Ep 1. First Snow

The ninth season of Holiday Baking Championship kicks off with its first episode, titled “First Snow”. This season, 10 bakers will compete against each other in various challenges testing their baking skills, creativity, and holiday spirit.

The episode starts with host Jesse Palmer introducing the contestants and setting the stage for the first challenge: baking a holiday appetizer inspired by their favorite winter activity. The bakers have 75 minutes to prepare their dishes, and the kitchen is filled with a wide variety of ingredients and tools for them to use. The judges—Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, and Carla Hall—are looking for appetizers that are not only delicious but also visually appealing and festive.

As the bakers start working, it quickly becomes apparent that they all have different approaches and styles. Some of them are meticulous and focused, while others are more free-spirited and experimental. Some of them stick to classic flavor combinations, while others take risks and try to create something unique. And some of them are more confident than others, as they navigate the demands of the competition and the pressure of the clock.

As the clock reaches its final countdown, the bakers rush to finish their appetizers and present them to the judges. The appetizers range from savory to sweet, from spicy to mild, and from crunchy to creamy. Some of them are inspired by skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating, while others are inspired by snowman-building, caroling, and hot-chocolate-sipping.

The judges taste each appetizer carefully, taking notes and discussing their impressions. They praise some of the bakers for their creativity, presentation, and bold flavors, while also providing constructive feedback for those who struggled with execution, texture, or balance. And they emphasize that, in this competition, the bakers not only need to impress them but also make sure that their creations fit the holiday theme and bring joy to people’s hearts.

After deliberating, the judges announce the winner of the first challenge, who will receive an advantage in the next round. The other bakers are not eliminated yet but know that they need to step up their game if they want to stay in the competition.

The second challenge is all about creating a cake inspired by the first snow of the season. The bakers have two hours to make their cakes, which must include at least two winter flavors and a snowman topper. They also have to deal with a twist: they can only use a limited selection of ingredients that are revealed to them through a snowball-picking game.

The bakers scramble to pick their ingredients and start baking their cakes. Some of them are excited about the challenge and feel confident in their ability to work with restricted options, while others are worried about not being able to express their creativity fully. Adding to the drama, a few bakers accidentally drop their cakes or burn them, forcing them to adapt their strategies and improvise.

As the clock ticks, the bakers decorate their cakes with snowmen made of fondant, marshmallows, or other edible materials. Some of the snowmen are cute and charming, while others are quirky and humorous. The judges appreciate the effort and detail that the bakers put into their toppers, as well as the overall look of the cakes. They also taste the cakes and evaluate the flavors, texture, and moistness.

The judges provide feedback to each baker, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of their cakes. They commend those who managed to master the limited ingredients and deliver delicious cakes with a winter punch, and they encourage those who struggled to learn from their mistakes and take risks. And they challenge all of the bakers to bring their A-game in the following weeks if they want to become the Holiday Baking Champion.

As the episode ends, the judges announce the baker who will be leaving the competition, based on their performance in both challenges. The remaining bakers feel a mix of relief and sadness, knowing that they are one step closer to winning but also recognizing the talent and camaraderie of their fellow contestants. And the viewers are left hungry for more festive treats and heartwarming moments, as the Holiday Baking Championship continues on its merry way.