1 00:00:01,504 --> 00:00:04,074 -(WIND HOWLING) -(GENTLE, FESTIVE MUSIC) 2 00:00:06,312 --> 00:00:09,151 (TO THE TUNE OF 'THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS') 3 00:00:12,592 --> 00:00:13,493 (PING) 4 00:00:16,833 --> 00:00:18,336 -Whoa! -I messed up my cake! 5 00:00:22,011 --> 00:00:23,279 When was the last time you used one of these? 6 00:00:24,883 --> 00:00:26,386 (SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING) 7 00:00:26,453 --> 00:00:28,289 Flavor? Dude... 8 00:00:29,893 --> 00:00:31,128 Your cakes are burning! 9 00:00:32,464 --> 00:00:33,266 Grab something! 10 00:00:34,603 --> 00:00:35,437 I hate these ovens! 11 00:00:37,508 --> 00:00:39,245 The air is sweet in the top kitchen. 12 00:00:43,487 --> 00:00:44,221 Ho, ho, ho! 13 00:00:47,863 --> 00:00:48,831 (LAUGHING) 14 00:00:50,602 --> 00:00:52,572 (LAUGHTER AND CHEERING) 15 00:00:52,606 --> 00:00:58,050 (SINGING ALONG) 16 00:00:58,150 --> 00:01:01,022 Merry Christmas guys and good (JINGLE) night! 17 00:01:01,088 --> 00:01:02,491 (SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING) 18 00:01:06,901 --> 00:01:09,238 (SOFT FESTIVE MUSIC) 19 00:01:14,783 --> 00:01:16,988 (UPLIFTING MUSIC) 20 00:01:17,054 --> 00:01:18,824 -(CHEERING AND LAUGHTER) -What?! 21 00:01:18,891 --> 00:01:21,095 Come in you guys. Welcome. 22 00:01:21,162 --> 00:01:22,832 -(CARLA) Come on in! -(BAKERS CHEERING) 23 00:01:22,932 --> 00:01:24,803 This feels like being a kid on Christmas morning. 24 00:01:24,903 --> 00:01:26,974 (LAUGHING) 25 00:01:27,041 --> 00:01:29,679 I grew up watching baking shows 26 00:01:29,713 --> 00:01:31,048 and now it's me. 27 00:01:31,149 --> 00:01:34,923 (BOTH) Oh, my God! 28 00:01:35,023 --> 00:01:36,994 (ZOHA) I see the mentors and my heart is... 29 00:01:37,094 --> 00:01:38,530 (HEARTBEAT THUMPING) 30 00:01:38,564 --> 00:01:40,100 Happy holidays! 31 00:01:40,167 --> 00:01:41,570 I'm having an out-of-body experience. 32 00:01:41,637 --> 00:01:44,441 I literally cannot believe I'm here. 33 00:01:44,509 --> 00:01:48,450 Welcome to our first ever Next Level Baker! 34 00:01:48,584 --> 00:01:52,325 -(GORDON) Come on! Come on! -(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) 35 00:01:52,425 --> 00:01:54,128 This is my absolute favorite time of year. 36 00:01:54,194 --> 00:01:57,969 The best season for some amazing baking. 37 00:01:58,003 --> 00:01:59,271 -(GORDON) Right? -(BAKERS AGREEING) 38 00:01:59,372 --> 00:02:01,610 Now, everyone says 39 00:02:01,677 --> 00:02:04,482 that our kitchens are intimidating, 40 00:02:04,550 --> 00:02:06,720 so why don't we fill this place up with some holiday cheer? 41 00:02:06,787 --> 00:02:08,758 -Woo! -Yes! 42 00:02:08,824 --> 00:02:10,829 On the count of three. 43 00:02:10,895 --> 00:02:13,332 (MENTORS) One, two, three... 44 00:02:14,837 --> 00:02:16,673 Let's go! 45 00:02:16,773 --> 00:02:19,144 (WILD CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) 46 00:02:19,245 --> 00:02:21,349 -(DRAMATIC MUSIC) -(GORDON) Amazing! 47 00:02:22,953 --> 00:02:24,288 C'mon! How cool is this? 48 00:02:24,355 --> 00:02:26,058 That is beautiful. 49 00:02:26,125 --> 00:02:29,365 The tower is nothing short of magical. 50 00:02:29,465 --> 00:02:30,835 And then you add twinkly lights?! 51 00:02:30,902 --> 00:02:32,539 I'm just obsessed. 52 00:02:32,605 --> 00:02:34,910 Joining me for this amazing season 53 00:02:35,010 --> 00:02:37,582 are two giants in the world of baking. 54 00:02:37,683 --> 00:02:41,322 First is someone you all know and love, an acclaimed chef, 55 00:02:41,423 --> 00:02:44,428 best-selling author, and the host of some of your favorite 56 00:02:44,529 --> 00:02:46,700 baking competitions - give it up for Carla Hall, c'mon! 57 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:49,405 -(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) -Yes, yes, yes! 58 00:02:49,506 --> 00:02:51,977 (WINSTON) I am extremely happy to see Carla Hall. 59 00:02:52,044 --> 00:02:54,181 I watch her on TV all the time. 60 00:02:54,281 --> 00:02:56,152 I wanna have a conversation, pick her brain. 61 00:02:56,218 --> 00:02:59,491 I'm an avid watcher of Next Level Chef, 62 00:02:59,559 --> 00:03:02,665 so I can't wait to see what you all do at Next Level Baking. 63 00:03:02,799 --> 00:03:06,807 This is going to be sweet and lovely. 64 00:03:06,873 --> 00:03:09,746 Now on my other side, she's a prolific entrepreneur 65 00:03:09,846 --> 00:03:11,149 and creator of one of the most successful 66 00:03:11,182 --> 00:03:13,152 cupcake brands in history, 67 00:03:13,186 --> 00:03:15,190 the founder of Sprinkle Cupcakes. 68 00:03:15,290 --> 00:03:17,762 Give it up for Candace Nelson everybody. c'mon! 69 00:03:17,862 --> 00:03:21,469 Sprinkle me, sprinkle me, sprinkle ME! 70 00:03:21,537 --> 00:03:24,241 I am all about baking all year round, but am especially excited 71 00:03:24,341 --> 00:03:26,446 to kick this off for the holidays. 72 00:03:26,513 --> 00:03:29,085 (CHLOE) Candace is my baking entrepreneur idol. 73 00:03:29,151 --> 00:03:31,089 She was the woman who created 74 00:03:31,155 --> 00:03:33,427 the cupcake vending machine. 75 00:03:33,493 --> 00:03:35,497 I am just in awe of her. She's incredible. 76 00:03:35,565 --> 00:03:37,368 (GORDON) Listen up all of you, you've been chosen 77 00:03:37,468 --> 00:03:39,338 from the nation's top professional bakers, 78 00:03:39,405 --> 00:03:43,080 those incredible, influential social media stars, 79 00:03:43,180 --> 00:03:44,883 and the finest home bakers in the country. 80 00:03:44,983 --> 00:03:46,453 Over the next three weeks, 81 00:03:46,520 --> 00:03:48,691 Candace, Carla and myself will be pushing 82 00:03:48,758 --> 00:03:52,297 all of you harder than you've ever been pushed before. 83 00:03:52,364 --> 00:03:54,636 But remember, no matter how talented you are, 84 00:03:54,703 --> 00:03:59,813 where you bake will seriously affect how you bake. 85 00:03:59,913 --> 00:04:02,919 Bakers on the top level will be 86 00:04:02,986 --> 00:04:06,593 working with state-of-the-art equipment and prime ingredients. 87 00:04:06,660 --> 00:04:09,800 But wind up in the basement... 88 00:04:09,867 --> 00:04:12,470 ..and you will be faced with substandard tools 89 00:04:12,538 --> 00:04:14,510 and bottom-of-the-barrel ingredients. 90 00:04:14,576 --> 00:04:16,513 -(GROANING) -(GORDON) Here's the good news. 91 00:04:16,580 --> 00:04:18,517 The baker who pulls it off 92 00:04:18,617 --> 00:04:20,721 will be walking away with an amazing holiday bonus 93 00:04:20,821 --> 00:04:24,028 -of $25,000. 94 00:04:24,095 --> 00:04:26,332 -(CARLA) Talk about it, Gordon! -(12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS REPRISE) 95 00:04:26,365 --> 00:04:28,403 Plus an incredible Hexclad prize package. 96 00:04:28,470 --> 00:04:30,575 (BAKERS MARVELING) 97 00:04:30,675 --> 00:04:32,277 Most importantly, our winner will be crowned 98 00:04:32,344 --> 00:04:35,718 our first ever Next Level Baker. 99 00:04:35,852 --> 00:04:37,121 (EXCITED CHEERING) 100 00:04:37,187 --> 00:04:39,291 -Who's it gonna be? -Me! 101 00:04:39,358 --> 00:04:41,830 -Let's get it. -The holidays are when families 102 00:04:41,897 --> 00:04:43,701 come together to celebrate 103 00:04:43,801 --> 00:04:45,303 and enjoy incredible baked goods. 104 00:04:45,403 --> 00:04:47,407 -Yeah. -(GORDON) So, listen up. 105 00:04:47,474 --> 00:04:49,546 For your first challenge you'll have 60 minutes 106 00:04:49,646 --> 00:04:51,650 to create a delicious family holiday favorite. 107 00:04:54,054 --> 00:04:55,558 You'll be using one of the most 108 00:04:55,625 --> 00:04:57,060 versatile ingredients on the planet... 109 00:04:59,432 --> 00:05:01,670 -Chocolate! C'mon! -(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) 110 00:05:01,736 --> 00:05:03,874 Who doesn't love chocolate? 111 00:05:03,974 --> 00:05:05,277 Crazy people, that's who! 112 00:05:05,344 --> 00:05:06,647 I don't see any crazy people out there. 113 00:05:06,780 --> 00:05:09,284 -No. -(GORDON) Take a look over here. 114 00:05:09,318 --> 00:05:11,957 Under this tree are three wrapped presents. 115 00:05:12,057 --> 00:05:14,394 Inside each one is the level on which your group 116 00:05:14,461 --> 00:05:16,132 will be starting the competition. 117 00:05:16,199 --> 00:05:18,436 Home Bakers, you're up first. 118 00:05:18,570 --> 00:05:21,543 Choose one person to come up and pick out a present. 119 00:05:21,610 --> 00:05:23,881 -Go Jeff! -C'mon, Jeff. No pressure! 120 00:05:23,948 --> 00:05:26,085 -Pick the basement. -(MUTTERING APPROVAL) 121 00:05:26,152 --> 00:05:28,958 -Okay! -Humble. 122 00:05:29,025 --> 00:05:30,928 Look at you, thinking that's a Tiffany box! 123 00:05:31,028 --> 00:05:32,599 (LAUGHTER) 124 00:05:32,699 --> 00:05:34,468 Right, Social Media Chefs. 125 00:05:34,536 --> 00:05:36,106 -Who's gonna grab a present? -Chloe, you got it. 126 00:05:36,172 --> 00:05:37,775 C'mon Chloe, pick good! 127 00:05:37,842 --> 00:05:39,546 I already know the big one is scary... 128 00:05:39,579 --> 00:05:41,550 -(GORDON) Ah, ha-ha. -No basement. 129 00:05:41,650 --> 00:05:44,222 (CHLOE) ..so I just go with my safest bet... 130 00:05:44,322 --> 00:05:46,258 (SOFTLY) Top floor, top floor, top floor. 131 00:05:46,325 --> 00:05:48,931 ..and I'm hoping that it's a Christmas miracle. 132 00:05:48,997 --> 00:05:50,400 (GORDON) Pros, probably need two of you. 133 00:05:52,939 --> 00:05:54,709 (LAUGHTER) 134 00:05:56,780 --> 00:05:59,251 Right, time for the unveiling. 135 00:05:59,351 --> 00:06:02,457 Pros, lift up your box, find out what level you're cooking on. 136 00:06:02,592 --> 00:06:05,129 (SOFTLY) Top level, top level, top level... 137 00:06:05,196 --> 00:06:07,101 -(GORDON) Middle kitchen. -Let's go! 138 00:06:07,201 --> 00:06:08,469 That is good! 139 00:06:08,537 --> 00:06:10,140 Not bad at all! 140 00:06:10,207 --> 00:06:11,977 -Oh, my. -Oh, lord. 141 00:06:12,077 --> 00:06:15,851 Social Media Stars, you got the medium present. 142 00:06:15,918 --> 00:06:18,189 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 143 00:06:18,289 --> 00:06:19,425 -(WILD SHRIEKING) -(GORDON) Top kitchen. 144 00:06:19,492 --> 00:06:23,200 (CHUCKLING) Yes! 145 00:06:23,266 --> 00:06:24,703 I really needed this. 146 00:06:24,803 --> 00:06:26,372 (ZOHA) Yay! 147 00:06:26,472 --> 00:06:29,011 -I'm so sorry! -Home Chefs unveil. 148 00:06:29,078 --> 00:06:31,249 We know where you're going, but let's confirm it. 149 00:06:31,315 --> 00:06:33,787 (MICHAEL) Basement kitchen... 150 00:06:33,854 --> 00:06:36,594 I guess horrible things come in small packages! 151 00:06:36,660 --> 00:06:38,997 Listen up. At the end of this first bake, 152 00:06:39,064 --> 00:06:40,233 one Pro... 153 00:06:40,300 --> 00:06:41,836 one Social Media... 154 00:06:41,937 --> 00:06:43,472 and one Home Baker 155 00:06:43,607 --> 00:06:45,110 will be heading home for the holidays. 156 00:06:45,177 --> 00:06:46,847 (QUIETLY) Jeez! 157 00:06:46,881 --> 00:06:49,485 Did this just get real for some of you? 158 00:06:49,553 --> 00:06:51,222 All of you, head to the elevator. 159 00:06:51,322 --> 00:06:53,861 We'll meet you in your kitchens shortly. 160 00:06:53,928 --> 00:06:55,464 (EXCITED CHATTER) 161 00:06:55,531 --> 00:06:56,867 Oh, my gosh! 162 00:06:56,934 --> 00:06:59,605 (FESTIVE MUSIC) 163 00:07:01,910 --> 00:07:03,847 -We're out here! -Good luck, chefs. 164 00:07:05,851 --> 00:07:07,956 Ohh... okay. 165 00:07:08,056 --> 00:07:11,295 -Alright, let's go! -(ENCOURAGING APPLAUSE) 166 00:07:11,395 --> 00:07:12,631 (STEFANIE) Oh my gosh, you guys! 167 00:07:12,698 --> 00:07:15,771 -(SPOOKY MUSIC) -Look at that doll! 168 00:07:15,838 --> 00:07:18,944 The very first thing I see is this little creepy doll... 169 00:07:19,044 --> 00:07:21,549 (LAUGHS) saying welcome to the basement. 170 00:07:21,683 --> 00:07:24,388 -Happy Christmas! -Look at this mess. 171 00:07:24,455 --> 00:07:26,125 Pretty much everything in the basement 172 00:07:26,191 --> 00:07:27,995 feels kinda like that doll. 173 00:07:28,062 --> 00:07:29,532 These are all bent. 174 00:07:29,599 --> 00:07:31,402 (DEIRDRA) Everything is so wonky! 175 00:07:31,537 --> 00:07:33,774 I mean, it's kinda fun to explore such a... 176 00:07:35,143 --> 00:07:37,816 .."vintage" place. 177 00:07:37,916 --> 00:07:39,586 They didn't even clean the grease off. 178 00:07:39,686 --> 00:07:40,688 (DEIRDRA) I guess that's our job. 179 00:07:42,825 --> 00:07:45,030 -(UPBEAT HIP HOP MUSIC) -(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) 180 00:07:45,096 --> 00:07:47,301 Oh my God... 181 00:07:47,367 --> 00:07:48,771 (WINSTON) We got good stuff. 182 00:07:48,838 --> 00:07:51,242 I'm sad to not be at the top level, 183 00:07:51,275 --> 00:07:53,413 but this middle kitchen is a step up from my bakery. 184 00:07:53,514 --> 00:07:54,816 -So I'm ready to go. -I wanna live in here. 185 00:07:54,883 --> 00:07:56,119 Two of these... 186 00:07:56,185 --> 00:07:58,323 (PING) 187 00:07:58,423 --> 00:07:59,960 -(NIKKI) Oh, my God. -(JUSTIN) Oh yeah! 188 00:08:00,027 --> 00:08:02,097 -(UPBEAT MUSIC) -(GIGGLING AND GUSHING) 189 00:08:02,197 --> 00:08:04,201 I have won the lottery. 190 00:08:04,234 --> 00:08:06,472 We have everything we need. 191 00:08:06,607 --> 00:08:09,612 (NIKKI) Everything is state-of-the-art. 192 00:08:09,712 --> 00:08:11,249 Some of this stuff, I don't even know how to use it. 193 00:08:11,315 --> 00:08:13,019 So take me to the top 194 00:08:13,052 --> 00:08:14,221 and leave me there. 195 00:08:16,358 --> 00:08:17,728 It's so Christmassy. Oh, my God! 196 00:08:20,033 --> 00:08:22,471 (EXCITED GIGGLING) 197 00:08:22,538 --> 00:08:27,615 Nikki, Zoha, Justin, Chloe! 198 00:08:27,715 --> 00:08:29,484 (ZOHA, EMOTIONAL) Hi. 199 00:08:29,552 --> 00:08:31,589 Alright. I am so excited for you all. 200 00:08:31,689 --> 00:08:35,564 You cannot forget... grab the chocolate on top. 201 00:08:35,631 --> 00:08:38,236 -(ELEVATOR PINGS) -They're coming. 202 00:08:38,302 --> 00:08:40,140 -Oh, my God! -(SHRIEKING) 203 00:08:40,240 --> 00:08:41,676 (CHEERING) 204 00:08:41,776 --> 00:08:44,415 (CANDACE) Hi Bakers! Hi, everybody. 205 00:08:44,481 --> 00:08:46,285 The challenge is chocolate. 206 00:08:46,352 --> 00:08:47,688 Chocolate's my love language, 207 00:08:47,788 --> 00:08:48,857 so you guys gotta speak it to me. 208 00:08:50,326 --> 00:08:52,030 (GASPS) Yay! 209 00:08:52,130 --> 00:08:54,535 -(JEFF) Oh, hey! -(GORDON) Let's go, c'mon! 210 00:08:54,602 --> 00:08:58,243 Are we good? Do not be put off by the basement. 211 00:08:58,309 --> 00:09:00,147 Now we may be down, but we're not out. Right? 212 00:09:00,213 --> 00:09:01,916 -Exactly. -When that platform comes down, 213 00:09:02,017 --> 00:09:04,255 we're gonna get what they don't want. 214 00:09:04,322 --> 00:09:07,394 But I've seen food come out of this basement, Michelin Star. 215 00:09:07,461 --> 00:09:10,099 (CLAPS) Right. Line up against that elevator. Let's go, guys! 216 00:09:10,199 --> 00:09:12,304 There's something quite unique about chocolate 217 00:09:12,404 --> 00:09:13,941 'cause there are so many avenues. 218 00:09:14,041 --> 00:09:17,582 Whether it's the usual finishes, the chocolate frosting, 219 00:09:17,649 --> 00:09:20,153 the center... there's always a showstopper 220 00:09:20,253 --> 00:09:22,357 with chocolate desserts. 221 00:09:22,457 --> 00:09:25,197 (CANDACE) Stay until you see the platform light up green. 222 00:09:25,297 --> 00:09:26,766 Green means go. 223 00:09:28,269 --> 00:09:29,506 (CARLA) Here it comes, guys. 224 00:09:29,606 --> 00:09:31,042 (BIG OPERATIC MUSIC) 225 00:09:31,142 --> 00:09:33,446 Woo-hoo! 226 00:09:33,547 --> 00:09:34,749 (CARLA) Wait for it to turn green. 227 00:09:37,555 --> 00:09:39,792 -(PLATFORM BLEEPS) -(CARLA) Go! 228 00:09:39,826 --> 00:09:41,796 (CLAPPING) C'mon! Yes. Get in there. 229 00:09:41,896 --> 00:09:44,434 We are on the top level 230 00:09:44,502 --> 00:09:46,406 with all the really fancy ingredients. 231 00:09:46,472 --> 00:09:49,478 (CARLA) Get your chocolate. 232 00:09:49,546 --> 00:09:52,852 I saw some like really, really crappy chocolate, and then boom! 233 00:09:52,986 --> 00:09:54,856 There is some quality milk chocolate over there. 234 00:09:54,989 --> 00:09:57,962 -Zoha, get your chocolate! -(TENSE MUSIC) 235 00:09:58,029 --> 00:10:00,300 (SIGHS) I'm lookin' at the ingredients but I am at a blank. 236 00:10:00,367 --> 00:10:02,906 No, no, no... 237 00:10:02,972 --> 00:10:05,811 Ten seconds. Make sure you take the entire thing. 238 00:10:05,878 --> 00:10:07,447 What's... What I gotta get? 239 00:10:07,548 --> 00:10:10,253 Nikki, don't leave it up there, c'mon! 240 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:11,923 -You got enough stuff? -I... 241 00:10:11,956 --> 00:10:16,232 (NIKKI) Holy cow, I did not get enough. 242 00:10:16,365 --> 00:10:18,670 That platform, it come fast and it leave fast. 243 00:10:18,737 --> 00:10:20,106 (DRAMATIC BEAT) 244 00:10:20,173 --> 00:10:21,041 (NIKKI) Oh, lord. 245 00:10:23,747 --> 00:10:25,718 (DRAMATIC BEAT) 246 00:10:25,751 --> 00:10:26,854 (CANDACE) Here comes that platform. 247 00:10:26,920 --> 00:10:28,857 (GASPS) 248 00:10:28,957 --> 00:10:31,295 -(PLATFORM BLEEPS) -(CANDACE) Go, go, go! 249 00:10:31,362 --> 00:10:32,598 -(CARLA CLAPPING) -Oh my God, I gotta get 'em... 250 00:10:32,665 --> 00:10:34,135 I know the people upstairs 251 00:10:34,201 --> 00:10:36,372 have already grabbed all the good stuff, 252 00:10:36,439 --> 00:10:39,244 but I quickly see the Mexican spiced chocolate... 253 00:10:39,311 --> 00:10:41,349 -Mexican chocolate... -(CHAD) That's you. 254 00:10:41,416 --> 00:10:44,154 (MARICSA) Because I'm Mexican- American I feel my ancestors 255 00:10:44,221 --> 00:10:46,258 brought this down literally from the heavens, for me. 256 00:10:46,358 --> 00:10:48,129 -I definitely want you! -(CANDACE) Five seconds! 257 00:10:48,196 --> 00:10:50,601 -My God. -Platform won't be here forever. 258 00:10:50,701 --> 00:10:52,470 I dunno what I want, I dunno what's happening. 259 00:10:52,571 --> 00:10:54,107 Alright, that's it! That's what we got. 260 00:10:54,174 --> 00:10:55,711 (AUBREY) It's crazy! 261 00:10:55,778 --> 00:10:57,447 (GORDON, CLAPS) Go, guys! Let's go! 262 00:10:57,548 --> 00:11:00,153 Go, go, go! Chocolate first. 263 00:11:00,220 --> 00:11:01,890 (MICHAEL) Because we're at the bottom, 264 00:11:01,956 --> 00:11:03,092 the only thing left is chocolate syrup. 265 00:11:03,159 --> 00:11:04,896 Oh, c'mon! 266 00:11:04,963 --> 00:11:06,265 (GORDON) Chocolate syrup. Oh, my God. 267 00:11:06,399 --> 00:11:08,336 I knew it was gonna be bad 268 00:11:08,403 --> 00:11:10,073 because the vultures are picking higher up 269 00:11:10,140 --> 00:11:11,609 and I got scraps. 270 00:11:11,643 --> 00:11:14,649 -Sure you want chocolate powder? -Yes. 271 00:11:14,749 --> 00:11:16,987 I'm not going to serve the mentors chocolate milk. 272 00:11:17,054 --> 00:11:19,759 So this has to be turned into something else. 273 00:11:19,860 --> 00:11:23,266 (GORDON) Grab, grab, grab... Well done. 274 00:11:23,333 --> 00:11:24,401 (EXCITED SQUEALS) 275 00:11:26,540 --> 00:11:29,444 Your 60 minutes starts right now. 276 00:11:29,545 --> 00:11:33,587 Alright Zoha, I see you are meticulously separating 277 00:11:33,687 --> 00:11:36,058 your frozen cherries. 278 00:11:36,125 --> 00:11:38,028 I wish I had fresh cherries, I don't love the frozen. 279 00:11:38,095 --> 00:11:39,799 -Yeah. -It went by really fast. 280 00:11:39,866 --> 00:11:41,937 Alright, tell me what you prepped. 281 00:11:42,004 --> 00:11:45,911 Okay, I got semi-sweet chocolate chips, cherries, 282 00:11:46,011 --> 00:11:47,649 so I'm gonna make a Black Forest Swiss Roll. 283 00:11:47,716 --> 00:11:49,686 I'm from Pakistan 284 00:11:49,719 --> 00:11:51,823 and we have Black Forest cakes in every bakery. 285 00:11:51,923 --> 00:11:54,128 I wanna make a grown-up, better version of it. 286 00:11:54,228 --> 00:11:56,533 -(GENTLE MUSIC) -When I decided to leave 287 00:11:56,600 --> 00:12:00,841 my very well-paying job and start baking 288 00:12:00,974 --> 00:12:03,580 my dad was very much like, "Don't leave your job!" 289 00:12:03,680 --> 00:12:05,617 But to have one million plus followers, 290 00:12:05,684 --> 00:12:06,953 I still can't believe it. 291 00:12:07,020 --> 00:12:08,757 I love being a mom, 292 00:12:08,857 --> 00:12:10,493 but content creation with a baby 293 00:12:10,561 --> 00:12:11,896 is definitely very different. 294 00:12:11,996 --> 00:12:14,736 -(BABY SQUEALING) -I love you. 295 00:12:14,803 --> 00:12:17,073 His name is Makael and he's a cutie. 296 00:12:17,173 --> 00:12:20,113 It's been a day when I'm with him! 297 00:12:20,213 --> 00:12:24,956 So you're going to put a whipped cream topping into a cake 298 00:12:25,023 --> 00:12:26,526 that has to cool completely before it comes together? 299 00:12:26,593 --> 00:12:27,795 Wish me luck! 300 00:12:29,264 --> 00:12:30,968 -Hey, Nikki. -Hey. 301 00:12:31,068 --> 00:12:33,172 -So tell me what you got. -I got the chocolate bar. 302 00:12:33,239 --> 00:12:34,776 (CARLA) Okay. 303 00:12:34,843 --> 00:12:37,480 So I'm thinking a German Chocolate Cake. 304 00:12:37,548 --> 00:12:39,485 But I needed evaporated milk. 305 00:12:39,586 --> 00:12:41,756 -Okay. -So now I'm in trouble. 306 00:12:41,856 --> 00:12:43,827 You can have a plan in your head, but I think 307 00:12:43,927 --> 00:12:45,898 to see something that could turn into something else... 308 00:12:45,998 --> 00:12:47,434 -Uh-huh. -..is how you play the game. 309 00:12:47,500 --> 00:12:49,371 You're right about that. 310 00:12:49,437 --> 00:12:50,641 -Alright, Justin. -Hello. 311 00:12:50,708 --> 00:12:52,444 Tell me what you grabbed. 312 00:12:52,511 --> 00:12:54,148 A whole lot. I wasn't thinkin'. 313 00:12:54,248 --> 00:12:56,586 Dark chocolate and strawberries. 314 00:12:56,686 --> 00:12:58,322 I'm gonna do a chocolate mousse 315 00:12:58,389 --> 00:13:00,994 with a strawberry compote as a insert. 316 00:13:01,061 --> 00:13:02,565 You need to add some acid to balance all those flavors. 317 00:13:02,631 --> 00:13:04,502 -Okay. -I'm just sayin'. 318 00:13:04,568 --> 00:13:06,371 -Stressin' me out now! -I don't mean to stress you out! 319 00:13:06,506 --> 00:13:09,077 -I got you. -Okay. 320 00:13:09,144 --> 00:13:10,647 The mentors are expecting good desserts, holiday cheer. 321 00:13:10,747 --> 00:13:12,551 I gotta pull my A-game. 322 00:13:14,154 --> 00:13:15,658 Being a social media baker, 323 00:13:15,724 --> 00:13:16,860 I celebrate all the holidays 324 00:13:16,927 --> 00:13:18,530 and Christmas is my favorite. 325 00:13:18,597 --> 00:13:20,366 My family, we have traditions 326 00:13:20,433 --> 00:13:21,837 like we wake up super early, like 5am. 327 00:13:21,903 --> 00:13:24,743 We always eat cinnamon rolls 328 00:13:24,843 --> 00:13:27,515 and then we wait to see what Santa brought us. 329 00:13:27,581 --> 00:13:30,555 (CHUCKLING) Yes, I'm 22 and I still get up for Santa. 330 00:13:30,621 --> 00:13:33,727 Um, it never has to end. 331 00:13:33,827 --> 00:13:36,065 -Oh, I'm stressed. -That's okay. 332 00:13:36,098 --> 00:13:37,935 You got chocolate on your face, you look delicious. 333 00:13:38,035 --> 00:13:39,304 -Oh my God, of course I do! -(LAUGHTER) 334 00:13:39,404 --> 00:13:41,843 -(CARLA) 50 minutes to go. -Holy crap. 335 00:13:41,944 --> 00:13:44,014 Startin' to smell like the holidays. 336 00:13:44,081 --> 00:13:45,518 Woo! Look at that peanut butter. 337 00:13:45,651 --> 00:13:47,522 I thought I was gonna have 338 00:13:47,588 --> 00:13:48,891 to make this from scratch here. 339 00:13:48,958 --> 00:13:50,994 Aubrey, what do you have in store for us? 340 00:13:51,061 --> 00:13:52,732 I'm gonna fold, actually, all these goodies 341 00:13:52,799 --> 00:13:55,002 into the peanut butter and make a filling. 342 00:13:55,069 --> 00:13:57,173 It'll basically be like brownie, filling, brownie. 343 00:13:57,240 --> 00:13:59,444 (CLAPPING) This. Is. Pro. Work. 344 00:13:59,545 --> 00:14:00,781 If you're serving the best 345 00:14:00,882 --> 00:14:02,417 you better have your (JINGLE) together. 346 00:14:02,518 --> 00:14:04,488 (CHAD) Okay, moving right along. 347 00:14:04,555 --> 00:14:06,492 Chad, how're you doing? 348 00:14:06,593 --> 00:14:08,831 I'm gonna do a nice white chocolate whipped ganache 349 00:14:08,964 --> 00:14:11,803 and then a traditional pecan pie filling. 350 00:14:11,936 --> 00:14:13,840 Probably throw a little raspberry compote in. 351 00:14:13,907 --> 00:14:16,011 Love the idea of the acidity from the raspberries 352 00:14:16,111 --> 00:14:18,415 to balance the white chocolate, and that pecan pie filling 353 00:14:18,482 --> 00:14:20,152 -is pure nostalgia. -Thank you, Chef. 354 00:14:20,219 --> 00:14:22,724 -Hi, Maricsa. -Hello, Candace! 355 00:14:22,791 --> 00:14:24,562 -Do you have a plan? -Uh yes, I do. 356 00:14:24,662 --> 00:14:27,634 I'm making brownies. This is very nostalgic to me 357 00:14:27,735 --> 00:14:29,071 and my mother means the world to me. 358 00:14:29,171 --> 00:14:30,841 Hopefully she sees it and she's like, "Ah!" 359 00:14:30,874 --> 00:14:32,177 A little bit of her today. 360 00:14:32,277 --> 00:14:33,814 (GENTLE MUSIC) 361 00:14:33,881 --> 00:14:35,416 My earliest holiday baking memory 362 00:14:35,517 --> 00:14:38,489 is probably helping my mom make tamales. 363 00:14:38,524 --> 00:14:40,359 I have a fun job, I get to taste pastries all day. 364 00:14:40,426 --> 00:14:44,234 My bakery has three James Beard nominations - I was a finalist. 365 00:14:44,300 --> 00:14:47,307 If I win, I'm hoping that I get to go back home 366 00:14:47,374 --> 00:14:49,211 and celebrate with my mom and my dad. 367 00:14:49,278 --> 00:14:51,048 I'm gonna be emotional 'cause I love my parents. 368 00:14:51,148 --> 00:14:52,885 They'll come in, help me just doing dishes. 369 00:14:52,952 --> 00:14:55,323 I'm here for them. 370 00:14:55,390 --> 00:14:56,458 My parents are like my super heroes. 371 00:14:58,730 --> 00:14:59,832 You need to wow us with the flavor 372 00:14:59,899 --> 00:15:03,038 because someone is going home. 373 00:15:03,105 --> 00:15:06,011 Mom, don't hate me if I don't make it to the next one. 374 00:15:06,111 --> 00:15:07,848 (GORDON) Guys, I know the ingredients 375 00:15:07,915 --> 00:15:10,153 weren't the best down here, but... 376 00:15:10,253 --> 00:15:11,989 ..if you want to get that top-flight kitchen, 377 00:15:12,056 --> 00:15:13,493 you gotta cook your way outta there. 378 00:15:13,594 --> 00:15:15,029 This is crazy. 379 00:15:15,129 --> 00:15:17,300 Stefanie, what'd you get chocolate-wise? 380 00:15:17,367 --> 00:15:19,037 -Chocolate kisses. -Love it, you gonna melt them? 381 00:15:19,171 --> 00:15:21,175 I might make a little ganache out of 'em. 382 00:15:21,275 --> 00:15:23,980 That's a toughie, be careful. How will you finish them off? 383 00:15:24,081 --> 00:15:25,885 This is gonna be like a wreath cake. 384 00:15:25,985 --> 00:15:27,555 Focus on getting it absolutely beautifully done. 385 00:15:27,621 --> 00:15:29,558 (STEFANIE) Thank you. 386 00:15:29,658 --> 00:15:31,696 Michael, tell me about this dish, what're you gonna do? 387 00:15:31,763 --> 00:15:33,132 Almost like a marshmallow fluff, 388 00:15:33,199 --> 00:15:35,203 Florentine sandwich. Might be kinda fun. 389 00:15:35,269 --> 00:15:37,508 The love of baking comes from where? How did we start? 390 00:15:37,608 --> 00:15:39,144 When my wife was ill, she passed away... 391 00:15:39,244 --> 00:15:41,315 -I'm sorry. -..I used to bake her something. 392 00:15:41,415 --> 00:15:43,152 -For her, while she was ill. -Yeah. After she passed away 393 00:15:43,252 --> 00:15:45,423 I kinda kept doin' it. 394 00:15:45,524 --> 00:15:48,196 -(GENTLE MUSIC) -I started baking when my wife 395 00:15:48,296 --> 00:15:49,999 Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer. 396 00:15:51,636 --> 00:15:52,905 I wanted to cheer her up. 397 00:15:53,005 --> 00:15:55,744 Every holiday, after Christmas, 398 00:15:55,811 --> 00:15:58,550 she'd donate to different charities. 399 00:15:58,616 --> 00:16:00,219 So if I won that $25,000 400 00:16:00,286 --> 00:16:02,089 I would follow in her footsteps and donate. 401 00:16:03,693 --> 00:16:07,366 (VALIANT MUSIC) 402 00:16:07,433 --> 00:16:09,705 Alright guys, here comes your first holiday surprise. 403 00:16:09,772 --> 00:16:11,810 Who's coming down our chimney? 404 00:16:11,910 --> 00:16:14,247 -Happy Holidays! Ho, ho, ho! -Oh my God. 405 00:16:14,314 --> 00:16:17,253 Everyone grab one stocking. Hurry up, hurry up! 406 00:16:17,320 --> 00:16:20,159 It's gonna keep going. Hurry up, grab something. 407 00:16:20,193 --> 00:16:21,696 (SANTA, CHUCKLING) Ho, ho! Well done. 408 00:16:21,829 --> 00:16:24,101 (CARLA) You all must use 409 00:16:24,167 --> 00:16:26,271 one ingredient that is in your stocking in your bake. 410 00:16:26,338 --> 00:16:28,777 (NIKKI) Okay. Girl, you must have been nice. 411 00:16:28,844 --> 00:16:30,981 Santa has delivered. 412 00:16:31,014 --> 00:16:32,584 What did you get you were so excited about? 413 00:16:32,684 --> 00:16:33,987 -Drink whip. -Okay. 414 00:16:34,087 --> 00:16:37,393 This is like evaporated milk. 415 00:16:37,460 --> 00:16:40,432 Look at you! Look at you pivot. Don't forget to taste. 416 00:16:40,534 --> 00:16:42,436 -There's a lot of sweetness. -Right. 417 00:16:42,504 --> 00:16:44,509 Ho, ho, ho! 418 00:16:44,542 --> 00:16:46,312 (CANDACE) A very special guest has arrived. 419 00:16:46,378 --> 00:16:49,217 -Ho, ho, ho. -Oh, my God! 420 00:16:49,283 --> 00:16:52,157 Everyone must grab one stocking. Go grab your stocking! 421 00:16:52,257 --> 00:16:53,727 -Quickly, quickly! -There's an ingredient in there 422 00:16:53,827 --> 00:16:55,998 that you must use in your bake. 423 00:16:56,098 --> 00:16:58,102 -Oh my God! -(MUSIC ENDS) 424 00:16:58,169 --> 00:17:01,141 Oh, hell no. Black truffle. 425 00:17:01,208 --> 00:17:03,145 What the hell am I doin' with this?! 426 00:17:03,179 --> 00:17:05,149 (GORDON) Look who's coming down. Turn around. Hey! 427 00:17:05,216 --> 00:17:07,220 -(EXCITED CHATTER) -Great, let's go. 428 00:17:07,286 --> 00:17:10,560 Grab a stocking, let's go! Grab a stocking! 429 00:17:10,661 --> 00:17:12,665 Father Christmas, thank you so much! 430 00:17:12,731 --> 00:17:15,103 -Merry Christmas! -Ho, ho, ho, off you go! 431 00:17:15,170 --> 00:17:16,640 That kinda works, that kinda works. 432 00:17:16,706 --> 00:17:18,776 Deirdra, what did you grab in the stocking? 433 00:17:18,877 --> 00:17:22,383 Dolce de Leche. I was trying to do cookie crumble in between. 434 00:17:22,450 --> 00:17:24,755 I might just heat up the almonds with the Dolce de Leche 435 00:17:24,789 --> 00:17:26,659 to add as a layer of the trifle. 436 00:17:26,726 --> 00:17:28,997 Gotcha. When's the last time you used one of these? 437 00:17:29,063 --> 00:17:30,534 Honestly? I bet it's gonna whip it pretty fast. 438 00:17:30,601 --> 00:17:32,672 -It might help with heavy cream. -Yes. 439 00:17:32,738 --> 00:17:33,940 (CARLA) Forty minutes left! 440 00:17:34,040 --> 00:17:35,510 Let me check on my cake. 441 00:17:35,577 --> 00:17:38,015 (URGENT MUSIC) 442 00:17:38,081 --> 00:17:39,619 (JINGLE) I'm gonna have to make my cake again. 443 00:17:39,719 --> 00:17:41,054 My cake is raw. 444 00:17:41,121 --> 00:17:42,925 I messed up my cake! 445 00:17:43,025 --> 00:17:43,927 I think it is slightly underdone. 446 00:17:43,994 --> 00:17:46,231 (CARLA) Oh, no! 447 00:17:46,298 --> 00:17:48,369 Zoha, do you have to make it over? 448 00:17:48,436 --> 00:17:50,908 Do you want to pivot? You have 40 minutes left. 449 00:17:50,974 --> 00:17:52,443 I'm gonna just make this as soon as I can. 450 00:17:52,511 --> 00:17:53,946 Time was always of the essence, 451 00:17:54,013 --> 00:17:55,282 but it's really of the essence now. 452 00:17:55,416 --> 00:17:57,120 I can't waste a single breath. 453 00:17:57,187 --> 00:17:58,790 So stressed out. 454 00:17:58,890 --> 00:18:00,527 (TENSE MUSIC BUILDS, ENDS) 455 00:18:03,432 --> 00:18:05,604 (CARLA) Thirty five minutes! 456 00:18:05,637 --> 00:18:07,741 -So stressed out. -(CARLA) What, why? 457 00:18:07,841 --> 00:18:09,444 First, think how quickly you got that in the oven 458 00:18:09,511 --> 00:18:11,315 and got it made. You got this. 459 00:18:11,381 --> 00:18:13,152 I know. I have to make it even quicker now. 460 00:18:13,218 --> 00:18:15,056 Yep. You absolutely have this. 461 00:18:15,123 --> 00:18:16,826 (CANDACE) Thirty minutes, everyone. 462 00:18:16,926 --> 00:18:18,997 -(UPBEAT MUSIC) -Jeez-a-la-weez-a! 463 00:18:19,097 --> 00:18:20,600 (CANDACE) Winston, what do we got? 464 00:18:20,667 --> 00:18:22,370 I'm gettin' some truffle in there. 465 00:18:22,470 --> 00:18:24,207 Struggling with what I'ma do but I'ma figure it out. 466 00:18:24,307 --> 00:18:26,278 I'm worried about the truffle 467 00:18:26,344 --> 00:18:28,081 because I've never used it in a dessert before 468 00:18:28,148 --> 00:18:30,219 but it's also something I really like to eat. 469 00:18:30,319 --> 00:18:32,825 -You're gonna pull this off! -Gonna be Jamaican magic. 470 00:18:32,858 --> 00:18:34,962 -It's gonna be Jamaican magic. -Jamaican magic, yah man. 471 00:18:35,029 --> 00:18:37,300 (REGGAE MUSIC) 472 00:18:37,366 --> 00:18:39,605 I am the proudest Jamaican you will find on this earth. 473 00:18:39,672 --> 00:18:43,079 In my family, at Christmas time, one of the things I remember 474 00:18:43,145 --> 00:18:46,351 the most is we had a very small Christmas tree. 475 00:18:46,418 --> 00:18:49,658 It was so short we had to put it on cinder blocks 476 00:18:49,759 --> 00:18:51,762 that was wrapped in Christmas paper. 477 00:18:51,829 --> 00:18:53,933 So whenever time I smell a plastic Christmas tree 478 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:56,606 it brings me right back to my childhood days. (LAUGHS) 479 00:18:56,706 --> 00:18:57,808 I'll save some of that for dinner later. 480 00:18:57,908 --> 00:19:00,279 (LAUGHTER) 481 00:19:00,345 --> 00:19:02,985 You gotta get those bakes in so they have time to cool. 482 00:19:03,085 --> 00:19:05,757 -(SIGHS ANXIOUSLY) -(URGENT MUSIC) 483 00:19:05,824 --> 00:19:07,928 Someone's got an oven open, you know that? 484 00:19:07,995 --> 00:19:10,199 Maricsa, your oven's open. 485 00:19:10,265 --> 00:19:12,604 The last thing we need is any heat loss from this oven. 486 00:19:12,738 --> 00:19:14,709 It needs to bake! 487 00:19:14,809 --> 00:19:17,013 (MARICSA) This is not the time for mistakes. 488 00:19:17,080 --> 00:19:18,449 (CARLA) Last five minutes, y'all. 489 00:19:18,550 --> 00:19:20,286 Show us what you're made of, make it beautiful. 490 00:19:20,419 --> 00:19:21,756 And don't forget about a little salt. 491 00:19:21,823 --> 00:19:24,127 I call salt compliments. Y'all know why? 492 00:19:24,228 --> 00:19:25,430 -Why? -Because if you don't use it, 493 00:19:25,496 --> 00:19:27,467 you ain't... gone git... 494 00:19:27,568 --> 00:19:30,473 -..no compliments! -(NERVOUS CHUCKLE) Hear this? 495 00:19:30,541 --> 00:19:32,677 Has to be the quickest Swiss roll I've ever made in my life. 496 00:19:32,778 --> 00:19:34,548 (CARLA) Zoha, it's coming together! 497 00:19:34,648 --> 00:19:36,285 Would your followers not like that? 498 00:19:36,351 --> 00:19:38,388 -(LAUGHTER) -My followers are really nice. 499 00:19:39,858 --> 00:19:40,994 Guys, three minutes to go. 500 00:19:41,061 --> 00:19:42,229 -Deirdra, you good? -Yeah. 501 00:19:44,167 --> 00:19:45,169 -Oh, c'mon! -Did you break it? 502 00:19:45,269 --> 00:19:47,273 -Yep. -Bring it home, Michael. 503 00:19:47,340 --> 00:19:49,311 -C'mon, you got that. -Well, best I can do here. 504 00:19:49,411 --> 00:19:51,181 (CARLA, CLAPPING) Two. Minutes. Left. 505 00:19:51,214 --> 00:19:54,555 Decorate that plate. Make it look nice. 506 00:19:54,622 --> 00:19:57,861 One of you is headed home for the holidays, let it not be you. 507 00:19:57,895 --> 00:19:59,832 That looks terrible. I'm just disappointed. 508 00:19:59,932 --> 00:20:01,802 Platform's moving, guys. 509 00:20:01,869 --> 00:20:03,873 Festive spirit on there, good. Platform's here! 510 00:20:03,940 --> 00:20:05,443 (STEFANIE) Oh, it's here! 511 00:20:05,510 --> 00:20:07,748 (GORDON) Go, go, go... 512 00:20:07,815 --> 00:20:09,852 On we go! Well done. 513 00:20:09,918 --> 00:20:12,023 Good job, man. Good job. 514 00:20:12,090 --> 00:20:14,227 Good job! 515 00:20:14,327 --> 00:20:15,797 Here comes that platform! You don't wanna miss it. 516 00:20:15,897 --> 00:20:17,166 Bugger! 517 00:20:17,233 --> 00:20:21,075 My brownies are hot. 518 00:20:21,141 --> 00:20:23,847 Platform is here. Get those desserts on! 519 00:20:23,914 --> 00:20:26,953 C'mon guys, don't let me down. Chad, get on there now! 520 00:20:27,020 --> 00:20:28,657 -Whoa! -Maricsa, you've gotta go! 521 00:20:28,757 --> 00:20:30,326 You never plate it on the platform. 522 00:20:30,393 --> 00:20:32,097 -Get it on there! -Thank you for that. 523 00:20:32,163 --> 00:20:34,200 -Okay, bye! -See ya! 524 00:20:34,300 --> 00:20:36,304 -(URGENT MUSIC) -The platform is coming, guys. 525 00:20:36,404 --> 00:20:39,077 Platform is here. Everybody, get your dish on there! 526 00:20:39,144 --> 00:20:41,516 Get your dishes on there. 527 00:20:41,616 --> 00:20:43,787 Justin, where's your other one? It's gotta go! 528 00:20:43,854 --> 00:20:45,991 -(JUSTIN) Good lord! -(CARLA) C'mon, c'mon! 529 00:20:46,058 --> 00:20:48,964 Woo! Y'all did it! It's not easy. 530 00:20:49,064 --> 00:20:50,567 No, this was no cake walk. 531 00:20:52,704 --> 00:20:53,606 (ELEVATOR PINGS) 532 00:20:54,808 --> 00:20:56,010 (DRAMATIC MUSIC) 533 00:21:02,591 --> 00:21:04,595 (GORDON) First off, well done, all of you. 534 00:21:04,662 --> 00:21:09,772 We are excited to try your holiday-inspired bakes. 535 00:21:09,838 --> 00:21:11,308 -This is how excited I am. -I love that. 536 00:21:11,374 --> 00:21:13,211 -(LAUGHTER) -Shall we start in the basement 537 00:21:13,312 --> 00:21:15,482 -with the Home Bakers? -(CARLA) Yes. 538 00:21:15,617 --> 00:21:17,955 (GORDON) This is Stefanie's Sugar Cookie Cake 539 00:21:18,022 --> 00:21:20,526 with a chocolate ganache, with the little kisses. 540 00:21:20,593 --> 00:21:23,165 That's a gorgeous buttercream from chocolate... kisses? 541 00:21:23,232 --> 00:21:25,770 Yeah. Soft, buttery, rich. 542 00:21:25,804 --> 00:21:28,844 I'm shocked this was cooked in the basement. It's gorgeous. 543 00:21:28,910 --> 00:21:31,816 So this is Michael's take on Florentines, 544 00:21:31,916 --> 00:21:34,387 dipped in a chocolate and caramel sauce, 545 00:21:34,453 --> 00:21:37,426 garnished with a sort of festive sprig of rosemary. 546 00:21:37,528 --> 00:21:40,098 I would have loved the rosemary to be candied or something. 547 00:21:40,165 --> 00:21:42,504 Yeah. The rosemary reminds me of a Christmas tree, 548 00:21:42,538 --> 00:21:44,775 I'm not gonna lie. 549 00:21:44,908 --> 00:21:48,148 This is Jeff's Chocolate Tart. Very dense. 550 00:21:48,215 --> 00:21:51,020 (CARLA) Yes. Just a little under-baked. 551 00:21:51,087 --> 00:21:55,196 (GORDON) Next up, Deirdra's Brown Butter Brownie Trifle. 552 00:21:55,263 --> 00:21:58,503 In her stocking, she got some Dolce de Leche. 553 00:21:58,603 --> 00:22:00,039 -You can taste it on top. -Yep. 554 00:22:00,139 --> 00:22:01,609 (CARLA) The flavors are nice. 555 00:22:01,709 --> 00:22:04,280 I wanted a more salt because it was really sweet. 556 00:22:04,347 --> 00:22:06,385 (GORDON) Yeah, what a shame. Middle floor? 557 00:22:06,485 --> 00:22:08,455 -(CANDACE) I was with the Pros. -(SOFTLY) It'll be okay. 558 00:22:08,523 --> 00:22:12,196 So first up, we have Chad's Pecan Pie 559 00:22:12,296 --> 00:22:15,136 and a white chocolate mascarpone mousse. 560 00:22:15,202 --> 00:22:17,240 (GENTLE EXOTIC MUSIC) 561 00:22:17,307 --> 00:22:19,444 For me, pecan pie says the holidays. 562 00:22:19,545 --> 00:22:21,448 -Absolutely. -Pastry's cooked beautifully. 563 00:22:21,516 --> 00:22:23,218 -(CANDACE) Really nice. -Very good. 564 00:22:23,318 --> 00:22:24,689 -(CARLA) Wow. -Next up, 565 00:22:24,755 --> 00:22:26,391 we have Maricsa's Brownies. 566 00:22:26,425 --> 00:22:28,328 (GORDON) What is that on top? 567 00:22:28,395 --> 00:22:30,299 Chocolate spiced whipped cream and puffed rice. 568 00:22:30,366 --> 00:22:32,871 It does taste a little bit under. 569 00:22:32,972 --> 00:22:35,877 You can tell it was still piping hot when the cream went on. 570 00:22:35,944 --> 00:22:37,246 Yeah, put it on the side next time. 571 00:22:37,313 --> 00:22:40,486 Next up, we have Aubrey's 572 00:22:40,620 --> 00:22:42,624 Fudge Brownie Peanut Butter Bar Crunch. 573 00:22:46,966 --> 00:22:49,605 -(CANDACE) Very peanutty. -Very, very. 574 00:22:49,671 --> 00:22:51,374 (CANDACE) Could use a glass of milk with this. 575 00:22:51,475 --> 00:22:52,945 -(CARLA) Need it. -(GORDON) Mm-hmm. 576 00:22:53,011 --> 00:22:55,483 Finally, this is Winston's Chocolate Trifle 577 00:22:55,550 --> 00:22:58,188 with Jamaican spiced chocolate mousse and some truffle. 578 00:22:58,321 --> 00:22:59,992 -Truffle. Oh! -Some! 579 00:23:00,058 --> 00:23:01,529 (CANDACE) Just a touch. 580 00:23:01,595 --> 00:23:04,367 (CHUCKLING) I know... 581 00:23:04,434 --> 00:23:06,471 -(CARLA) Woo! -You find that cake in there? 582 00:23:06,506 --> 00:23:08,108 You get it? Did you get to the bottom? 583 00:23:08,175 --> 00:23:09,444 I'm (JINGLE) scared to go to the bottom of that. 584 00:23:09,477 --> 00:23:11,381 (LAUGHTER) 585 00:23:11,481 --> 00:23:12,918 My palate's blown out by the truffle 586 00:23:13,018 --> 00:23:14,488 so it's hard to navigate anywhere else. 587 00:23:14,555 --> 00:23:16,491 -Shall we move to the top level? -Shall we? 588 00:23:16,559 --> 00:23:18,596 (CARLA) With the Social Media chefs. 589 00:23:18,696 --> 00:23:22,370 Alright, so first up is Zoha's Black Forest Swiss Roll. 590 00:23:22,436 --> 00:23:25,977 This was Zoha's second cake. 591 00:23:28,081 --> 00:23:29,217 Let's see if we have that roll. 592 00:23:29,317 --> 00:23:32,423 (TENSE MUSIC) 593 00:23:32,524 --> 00:23:34,594 -And we do! -(GORDON) Incredible. 594 00:23:34,661 --> 00:23:36,464 -(CARLA) A perfect slice. -This is the second one. 595 00:23:36,532 --> 00:23:38,636 With 35 minutes left she made another cake. 596 00:23:38,670 --> 00:23:42,544 -Is that ganache? -(CARLA) Yep, it's a ganache. 597 00:23:42,611 --> 00:23:43,780 -That's delicious. -That's really nice. 598 00:23:43,847 --> 00:23:45,182 Good comeback. 599 00:23:45,282 --> 00:23:48,690 Next up is Justin's 600 00:23:48,790 --> 00:23:50,661 Dark Chocolate Mousse with sweetened strawberries. 601 00:23:50,727 --> 00:23:51,862 Mm-hmm. 602 00:23:55,202 --> 00:23:57,040 -The mousse is so rich. -(CARLA) It's very rich. 603 00:23:57,140 --> 00:23:58,577 There's no balance. 604 00:23:58,643 --> 00:24:00,345 (CANDACE) At minimum it needs to look good. 605 00:24:00,412 --> 00:24:03,218 But it doesn't look that elegant, what a shame. 606 00:24:03,319 --> 00:24:05,723 Alright, so we have Chloe's Chocolate Ganache-Filled Tart. 607 00:24:07,293 --> 00:24:09,030 The pastry crust is delicious. 608 00:24:09,097 --> 00:24:10,566 Nice and crisp. 609 00:24:10,633 --> 00:24:12,805 And the chocolate works really well. 610 00:24:12,905 --> 00:24:15,643 (CARLA) Lastly, we have Nikki's German Chocolate Cake. 611 00:24:15,710 --> 00:24:19,684 It's with coconut pecan frosting, very classic. 612 00:24:19,751 --> 00:24:22,557 Mm-hmm. A German Chocolate Cake is sweet - this is sweet. 613 00:24:22,624 --> 00:24:24,662 But maybe a hit more of salt to balance that out. 614 00:24:24,729 --> 00:24:26,532 Yeah. Listen, the sponge is delicious. 615 00:24:26,566 --> 00:24:28,201 Just be careful. The sweetness, wow! 616 00:24:28,268 --> 00:24:30,439 (GORDON) Great first tasting. 617 00:24:30,472 --> 00:24:32,310 Candace and Carla and I have a lot to discuss. 618 00:24:32,376 --> 00:24:35,182 Excuse us. Thank you. 619 00:24:35,282 --> 00:24:36,417 -That was brutal. -Sixty minutes? 620 00:24:36,518 --> 00:24:39,257 Yeah. 621 00:24:39,324 --> 00:24:41,562 Zoha was in a tizzy the entire time, 622 00:24:41,629 --> 00:24:44,167 but I thought the roulade really turned out well. 623 00:24:44,234 --> 00:24:47,006 It was an honor to bake with you guys, it was so much fun. 624 00:24:47,106 --> 00:24:49,778 Maricsa's Spiced Brownie would have been amazing 625 00:24:49,878 --> 00:24:51,448 if it had just a little bit more time in the oven. 626 00:24:51,582 --> 00:24:53,418 -Yes! -(GORDON) It's a shame. 627 00:24:53,519 --> 00:24:56,692 Unfortunately, we have to pick our bottom three. 628 00:24:56,758 --> 00:24:58,963 One from each kitchen. Are we in agreement? Shall we? 629 00:24:59,030 --> 00:25:00,165 -Yes. -Yeah. 630 00:25:00,232 --> 00:25:02,036 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 631 00:25:04,541 --> 00:25:06,879 Each and every one of you made an incredible 632 00:25:07,013 --> 00:25:09,719 first effort today, so keep your heads up high. 633 00:25:09,785 --> 00:25:12,524 However, one baker from each level, sadly, 634 00:25:12,590 --> 00:25:15,362 will be going home tonight. 635 00:25:15,429 --> 00:25:17,734 It wasn't easy, let me tell you. 636 00:25:17,834 --> 00:25:19,872 The first individual heading home is... 637 00:25:19,972 --> 00:25:21,575 (MUSIC BUILDS) 638 00:25:24,180 --> 00:25:25,015 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC ENDS) 639 00:25:27,654 --> 00:25:29,925 (DRAMATIC BEAT) 640 00:25:29,992 --> 00:25:31,596 One baker from each level, sadly, 641 00:25:31,662 --> 00:25:32,864 will be going home tonight. 642 00:25:34,868 --> 00:25:38,341 The bakers heading home are... 643 00:25:38,475 --> 00:25:41,181 (HI-ENERGY SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 644 00:25:41,248 --> 00:25:42,918 -Michael. -Alright. 645 00:25:42,951 --> 00:25:44,721 Justin. 646 00:25:46,157 --> 00:25:49,063 And Winston. 647 00:25:49,163 --> 00:25:51,835 Michael, Justin, Winston, say goodbye to your teams, 648 00:25:51,902 --> 00:25:53,873 and please enjoy the holidays with your families. 649 00:25:53,973 --> 00:25:57,080 -And thank you, guys. -(CARLA) Thank you, guys. 650 00:25:57,146 --> 00:25:59,350 -Whoop, whoop, whoop. -(UPLIFTING MUSIC) 651 00:25:59,450 --> 00:26:01,589 (WINSTON) I'm going to keep representing, keep pushing. 652 00:26:01,656 --> 00:26:02,757 Better watch out for this Jamaican boy. 653 00:26:06,231 --> 00:26:07,835 (CARLA) Shake it off. 654 00:26:07,901 --> 00:26:09,805 Let's bring some holiday spirit back, okay? 655 00:26:09,871 --> 00:26:11,474 (LIGHT FESTIVE MUSIC) 656 00:26:11,575 --> 00:26:14,814 Because three of you have just earned 657 00:26:14,881 --> 00:26:17,887 cooking in that top level kitchen in the next challenge. 658 00:26:19,357 --> 00:26:21,529 Those bakers are... 659 00:26:21,596 --> 00:26:24,434 -Chad. -(CANDACE) Alright, Chad. 660 00:26:24,500 --> 00:26:26,639 -Stefanie! -(CHEERING) 661 00:26:26,672 --> 00:26:30,479 -And finally, Zoha! -(CHEERING) 662 00:26:30,580 --> 00:26:32,483 -(GORDON) Great job. -Well done, you three. 663 00:26:32,584 --> 00:26:34,554 Alright, three of you 664 00:26:34,588 --> 00:26:36,224 earned your way to the middle level. 665 00:26:36,324 --> 00:26:37,828 Those bakers are... 666 00:26:37,894 --> 00:26:40,099 Nikki. 667 00:26:40,199 --> 00:26:42,469 Deirdra. 668 00:26:42,570 --> 00:26:46,110 And Chloe. Well done. 669 00:26:46,144 --> 00:26:48,214 -Of course, that means Aubrey... -Yeah. 670 00:26:48,281 --> 00:26:50,920 ..Jeff and Maricsa, 671 00:26:50,987 --> 00:26:52,957 you'll be cooking down in that dreaded basement. 672 00:26:53,057 --> 00:26:55,162 -(DRAMATIC BEAT) -Ready for your next challenge? 673 00:26:55,262 --> 00:26:57,466 (BAKERS) Yes. 674 00:26:57,534 --> 00:27:00,640 You know what my favorite part of the holiday season is? 675 00:27:00,740 --> 00:27:02,845 It's all of the fabulous parties. 676 00:27:02,945 --> 00:27:06,384 (GORDON) Absolutely. You may have guessed it! 677 00:27:06,450 --> 00:27:10,058 Your next challenge is all about baking with alcohol. 678 00:27:15,870 --> 00:27:18,408 Here's the good news. The big man himself 679 00:27:18,475 --> 00:27:22,216 has sent his trusted scout elves 680 00:27:22,250 --> 00:27:24,588 to spread some incredible festive cheer 681 00:27:24,655 --> 00:27:26,357 and holiday magic. How cool is that? 682 00:27:26,391 --> 00:27:28,930 Amazing? Okay. 683 00:27:29,030 --> 00:27:31,902 And Gordon, just so you know, 684 00:27:32,002 --> 00:27:34,808 Santa sent a special scout elf to keep an eye out on you. 685 00:27:34,908 --> 00:27:37,514 Come on, seriously? 686 00:27:37,581 --> 00:27:39,919 He wants to make sure you end up on the nice list this year. 687 00:27:40,019 --> 00:27:42,023 -It hasn't happened... -(CANDACE) Naughty. 688 00:27:42,123 --> 00:27:44,360 -..in 57 Christmases. -(LAUGHTER) 689 00:27:44,493 --> 00:27:46,297 -Tsk, tsk. -(GORDON) Right. 690 00:27:46,364 --> 00:27:48,401 -Let's get to it, shall we? -(JEFF) Yeah. 691 00:27:48,468 --> 00:27:50,740 You'll have 75 minutes tonight 692 00:27:50,840 --> 00:27:53,746 to create an exciting bake with alcohol. 693 00:27:53,846 --> 00:27:56,150 This is a competition. One of you will be leaving 694 00:27:56,217 --> 00:27:58,488 after this bake. Make sure it's not you. 695 00:27:58,555 --> 00:28:00,793 Head to the elevator, we'll see you shortly. Good luck! 696 00:28:00,927 --> 00:28:02,664 -(CHAD) Thanks, chefs. -(CARLA) Thank you. 697 00:28:02,764 --> 00:28:04,500 (GORDON) Great job. Stefanie, well done. 698 00:28:04,568 --> 00:28:06,805 (STEFANIE) Seventy-five minutes! (LAUGHS) 699 00:28:06,872 --> 00:28:08,876 -(DEIRDRA) Feels like a luxury. -(STEFANIE) I know! 700 00:28:08,943 --> 00:28:11,013 -(FESTIVE MUSIC) -(ELEVATOR RUMBLING) 701 00:28:13,820 --> 00:28:15,088 -(STEFANIE) Okay. -(ZOHA) Alright! 702 00:28:15,188 --> 00:28:17,059 -(CHAD) Let's do it! -Wow... 703 00:28:17,159 --> 00:28:18,395 (ZOHA) Let's do this. -Holy smokes! What is this? 704 00:28:18,495 --> 00:28:19,932 Our own oven?! 705 00:28:20,032 --> 00:28:21,702 This is like the nicest kitchen 706 00:28:21,769 --> 00:28:22,937 I've ever been in in my life. 707 00:28:25,610 --> 00:28:27,245 -(CHLOE) Wow! -Not too bad. 708 00:28:27,346 --> 00:28:28,549 I can handle this. 709 00:28:28,650 --> 00:28:31,254 (WHIMSICAL MUSIC) 710 00:28:31,388 --> 00:28:32,890 Okay, there are a lot of elves! 711 00:28:34,661 --> 00:28:36,932 (PLAYFUL FESTIVE MUSIC) 712 00:28:37,066 --> 00:28:38,937 (MARICSA) Look at these cuties! 713 00:28:39,037 --> 00:28:41,474 (NERVOUS CHUCKLE) My sister does elf on a shelf 714 00:28:41,541 --> 00:28:43,311 for my nephew and my niece. 715 00:28:43,378 --> 00:28:45,449 And he's done a lot of silly, funny things. 716 00:28:45,550 --> 00:28:47,854 I'm not stoked to be in this kitchen 717 00:28:47,954 --> 00:28:51,561 but I'm hoping the elves can create some magic in here. 718 00:28:51,662 --> 00:28:54,300 (GIGGLING) I can't wait to use you, you little funny thing. 719 00:28:54,333 --> 00:28:55,970 (PING) 720 00:28:56,037 --> 00:28:59,310 -Good luck! -(CANDACE) Hi, bakers! 721 00:28:59,410 --> 00:29:01,314 -How are we feeling? -A little scared, I feel like. 722 00:29:01,414 --> 00:29:03,285 There's nowhere to go but up. 723 00:29:03,385 --> 00:29:04,888 -Yeah. -That is true. 724 00:29:04,955 --> 00:29:08,529 -(PING) -Oh, we're back together again! 725 00:29:08,596 --> 00:29:11,669 Nikki, when that platform comes down, 726 00:29:11,735 --> 00:29:13,138 -I need you to get some stuff. -I'm ready. 727 00:29:13,204 --> 00:29:15,175 (PING) 728 00:29:15,309 --> 00:29:17,346 Right. Let's go. 729 00:29:17,446 --> 00:29:18,716 -Feeling good? -Yes. 730 00:29:18,783 --> 00:29:20,252 You've got the pick of the litter. 731 00:29:20,352 --> 00:29:21,655 Okay so be smart, right? 732 00:29:21,722 --> 00:29:23,291 Let's go. Line up against the door. 733 00:29:23,358 --> 00:29:24,695 Let's go! 734 00:29:24,762 --> 00:29:27,266 Seventy-five minutes to create 735 00:29:27,299 --> 00:29:29,904 an exciting, boozy, Christmas treat. 736 00:29:31,775 --> 00:29:34,413 Three, two, one... 737 00:29:34,480 --> 00:29:36,317 Let's go! 738 00:29:36,384 --> 00:29:38,823 -(URGENT MUSIC) -Look at that, okay. 739 00:29:38,889 --> 00:29:40,793 So we're gonna go here, oh. 740 00:29:40,893 --> 00:29:42,797 Do you guys see the alcohol-free? 741 00:29:42,897 --> 00:29:44,768 Obviously, I'm Muslim. I don't drink alcohol. 742 00:29:44,834 --> 00:29:48,041 So I do not know what alcohol tastes like... 743 00:29:48,141 --> 00:29:49,878 (STEFANIE) Here's alcohol-free, right there. 744 00:29:49,945 --> 00:29:51,648 ..but I'm somehow gonna make it work. 745 00:29:51,715 --> 00:29:52,751 (GORDON) There you go, you got it. 746 00:29:52,784 --> 00:29:53,886 (BLEEP) 747 00:29:56,257 --> 00:29:57,560 (CARLA) Okay, it's coming. It's coming, y'all. 748 00:29:57,660 --> 00:29:59,932 Go! C'mon! 749 00:30:00,065 --> 00:30:02,737 Remember, pick balance. Think about acid. 750 00:30:02,804 --> 00:30:04,508 Think about how you're gonna balance 751 00:30:04,574 --> 00:30:05,743 -that alcohol. -Oh yeah. 752 00:30:05,810 --> 00:30:07,179 (NIKKI) I'm feelin' really good. 753 00:30:07,246 --> 00:30:09,785 One thing I do know is booze. 754 00:30:09,918 --> 00:30:11,622 -Still grab things. -Ooh, cream cheese! 755 00:30:11,689 --> 00:30:13,158 -Okay, can you grab something? -Got it! 756 00:30:13,258 --> 00:30:15,697 It helps that you're tall, girl. Yes! 757 00:30:15,797 --> 00:30:17,634 -(DEIRDRA) A long arm. Woo! -(CARLA) Okay. 758 00:30:17,734 --> 00:30:19,137 (CANDACE) Make sure you grab an alcohol 759 00:30:19,203 --> 00:30:20,740 off the top of the platform. 760 00:30:20,806 --> 00:30:21,875 Green, green, green! Go, go, go! 761 00:30:24,414 --> 00:30:25,950 -Okay, that's it? -Uh, is that a beer? 762 00:30:26,017 --> 00:30:27,921 I... I think so! 763 00:30:27,987 --> 00:30:31,662 (NIKKI) I don't ever drink beer, so this 764 00:30:31,729 --> 00:30:33,699 is probably worst-case scenario for me. 765 00:30:33,766 --> 00:30:35,235 (CANDACE) Just grab what you can. 766 00:30:35,335 --> 00:30:36,872 You're gonna make magic out of it. 767 00:30:36,939 --> 00:30:41,081 Booze-filled chocolate? Going, going... gone. 768 00:30:41,181 --> 00:30:43,853 (AUBREY) Oh my God, I don't even know what I grabbed. 769 00:30:43,920 --> 00:30:45,657 (MARICSA) I don't know what to do with this beer. 770 00:30:45,757 --> 00:30:47,827 The panic of this beer has set in 771 00:30:47,960 --> 00:30:49,330 and is not letting go of me. 772 00:30:49,430 --> 00:30:51,300 (MUSIC ENDS) 773 00:30:54,473 --> 00:30:56,612 -(DRAMATIC WHOOSH) -(CANDACE) Alright, bakers. 774 00:30:56,678 --> 00:30:59,350 Your time starts... now! 775 00:30:59,417 --> 00:31:01,053 (URGENT MUSIC) 776 00:31:01,087 --> 00:31:02,857 (CHAD) Anybody seen the teaspoon? 777 00:31:02,924 --> 00:31:04,861 (AUBREY) No, I don't have one. 778 00:31:04,928 --> 00:31:06,865 -Alright, Maricsa. -Hello. 779 00:31:06,932 --> 00:31:08,869 How are you feeling? 780 00:31:08,936 --> 00:31:10,773 I got alcohol-free stout. 781 00:31:10,840 --> 00:31:13,011 It is not something that I drink normally. 782 00:31:13,078 --> 00:31:15,482 -Right. -So it's a little nerve-racking 783 00:31:15,583 --> 00:31:16,919 but I'm thinking fruitcake. 784 00:31:16,986 --> 00:31:18,956 I'm going to do a wreath Pâte à Choux. 785 00:31:19,056 --> 00:31:21,294 And you're gonna have enough time to do that? 786 00:31:21,394 --> 00:31:22,897 -I'm hoping so. (NERVOUS LAUGH) -Okay, sounds good. 787 00:31:22,964 --> 00:31:25,169 I'm not lookin' to go home 788 00:31:25,269 --> 00:31:26,872 and I'm not lookin' to be at the bottom like last time. 789 00:31:27,006 --> 00:31:29,010 (CANDACE) That's right. Bakers! 790 00:31:29,076 --> 00:31:31,347 (CLAPPING) Let's get to work. Let's go! 791 00:31:31,413 --> 00:31:34,521 Jeff, what are we planning to do with that box wine? 792 00:31:34,587 --> 00:31:36,223 I'm planning to make a mulled wine sauce 793 00:31:36,290 --> 00:31:38,529 to go over an apple cake. 794 00:31:38,663 --> 00:31:42,069 Okay. Box wine looks scary, but you got a plan. 795 00:31:42,136 --> 00:31:44,908 I think we're gonna get out of the basement with this one. 796 00:31:45,008 --> 00:31:46,979 -Alright, Aubrey. -I'm gonna do a crostata... 797 00:31:47,012 --> 00:31:49,751 -Okay. -..and an apple pear butter. 798 00:31:49,818 --> 00:31:51,955 Calvados is made with apples. 799 00:31:52,022 --> 00:31:53,358 Love that. 800 00:31:53,492 --> 00:31:55,095 (WHIMSICAL MUSIC) 801 00:31:55,162 --> 00:31:57,634 -(CHLOE) Hello! -(CARLA) Hello, Miss Chloe. 802 00:31:57,734 --> 00:31:59,369 I'm gonna be making spice cakes. 803 00:31:59,436 --> 00:32:02,143 -Okay. -And to that I'm going to add 804 00:32:02,209 --> 00:32:05,482 a cranberry compote and make an Irish cream liqueur buttercream. 805 00:32:05,550 --> 00:32:07,219 -How's it going? -My buttercream's ending up 806 00:32:07,319 --> 00:32:08,354 a bit grittier than it should. 807 00:32:08,421 --> 00:32:10,058 You used room-temperature butter? 808 00:32:10,124 --> 00:32:11,762 -I did. -Cold butter's better. 809 00:32:11,829 --> 00:32:13,498 That will give your butter stability. 810 00:32:13,566 --> 00:32:16,872 -Fifty minutes left. -Cold butter... 811 00:32:16,939 --> 00:32:19,343 Nikki, I see you prepped more items this time. 812 00:32:19,410 --> 00:32:20,980 -What did you grab? -Amaretto. 813 00:32:21,047 --> 00:32:23,051 Okay, so what're you making with this? 814 00:32:23,118 --> 00:32:27,561 I'm gonna make a eggnog parfait with a ginger snap base. 815 00:32:27,661 --> 00:32:30,165 What makes your eggnog noggy? 816 00:32:30,265 --> 00:32:32,002 That booze I put in there and I'll put a little bit more-- 817 00:32:32,069 --> 00:32:33,906 It doesn't take too much. 818 00:32:33,973 --> 00:32:36,912 You just need a tiny, tiny bit. 819 00:32:37,012 --> 00:32:39,283 We are encouraged to taste, aren't we? 820 00:32:39,349 --> 00:32:40,853 -Yeah. -What 'bout tha'? 821 00:32:40,920 --> 00:32:43,091 Okay, girl. Get it, girl! 822 00:32:43,224 --> 00:32:44,861 C'mon, you're encouraged to... (LAUGHING) 823 00:32:44,928 --> 00:32:46,665 Hey, I asked first. 824 00:32:46,698 --> 00:32:48,669 (FESTIVE MUSIC) I am Nikki J. 825 00:32:48,736 --> 00:32:51,908 The diva, the queen, the 60-year-old powerhouse. 826 00:32:52,008 --> 00:32:54,581 I have been going viral 827 00:32:54,647 --> 00:32:57,753 before viral was even cool. 828 00:32:57,820 --> 00:33:01,628 My daughter's wedding cake went viral during the wedding. 829 00:33:01,695 --> 00:33:04,266 And overnight I got orders 830 00:33:04,333 --> 00:33:07,139 from so many celebrities. 831 00:33:07,206 --> 00:33:09,243 Babe, I'm the queen of social media. 832 00:33:09,343 --> 00:33:11,882 I'm the queen of the bakery. I was just born a queen. 833 00:33:11,982 --> 00:33:13,284 I dunno why my mama didn't name me Queen. 834 00:33:14,988 --> 00:33:16,424 -(GORDON) Carla! -Oh God! Yes? 835 00:33:16,491 --> 00:33:18,161 Jeez, we good? 836 00:33:18,228 --> 00:33:19,865 -How's it going down there? -Lemme tell you, 837 00:33:19,932 --> 00:33:21,433 we have some really great stuff. 838 00:33:21,535 --> 00:33:23,539 And what about the boozy celebration? 839 00:33:23,606 --> 00:33:24,974 Nikki's celebrating more than anybody. 840 00:33:25,075 --> 00:33:27,981 -She loves a boozy jam. -I love that! 841 00:33:28,114 --> 00:33:29,449 -Yeah, drinking and thinking. -Love that. Thank you. 842 00:33:31,087 --> 00:33:33,626 -(GASP) -(DRAMATIC BEAT) 843 00:33:33,726 --> 00:33:35,864 Zoha, tell me about the dish. What're you doing? 844 00:33:35,997 --> 00:33:39,270 I'm gonna do a chocolate pecan caramel tart. 845 00:33:39,336 --> 00:33:41,542 Hopefully there'll be tempered chocolate decoration. 846 00:33:41,675 --> 00:33:44,179 Gotcha. Smart, smart, smart. Right, Chad! 847 00:33:44,246 --> 00:33:46,217 -Yes, chef. -Let's go, my man. 848 00:33:46,284 --> 00:33:48,623 I'm gonna do a Port wine-braised apple tatin. 849 00:33:48,689 --> 00:33:50,960 Working on my poaching liquid right now. 850 00:33:51,027 --> 00:33:52,095 You've got cooking apples, right? 851 00:33:52,162 --> 00:33:54,133 -Yes. -Traditionally, we use 852 00:33:54,233 --> 00:33:56,772 cooking apples for purees. But hey, all is not lost. 853 00:33:56,872 --> 00:33:58,441 And where have you seen this before? 854 00:33:58,542 --> 00:34:01,147 I've dreamed about it so let's see what we can do here. 855 00:34:01,281 --> 00:34:03,217 Well, let's hope this is a happy dream. 856 00:34:05,656 --> 00:34:07,860 Right, Stefanie. What is it? 857 00:34:07,960 --> 00:34:10,298 Okay, this cake is a festive eggnog cake. 858 00:34:10,398 --> 00:34:12,069 It's got a little bit of the bourbon in the cake. 859 00:34:12,169 --> 00:34:13,237 -How many layers? -Shooting for three. 860 00:34:13,304 --> 00:34:14,975 -You're gonna get three done? -I think so. 861 00:34:15,075 --> 00:34:16,845 -Love it, love it... -I'm going for it. 862 00:34:16,945 --> 00:34:19,283 Give an insight to Stefanie's household at the holidays. 863 00:34:19,316 --> 00:34:20,653 -I have four kids... -Decadent! 864 00:34:20,753 --> 00:34:22,289 ..and it's really, really fun. 865 00:34:22,356 --> 00:34:25,128 -(UPBEAT MUSIC) -I'm completely self-taught. 866 00:34:25,195 --> 00:34:27,299 When my kids were young I would watch baking shows 867 00:34:27,366 --> 00:34:30,973 and I realized, "Oh my goodness, I love to bake!" 868 00:34:31,040 --> 00:34:33,111 And I was like, maybe this is a gift. 869 00:34:33,178 --> 00:34:34,447 I was encouraged by family and friends 870 00:34:34,548 --> 00:34:36,951 to start a home bakery business. 871 00:34:37,052 --> 00:34:40,859 And then all of a sudden, I had strangers wanting to order. 872 00:34:40,960 --> 00:34:43,899 My husband and I had always talked about opening a bakery. 873 00:34:43,999 --> 00:34:47,338 We sold our house to finance the business 874 00:34:47,405 --> 00:34:50,411 and moved our family into a teeny tiny rental for a year. 875 00:34:50,478 --> 00:34:53,251 We have this big, beautiful, chaotic family. 876 00:34:53,351 --> 00:34:55,288 It has been a wild ride. 877 00:34:55,355 --> 00:34:58,394 But honestly, it's all been worth it. 878 00:34:58,461 --> 00:35:01,333 -(PLAYFUL MUSIC) -(MARICSA) This is so messy. 879 00:35:01,433 --> 00:35:03,137 My hands are gonna be green. 880 00:35:03,237 --> 00:35:05,141 Pâte à Choux is temperamental. 881 00:35:05,208 --> 00:35:07,781 Usually, they look tall and puffy. 882 00:35:07,881 --> 00:35:10,052 I would get it in the oven soon though, if you're not. 883 00:35:10,118 --> 00:35:12,256 If they don't have enough time in the oven, 884 00:35:12,322 --> 00:35:14,393 they're gonna sink. Frick it. 885 00:35:16,765 --> 00:35:18,000 -(UPBEAT MUSIC) -(GORDON) Twenty minutes to go. 886 00:35:18,067 --> 00:35:20,371 Twenty minutes to go. 887 00:35:20,471 --> 00:35:23,244 -(STEFANIE) So pretty! -Stefanie, we good? 888 00:35:23,377 --> 00:35:25,215 Yeah. I used a little bit of bourbon in the compote. 889 00:35:25,315 --> 00:35:26,584 Absolutely incredible. Good luck. 890 00:35:29,858 --> 00:35:31,460 (CHAD) Oh yeah, baby. 891 00:35:35,469 --> 00:35:36,738 What the... 892 00:35:36,805 --> 00:35:38,909 I pick up my apples with a spoon 893 00:35:39,009 --> 00:35:41,347 and quickly realize that I've... 894 00:35:41,380 --> 00:35:43,385 they're disintegrating. 895 00:35:43,485 --> 00:35:45,122 -(TENSE MUSIC) -Oh, no, no. 896 00:35:45,188 --> 00:35:47,293 That's (JINGLE) perfect. 897 00:35:47,359 --> 00:35:49,664 Such a stupid mistake. 898 00:35:49,731 --> 00:35:51,233 (MUSIC BUILDS, ENDS) 899 00:35:52,603 --> 00:35:53,572 (DRAMATIC BEAT) 900 00:35:56,243 --> 00:35:58,114 (FESTIVE MUSIC) 901 00:35:58,214 --> 00:36:00,018 -(DEPLETED SIGH) -(GORDON) Chad, you good? 902 00:36:00,085 --> 00:36:02,489 -I (BLEEP) my apples up. -You've what?! 903 00:36:02,556 --> 00:36:05,495 They have disintegrated in my poaching liquid, chef. 904 00:36:05,563 --> 00:36:07,332 Remember I said earlier, they're for just purees. 905 00:36:07,432 --> 00:36:09,303 They do just all of a sudden go. 906 00:36:09,369 --> 00:36:11,842 I know. I'm turning it into a pear tatin. 907 00:36:11,942 --> 00:36:13,612 A pear tatin? 908 00:36:13,679 --> 00:36:16,719 Same concept. I won't over-poach this. 909 00:36:16,785 --> 00:36:18,956 This is obviously going down to the wire. 910 00:36:19,056 --> 00:36:22,296 I know I need every single second to poach these pears. 911 00:36:22,362 --> 00:36:23,965 (STRESSED SIGH) A little scared. 912 00:36:26,404 --> 00:36:29,243 Y'all looking good! Chloe, punchin' out her cakes. 913 00:36:29,310 --> 00:36:30,713 My buttercream's moved out. (GRUNTS) 914 00:36:30,779 --> 00:36:32,182 (CARLA) Nice! I love it. 915 00:36:32,249 --> 00:36:33,652 Big, beautiful, buttercream baby. 916 00:36:33,719 --> 00:36:35,421 -(TENSE MUSIC) -(CANDACE) Maricsa. 917 00:36:37,827 --> 00:36:39,296 We're crisping them up now? 918 00:36:39,363 --> 00:36:41,300 Yes. I'm just trying to crisp them at this point. 919 00:36:41,401 --> 00:36:42,703 -Okay. -I swear I'm better than this! 920 00:36:42,804 --> 00:36:44,574 (FRUSTRATED SIGH) 921 00:36:44,674 --> 00:36:47,145 My pastry is sinking and my heart is sinking with it. 922 00:36:47,212 --> 00:36:48,849 Guys, let's start plating! 923 00:36:48,916 --> 00:36:50,820 Two. Minutes. Left. 924 00:36:50,887 --> 00:36:53,826 The platform waits for no one. 925 00:36:53,926 --> 00:36:55,697 -(GORDON) Platform's going. -(NERVOUS GASP) 926 00:36:55,763 --> 00:36:58,000 Sixty seconds to go, guys. Platform's gone. 927 00:36:58,101 --> 00:37:00,739 Get everything on those plates. And make it beautiful, yes? 928 00:37:00,873 --> 00:37:02,977 -(STEFANIE) Let's go. -Bring it on, guys! 929 00:37:03,044 --> 00:37:05,048 -(WITHERING GASP) -(CANDACE) Platform is moving. 930 00:37:05,115 --> 00:37:07,452 No time to waste. 931 00:37:07,520 --> 00:37:09,691 Get your bakes on the platform. Let's go, go, go! 932 00:37:09,791 --> 00:37:11,226 Aubrey, 10 seconds! 933 00:37:11,260 --> 00:37:13,632 -(URGENT MUSIC) -Good grief! 934 00:37:13,732 --> 00:37:17,172 -Well done, bakers. -(AUBREY) Ahh! 935 00:37:17,238 --> 00:37:19,176 (CARLA) Make it nice! 936 00:37:19,277 --> 00:37:21,413 (NIKKI) I'm gonna add ginger snaps. 937 00:37:21,514 --> 00:37:23,785 -I stuck it in like a cocktail. -Looks like a cocktail. 938 00:37:23,852 --> 00:37:25,823 (CARLA) Alright, the platform is coming. 939 00:37:25,923 --> 00:37:27,827 Where are we? Oh, my God. 940 00:37:27,894 --> 00:37:30,232 -Okay, alright. -(BAKERS) Woo! Hey girl! 941 00:37:30,365 --> 00:37:31,801 Go ahead, girls. Go ahead. 942 00:37:31,868 --> 00:37:33,706 -You deserve a drink. -(NIKKI) Oh, my God. 943 00:37:33,773 --> 00:37:35,843 Literally, could I drink some of that? 944 00:37:35,943 --> 00:37:37,245 Please pass it around! 945 00:37:37,312 --> 00:37:39,551 Alright chefs, we're here. 946 00:37:39,618 --> 00:37:42,256 -(GORDON) Okay guys, go, go. -(STEFANIE) Zoha, c'mon, c'mon! 947 00:37:42,356 --> 00:37:43,424 (GORDON) You're gonna miss that platform. Gotta go. 948 00:37:45,897 --> 00:37:50,338 Five seconds. Four, three, two, one... and go. 949 00:37:50,405 --> 00:37:51,608 -Well done! -(STEFANIE) That's beautiful. 950 00:37:51,675 --> 00:37:52,777 Wow. 951 00:37:52,877 --> 00:37:56,350 (DRAMATIC FESTIVE MUSIC) 952 00:38:03,097 --> 00:38:04,801 (MUSIC SOFTENS) 953 00:38:04,835 --> 00:38:07,406 These incredible holiday-inspired bakes 954 00:38:07,507 --> 00:38:09,944 look festive and exactly what you want to see 955 00:38:09,978 --> 00:38:12,149 for the holidays. But sadly, 956 00:38:12,249 --> 00:38:14,988 we do have to send somebody home. 957 00:38:15,088 --> 00:38:17,393 Right, shall we start at the very top on my level? 958 00:38:17,459 --> 00:38:18,996 -(CARLA) Yes. -First off with Stefanie. 959 00:38:19,096 --> 00:38:20,800 Stefanie used bourbon. 960 00:38:20,900 --> 00:38:24,005 It was inspired by Eggnog Funfetti Cake. 961 00:38:24,139 --> 00:38:25,576 Get it, girl. 962 00:38:25,642 --> 00:38:27,379 Okay Stefanie, look at you. 963 00:38:27,446 --> 00:38:29,049 Uppin' the game! Okay, sorry. 964 00:38:29,149 --> 00:38:30,653 (LAUGHTER) 965 00:38:30,753 --> 00:38:33,158 -Dig in, please. -(LIGHT MUSIC) 966 00:38:33,258 --> 00:38:35,261 -I hope it tastes good. -It will, I'm sure. 967 00:38:35,361 --> 00:38:38,836 The crumb is so... tender. 968 00:38:38,902 --> 00:38:41,508 Mm-hmm, it's inspiring. 969 00:38:41,608 --> 00:38:43,845 The amount of work that went into this across 75 minutes 970 00:38:43,912 --> 00:38:46,518 is exceptional, great start. Right, next up. 971 00:38:46,585 --> 00:38:49,891 Zoha made a Chocolate and Caramel Pecan Tartlet 972 00:38:49,957 --> 00:38:52,462 with non-alcoholic rum. 973 00:38:52,564 --> 00:38:54,567 There's an ooey-gooey quality to this 974 00:38:54,634 --> 00:38:58,474 that is also very decadent, yet so refined. 975 00:38:58,576 --> 00:39:00,679 (GORDON) Last up, it's Chad's take on a Pear Tarte Tatin. 976 00:39:00,746 --> 00:39:02,684 I'm not gonna lie, it looks like a Pear Tata-taco. 977 00:39:02,784 --> 00:39:05,822 (GORDON) This young man pivoted. 978 00:39:05,956 --> 00:39:09,396 Had a slight problem with the original apples, went to pear. 979 00:39:09,429 --> 00:39:12,468 Well, those pears... Sounds like they're undercooked. 980 00:39:12,570 --> 00:39:15,208 -Yeah, they look a little hard. -(CANDACE) A little crunchy? 981 00:39:15,275 --> 00:39:16,745 (GORDON) Middle level, what've you got? 982 00:39:16,811 --> 00:39:19,282 (CARLA) These are Nikki's Amaretto Eggnog Parfaits. 983 00:39:19,349 --> 00:39:20,953 That's a boozy bite! 984 00:39:20,987 --> 00:39:23,024 -Yeah, a lotta booze. -A lotta booze. 985 00:39:23,090 --> 00:39:24,628 (GORDON) A lotta sugar. 986 00:39:24,694 --> 00:39:27,098 The ginger snaps, did we make these on top? 987 00:39:27,198 --> 00:39:29,403 -We did not make these. -What a shame. 988 00:39:29,504 --> 00:39:31,306 (CARLA) These are from Chloe. 989 00:39:31,406 --> 00:39:33,044 Spice Cakes with Irish liqueur buttercream 990 00:39:33,111 --> 00:39:35,181 made to look like a hot toddy. 991 00:39:35,248 --> 00:39:37,352 They look beautiful. 992 00:39:37,418 --> 00:39:39,891 -And they taste elegant. -(CARLA) Next up, 993 00:39:39,991 --> 00:39:43,598 Spiced Apple Cupcakes cooked by Deirdra. 994 00:39:43,665 --> 00:39:46,137 I mean, a cupcake at first glance seems very simplistic 995 00:39:46,237 --> 00:39:48,441 but you really made it artful. 996 00:39:48,474 --> 00:39:49,610 -Thank you. -(GORDON) Yeah. 997 00:39:51,246 --> 00:39:52,950 Come on down to the basement. 998 00:39:53,083 --> 00:39:55,255 Look at these! What is that? 999 00:39:55,355 --> 00:39:58,795 (LAUGHTER) 1000 00:39:58,862 --> 00:40:00,866 We're gonna start with Maricsa's Pâte à Choux Wreathes 1001 00:40:00,966 --> 00:40:03,572 with stout fig compote. 1002 00:40:03,672 --> 00:40:05,174 -(GORDON) Are they undercooked? -(CARLA) Yeah. 1003 00:40:05,241 --> 00:40:06,911 (GORDON) Damn. 1004 00:40:06,978 --> 00:40:09,518 -This one falls flat, sadly. -Literally. 1005 00:40:09,618 --> 00:40:12,689 The choux pastry is literally undercooked. 1006 00:40:12,790 --> 00:40:15,228 (CANDACE) Next up, Jeff's Apple Cake with Mulled Wine Sauce. 1007 00:40:15,328 --> 00:40:16,898 (GORDON) Looks festive. 1008 00:40:16,965 --> 00:40:19,103 He grabbed the bag wine, which I thought 1009 00:40:19,203 --> 00:40:21,742 was kind of a scary grab, but he worked it out. 1010 00:40:21,808 --> 00:40:23,477 It's taking bad ingredients 1011 00:40:23,545 --> 00:40:25,014 and turning it into something amazing. 1012 00:40:25,114 --> 00:40:27,251 (SOFTLY) Thank you. 1013 00:40:27,318 --> 00:40:29,991 (CANDACE) Last up, this is a Calvados Apple Pear Crostata. 1014 00:40:30,091 --> 00:40:32,329 It looks beautiful. Rustic, full of charm. 1015 00:40:32,429 --> 00:40:33,765 -(CARLA) Wow. -And it feels so effortless... 1016 00:40:33,865 --> 00:40:35,435 Yes! 1017 00:40:35,536 --> 00:40:38,040 ..but just is packed with flavor. 1018 00:40:38,107 --> 00:40:40,278 We've got a lot to talk about, let me tell you. 1019 00:40:40,344 --> 00:40:42,883 We need a moment. Thank you. 1020 00:40:42,950 --> 00:40:45,622 -(LIGHT MUSIC) -(NIKKI) Oh, God. 1021 00:40:45,689 --> 00:40:47,125 Stunning, stunning... What a way to celebrate 1022 00:40:47,159 --> 00:40:48,695 -the holidays. -It really was. 1023 00:40:48,762 --> 00:40:50,566 I feel I've gotta step up my game now 1024 00:40:50,666 --> 00:40:52,302 because you're whippin' out three-tiered cakes. 1025 00:40:52,402 --> 00:40:53,739 Are you kiddin' me? What you made?! 1026 00:40:53,805 --> 00:40:55,308 -I'm like... -A crostata? 1027 00:40:55,442 --> 00:40:57,245 -Clearly some weren't as good. -Yep. 1028 00:40:57,312 --> 00:40:58,682 I did the best with what I was given. 1029 00:40:58,748 --> 00:41:00,719 I'm still so nervous. 1030 00:41:00,819 --> 00:41:03,759 Sorry to see any baker go but... it is a competition. 1031 00:41:03,826 --> 00:41:06,832 I make all these things at home, but in the thousands. 1032 00:41:06,932 --> 00:41:09,503 I think that threw me for like the biggest loop. 1033 00:41:11,207 --> 00:41:13,010 -(MUSIC ENDS) -(SHARP EXHALE) 1034 00:41:13,143 --> 00:41:15,081 (CANDACE) There was one bake 1035 00:41:15,147 --> 00:41:17,586 from each today that stood out from the crowd. 1036 00:41:17,686 --> 00:41:20,324 Those three bakers are headed to the top level 1037 00:41:20,358 --> 00:41:22,262 in the next challenge, and those are... 1038 00:41:22,295 --> 00:41:24,567 Stefanie. 1039 00:41:24,701 --> 00:41:27,773 -Aubrey. -(GASPS) Wha'? Okay, cool. 1040 00:41:27,874 --> 00:41:29,109 -And Chloe. -(GORDON) Well done, guys. 1041 00:41:29,176 --> 00:41:30,612 (CANDACE) Well done. 1042 00:41:30,712 --> 00:41:32,449 This is the greatest Christmas gift 1043 00:41:32,550 --> 00:41:34,486 I ever could have asked for. 1044 00:41:34,587 --> 00:41:37,425 Now three of you all are safe and have earned 1045 00:41:37,492 --> 00:41:39,262 a spot in the middle kitchen. 1046 00:41:39,329 --> 00:41:41,199 Those bakers are... 1047 00:41:41,299 --> 00:41:42,469 -Zoha! -(SIGH OF RELIEF) 1048 00:41:42,537 --> 00:41:44,472 Deirdra! 1049 00:41:44,573 --> 00:41:46,276 -And Jeff! -(GORDON) Well done. 1050 00:41:46,343 --> 00:41:47,846 (APPLAUSE) 1051 00:41:47,913 --> 00:41:49,449 Jeff gettin' out of the basement! 1052 00:41:49,517 --> 00:41:51,053 -Finally. -(LAUGHTER) 1053 00:41:51,187 --> 00:41:52,256 Which means, unfortunately... 1054 00:41:52,356 --> 00:41:53,491 Maricsa. 1055 00:41:53,558 --> 00:41:54,860 Chad. 1056 00:41:54,927 --> 00:41:56,229 And Nikki. 1057 00:41:56,329 --> 00:41:58,434 Sadly, one of you is heading home 1058 00:41:58,500 --> 00:42:00,673 early for the holidays. 1059 00:42:00,773 --> 00:42:02,108 (CHAD) Holy smokes. 1060 00:42:02,208 --> 00:42:04,380 It could be the end. 1061 00:42:04,480 --> 00:42:07,753 The baker leaving us today is... 1062 00:42:07,820 --> 00:42:09,824 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 1063 00:42:11,427 --> 00:42:12,596 ..Maricsa. 1064 00:42:15,602 --> 00:42:18,307 I'm excited to spend the holidays with my family. 1065 00:42:18,374 --> 00:42:19,977 (EMOTIONAL) I'm ready to be cozy and drinking eggnog with them. 1066 00:42:22,817 --> 00:42:24,521 Wish your husband and your parents a happy holiday for us. 1067 00:42:24,621 --> 00:42:25,823 Take care. Safe travels back. 1068 00:42:25,890 --> 00:42:28,695 -(FESTIVE MUSIC) -Wow. 1069 00:42:28,762 --> 00:42:30,733 What a competition this is turning out to be. 1070 00:42:30,799 --> 00:42:35,543 Get some rest! Because things are about to get spicy. 1071 00:42:35,643 --> 00:42:37,178 -(GORDON) Well done. -(CARLA) Alright! 1072 00:42:37,278 --> 00:42:39,216 (ZOHA) Bye! 1073 00:42:39,249 --> 00:42:41,153 (GORDON) Next time, on Next Level Baker... 1074 00:42:41,220 --> 00:42:42,656 (CHEERING) 1075 00:42:42,790 --> 00:42:44,927 It's like Rockefeller Plaza... in here. 1076 00:42:44,994 --> 00:42:48,067 (CANDACE) Go, go, go! These desserts need to be perfect. 1077 00:42:48,133 --> 00:42:49,771 (GORDON) Damn, damn, damn. One wrong move 1078 00:42:49,838 --> 00:42:51,240 and everything's gonna come crashing down. 1079 00:42:51,307 --> 00:42:53,478 -(GASPS) -You in trouble. 1080 00:42:53,579 --> 00:42:54,914 Ready for the perfect thing for egg whites? 1081 00:42:54,980 --> 00:42:57,285 -(LAUGHTER) -Where'd it go? 1082 00:42:57,385 --> 00:42:59,022 Somebody poach your whipped cream? 1083 00:42:59,055 --> 00:43:00,826 Oh, no, no! 1084 00:43:00,926 --> 00:43:03,565 (SOBBING) That was not good. It was so bad. 1085 00:43:03,632 --> 00:43:05,401 Do I go home now? 1086 00:43:05,468 --> 00:43:07,205 (CAROLERS) ♪ Oh Christmas tree 1087 00:43:07,272 --> 00:43:09,644 ♪ Oh Christmas tree... ♪ 1088 00:43:09,677 --> 00:43:11,446 Seriously? What the (JINGLE) is going on?! 1089 00:43:11,547 --> 00:43:12,783 (SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING)