork) December 21, 2021. With 300 recipes, each dish will be a mouthful of one-of-a-kind Southern spirt and traditions. Sabrina excelled in the finale. While many agree she looks a lot better, another fan said she has a new neck and chin line to go with the haircut, which could be down to weight loss. Then again, if the light twist was known sooner, maybe it would have been better used. Jamie & Bobby Deen, have collectively written seven cookbooks, including Bobbys #1 New York Times Bestseller, From Mamas Table to Mine. Jesse Palmer has been host of the program since season four. Each episode has two rounds. Out of stock. Learn more about the bakers and pastry chefs competing in the ultimate holiday baking competition. [1] It airs from early November through While we all probably know the general shape of the show by now, there are details that sometimes change from season to season regarding the cast, the challenges, and the guest stars. So kick up your recipes with the Deen Brothers collection of sauces, spices, and rubs! Duff Goldman also judges the children's version of the show among other series, Nancy Fuller appears with Duff on "Spring Baking Championship," and Carla Hall has hosted "Halloween Baking Championship" for its entire run. Screenshot: Kardea Brown Makes Southern Tea Sandwiches with Nancy Fuller | Delicious Miss Brown | Have something to tell us about this article? Grace likes to say, "when it comes to chocolate if you can dream it, I can make it." Her parents died, her marriage failed and she began a prolonged battle with agoraphobia. To survive the challenges from week to week, they must prove their abilities in front of our tough-love Just leave me a comment below. Which baker earned the coveted Food Network crown? Paula loves to share those memories (and the end result of her baking) with her friends and family. 4. She also kept her promise to continue herQuarantine Cookingvideos, rebranded as Love & Best Dishes. 2. WebIn a supersized season of Holiday Baking Championship, host Jesse Palmer welcomes 12 of the best bakers from across the country to bring some festive cheer to beloved judges I absolutely love Christmas. Also available as a Digital Edition. With three dipping sauces and three baked treats, the first challenge was far from easy. To survive the challenges from week to week, they must prove their abilities in front of the tough-love judges. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Bring holiday cheer to your table with some of Paulas best seasonal bakes yet. Although the judges would have liked more cherry filling, It was a good cake. Southern Peach CobblerThis warm & gooey homemade Southern Peach Cobbler recipe may have slipped a few spots, but it certainly hasnt slipped on flavor! SKU: PDCS121 Category: Although the judges didnt comment about Adams choice to recycle a cake that he had served earlier in the season, it still impressed. Each episode traditionally has two parts. Unfortunately, like many real trees, his cake was leaning to the side. He also hosted Holiday Baking Championship, as well as Spring Baking Championship, on the Food Network, where eight pastry-savvy chefs participated in a seasonal baking competition with the hopes of winning a sweet spot in the hearts of judges. You cant go wrong. She now works as a pastry chef in Albuquerque. By this point, it's unlikely that the Food Network would redesign the basic format of the competition so we can safely assume the same rubric will be part of Season 8. He wants to win the $25k prize to help fund his masters degree. 1. With the autumn season quickly approaching, Paula is excited to get in the kitchen and bake up some of her favorite goodies filled with the flavors of fall. With a little more attention to presentation, his board looked prettier. Sign up to receive weekly recipes from the Queen of Southern Cooking. Old-Fashioned Meatloaf, AKA, Basic Meatloaf In another year full of change, its only natural to want a taste of something familiar, and it doesnt get much more familiar than our #5 most popular recipea classic meatloaf recipe. Yes, Adam is the Holiday Baking Championship Season 8 winner. There was little to criticize with his visual. Inevitably, the upcoming slate of seasonal programming will include a holiday version of the ever-present "Baking Championship" series. Today, he lives with his wife, Brooke, and their three children in Savannah. Lorraine Pascale (a former UK model[4]) was a judge for the first six seasons. The bakers had to incorporate lights into their design. Since Nancy began sporting her new hairdo on Holiday Baking Championship, fans everywhere have instantly loved the transformation. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. I want to say Nancy Fullers hair is beautiful . Save Collection Open Gallery14 Photos Photo By: Rob Pryce 1 That last minute twist was not well used by most of the bakers. Jamie Deen is an entrepreneur, businessman, author and son of American cooking and lifestyle icon Paula Deen. $ 12.99. Looking through social media, it is clear that viewers have welcomed her new look with welcome arms, Over on her Instagram, Nancys followers have praised her hair. 7. From creating holiday memory Description. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. In order to win the coveted title, the Holiday Baking Championship Season 8 winner would have to create a flavorful and stunning cake based on a particular party theme. For the main heat, the competitors combine holiday cheese board staples in creative apple and cheese desserts. WebThe Holiday Baking Championship is an American cooking competition series produced by Triage Entertainment and aired on Food Network. The show's first three seasons were hosted by Bobby Deen. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 10. Since the return of Holiday Baking Championship, she is simply showing off a new barnet. In November 2020 (see below), 72-year-old Nancy had much longer hair and appeared a lot older. However, fast forward a year later and shes almost unrecognisable with her trendy chop and youthful face. He has written two books on his own: New York Times #1 Bestseller From Mamas Table to Mine in 2013 and Everyday Eats in 2014. Broccoli Casserole Talk about a comeback, folks! The holidays are always a special time in Adams family. With her boys in their teens and her family near homelessness, Paula took her last $200, reached deep inside her soul and started The Bag Lady, a home-based catering company that marked the start of Deen's professional cooking career. Who won Holiday Baking Championship 2021? Cheesy Squash Casserole A newcomer to the list this year, this easy casserole recipe is a favorite around the holidays and during the summer, thanks to an abundance of squash in our gardens. Get to know the twelve bakers competing for a chance to win $25,000 and the title of Holiday Baking Champion. Shop their collection to see all of their great available products. Jody decided to make an actual tree for his cake. He picked tree trimming for himself and assigned gift wrapping to Adam and New Years Eve to Sabrina. So, when will we cozy up to watch bakers panic over the icing for their Christmas cookies? Homemade baked goods make some of the sweetest gifts for loved ones, and As a young mother, Paula was living the American Jose, the flavor guy, was sent home. Add to that situation the scenario that the two bottom bakers would face a sudden death bake off, the pressure could cause a few cookie crumbles. Its Christmas yet again, and, yet again, Im wonderin how the holidays have arrived already! Most of us have been eating it since we were kids, and its still just as good today as it was back then. Let us know in the comments below! WebPaula Deen - As a young girl growing up in Albany, Georgia, Paula Deen never dreamed she would become an American icon. 2021 sure tried its hardest to get back to normal, and while we saw hints of normalcy, it still wasnt quite there, was it? WebAnd she also brought back her Holiday Cooking & Baking Recipes with Paula Deen series on her YouTube channel for another holiday season. WebCooking with Paula Deen Holiday Baking 2021 $ 12.99 $ 5.00 Bring holiday cheer to your table with some of Paulas best seasonal bakes yet. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. And since Paula is known for Southern comfort foods, its no surprise that her chicken & dumplings recipe is one of her most popularespecially in a year where we could all use a little extra comfort. The Holiday Baking Championship is an American cooking competition series produced by Triage Entertainment and aired on Food Network. Bobby Deen has long been an essential ingredient in the recipe that has made his mother Paula Deen an American cooking icon. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jose gains his baking inspiration from some of his favorite traditional childhood treats. For winning the dessert board challenge, Jody was able to pick and assign the themes. Maybe if Jodys cake wasnt leaning it could have wrapped up his own win. As a young girl growing up in Albany, Georgia, Paula Deen never dreamed she would become an American icon. Holiday Baking Championship Season 8 finale: Which baker should win? Do you agree with the Holiday Baking Championship Season 8 winner decision? Sabrina is the executive pastry chef at a hotel in Atlanta. Cake Baker Duff Goldman (famously known for his popular former Food Network show Ace of Cakes[2]) and Pastry Chef Nancy Fuller (host of current Food Network show Farmhouse Rules[3]) serve as permanent judges of the show. Original Gooey Butter Cake While many iterations have been created over the years, Paulas original recipe surpasses them all in terms of popularity, coming in fifth on the list of most popular recipes of 2021 on PaulaDeen.com. Even the gold bells were stunning. And what kind of challenges lay between the competitors and the thousands of dollars awaiting the champion? Nancy Fuller has been hosting Foods Holiday Baking Championship 2021, but fans are slightly distracted by the chefs whole new look. The judges have frequently been Duff Goldman, Carla Hall, and Nancy Fuller. Even the cake itself was well done. But, there was one mistake in a layer which the judges could not overlook. Host Jesse Palmer, Judges Carla Hall, Nancy Fuller and Duff Goldman toast with champagne , as seen on Holiday Baking Championship, Season 8. WebThis time of year, Paula, much like many of you, makes holiday recipes that have been passed down through generations of family members, so it also tends to stir up memories of Christmases long ago. Although it is the ultimate piece of Food Network coal to get so close yet miss the last bake, these types of twists are common with any cooking competition. GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes. Jamie & Bobby's line of products on Evine include wine, cookware, sauces, and spices. Jamie and his brother, Bobby, have been featured Nancy Fuller has been hosting Food s Holiday Baking Championship 2021, but fans are slightly distracted by the chefs whole new look. Cooking with Paula Deen Magazine Subscription, Paula Deen Home Cookin Grain Free Turkey, Smoked Bacon & Egg Breakfast Strips, Ceramic Chicken-Shaped Trivet with Cooking Temperatures. This easy-to-make casserole recipe pairs perfectly with just about any dish we can think of, so its really no surprise that its increasing in popularity. The delicious aroma and warmth from the oven has a comforting way of making it feel like Christmastime. In Season 7, the host was Jesse Palmer, an ex-quarterback and reality television veteran who has another Food Network credit for hosting "Food Truck Face-Off" (per Discovery). With Thanksgiving officially behind us, its time to get started on these holiday recipes! In fact, we've been lucky enough to have "Holiday Baking Championship" around for seven years now and it's a big hit for Food Network and all the fans that tune in week after week. Jody OSullivan is a pastry chef and instructor at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. Enjoy guilt-free mains, lighter desserts, and healthy sides and party bites, like Mushroom-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. For a baker who needed to make a big statement, her cake might not have been enough. For the face-off challenge, Sabrina and Jose had to create a dessert with a surprise inside. Nancy Fuller hair cut! From creating holiday memory snow globe scenes in gingerbread, to unseasonable desserts like icebox cakes, she has been guiding contestants along the way. Paula loves to share those memories (and the end result of her baking) with her friends and family. Everyone could use a little extra flavor in life. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. The advantage usually varies. Given the talent in this Food Network competition, it will be interesting to see if any of these bakers make a return appearance on another challenge. As she has shorter hair, we can see more of her features, which opens up her eyes and jawline far more. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, my friends! According to the Food Network announcement sent to Mashed, the series will air on Monday, November 15, at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific. Holiday Baking Championship Saison 8 pisode 1. The Ladys Cheesy MacPaulas homemade macaroni & cheese recipe is baked to perfection and is the ultimate Southern side dish to fried chicken, BBQ and burgers. Who will we most appreciate for their takes on holiday memories rendered in pastry form? Adam is a culinary arts instructor who lives in Vermont with his wife and two young daughters. Since the return of Holiday Baking Championship, she is simply showing off a new barnet. Holiday Baking Championship. A post shared by Nancy Fuller (@fullerfarmer). Marylin has been a pastry chef for over 30 years and wants to win the prize money to put towards her retirement. Paula is sharing her best tried-and-true Southern cakes fit for any occasion. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. Originally from Ireland, Jody decided to move to Massachusetts to live closer to his wife's family. Which charcuterie board would you want at your holiday party? Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. In fact, the host is now absolutely glowing and appears to dress up a lot more glamorously nowadays! While Jody won the challenge based on his creativity and flavors in his desserts, Adam also earned a place in the finale. Our schedules are fuller, our pocketbooks are lighter, and our to-do lists are longer. From the cascading champagne to the smart use of the lights, her cake visually looked good. Next: Halloween Baking Championship At the same time, his cake was good. The Food Network would be wise to push out an eighth season to make us all feel cheery and bright. Get more from the competition by going behind the scenes of the baking battles, learn more about the host and judges, and get some decorating ideas and how-tos. The hint of champagne and the use of fruit was good, but the judges got more vanilla than a combination of flavor. Even though some people might have predicted the bakers in the finale, the outcome was well deserved.