Ep 4. A New Holiday Spin

In the fourth episode of Holiday Baking Championship season 4, titled "A New Holiday Spin," the remaining six bakers must use unconventional ingredients to put a unique twist on classic holiday desserts. Host Jesse Palmer welcomes the competitors to the kitchen, where judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, and Lorraine Pascale await their creations.

The bakers start by drawing inspiration from a wrapped gift containing their surprise ingredient. Some of the unusual items include miso paste, pretzels, and pomegranate molasses. The challenge is to incorporate these elements into their baked goods without overpowering the traditional flavors of the holiday season.

The bakers also have the opportunity to showcase their creativity with a second challenge: decorating gingerbread houses. The judges are looking for both aesthetic appeal and taste, as the houses must be fully edible and flavorful.

Throughout the episode, tensions rise as the bakers struggle to balance their experimental ingredients with the beloved tastes of the holidays. Some excel by thinking outside the box, while others fall short with overly ambitious ideas or overly safe approaches.

As always, the judges offer constructive feedback and choose a winner based on presentation, taste, and the ability to incorporate the special ingredient. The baker who falls short is sent home, bringing the competition down to five.

Overall, "A New Holiday Spin" challenges the bakers to think creatively and adapt to unconventional ingredients, while staying true to the classic tastes of the holiday season. Viewers can expect to see some stunning desserts and elaborate gingerbread houses, along with some unexpected flavor combinations.