1 00:00:16,833 --> 00:00:18,336 - Whoa! - I messed up my cake! 2 00:00:22,011 --> 00:00:23,279 When was the last time you used one of these? 3 00:00:26,453 --> 00:00:28,289 Flavor? Dude... 4 00:00:29,893 --> 00:00:31,128 Your cakes are burning! 5 00:00:32,464 --> 00:00:33,266 Grab something! 6 00:00:34,603 --> 00:00:35,437 I hate these ovens! 7 00:00:37,508 --> 00:00:39,245 The air is sweet in the top kitchen. 8 00:00:43,487 --> 00:00:44,221 Ho, ho, ho! 9 00:00:58,150 --> 00:01:01,087 Merry Christmas guys and good night! 10 00:01:17,054 --> 00:01:18,890 What?! 11 00:01:18,891 --> 00:01:21,161 Come in you guys. Welcome. 12 00:01:21,162 --> 00:01:22,832 Come on in! 13 00:01:22,932 --> 00:01:24,803 This feels like being a kid on Christmas morning. 14 00:01:27,041 --> 00:01:29,712 I grew up watching baking shows 15 00:01:29,713 --> 00:01:31,048 and now it's me. 16 00:01:31,149 --> 00:01:34,923 Oh, my God! 17 00:01:35,023 --> 00:01:36,994 I see the mentors and my heart is... 18 00:01:38,564 --> 00:01:40,166 Happy holidays! 19 00:01:40,167 --> 00:01:41,636 I'm having an out-of-body experience. 20 00:01:41,637 --> 00:01:44,508 I literally cannot believe I'm here. 21 00:01:44,509 --> 00:01:48,450 Welcome to our first ever Next Level Baker! 22 00:01:48,584 --> 00:01:52,325 Come on! Come on! 23 00:01:52,425 --> 00:01:54,193 This is my absolute favorite time of year. 24 00:01:54,194 --> 00:01:58,002 The best season for some amazing baking. 25 00:01:58,003 --> 00:01:59,271 Right? 26 00:01:59,372 --> 00:02:01,676 Now, everyone says 27 00:02:01,677 --> 00:02:04,549 that our kitchens are intimidating, 28 00:02:04,550 --> 00:02:06,786 so why don't we fill this place up with some holiday cheer? 29 00:02:06,787 --> 00:02:08,823 - Woo! - Yes! 30 00:02:08,824 --> 00:02:10,894 On the count of three. 31 00:02:10,895 --> 00:02:13,332 One, two, three... 32 00:02:14,837 --> 00:02:16,673 Let's go! 33 00:02:19,245 --> 00:02:21,349 Amazing! 34 00:02:22,953 --> 00:02:24,354 C'mon! How cool is this? 35 00:02:24,355 --> 00:02:26,124 That is beautiful. 36 00:02:26,125 --> 00:02:29,365 The tower is nothing short of magical. 37 00:02:29,465 --> 00:02:30,901 And then you add twinkly lights?! 38 00:02:30,902 --> 00:02:32,604 I'm just obsessed. 39 00:02:32,605 --> 00:02:34,910 Joining me for this amazing season 40 00:02:35,010 --> 00:02:37,582 are two giants in the world of baking. 41 00:02:37,683 --> 00:02:41,322 First is someone you all know and love, an acclaimed chef, 42 00:02:41,423 --> 00:02:44,428 best-selling author, and the host of some of your favorite 43 00:02:44,529 --> 00:02:46,700 baking competitions - give it up for Carla Hall, c'mon! 44 00:02:46,800 --> 00:02:49,405 Yes, yes, yes! 45 00:02:49,506 --> 00:02:52,043 I am extremely happy to see Carla Hall. 46 00:02:52,044 --> 00:02:54,181 I watch her on TV all the time. 47 00:02:54,281 --> 00:02:56,217 I wanna have a conversation, pick her brain. 48 00:02:56,218 --> 00:02:59,558 I'm an avid watcher of Next Level Chef, 49 00:02:59,559 --> 00:03:02,665 so I can't wait to see what you all do at Next Level Baking. 50 00:03:02,799 --> 00:03:06,872 This is going to be sweet and lovely. 51 00:03:06,873 --> 00:03:09,746 Now on my other side, she's a prolific entrepreneur 52 00:03:09,846 --> 00:03:11,181 and creator of one of the most successful 53 00:03:11,182 --> 00:03:13,185 cupcake brands in history, 54 00:03:13,186 --> 00:03:15,190 the founder of Sprinkle Cupcakes. 55 00:03:15,290 --> 00:03:17,762 Give it up for Candace Nelson everybody. c'mon! 56 00:03:17,862 --> 00:03:21,536 Sprinkle me, sprinkle me, sprinkle ME! 57 00:03:21,537 --> 00:03:24,241 I am all about baking all year round, but am especially excited 58 00:03:24,341 --> 00:03:26,512 to kick this off for the holidays. 59 00:03:26,513 --> 00:03:29,150 Candace is my baking entrepreneur idol. 60 00:03:29,151 --> 00:03:31,154 She was the woman who created 61 00:03:31,155 --> 00:03:33,492 the cupcake vending machine. 62 00:03:33,493 --> 00:03:35,564 I am just in awe of her. She's incredible. 63 00:03:35,565 --> 00:03:37,368 Listen up all of you, you've been chosen 64 00:03:37,468 --> 00:03:39,404 from the nation's top professional bakers, 65 00:03:39,405 --> 00:03:43,080 those incredible, influential social media stars, 66 00:03:43,180 --> 00:03:44,883 and the finest home bakers in the country. 67 00:03:44,983 --> 00:03:46,519 Over the next three weeks, 68 00:03:46,520 --> 00:03:48,757 Candace, Carla and myself will be pushing 69 00:03:48,758 --> 00:03:52,363 all of you harder than you've ever been pushed before. 70 00:03:52,364 --> 00:03:54,702 But remember, no matter how talented you are, 71 00:03:54,703 --> 00:03:59,813 where you bake will seriously affect how you bake. 72 00:03:59,913 --> 00:04:02,985 Bakers on the top level will be 73 00:04:02,986 --> 00:04:06,659 working with state-of-the-art equipment and prime ingredients. 74 00:04:06,660 --> 00:04:09,866 But wind up in the basement... 75 00:04:09,867 --> 00:04:12,537 ...and you will be faced with substandard tools 76 00:04:12,538 --> 00:04:14,575 and bottom-of-the-barrel ingredients. 77 00:04:14,576 --> 00:04:16,579 Here's the good news. 78 00:04:16,580 --> 00:04:18,517 The baker who pulls it off 79 00:04:18,617 --> 00:04:20,721 will be walking away with an amazing holiday bonus 80 00:04:20,821 --> 00:04:24,094 of $25,000. 81 00:04:24,095 --> 00:04:26,364 Talk about it, Gordon! 82 00:04:26,365 --> 00:04:28,469 Plus an incredible Hexclad prize package. 83 00:04:30,675 --> 00:04:32,343 Most importantly, our winner will be crowned 84 00:04:32,344 --> 00:04:35,718 our first ever Next Level Baker. 85 00:04:37,187 --> 00:04:39,357 - Who's it gonna be? - Me! 86 00:04:39,358 --> 00:04:41,896 - Let's get it. - The holidays are when families 87 00:04:41,897 --> 00:04:43,701 come together to celebrate 88 00:04:43,801 --> 00:04:45,303 and enjoy incredible baked goods. 89 00:04:45,403 --> 00:04:47,473 - Yeah. - So, listen up. 90 00:04:47,474 --> 00:04:49,546 For your first challenge you'll have 60 minutes 91 00:04:49,646 --> 00:04:51,650 to create a delicious family holiday favorite. 92 00:04:54,054 --> 00:04:55,624 You'll be using one of the most 93 00:04:55,625 --> 00:04:57,060 versatile ingredients on the planet... 94 00:04:59,432 --> 00:05:01,735 Chocolate! C'mon! 95 00:05:01,736 --> 00:05:03,874 Who doesn't love chocolate? 96 00:05:03,974 --> 00:05:05,343 Crazy people, that's who! 97 00:05:05,344 --> 00:05:06,647 I don't see any crazy people out there. 98 00:05:06,780 --> 00:05:09,317 - No. - Take a look over here. 99 00:05:09,318 --> 00:05:11,957 Under this tree are three wrapped presents. 100 00:05:12,057 --> 00:05:14,460 Inside each one is the level on which your group 101 00:05:14,461 --> 00:05:16,198 will be starting the competition. 102 00:05:16,199 --> 00:05:18,436 Home Bakers, you're up first. 103 00:05:18,570 --> 00:05:21,609 Choose one person to come up and pick out a present. 104 00:05:21,610 --> 00:05:23,947 - Go Jeff! - C'mon, Jeff. No pressure! 105 00:05:23,948 --> 00:05:26,151 Pick the basement. 106 00:05:26,152 --> 00:05:29,024 - Okay! - Humble. 107 00:05:29,025 --> 00:05:30,928 Look at you, thinking that's a Tiffany box! 108 00:05:32,699 --> 00:05:34,535 Right, Social Media Chefs. 109 00:05:34,536 --> 00:05:36,171 - Who's gonna grab a present? - Chloe, you got it. 110 00:05:36,172 --> 00:05:37,841 C'mon Chloe, pick good! 111 00:05:37,842 --> 00:05:39,578 I already know the big one is scary... 112 00:05:39,579 --> 00:05:41,550 - Ah, ha-ha. - No basement. 113 00:05:41,650 --> 00:05:44,222 ..so I just go with my safest bet... 114 00:05:44,322 --> 00:05:46,324 Top floor, top floor, top floor. 115 00:05:46,325 --> 00:05:48,996 ...and I'm hoping that it's a Christmas miracle. 116 00:05:48,997 --> 00:05:50,400 Pros, probably need two of you. 117 00:05:56,780 --> 00:05:59,251 Right, time for the unveiling. 118 00:05:59,351 --> 00:06:02,457 Pros, lift up your box, find out what level you're cooking on. 119 00:06:02,592 --> 00:06:05,195 Top level, top level, top level... 120 00:06:05,196 --> 00:06:07,101 - Middle kitchen. - Let's go! 121 00:06:07,201 --> 00:06:08,536 That is good! 122 00:06:08,537 --> 00:06:10,206 Not bad at all! 123 00:06:10,207 --> 00:06:11,977 - Oh, my. - Oh, lord. 124 00:06:12,077 --> 00:06:15,917 Social Media Stars, you got the medium present. 125 00:06:18,289 --> 00:06:19,491 Top kitchen. 126 00:06:19,492 --> 00:06:23,265 Yes! 127 00:06:23,266 --> 00:06:24,703 I really needed this. 128 00:06:24,803 --> 00:06:26,372 Yay! 129 00:06:26,472 --> 00:06:29,077 - I'm so sorry! - Home Chefs unveil. 130 00:06:29,078 --> 00:06:31,314 We know where you're going, but let's confirm it. 131 00:06:31,315 --> 00:06:33,853 Basement kitchen... 132 00:06:33,854 --> 00:06:36,659 I guess horrible things come in small packages! 133 00:06:36,660 --> 00:06:39,063 Listen up. At the end of this first bake, 134 00:06:39,064 --> 00:06:40,299 one Pro... 135 00:06:40,300 --> 00:06:41,836 one Social Media... 136 00:06:41,937 --> 00:06:43,472 and one Home Baker 137 00:06:43,607 --> 00:06:45,176 will be heading home for the holidays. 138 00:06:45,177 --> 00:06:46,880 Jeez! 139 00:06:46,881 --> 00:06:49,552 Did this just get real for some of you? 140 00:06:49,553 --> 00:06:51,222 All of you, head to the elevator. 141 00:06:51,322 --> 00:06:53,927 We'll meet you in your kitchens shortly. 142 00:06:55,531 --> 00:06:56,933 Oh, my gosh! 143 00:07:01,910 --> 00:07:03,847 - We're out here! - Good luck, chefs. 144 00:07:05,851 --> 00:07:07,956 Ohh... okay. 145 00:07:08,056 --> 00:07:11,295 Alright, let's go! 146 00:07:11,395 --> 00:07:12,697 Oh my gosh, you guys! 147 00:07:12,698 --> 00:07:15,837 Look at that doll! 148 00:07:15,838 --> 00:07:18,944 The very first thing I see is this little creepy doll... 149 00:07:19,044 --> 00:07:21,549 saying welcome to the basement. 150 00:07:21,683 --> 00:07:24,454 - Happy Christmas! - Look at this mess. 151 00:07:24,455 --> 00:07:26,190 Pretty much everything in the basement 152 00:07:26,191 --> 00:07:28,061 feels kinda like that doll. 153 00:07:28,062 --> 00:07:29,598 These are all bent. 154 00:07:29,599 --> 00:07:31,402 Everything is so wonky! 155 00:07:31,537 --> 00:07:33,774 I mean, it's kinda fun to explore such a... 156 00:07:35,143 --> 00:07:37,816 ..."vintage" place. 157 00:07:37,916 --> 00:07:39,586 They didn't even clean the grease off. 158 00:07:39,686 --> 00:07:40,688 I guess that's our job. 159 00:07:45,096 --> 00:07:47,366 Oh my God... 160 00:07:47,367 --> 00:07:48,837 We got good stuff. 161 00:07:48,838 --> 00:07:51,274 I'm sad to not be at the top level, 162 00:07:51,275 --> 00:07:53,413 but this middle kitchen is a step up from my bakery. 163 00:07:53,514 --> 00:07:54,882 - So I'm ready to go. - I wanna live in here. 164 00:07:54,883 --> 00:07:56,184 Two of these... 165 00:07:58,423 --> 00:08:00,026 - Oh, my God. - Oh yeah! 166 00:08:02,197 --> 00:08:04,233 I have won the lottery. 167 00:08:04,234 --> 00:08:06,472 We have everything we need. 168 00:08:06,607 --> 00:08:09,612 Everything is state-of-the-art. 169 00:08:09,712 --> 00:08:11,314 Some of this stuff, I don't even know how to use it. 170 00:08:11,315 --> 00:08:13,051 So take me to the top 171 00:08:13,052 --> 00:08:14,221 and leave me there. 172 00:08:16,358 --> 00:08:17,728 It's so Christmassy. Oh, my God! 173 00:08:22,538 --> 00:08:27,615 Nikki, Zoha, Justin, Chloe! 174 00:08:27,715 --> 00:08:29,551 Hi. 175 00:08:29,552 --> 00:08:31,589 Alright. I am so excited for you all. 176 00:08:31,689 --> 00:08:35,630 You cannot forget... grab the chocolate on top. 177 00:08:35,631 --> 00:08:38,301 They're coming. 178 00:08:38,302 --> 00:08:40,140 Oh, my God! 179 00:08:41,776 --> 00:08:44,480 Hi Bakers! Hi, everybody. 180 00:08:44,481 --> 00:08:46,351 The challenge is chocolate. 181 00:08:46,352 --> 00:08:47,688 Chocolate's my love language, 182 00:08:47,788 --> 00:08:48,857 so you guys gotta speak it to me. 183 00:08:50,326 --> 00:08:52,030 Yay! 184 00:08:52,130 --> 00:08:54,601 - Oh, hey! - Let's go, c'mon! 185 00:08:54,602 --> 00:08:58,308 Are we good? Do not be put off by the basement. 186 00:08:58,309 --> 00:09:00,212 Now we may be down, but we're not out. Right? 187 00:09:00,213 --> 00:09:01,916 - Exactly. - When that platform comes down, 188 00:09:02,017 --> 00:09:04,321 we're gonna get what they don't want. 189 00:09:04,322 --> 00:09:07,460 But I've seen food come out of this basement, Michelin Star. 190 00:09:07,461 --> 00:09:10,099 Right. Line up against that elevator. Let's go, guys! 191 00:09:10,199 --> 00:09:12,304 There's something quite unique about chocolate 192 00:09:12,404 --> 00:09:13,941 'cause there are so many avenues. 193 00:09:14,041 --> 00:09:17,648 Whether it's the usual finishes, the chocolate frosting, 194 00:09:17,649 --> 00:09:20,153 the center... there's always a showstopper 195 00:09:20,253 --> 00:09:22,357 with chocolate desserts. 196 00:09:22,457 --> 00:09:25,197 Stay until you see the platform light up green. 197 00:09:25,297 --> 00:09:26,766 Green means go. 198 00:09:28,269 --> 00:09:29,506 Here it comes, guys. 199 00:09:31,142 --> 00:09:33,446 Woo-hoo! 200 00:09:33,547 --> 00:09:34,749 Wait for it to turn green. 201 00:09:37,555 --> 00:09:39,825 Go! 202 00:09:39,826 --> 00:09:41,796 C'mon! Yes. Get in there. 203 00:09:41,896 --> 00:09:44,501 We are on the top level 204 00:09:44,502 --> 00:09:46,471 with all the really fancy ingredients. 205 00:09:46,472 --> 00:09:49,545 Get your chocolate. 206 00:09:49,546 --> 00:09:52,852 I saw some like really, really crappy chocolate, and then boom! 207 00:09:52,986 --> 00:09:54,856 There is some quality milk chocolate over there. 208 00:09:54,989 --> 00:09:58,028 Zoha, get your chocolate! 209 00:09:58,029 --> 00:10:00,366 I'm lookin' at the ingredients but I am at a blank. 210 00:10:00,367 --> 00:10:02,971 No, no, no... 211 00:10:02,972 --> 00:10:05,877 Ten seconds. Make sure you take the entire thing. 212 00:10:05,878 --> 00:10:07,447 What's... What I gotta get? 213 00:10:07,548 --> 00:10:10,319 Nikki, don't leave it up there, c'mon! 214 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:11,955 - You got enough stuff? - I... 215 00:10:11,956 --> 00:10:16,232 Holy cow, I did not get enough. 216 00:10:16,365 --> 00:10:18,736 That platform, it come fast and it leave fast. 217 00:10:20,173 --> 00:10:21,041 Oh, lord. 218 00:10:25,751 --> 00:10:26,919 Here comes that platform. 219 00:10:28,957 --> 00:10:31,361 Go, go, go! 220 00:10:31,362 --> 00:10:32,664 Oh my God, I gotta get 'em... 221 00:10:32,665 --> 00:10:34,200 I know the people upstairs 222 00:10:34,201 --> 00:10:36,438 have already grabbed all the good stuff, 223 00:10:36,439 --> 00:10:39,310 but I quickly see the Mexican spiced chocolate... 224 00:10:39,311 --> 00:10:41,415 - Mexican chocolate... - That's you. 225 00:10:41,416 --> 00:10:44,220 Because I'm Mexican- American I feel my ancestors 226 00:10:44,221 --> 00:10:46,258 brought this down literally from the heavens, for me. 227 00:10:46,358 --> 00:10:48,195 - I definitely want you! - Five seconds! 228 00:10:48,196 --> 00:10:50,601 - My God. - Platform won't be here forever. 229 00:10:50,701 --> 00:10:52,470 I dunno what I want, I dunno what's happening. 230 00:10:52,571 --> 00:10:54,173 Alright, that's it! That's what we got. 231 00:10:54,174 --> 00:10:55,777 It's crazy! 232 00:10:55,778 --> 00:10:57,447 Go, guys! Let's go! 233 00:10:57,548 --> 00:11:00,219 Go, go, go! Chocolate first. 234 00:11:00,220 --> 00:11:01,955 Because we're at the bottom, 235 00:11:01,956 --> 00:11:03,158 the only thing left is chocolate syrup. 236 00:11:03,159 --> 00:11:04,962 Oh, c'mon! 237 00:11:04,963 --> 00:11:06,265 Chocolate syrup. Oh, my God. 238 00:11:06,399 --> 00:11:08,402 I knew it was gonna be bad 239 00:11:08,403 --> 00:11:10,139 because the vultures are picking higher up 240 00:11:10,140 --> 00:11:11,642 and I got scraps. 241 00:11:11,643 --> 00:11:14,649 - Sure you want chocolate powder? - Yes. 242 00:11:14,749 --> 00:11:17,053 I'm not going to serve the mentors chocolate milk. 243 00:11:17,054 --> 00:11:19,759 So this has to be turned into something else. 244 00:11:19,860 --> 00:11:23,332 Grab, grab, grab... Well done. 245 00:11:26,540 --> 00:11:29,444 Your 60 minutes starts right now. 246 00:11:29,545 --> 00:11:33,587 Alright Zoha, I see you are meticulously separating 247 00:11:33,687 --> 00:11:36,124 your frozen cherries. 248 00:11:36,125 --> 00:11:38,094 I wish I had fresh cherries, I don't love the frozen. 249 00:11:38,095 --> 00:11:39,865 - Yeah. - It went by really fast. 250 00:11:39,866 --> 00:11:42,003 Alright, tell me what you prepped. 251 00:11:42,004 --> 00:11:45,911 Okay, I got semi-sweet chocolate chips, cherries, 252 00:11:46,011 --> 00:11:47,715 so I'm gonna make a Black Forest Swiss Roll. 253 00:11:47,716 --> 00:11:49,718 I'm from Pakistan 254 00:11:49,719 --> 00:11:51,823 and we have Black Forest cakes in every bakery. 255 00:11:51,923 --> 00:11:54,128 I wanna make a grown-up, better version of it. 256 00:11:54,228 --> 00:11:56,599 When I decided to leave 257 00:11:56,600 --> 00:12:00,841 my very well-paying job and start baking 258 00:12:00,974 --> 00:12:03,580 my dad was very much like, "Don't leave your job!" 259 00:12:03,680 --> 00:12:05,683 But to have one million plus followers, 260 00:12:05,684 --> 00:12:07,019 I still can't believe it. 261 00:12:07,020 --> 00:12:08,757 I love being a mom, 262 00:12:08,857 --> 00:12:10,560 but content creation with a baby 263 00:12:10,561 --> 00:12:11,896 is definitely very different. 264 00:12:11,996 --> 00:12:14,802 I love you. 265 00:12:14,803 --> 00:12:17,073 His name is Makael and he's a cutie. 266 00:12:17,173 --> 00:12:20,113 It's been a day when I'm with him! 267 00:12:20,213 --> 00:12:25,022 So you're going to put a whipped cream topping into a cake 268 00:12:25,023 --> 00:12:26,592 that has to cool completely before it comes together? 269 00:12:26,593 --> 00:12:27,795 Wish me luck! 270 00:12:29,264 --> 00:12:30,968 - Hey, Nikki. - Hey. 271 00:12:31,068 --> 00:12:33,238 - So tell me what you got. - I got the chocolate bar. 272 00:12:33,239 --> 00:12:34,842 Okay. 273 00:12:34,843 --> 00:12:37,547 So I'm thinking a German Chocolate Cake. 274 00:12:37,548 --> 00:12:39,485 But I needed evaporated milk. 275 00:12:39,586 --> 00:12:41,756 - Okay. - So now I'm in trouble. 276 00:12:41,856 --> 00:12:43,827 You can have a plan in your head, but I think 277 00:12:43,927 --> 00:12:45,898 to see something that could turn into something else... 278 00:12:45,998 --> 00:12:47,499 - Uh-huh. - ...is how you play the game. 279 00:12:47,500 --> 00:12:49,436 You're right about that. 280 00:12:49,437 --> 00:12:50,707 - Alright, Justin. - Hello. 281 00:12:50,708 --> 00:12:52,510 Tell me what you grabbed. 282 00:12:52,511 --> 00:12:54,148 A whole lot. I wasn't thinkin'. 283 00:12:54,248 --> 00:12:56,586 Dark chocolate and strawberries. 284 00:12:56,686 --> 00:12:58,388 I'm gonna do a chocolate mousse 285 00:12:58,389 --> 00:13:01,060 with a strawberry compote as a insert. 286 00:13:01,061 --> 00:13:02,630 You need to add some acid to balance all those flavors. 287 00:13:02,631 --> 00:13:04,567 - Okay. - I'm just sayin'. 288 00:13:04,568 --> 00:13:06,371 - Stressin' me out now! - I don't mean to stress you out! 289 00:13:06,506 --> 00:13:09,143 - I got you. - Okay. 290 00:13:09,144 --> 00:13:10,647 The mentors are expecting good desserts, holiday cheer. 291 00:13:10,747 --> 00:13:12,551 I gotta pull my A-game. 292 00:13:14,154 --> 00:13:15,723 Being a social media baker, 293 00:13:15,724 --> 00:13:16,926 I celebrate all the holidays 294 00:13:16,927 --> 00:13:18,596 and Christmas is my favorite. 295 00:13:18,597 --> 00:13:20,432 My family, we have traditions 296 00:13:20,433 --> 00:13:21,902 like we wake up super early, like 5am. 297 00:13:21,903 --> 00:13:24,743 We always eat cinnamon rolls 298 00:13:24,843 --> 00:13:27,580 and then we wait to see what Santa brought us. 299 00:13:27,581 --> 00:13:30,620 Yes, I'm 22 and I still get up for Santa. 300 00:13:30,621 --> 00:13:33,727 Um, it never has to end. 301 00:13:33,827 --> 00:13:36,097 - Oh, I'm stressed. - That's okay. 302 00:13:36,098 --> 00:13:37,935 You got chocolate on your face, you look delicious. 303 00:13:38,035 --> 00:13:39,304 Oh my God, of course I do! 304 00:13:39,404 --> 00:13:41,843 - 50 minutes to go. - Holy crap. 305 00:13:41,944 --> 00:13:44,080 Startin' to smell like the holidays. 306 00:13:44,081 --> 00:13:45,518 Woo! Look at that peanut butter. 307 00:13:45,651 --> 00:13:47,587 I thought I was gonna have 308 00:13:47,588 --> 00:13:48,957 to make this from scratch here. 309 00:13:48,958 --> 00:13:51,060 Aubrey, what do you have in store for us? 310 00:13:51,061 --> 00:13:52,798 I'm gonna fold, actually, all these goodies 311 00:13:52,799 --> 00:13:55,068 into the peanut butter and make a filling. 312 00:13:55,069 --> 00:13:57,239 It'll basically be like brownie, filling, brownie. 313 00:13:57,240 --> 00:13:59,444 This. Is. Pro. Work. 314 00:13:59,545 --> 00:14:00,781 If you're serving the best 315 00:14:00,882 --> 00:14:02,417 you better have your together. 316 00:14:02,518 --> 00:14:04,554 Okay, moving right along. 317 00:14:04,555 --> 00:14:06,492 Chad, how're you doing? 318 00:14:06,593 --> 00:14:08,831 I'm gonna do a nice white chocolate whipped ganache 319 00:14:08,964 --> 00:14:11,803 and then a traditional pecan pie filling. 320 00:14:11,936 --> 00:14:13,906 Probably throw a little raspberry compote in. 321 00:14:13,907 --> 00:14:16,011 Love the idea of the acidity from the raspberries 322 00:14:16,111 --> 00:14:18,481 to balance the white chocolate, and that pecan pie filling 323 00:14:18,482 --> 00:14:20,218 - is pure nostalgia. - Thank you, Chef. 324 00:14:20,219 --> 00:14:22,790 - Hi, Maricsa. - Hello, Candace! 325 00:14:22,791 --> 00:14:24,562 - Do you have a plan? - Uh yes, I do. 326 00:14:24,662 --> 00:14:27,634 I'm making brownies. This is very nostalgic to me 327 00:14:27,735 --> 00:14:29,071 and my mother means the world to me. 328 00:14:29,171 --> 00:14:30,873 Hopefully she sees it and she's like, "Ah!" 329 00:14:30,874 --> 00:14:32,177 A little bit of her today. 330 00:14:33,881 --> 00:14:35,416 My earliest holiday baking memory 331 00:14:35,517 --> 00:14:38,523 is probably helping my mom make tamales. 332 00:14:38,524 --> 00:14:40,425 I have a fun job, I get to taste pastries all day. 333 00:14:40,426 --> 00:14:44,299 My bakery has three James Beard nominations - I was a finalist. 334 00:14:44,300 --> 00:14:47,373 If I win, I'm hoping that I get to go back home 335 00:14:47,374 --> 00:14:49,277 and celebrate with my mom and my dad. 336 00:14:49,278 --> 00:14:51,048 I'm gonna be emotional 'cause I love my parents. 337 00:14:51,148 --> 00:14:52,951 They'll come in, help me just doing dishes. 338 00:14:52,952 --> 00:14:55,389 I'm here for them. 339 00:14:55,390 --> 00:14:56,458 My parents are like my super heroes. 340 00:14:58,730 --> 00:14:59,898 You need to wow us with the flavor 341 00:14:59,899 --> 00:15:03,104 because someone is going home. 342 00:15:03,105 --> 00:15:06,011 Mom, don't hate me if I don't make it to the next one. 343 00:15:06,111 --> 00:15:07,914 Guys, I know the ingredients 344 00:15:07,915 --> 00:15:10,153 weren't the best down here, but... 345 00:15:10,253 --> 00:15:12,055 ...if you want to get that top-flight kitchen, 346 00:15:12,056 --> 00:15:13,493 you gotta cook your way outta there. 347 00:15:13,594 --> 00:15:15,029 This is crazy. 348 00:15:15,129 --> 00:15:17,366 Stefanie, what'd you get chocolate-wise? 349 00:15:17,367 --> 00:15:19,037 - Chocolate kisses. - Love it, you gonna melt them? 350 00:15:19,171 --> 00:15:21,175 I might make a little ganache out of 'em. 351 00:15:21,275 --> 00:15:23,980 That's a toughie, be careful. How will you finish them off? 352 00:15:24,081 --> 00:15:25,885 This is gonna be like a wreath cake. 353 00:15:25,985 --> 00:15:27,620 Focus on getting it absolutely beautifully done. 354 00:15:27,621 --> 00:15:29,558 Thank you. 355 00:15:29,658 --> 00:15:31,762 Michael, tell me about this dish, what're you gonna do? 356 00:15:31,763 --> 00:15:33,198 Almost like a marshmallow fluff, 357 00:15:33,199 --> 00:15:35,268 Florentine sandwich. Might be kinda fun. 358 00:15:35,269 --> 00:15:37,508 The love of baking comes from where? How did we start? 359 00:15:37,608 --> 00:15:39,144 When my wife was ill, she passed away... 360 00:15:39,244 --> 00:15:41,315 - I'm sorry. - ...I used to bake her something. 361 00:15:41,415 --> 00:15:43,152 - For her, while she was ill. - Yeah. After she passed away 362 00:15:43,252 --> 00:15:45,423 I kinda kept doin' it. 363 00:15:45,524 --> 00:15:48,196 I started baking when my wife 364 00:15:48,296 --> 00:15:49,999 Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer. 365 00:15:51,636 --> 00:15:52,905 I wanted to cheer her up. 366 00:15:53,005 --> 00:15:55,810 Every holiday, after Christmas, 367 00:15:55,811 --> 00:15:58,615 she'd donate to different charities. 368 00:15:58,616 --> 00:16:00,285 So if I won that $25,000 369 00:16:00,286 --> 00:16:02,089 I would follow in her footsteps and donate. 370 00:16:07,433 --> 00:16:09,771 Alright guys, here comes your first holiday surprise. 371 00:16:09,772 --> 00:16:11,810 Who's coming down our chimney? 372 00:16:11,910 --> 00:16:14,313 - Happy Holidays! Ho, ho, ho! - Oh my God. 373 00:16:14,314 --> 00:16:17,319 Everyone grab one stocking. Hurry up, hurry up! 374 00:16:17,320 --> 00:16:20,192 It's gonna keep going. Hurry up, grab something. 375 00:16:20,193 --> 00:16:21,696 Ho, ho! Well done. 376 00:16:21,829 --> 00:16:24,166 You all must use 377 00:16:24,167 --> 00:16:26,337 one ingredient that is in your stocking in your bake. 378 00:16:26,338 --> 00:16:28,843 Okay. Girl, you must have been nice. 379 00:16:28,844 --> 00:16:31,013 Santa has delivered. 380 00:16:31,014 --> 00:16:32,584 What did you get you were so excited about? 381 00:16:32,684 --> 00:16:33,987 - Drink whip. - Okay. 382 00:16:34,087 --> 00:16:37,459 This is like evaporated milk. 383 00:16:37,460 --> 00:16:40,432 Look at you! Look at you pivot. Don't forget to taste. 384 00:16:40,534 --> 00:16:42,503 - There's a lot of sweetness. - Right. 385 00:16:42,504 --> 00:16:44,541 Ho, ho, ho! 386 00:16:44,542 --> 00:16:46,377 A very special guest has arrived. 387 00:16:46,378 --> 00:16:49,282 - Ho, ho, ho. - Oh, my God! 388 00:16:49,283 --> 00:16:52,157 Everyone must grab one stocking. Go grab your stocking! 389 00:16:52,257 --> 00:16:53,727 - Quickly, quickly! - There's an ingredient in there 390 00:16:53,827 --> 00:16:55,998 that you must use in your bake. 391 00:16:56,098 --> 00:16:58,168 Oh my God! 392 00:16:58,169 --> 00:17:01,207 Oh, hell no. Black truffle. 393 00:17:01,208 --> 00:17:03,178 What the hell am I doin' with this?! 394 00:17:03,179 --> 00:17:05,215 Look who's coming down. Turn around. Hey! 395 00:17:05,216 --> 00:17:07,285 Great, let's go. 396 00:17:07,286 --> 00:17:10,560 Grab a stocking, let's go! Grab a stocking! 397 00:17:10,661 --> 00:17:12,730 Father Christmas, thank you so much! 398 00:17:12,731 --> 00:17:15,169 - Merry Christmas! - Ho, ho, ho, off you go! 399 00:17:15,170 --> 00:17:16,705 That kinda works, that kinda works. 400 00:17:16,706 --> 00:17:18,776 Deirdra, what did you grab in the stocking? 401 00:17:18,877 --> 00:17:22,449 Dolce de Leche. I was trying to do cookie crumble in between. 402 00:17:22,450 --> 00:17:24,788 I might just heat up the almonds with the Dolce de Leche 403 00:17:24,789 --> 00:17:26,725 to add as a layer of the trifle. 404 00:17:26,726 --> 00:17:29,062 Gotcha. When's the last time you used one of these? 405 00:17:29,063 --> 00:17:30,600 Honestly? I bet it's gonna whip it pretty fast. 406 00:17:30,601 --> 00:17:32,737 - It might help with heavy cream. - Yes. 407 00:17:32,738 --> 00:17:33,940 Forty minutes left! 408 00:17:34,040 --> 00:17:35,576 Let me check on my cake. 409 00:17:38,081 --> 00:17:39,619 I'm gonna have to make my cake again. 410 00:17:39,719 --> 00:17:41,120 My cake is raw. 411 00:17:41,121 --> 00:17:42,925 I messed up my cake! 412 00:17:43,025 --> 00:17:43,993 I think it is slightly underdone. 413 00:17:43,994 --> 00:17:46,297 Oh, no! 414 00:17:46,298 --> 00:17:48,435 Zoha, do you have to make it over? 415 00:17:48,436 --> 00:17:50,973 Do you want to pivot? You have 40 minutes left. 416 00:17:50,974 --> 00:17:52,510 I'm gonna just make this as soon as I can. 417 00:17:52,511 --> 00:17:54,012 Time was always of the essence, 418 00:17:54,013 --> 00:17:55,282 but it's really of the essence now. 419 00:17:55,416 --> 00:17:57,186 I can't waste a single breath. 420 00:17:57,187 --> 00:17:58,790 So stressed out. 421 00:18:03,432 --> 00:18:05,636 Thirty five minutes! 422 00:18:05,637 --> 00:18:07,741 - So stressed out. - What, why? 423 00:18:07,841 --> 00:18:09,510 First, think how quickly you got that in the oven 424 00:18:09,511 --> 00:18:11,380 and got it made. You got this. 425 00:18:11,381 --> 00:18:13,217 I know. I have to make it even quicker now. 426 00:18:13,218 --> 00:18:15,122 Yep. You absolutely have this. 427 00:18:15,123 --> 00:18:16,826 Thirty minutes, everyone. 428 00:18:16,926 --> 00:18:18,997 Jeez-a-la-weez-a! 429 00:18:19,097 --> 00:18:20,666 Winston, what do we got? 430 00:18:20,667 --> 00:18:22,370 I'm gettin' some truffle in there. 431 00:18:22,470 --> 00:18:24,207 Struggling with what I'ma do but I'ma figure it out. 432 00:18:24,307 --> 00:18:26,343 I'm worried about the truffle 433 00:18:26,344 --> 00:18:28,147 because I've never used it in a dessert before 434 00:18:28,148 --> 00:18:30,219 but it's also something I really like to eat. 435 00:18:30,319 --> 00:18:32,857 - You're gonna pull this off! - Gonna be Jamaican magic. 436 00:18:32,858 --> 00:18:35,028 - It's gonna be Jamaican magic. - Jamaican magic, yah man. 437 00:18:37,366 --> 00:18:39,671 I am the proudest Jamaican you will find on this earth. 438 00:18:39,672 --> 00:18:43,144 In my family, at Christmas time, one of the things I remember 439 00:18:43,145 --> 00:18:46,417 the most is we had a very small Christmas tree. 440 00:18:46,418 --> 00:18:49,658 It was so short we had to put it on cinder blocks 441 00:18:49,759 --> 00:18:51,828 that was wrapped in Christmas paper. 442 00:18:51,829 --> 00:18:53,999 So whenever time I smell a plastic Christmas tree 443 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:56,606 it brings me right back to my childhood days. 444 00:18:56,706 --> 00:18:57,808 I'll save some of that for dinner later. 445 00:19:00,345 --> 00:19:02,985 You gotta get those bakes in so they have time to cool. 446 00:19:05,824 --> 00:19:07,994 Someone's got an oven open, you know that? 447 00:19:07,995 --> 00:19:10,264 Maricsa, your oven's open. 448 00:19:10,265 --> 00:19:12,604 The last thing we need is any heat loss from this oven. 449 00:19:12,738 --> 00:19:14,709 It needs to bake! 450 00:19:14,809 --> 00:19:17,079 This is not the time for mistakes. 451 00:19:17,080 --> 00:19:18,449 Last five minutes, y'all. 452 00:19:18,550 --> 00:19:20,286 Show us what you're made of, make it beautiful. 453 00:19:20,419 --> 00:19:21,822 And don't forget about a little salt. 454 00:19:21,823 --> 00:19:24,127 I call salt compliments. Y'all know why? 455 00:19:24,228 --> 00:19:25,495 - Why? - Because if you don't use it, 456 00:19:25,496 --> 00:19:27,467 you ain't... gone git... 457 00:19:27,568 --> 00:19:30,540 - ...no compliments! - Hear this? 458 00:19:30,541 --> 00:19:32,677 Has to be the quickest Swiss roll I've ever made in my life. 459 00:19:32,778 --> 00:19:34,548 Zoha, it's coming together! 460 00:19:34,648 --> 00:19:36,350 Would your followers not like that? 461 00:19:36,351 --> 00:19:38,388 My followers are really nice. 462 00:19:39,858 --> 00:19:41,060 Guys, three minutes to go. 463 00:19:41,061 --> 00:19:42,229 - Deirdra, you good? - Yeah. 464 00:19:44,167 --> 00:19:45,169 - Oh, c'mon! - Did you break it? 465 00:19:45,269 --> 00:19:47,339 - Yep. - Bring it home, Michael. 466 00:19:47,340 --> 00:19:49,311 - C'mon, you got that. - Well, best I can do here. 467 00:19:49,411 --> 00:19:51,213 Two. Minutes. Left. 468 00:19:51,214 --> 00:19:54,621 Decorate that plate. Make it look nice. 469 00:19:54,622 --> 00:19:57,894 One of you is headed home for the holidays, let it not be you. 470 00:19:57,895 --> 00:19:59,832 That looks terrible. I'm just disappointed. 471 00:19:59,932 --> 00:20:01,868 Platform's moving, guys. 472 00:20:01,869 --> 00:20:03,939 Festive spirit on there, good. Platform's here! 473 00:20:03,940 --> 00:20:05,509 Oh, it's here! 474 00:20:05,510 --> 00:20:07,814 Go, go, go... 475 00:20:07,815 --> 00:20:09,917 On we go! Well done. 476 00:20:09,918 --> 00:20:12,089 Good job, man. Good job. 477 00:20:12,090 --> 00:20:14,227 Good job! 478 00:20:14,327 --> 00:20:15,797 Here comes that platform! You don't wanna miss it. 479 00:20:15,897 --> 00:20:17,232 Bugger! 480 00:20:17,233 --> 00:20:21,140 My brownies are hot. 481 00:20:21,141 --> 00:20:23,913 Platform is here. Get those desserts on! 482 00:20:23,914 --> 00:20:27,019 C'mon guys, don't let me down. Chad, get on there now! 483 00:20:27,020 --> 00:20:28,657 - Whoa! - Maricsa, you've gotta go! 484 00:20:28,757 --> 00:20:30,392 You never plate it on the platform. 485 00:20:30,393 --> 00:20:32,162 - Get it on there! - Thank you for that. 486 00:20:32,163 --> 00:20:34,200 - Okay, bye! - See ya! 487 00:20:34,300 --> 00:20:36,304 The platform is coming, guys. 488 00:20:36,404 --> 00:20:39,143 Platform is here. Everybody, get your dish on there! 489 00:20:39,144 --> 00:20:41,516 Get your dishes on there. 490 00:20:41,616 --> 00:20:43,853 Justin, where's your other one? It's gotta go! 491 00:20:43,854 --> 00:20:46,057 - Good lord! - C'mon, c'mon! 492 00:20:46,058 --> 00:20:48,964 Woo! Y'all did it! It's not easy. 493 00:20:49,064 --> 00:20:50,567 No, this was no cake walk. 494 00:21:02,591 --> 00:21:04,661 First off, well done, all of you. 495 00:21:04,662 --> 00:21:09,837 We are excited to try your holiday-inspired bakes. 496 00:21:09,838 --> 00:21:11,373 - This is how excited I am. - I love that. 497 00:21:11,374 --> 00:21:13,211 Shall we start in the basement 498 00:21:13,312 --> 00:21:15,482 - with the Home Bakers? - Yes. 499 00:21:15,617 --> 00:21:18,021 This is Stefanie's Sugar Cookie Cake 500 00:21:18,022 --> 00:21:20,592 with a chocolate ganache, with the little kisses. 501 00:21:20,593 --> 00:21:23,231 That's a gorgeous buttercream from chocolate... kisses? 502 00:21:23,232 --> 00:21:25,803 Yeah. Soft, buttery, rich. 503 00:21:25,804 --> 00:21:28,909 I'm shocked this was cooked in the basement. It's gorgeous. 504 00:21:28,910 --> 00:21:31,816 So this is Michael's take on Florentines, 505 00:21:31,916 --> 00:21:34,452 dipped in a chocolate and caramel sauce, 506 00:21:34,453 --> 00:21:37,426 garnished with a sort of festive sprig of rosemary. 507 00:21:37,528 --> 00:21:40,164 I would have loved the rosemary to be candied or something. 508 00:21:40,165 --> 00:21:42,537 Yeah. The rosemary reminds me of a Christmas tree, 509 00:21:42,538 --> 00:21:44,775 I'm not gonna lie. 510 00:21:44,908 --> 00:21:48,214 This is Jeff's Chocolate Tart. Very dense. 511 00:21:48,215 --> 00:21:51,086 Yes. Just a little under-baked. 512 00:21:51,087 --> 00:21:55,262 Next up, Deirdra's Brown Butter Brownie Trifle. 513 00:21:55,263 --> 00:21:58,503 In her stocking, she got some Dolce de Leche. 514 00:21:58,603 --> 00:22:00,039 - You can taste it on top. - Yep. 515 00:22:00,139 --> 00:22:01,609 The flavors are nice. 516 00:22:01,709 --> 00:22:04,346 I wanted a more salt because it was really sweet. 517 00:22:04,347 --> 00:22:06,385 Yeah, what a shame. Middle floor? 518 00:22:06,485 --> 00:22:08,522 - I was with the Pros. - It'll be okay. 519 00:22:08,523 --> 00:22:12,196 So first up, we have Chad's Pecan Pie 520 00:22:12,296 --> 00:22:15,201 and a white chocolate mascarpone mousse. 521 00:22:17,307 --> 00:22:19,444 For me, pecan pie says the holidays. 522 00:22:19,545 --> 00:22:21,515 - Absolutely. - Pastry's cooked beautifully. 523 00:22:21,516 --> 00:22:23,218 - Really nice. - Very good. 524 00:22:23,318 --> 00:22:24,754 - Wow. - Next up, 525 00:22:24,755 --> 00:22:26,424 we have Maricsa's Brownies. 526 00:22:26,425 --> 00:22:28,394 What is that on top? 527 00:22:28,395 --> 00:22:30,365 Chocolate spiced whipped cream and puffed rice. 528 00:22:30,366 --> 00:22:32,871 It does taste a little bit under. 529 00:22:32,972 --> 00:22:35,943 You can tell it was still piping hot when the cream went on. 530 00:22:35,944 --> 00:22:37,312 Yeah, put it on the side next time. 531 00:22:37,313 --> 00:22:40,486 Next up, we have Aubrey's 532 00:22:40,620 --> 00:22:42,624 Fudge Brownie Peanut Butter Bar Crunch. 533 00:22:46,966 --> 00:22:49,670 - Very peanutty. - Very, very. 534 00:22:49,671 --> 00:22:51,374 Could use a glass of milk with this. 535 00:22:51,475 --> 00:22:53,010 - Need it. - Mm-hmm. 536 00:22:53,011 --> 00:22:55,549 Finally, this is Winston's Chocolate Trifle 537 00:22:55,550 --> 00:22:58,188 with Jamaican spiced chocolate mousse and some truffle. 538 00:22:58,321 --> 00:23:00,057 - Truffle. Oh! - Some! 539 00:23:00,058 --> 00:23:01,594 Just a touch. 540 00:23:01,595 --> 00:23:04,433 I know... 541 00:23:04,434 --> 00:23:06,505 - Woo! - You find that cake in there? 542 00:23:06,506 --> 00:23:08,174 You get it? Did you get to the bottom? 543 00:23:08,175 --> 00:23:09,476 I'm scared to go to the bottom of that. 544 00:23:11,481 --> 00:23:12,918 My palate's blown out by the truffle 545 00:23:13,018 --> 00:23:14,554 so it's hard to navigate anywhere else. 546 00:23:14,555 --> 00:23:16,558 - Shall we move to the top level? - Shall we? 547 00:23:16,559 --> 00:23:18,596 With the Social Media chefs. 548 00:23:18,696 --> 00:23:22,435 Alright, so first up is Zoha's Black Forest Swiss Roll. 549 00:23:22,436 --> 00:23:25,977 This was Zoha's second cake. 550 00:23:28,081 --> 00:23:29,217 Let's see if we have that roll. 551 00:23:32,524 --> 00:23:34,660 - And we do! - Incredible. 552 00:23:34,661 --> 00:23:36,531 - A perfect slice. - This is the second one. 553 00:23:36,532 --> 00:23:38,669 With 35 minutes left she made another cake. 554 00:23:38,670 --> 00:23:42,610 - Is that ganache? - Yep, it's a ganache. 555 00:23:42,611 --> 00:23:43,846 - That's delicious. - That's really nice. 556 00:23:43,847 --> 00:23:45,182 Good comeback. 557 00:23:45,282 --> 00:23:48,690 Next up is Justin's 558 00:23:48,790 --> 00:23:50,726 Dark Chocolate Mousse with sweetened strawberries. 559 00:23:50,727 --> 00:23:51,862 Mm-hmm. 560 00:23:55,202 --> 00:23:57,040 - The mousse is so rich. - It's very rich. 561 00:23:57,140 --> 00:23:58,642 There's no balance. 562 00:23:58,643 --> 00:24:00,411 At minimum it needs to look good. 563 00:24:00,412 --> 00:24:03,218 But it doesn't look that elegant, what a shame. 564 00:24:03,319 --> 00:24:05,723 Alright, so we have Chloe's Chocolate Ganache-Filled Tart. 565 00:24:07,293 --> 00:24:09,096 The pastry crust is delicious. 566 00:24:09,097 --> 00:24:10,632 Nice and crisp. 567 00:24:10,633 --> 00:24:12,805 And the chocolate works really well. 568 00:24:12,905 --> 00:24:15,709 Lastly, we have Nikki's German Chocolate Cake. 569 00:24:15,710 --> 00:24:19,750 It's with coconut pecan frosting, very classic. 570 00:24:19,751 --> 00:24:22,623 Mm-hmm. A German Chocolate Cake is sweet - this is sweet. 571 00:24:22,624 --> 00:24:24,728 But maybe a hit more of salt to balance that out. 572 00:24:24,729 --> 00:24:26,565 Yeah. Listen, the sponge is delicious. 573 00:24:26,566 --> 00:24:28,267 Just be careful. The sweetness, wow! 574 00:24:28,268 --> 00:24:30,471 Great first tasting. 575 00:24:30,472 --> 00:24:32,375 Candace and Carla and I have a lot to discuss. 576 00:24:32,376 --> 00:24:35,182 Excuse us. Thank you. 577 00:24:35,282 --> 00:24:36,417 - That was brutal. - Sixty minutes? 578 00:24:36,518 --> 00:24:39,323 Yeah. 579 00:24:39,324 --> 00:24:41,628 Zoha was in a tizzy the entire time, 580 00:24:41,629 --> 00:24:44,233 but I thought the roulade really turned out well. 581 00:24:44,234 --> 00:24:47,006 It was an honor to bake with you guys, it was so much fun. 582 00:24:47,106 --> 00:24:49,778 Maricsa's Spiced Brownie would have been amazing 583 00:24:49,878 --> 00:24:51,448 if it had just a little bit more time in the oven. 584 00:24:51,582 --> 00:24:53,418 - Yes! - It's a shame. 585 00:24:53,519 --> 00:24:56,757 Unfortunately, we have to pick our bottom three. 586 00:24:56,758 --> 00:24:59,029 One from each kitchen. Are we in agreement? Shall we? 587 00:24:59,030 --> 00:25:00,231 - Yes. - Yeah. 588 00:25:04,541 --> 00:25:06,879 Each and every one of you made an incredible 589 00:25:07,013 --> 00:25:09,784 first effort today, so keep your heads up high. 590 00:25:09,785 --> 00:25:12,589 However, one baker from each level, sadly, 591 00:25:12,590 --> 00:25:15,428 will be going home tonight. 592 00:25:15,429 --> 00:25:17,734 It wasn't easy, let me tell you. 593 00:25:17,834 --> 00:25:19,872 The first individual heading home is... 594 00:25:29,992 --> 00:25:31,661 One baker from each level, sadly, 595 00:25:31,662 --> 00:25:32,864 will be going home tonight. 596 00:25:34,868 --> 00:25:38,341 The bakers heading home are... 597 00:25:41,248 --> 00:25:42,950 - Michael. - Alright. 598 00:25:42,951 --> 00:25:44,721 Justin. 599 00:25:46,157 --> 00:25:49,063 And Winston. 600 00:25:49,163 --> 00:25:51,901 Michael, Justin, Winston, say goodbye to your teams, 601 00:25:51,902 --> 00:25:53,873 and please enjoy the holidays with your families. 602 00:25:53,973 --> 00:25:57,145 - And thank you, guys. - Thank you, guys. 603 00:25:57,146 --> 00:25:59,350 Whoop, whoop, whoop. 604 00:25:59,450 --> 00:26:01,655 I'm going to keep representing, keep pushing. 605 00:26:01,656 --> 00:26:02,757 Better watch out for this Jamaican boy. 606 00:26:06,231 --> 00:26:07,900 Shake it off. 607 00:26:07,901 --> 00:26:09,870 Let's bring some holiday spirit back, okay? 608 00:26:11,575 --> 00:26:14,880 Because three of you have just earned 609 00:26:14,881 --> 00:26:17,887 cooking in that top level kitchen in the next challenge. 610 00:26:19,357 --> 00:26:21,595 Those bakers are... 611 00:26:21,596 --> 00:26:24,499 - Chad. - Alright, Chad. 612 00:26:24,500 --> 00:26:26,671 Stefanie! 613 00:26:26,672 --> 00:26:30,479 And finally, Zoha! 614 00:26:30,580 --> 00:26:32,483 - Great job. - Well done, you three. 615 00:26:32,584 --> 00:26:34,587 Alright, three of you 616 00:26:34,588 --> 00:26:36,224 earned your way to the middle level. 617 00:26:36,324 --> 00:26:37,893 Those bakers are... 618 00:26:37,894 --> 00:26:40,099 Nikki. 619 00:26:40,199 --> 00:26:42,469 Deirdra. 620 00:26:42,570 --> 00:26:46,143 And Chloe. Well done. 621 00:26:46,144 --> 00:26:48,280 - Of course, that means Aubrey... - Yeah. 622 00:26:48,281 --> 00:26:50,986 ...Jeff and Maricsa, 623 00:26:50,987 --> 00:26:52,957 you'll be cooking down in that dreaded basement. 624 00:26:53,057 --> 00:26:55,162 Ready for your next challenge? 625 00:26:55,262 --> 00:26:57,533 Yes. 626 00:26:57,534 --> 00:27:00,640 You know what my favorite part of the holiday season is? 627 00:27:00,740 --> 00:27:02,845 It's all of the fabulous parties. 628 00:27:02,945 --> 00:27:06,449 Absolutely. You may have guessed it! 629 00:27:06,450 --> 00:27:10,058 Your next challenge is all about baking with alcohol. 630 00:27:15,870 --> 00:27:18,474 Here's the good news. The big man himself 631 00:27:18,475 --> 00:27:22,249 has sent his trusted scout elves 632 00:27:22,250 --> 00:27:24,654 to spread some incredible festive cheer 633 00:27:24,655 --> 00:27:26,390 and holiday magic. How cool is that? 634 00:27:26,391 --> 00:27:28,930 Amazing? Okay. 635 00:27:29,030 --> 00:27:31,902 And Gordon, just so you know, 636 00:27:32,002 --> 00:27:34,808 Santa sent a special scout elf to keep an eye out on you. 637 00:27:34,908 --> 00:27:37,580 Come on, seriously? 638 00:27:37,581 --> 00:27:39,919 He wants to make sure you end up on the nice list this year. 639 00:27:40,019 --> 00:27:42,023 - It hasn't happened... - Naughty. 640 00:27:42,123 --> 00:27:44,360 ...in 57 Christmases. 641 00:27:44,493 --> 00:27:46,363 - Tsk, tsk. - Right. 642 00:27:46,364 --> 00:27:48,467 - Let's get to it, shall we? - Yeah. 643 00:27:48,468 --> 00:27:50,740 You'll have 75 minutes tonight 644 00:27:50,840 --> 00:27:53,746 to create an exciting bake with alcohol. 645 00:27:53,846 --> 00:27:56,216 This is a competition. One of you will be leaving 646 00:27:56,217 --> 00:27:58,554 after this bake. Make sure it's not you. 647 00:27:58,555 --> 00:28:00,793 Head to the elevator, we'll see you shortly. Good luck! 648 00:28:00,927 --> 00:28:02,664 - Thanks, chefs. - Thank you. 649 00:28:02,764 --> 00:28:04,567 Great job. Stefanie, well done. 650 00:28:04,568 --> 00:28:06,871 Seventy-five minutes! 651 00:28:06,872 --> 00:28:08,942 - Feels like a luxury. - I know! 652 00:28:13,820 --> 00:28:15,088 - Okay. - Alright! 653 00:28:15,188 --> 00:28:17,059 - Let's do it! - Wow... 654 00:28:17,159 --> 00:28:18,395 Let's do this. - Holy smokes! What is this? 655 00:28:18,495 --> 00:28:19,932 Our own oven?! 656 00:28:20,032 --> 00:28:21,768 This is like the nicest kitchen 657 00:28:21,769 --> 00:28:22,937 I've ever been in in my life. 658 00:28:25,610 --> 00:28:27,245 - Wow! - Not too bad. 659 00:28:27,346 --> 00:28:28,549 I can handle this. 660 00:28:31,388 --> 00:28:32,890 Okay, there are a lot of elves! 661 00:28:37,066 --> 00:28:38,937 Look at these cuties! 662 00:28:39,037 --> 00:28:41,540 My sister does elf on a shelf 663 00:28:41,541 --> 00:28:43,377 for my nephew and my niece. 664 00:28:43,378 --> 00:28:45,449 And he's done a lot of silly, funny things. 665 00:28:45,550 --> 00:28:47,854 I'm not stoked to be in this kitchen 666 00:28:47,954 --> 00:28:51,561 but I'm hoping the elves can create some magic in here. 667 00:28:51,662 --> 00:28:54,332 I can't wait to use you, you little funny thing. 668 00:28:56,037 --> 00:28:59,310 - Good luck! - Hi, bakers! 669 00:28:59,410 --> 00:29:01,314 - How are we feeling? - A little scared, I feel like. 670 00:29:01,414 --> 00:29:03,285 There's nowhere to go but up. 671 00:29:03,385 --> 00:29:04,954 - Yeah. - That is true. 672 00:29:04,955 --> 00:29:08,595 Oh, we're back together again! 673 00:29:08,596 --> 00:29:11,734 Nikki, when that platform comes down, 674 00:29:11,735 --> 00:29:13,203 - I need you to get some stuff. - I'm ready. 675 00:29:15,309 --> 00:29:17,346 Right. Let's go. 676 00:29:17,446 --> 00:29:18,782 - Feeling good? - Yes. 677 00:29:18,783 --> 00:29:20,252 You've got the pick of the litter. 678 00:29:20,352 --> 00:29:21,721 Okay so be smart, right? 679 00:29:21,722 --> 00:29:23,357 Let's go. Line up against the door. 680 00:29:23,358 --> 00:29:24,761 Let's go! 681 00:29:24,762 --> 00:29:27,298 Seventy-five minutes to create 682 00:29:27,299 --> 00:29:29,904 an exciting, boozy, Christmas treat. 683 00:29:31,775 --> 00:29:34,479 Three, two, one... 684 00:29:34,480 --> 00:29:36,383 Let's go! 685 00:29:36,384 --> 00:29:38,888 Look at that, okay. 686 00:29:38,889 --> 00:29:40,793 So we're gonna go here, oh. 687 00:29:40,893 --> 00:29:42,797 Do you guys see the alcohol-free? 688 00:29:42,897 --> 00:29:44,833 Obviously, I'm Muslim. I don't drink alcohol. 689 00:29:44,834 --> 00:29:48,041 So I do not know what alcohol tastes like... 690 00:29:48,141 --> 00:29:49,944 Here's alcohol-free, right there. 691 00:29:49,945 --> 00:29:51,714 ...but I'm somehow gonna make it work. 692 00:29:51,715 --> 00:29:52,783 There you go, you got it. 693 00:29:56,257 --> 00:29:57,560 Okay, it's coming. It's coming, y'all. 694 00:29:57,660 --> 00:29:59,932 Go! C'mon! 695 00:30:00,065 --> 00:30:02,803 Remember, pick balance. Think about acid. 696 00:30:02,804 --> 00:30:04,573 Think about how you're gonna balance 697 00:30:04,574 --> 00:30:05,809 - that alcohol. - Oh yeah. 698 00:30:05,810 --> 00:30:07,245 I'm feelin' really good. 699 00:30:07,246 --> 00:30:09,785 One thing I do know is booze. 700 00:30:09,918 --> 00:30:11,688 - Still grab things. - Ooh, cream cheese! 701 00:30:11,689 --> 00:30:13,158 - Okay, can you grab something? - Got it! 702 00:30:13,258 --> 00:30:15,697 It helps that you're tall, girl. Yes! 703 00:30:15,797 --> 00:30:17,634 - A long arm. Woo! - Okay. 704 00:30:17,734 --> 00:30:19,202 Make sure you grab an alcohol 705 00:30:19,203 --> 00:30:20,805 off the top of the platform. 706 00:30:20,806 --> 00:30:21,875 Green, green, green! Go, go, go! 707 00:30:24,414 --> 00:30:26,016 - Okay, that's it? - Uh, is that a beer? 708 00:30:26,017 --> 00:30:27,986 I... I think so! 709 00:30:27,987 --> 00:30:31,728 I don't ever drink beer, so this 710 00:30:31,729 --> 00:30:33,765 is probably worst-case scenario for me. 711 00:30:33,766 --> 00:30:35,235 Just grab what you can. 712 00:30:35,335 --> 00:30:36,938 You're gonna make magic out of it. 713 00:30:36,939 --> 00:30:41,081 Booze-filled chocolate? Going, going... gone. 714 00:30:41,181 --> 00:30:43,919 Oh my God, I don't even know what I grabbed. 715 00:30:43,920 --> 00:30:45,657 I don't know what to do with this beer. 716 00:30:45,757 --> 00:30:47,827 The panic of this beer has set in 717 00:30:47,960 --> 00:30:49,330 and is not letting go of me. 718 00:30:54,473 --> 00:30:56,677 Alright, bakers. 719 00:30:56,678 --> 00:30:59,416 Your time starts... now! 720 00:31:01,087 --> 00:31:02,923 Anybody seen the teaspoon? 721 00:31:02,924 --> 00:31:04,927 No, I don't have one. 722 00:31:04,928 --> 00:31:06,931 - Alright, Maricsa. - Hello. 723 00:31:06,932 --> 00:31:08,935 How are you feeling? 724 00:31:08,936 --> 00:31:10,839 I got alcohol-free stout. 725 00:31:10,840 --> 00:31:13,077 It is not something that I drink normally. 726 00:31:13,078 --> 00:31:15,482 - Right. - So it's a little nerve-racking 727 00:31:15,583 --> 00:31:16,985 but I'm thinking fruitcake. 728 00:31:16,986 --> 00:31:18,956 I'm going to do a wreath Pâte à Choux. 729 00:31:19,056 --> 00:31:21,294 And you're gonna have enough time to do that? 730 00:31:21,394 --> 00:31:22,963 - I'm hoping so. - Okay, sounds good. 731 00:31:22,964 --> 00:31:25,169 I'm not lookin' to go home 732 00:31:25,269 --> 00:31:26,872 and I'm not lookin' to be at the bottom like last time. 733 00:31:27,006 --> 00:31:29,075 That's right. Bakers! 734 00:31:29,076 --> 00:31:31,412 Let's get to work. Let's go! 735 00:31:31,413 --> 00:31:34,586 Jeff, what are we planning to do with that box wine? 736 00:31:34,587 --> 00:31:36,289 I'm planning to make a mulled wine sauce 737 00:31:36,290 --> 00:31:38,529 to go over an apple cake. 738 00:31:38,663 --> 00:31:42,135 Okay. Box wine looks scary, but you got a plan. 739 00:31:42,136 --> 00:31:44,908 I think we're gonna get out of the basement with this one. 740 00:31:45,008 --> 00:31:47,011 - Alright, Aubrey. - I'm gonna do a crostata... 741 00:31:47,012 --> 00:31:49,817 - Okay. - ...and an apple pear butter. 742 00:31:49,818 --> 00:31:52,021 Calvados is made with apples. 743 00:31:52,022 --> 00:31:53,358 Love that. 744 00:31:55,162 --> 00:31:57,634 - Hello! - Hello, Miss Chloe. 745 00:31:57,734 --> 00:31:59,435 I'm gonna be making spice cakes. 746 00:31:59,436 --> 00:32:02,208 - Okay. - And to that I'm going to add 747 00:32:02,209 --> 00:32:05,549 a cranberry compote and make an Irish cream liqueur buttercream. 748 00:32:05,550 --> 00:32:07,219 - How's it going? - My buttercream's ending up 749 00:32:07,319 --> 00:32:08,420 a bit grittier than it should. 750 00:32:08,421 --> 00:32:10,123 You used room-temperature butter? 751 00:32:10,124 --> 00:32:11,828 - I did. - Cold butter's better. 752 00:32:11,829 --> 00:32:13,565 That will give your butter stability. 753 00:32:13,566 --> 00:32:16,938 - Fifty minutes left. - Cold butter... 754 00:32:16,939 --> 00:32:19,409 Nikki, I see you prepped more items this time. 755 00:32:19,410 --> 00:32:21,046 - What did you grab? - Amaretto. 756 00:32:21,047 --> 00:32:23,117 Okay, so what're you making with this? 757 00:32:23,118 --> 00:32:27,561 I'm gonna make a eggnog parfait with a ginger snap base. 758 00:32:27,661 --> 00:32:30,165 What makes your eggnog noggy? 759 00:32:30,265 --> 00:32:32,068 That booze I put in there and I'll put a little bit more-- 760 00:32:32,069 --> 00:32:33,972 It doesn't take too much. 761 00:32:33,973 --> 00:32:36,912 You just need a tiny, tiny bit. 762 00:32:37,012 --> 00:32:39,348 We are encouraged to taste, aren't we? 763 00:32:39,349 --> 00:32:40,919 - Yeah. - What 'bout tha'? 764 00:32:40,920 --> 00:32:43,091 Okay, girl. Get it, girl! 765 00:32:43,224 --> 00:32:44,927 C'mon, you're encouraged to... 766 00:32:44,928 --> 00:32:46,697 Hey, I asked first. 767 00:32:46,698 --> 00:32:48,735 I am Nikki J. 768 00:32:48,736 --> 00:32:51,908 The diva, the queen, the 60-year-old powerhouse. 769 00:32:52,008 --> 00:32:54,646 I have been going viral 770 00:32:54,647 --> 00:32:57,819 before viral was even cool. 771 00:32:57,820 --> 00:33:01,694 My daughter's wedding cake went viral during the wedding. 772 00:33:01,695 --> 00:33:04,332 And overnight I got orders 773 00:33:04,333 --> 00:33:07,205 from so many celebrities. 774 00:33:07,206 --> 00:33:09,243 Babe, I'm the queen of social media. 775 00:33:09,343 --> 00:33:11,882 I'm the queen of the bakery. I was just born a queen. 776 00:33:11,982 --> 00:33:13,284 I dunno why my mama didn't name me Queen. 777 00:33:14,988 --> 00:33:16,490 - Carla! - Oh God! Yes? 778 00:33:16,491 --> 00:33:18,227 Jeez, we good? 779 00:33:18,228 --> 00:33:19,931 - How's it going down there? - Lemme tell you, 780 00:33:19,932 --> 00:33:21,433 we have some really great stuff. 781 00:33:21,535 --> 00:33:23,605 And what about the boozy celebration? 782 00:33:23,606 --> 00:33:24,974 Nikki's celebrating more than anybody. 783 00:33:25,075 --> 00:33:27,981 - She loves a boozy jam. - I love that! 784 00:33:28,114 --> 00:33:29,449 - Yeah, drinking and thinking. - Love that. Thank you. 785 00:33:33,726 --> 00:33:35,864 Zoha, tell me about the dish. What're you doing? 786 00:33:35,997 --> 00:33:39,335 I'm gonna do a chocolate pecan caramel tart. 787 00:33:39,336 --> 00:33:41,542 Hopefully there'll be tempered chocolate decoration. 788 00:33:41,675 --> 00:33:44,245 Gotcha. Smart, smart, smart. Right, Chad! 789 00:33:44,246 --> 00:33:46,283 - Yes, chef. - Let's go, my man. 790 00:33:46,284 --> 00:33:48,688 I'm gonna do a Port wine-braised apple tatin. 791 00:33:48,689 --> 00:33:51,026 Working on my poaching liquid right now. 792 00:33:51,027 --> 00:33:52,161 You've got cooking apples, right? 793 00:33:52,162 --> 00:33:54,133 - Yes. - Traditionally, we use 794 00:33:54,233 --> 00:33:56,772 cooking apples for purees. But hey, all is not lost. 795 00:33:56,872 --> 00:33:58,441 And where have you seen this before? 796 00:33:58,542 --> 00:34:01,147 I've dreamed about it so let's see what we can do here. 797 00:34:01,281 --> 00:34:03,217 Well, let's hope this is a happy dream. 798 00:34:05,656 --> 00:34:07,860 Right, Stefanie. What is it? 799 00:34:07,960 --> 00:34:10,298 Okay, this cake is a festive eggnog cake. 800 00:34:10,398 --> 00:34:12,069 It's got a little bit of the bourbon in the cake. 801 00:34:12,169 --> 00:34:13,303 - How many layers? - Shooting for three. 802 00:34:13,304 --> 00:34:14,975 - You're gonna get three done? - I think so. 803 00:34:15,075 --> 00:34:16,845 - Love it, love it... - I'm going for it. 804 00:34:16,945 --> 00:34:19,315 Give an insight to Stefanie's household at the holidays. 805 00:34:19,316 --> 00:34:20,653 - I have four kids... - Decadent! 806 00:34:20,753 --> 00:34:22,355 ...and it's really, really fun. 807 00:34:22,356 --> 00:34:25,194 I'm completely self-taught. 808 00:34:25,195 --> 00:34:27,365 When my kids were young I would watch baking shows 809 00:34:27,366 --> 00:34:31,039 and I realized, "Oh my goodness, I love to bake!" 810 00:34:31,040 --> 00:34:33,177 And I was like, maybe this is a gift. 811 00:34:33,178 --> 00:34:34,447 I was encouraged by family and friends 812 00:34:34,548 --> 00:34:36,951 to start a home bakery business. 813 00:34:37,052 --> 00:34:40,859 And then all of a sudden, I had strangers wanting to order. 814 00:34:40,960 --> 00:34:43,899 My husband and I had always talked about opening a bakery. 815 00:34:43,999 --> 00:34:47,404 We sold our house to finance the business 816 00:34:47,405 --> 00:34:50,477 and moved our family into a teeny tiny rental for a year. 817 00:34:50,478 --> 00:34:53,251 We have this big, beautiful, chaotic family. 818 00:34:53,351 --> 00:34:55,354 It has been a wild ride. 819 00:34:55,355 --> 00:34:58,460 But honestly, it's all been worth it. 820 00:34:58,461 --> 00:35:01,333 This is so messy. 821 00:35:01,433 --> 00:35:03,137 My hands are gonna be green. 822 00:35:03,237 --> 00:35:05,207 Pâte à Choux is temperamental. 823 00:35:05,208 --> 00:35:07,781 Usually, they look tall and puffy. 824 00:35:07,881 --> 00:35:10,117 I would get it in the oven soon though, if you're not. 825 00:35:10,118 --> 00:35:12,321 If they don't have enough time in the oven, 826 00:35:12,322 --> 00:35:14,393 they're gonna sink. Frick it. 827 00:35:16,765 --> 00:35:18,066 Twenty minutes to go. 828 00:35:18,067 --> 00:35:20,371 Twenty minutes to go. 829 00:35:20,471 --> 00:35:23,244 - So pretty! - Stefanie, we good? 830 00:35:23,377 --> 00:35:25,215 Yeah. I used a little bit of bourbon in the compote. 831 00:35:25,315 --> 00:35:26,584 Absolutely incredible. Good luck. 832 00:35:29,858 --> 00:35:31,460 Oh yeah, baby. 833 00:35:35,469 --> 00:35:36,804 What the... 834 00:35:36,805 --> 00:35:38,909 I pick up my apples with a spoon 835 00:35:39,009 --> 00:35:41,379 and quickly realize that I've... 836 00:35:41,380 --> 00:35:43,385 they're disintegrating. 837 00:35:43,485 --> 00:35:45,187 Oh, no, no. 838 00:35:45,188 --> 00:35:47,358 That's perfect. 839 00:35:47,359 --> 00:35:49,730 Such a stupid mistake. 840 00:35:58,214 --> 00:36:00,084 Chad, you good? 841 00:36:00,085 --> 00:36:02,555 - I my apples up. - You've what?! 842 00:36:02,556 --> 00:36:05,562 They have disintegrated in my poaching liquid, chef. 843 00:36:05,563 --> 00:36:07,332 Remember I said earlier, they're for just purees. 844 00:36:07,432 --> 00:36:09,368 They do just all of a sudden go. 845 00:36:09,369 --> 00:36:11,842 I know. I'm turning it into a pear tatin. 846 00:36:11,942 --> 00:36:13,678 A pear tatin? 847 00:36:13,679 --> 00:36:16,784 Same concept. I won't over-poach this. 848 00:36:16,785 --> 00:36:18,956 This is obviously going down to the wire. 849 00:36:19,056 --> 00:36:22,361 I know I need every single second to poach these pears. 850 00:36:22,362 --> 00:36:23,965 A little scared. 851 00:36:26,404 --> 00:36:29,309 Y'all looking good! Chloe, punchin' out her cakes. 852 00:36:29,310 --> 00:36:30,778 My buttercream's moved out. 853 00:36:30,779 --> 00:36:32,248 Nice! I love it. 854 00:36:32,249 --> 00:36:33,718 Big, beautiful, buttercream baby. 855 00:36:33,719 --> 00:36:35,421 Maricsa. 856 00:36:37,827 --> 00:36:39,362 We're crisping them up now? 857 00:36:39,363 --> 00:36:41,300 Yes. I'm just trying to crisp them at this point. 858 00:36:41,401 --> 00:36:42,703 - Okay. - I swear I'm better than this! 859 00:36:44,674 --> 00:36:47,211 My pastry is sinking and my heart is sinking with it. 860 00:36:47,212 --> 00:36:48,915 Guys, let's start plating! 861 00:36:48,916 --> 00:36:50,886 Two. Minutes. Left. 862 00:36:50,887 --> 00:36:53,826 The platform waits for no one. 863 00:36:53,926 --> 00:36:55,762 Platform's going. 864 00:36:55,763 --> 00:36:58,000 Sixty seconds to go, guys. Platform's gone. 865 00:36:58,101 --> 00:37:00,739 Get everything on those plates. And make it beautiful, yes? 866 00:37:00,873 --> 00:37:03,043 - Let's go. - Bring it on, guys! 867 00:37:03,044 --> 00:37:05,114 Platform is moving. 868 00:37:05,115 --> 00:37:07,519 No time to waste. 869 00:37:07,520 --> 00:37:09,691 Get your bakes on the platform. Let's go, go, go! 870 00:37:09,791 --> 00:37:11,259 Aubrey, 10 seconds! 871 00:37:11,260 --> 00:37:13,632 Good grief! 872 00:37:13,732 --> 00:37:17,237 - Well done, bakers. - Ahh! 873 00:37:17,238 --> 00:37:19,176 Make it nice! 874 00:37:19,277 --> 00:37:21,413 I'm gonna add ginger snaps. 875 00:37:21,514 --> 00:37:23,851 - I stuck it in like a cocktail. - Looks like a cocktail. 876 00:37:23,852 --> 00:37:25,823 Alright, the platform is coming. 877 00:37:25,923 --> 00:37:27,893 Where are we? Oh, my God. 878 00:37:27,894 --> 00:37:30,232 - Okay, alright. - Woo! Hey girl! 879 00:37:30,365 --> 00:37:31,867 Go ahead, girls. Go ahead. 880 00:37:31,868 --> 00:37:33,772 - You deserve a drink. - Oh, my God. 881 00:37:33,773 --> 00:37:35,843 Literally, could I drink some of that? 882 00:37:35,943 --> 00:37:37,311 Please pass it around! 883 00:37:37,312 --> 00:37:39,617 Alright chefs, we're here. 884 00:37:39,618 --> 00:37:42,256 - Okay guys, go, go. - Zoha, c'mon, c'mon! 885 00:37:42,356 --> 00:37:43,424 You're gonna miss that platform. Gotta go. 886 00:37:45,897 --> 00:37:50,404 Five seconds. Four, three, two, one... and go. 887 00:37:50,405 --> 00:37:51,674 - Well done! - That's beautiful. 888 00:37:51,675 --> 00:37:52,777 Wow. 889 00:38:04,835 --> 00:38:07,406 These incredible holiday-inspired bakes 890 00:38:07,507 --> 00:38:09,977 look festive and exactly what you want to see 891 00:38:09,978 --> 00:38:12,149 for the holidays. But sadly, 892 00:38:12,249 --> 00:38:14,988 we do have to send somebody home. 893 00:38:15,088 --> 00:38:17,458 Right, shall we start at the very top on my level? 894 00:38:17,459 --> 00:38:18,996 - Yes. - First off with Stefanie. 895 00:38:19,096 --> 00:38:20,800 Stefanie used bourbon. 896 00:38:20,900 --> 00:38:24,005 It was inspired by Eggnog Funfetti Cake. 897 00:38:24,139 --> 00:38:25,641 Get it, girl. 898 00:38:25,642 --> 00:38:27,445 Okay Stefanie, look at you. 899 00:38:27,446 --> 00:38:29,049 Uppin' the game! Okay, sorry. 900 00:38:30,753 --> 00:38:33,158 Dig in, please. 901 00:38:33,258 --> 00:38:35,261 - I hope it tastes good. - It will, I'm sure. 902 00:38:35,361 --> 00:38:38,901 The crumb is so... tender. 903 00:38:38,902 --> 00:38:41,508 Mm-hmm, it's inspiring. 904 00:38:41,608 --> 00:38:43,911 The amount of work that went into this across 75 minutes 905 00:38:43,912 --> 00:38:46,584 is exceptional, great start. Right, next up. 906 00:38:46,585 --> 00:38:49,956 Zoha made a Chocolate and Caramel Pecan Tartlet 907 00:38:49,957 --> 00:38:52,462 with non-alcoholic rum. 908 00:38:52,564 --> 00:38:54,633 There's an ooey-gooey quality to this 909 00:38:54,634 --> 00:38:58,474 that is also very decadent, yet so refined. 910 00:38:58,576 --> 00:39:00,745 Last up, it's Chad's take on a Pear Tarte Tatin. 911 00:39:00,746 --> 00:39:02,684 I'm not gonna lie, it looks like a Pear Tata-taco. 912 00:39:02,784 --> 00:39:05,822 This young man pivoted. 913 00:39:05,956 --> 00:39:09,428 Had a slight problem with the original apples, went to pear. 914 00:39:09,429 --> 00:39:12,468 Well, those pears... Sounds like they're undercooked. 915 00:39:12,570 --> 00:39:15,274 - Yeah, they look a little hard. - A little crunchy? 916 00:39:15,275 --> 00:39:16,810 Middle level, what've you got? 917 00:39:16,811 --> 00:39:19,348 These are Nikki's Amaretto Eggnog Parfaits. 918 00:39:19,349 --> 00:39:20,986 That's a boozy bite! 919 00:39:20,987 --> 00:39:23,089 - Yeah, a lotta booze. - A lotta booze. 920 00:39:23,090 --> 00:39:24,693 A lotta sugar. 921 00:39:24,694 --> 00:39:27,098 The ginger snaps, did we make these on top? 922 00:39:27,198 --> 00:39:29,403 - We did not make these. - What a shame. 923 00:39:29,504 --> 00:39:31,306 These are from Chloe. 924 00:39:31,406 --> 00:39:33,110 Spice Cakes with Irish liqueur buttercream 925 00:39:33,111 --> 00:39:35,247 made to look like a hot toddy. 926 00:39:35,248 --> 00:39:37,417 They look beautiful. 927 00:39:37,418 --> 00:39:39,891 - And they taste elegant. - Next up, 928 00:39:39,991 --> 00:39:43,664 Spiced Apple Cupcakes cooked by Deirdra. 929 00:39:43,665 --> 00:39:46,137 I mean, a cupcake at first glance seems very simplistic 930 00:39:46,237 --> 00:39:48,473 but you really made it artful. 931 00:39:48,474 --> 00:39:49,610 - Thank you. - Yeah. 932 00:39:51,246 --> 00:39:52,950 Come on down to the basement. 933 00:39:53,083 --> 00:39:55,255 Look at these! What is that? 934 00:39:58,862 --> 00:40:00,866 We're gonna start with Maricsa's Pâte à Choux Wreathes 935 00:40:00,966 --> 00:40:03,572 with stout fig compote. 936 00:40:03,672 --> 00:40:05,240 - Are they undercooked? - Yeah. 937 00:40:05,241 --> 00:40:06,977 Damn. 938 00:40:06,978 --> 00:40:09,518 - This one falls flat, sadly. - Literally. 939 00:40:09,618 --> 00:40:12,689 The choux pastry is literally undercooked. 940 00:40:12,790 --> 00:40:15,228 Next up, Jeff's Apple Cake with Mulled Wine Sauce. 941 00:40:15,328 --> 00:40:16,964 Looks festive. 942 00:40:16,965 --> 00:40:19,103 He grabbed the bag wine, which I thought 943 00:40:19,203 --> 00:40:21,807 was kind of a scary grab, but he worked it out. 944 00:40:21,808 --> 00:40:23,544 It's taking bad ingredients 945 00:40:23,545 --> 00:40:25,014 and turning it into something amazing. 946 00:40:25,114 --> 00:40:27,317 Thank you. 947 00:40:27,318 --> 00:40:29,991 Last up, this is a Calvados Apple Pear Crostata. 948 00:40:30,091 --> 00:40:32,329 It looks beautiful. Rustic, full of charm. 949 00:40:32,429 --> 00:40:33,765 - Wow. - And it feels so effortless... 950 00:40:33,865 --> 00:40:35,435 Yes! 951 00:40:35,536 --> 00:40:38,106 ...but just is packed with flavor. 952 00:40:38,107 --> 00:40:40,343 We've got a lot to talk about, let me tell you. 953 00:40:40,344 --> 00:40:42,949 We need a moment. Thank you. 954 00:40:42,950 --> 00:40:45,688 Oh, God. 955 00:40:45,689 --> 00:40:47,158 Stunning, stunning... What a way to celebrate 956 00:40:47,159 --> 00:40:48,761 - the holidays. - It really was. 957 00:40:48,762 --> 00:40:50,566 I feel I've gotta step up my game now 958 00:40:50,666 --> 00:40:52,302 because you're whippin' out three-tiered cakes. 959 00:40:52,402 --> 00:40:53,804 Are you kiddin' me? What you made?! 960 00:40:53,805 --> 00:40:55,308 - I'm like... - A crostata? 961 00:40:55,442 --> 00:40:57,311 - Clearly some weren't as good. - Yep. 962 00:40:57,312 --> 00:40:58,747 I did the best with what I was given. 963 00:40:58,748 --> 00:41:00,719 I'm still so nervous. 964 00:41:00,819 --> 00:41:03,825 Sorry to see any baker go but... it is a competition. 965 00:41:03,826 --> 00:41:06,832 I make all these things at home, but in the thousands. 966 00:41:06,932 --> 00:41:09,503 I think that threw me for like the biggest loop. 967 00:41:13,143 --> 00:41:15,146 There was one bake 968 00:41:15,147 --> 00:41:17,586 from each today that stood out from the crowd. 969 00:41:17,686 --> 00:41:20,357 Those three bakers are headed to the top level 970 00:41:20,358 --> 00:41:22,294 in the next challenge, and those are... 971 00:41:22,295 --> 00:41:24,567 Stefanie. 972 00:41:24,701 --> 00:41:27,773 - Aubrey. - Wha'? Okay, cool. 973 00:41:27,874 --> 00:41:29,175 - And Chloe. - Well done, guys. 974 00:41:29,176 --> 00:41:30,612 Well done. 975 00:41:30,712 --> 00:41:32,449 This is the greatest Christmas gift 976 00:41:32,550 --> 00:41:34,486 I ever could have asked for. 977 00:41:34,587 --> 00:41:37,491 Now three of you all are safe and have earned 978 00:41:37,492 --> 00:41:39,328 a spot in the middle kitchen. 979 00:41:39,329 --> 00:41:41,199 Those bakers are... 980 00:41:41,299 --> 00:41:42,536 Zoha! 981 00:41:42,537 --> 00:41:44,472 Deirdra! 982 00:41:44,573 --> 00:41:46,342 - And Jeff! - Well done. 983 00:41:47,913 --> 00:41:49,516 Jeff gettin' out of the basement! 984 00:41:49,517 --> 00:41:51,053 Finally. 985 00:41:51,187 --> 00:41:52,256 Which means, unfortunately... 986 00:41:52,356 --> 00:41:53,557 Maricsa. 987 00:41:53,558 --> 00:41:54,926 Chad. 988 00:41:54,927 --> 00:41:56,229 And Nikki. 989 00:41:56,329 --> 00:41:58,499 Sadly, one of you is heading home 990 00:41:58,500 --> 00:42:00,673 early for the holidays. 991 00:42:00,773 --> 00:42:02,108 Holy smokes. 992 00:42:02,208 --> 00:42:04,380 It could be the end. 993 00:42:04,480 --> 00:42:07,819 The baker leaving us today is... 994 00:42:11,427 --> 00:42:12,596 ...Maricsa. 995 00:42:15,602 --> 00:42:18,373 I'm excited to spend the holidays with my family. 996 00:42:18,374 --> 00:42:19,977 I'm ready to be cozy and drinking eggnog with them. 997 00:42:22,817 --> 00:42:24,521 Wish your husband and your parents a happy holiday for us. 998 00:42:24,621 --> 00:42:25,889 Take care. Safe travels back. 999 00:42:25,890 --> 00:42:28,761 Wow. 1000 00:42:28,762 --> 00:42:30,798 What a competition this is turning out to be. 1001 00:42:30,799 --> 00:42:35,543 Get some rest! Because things are about to get spicy. 1002 00:42:35,643 --> 00:42:37,178 - Well done. - Alright! 1003 00:42:37,278 --> 00:42:39,248 Bye! 1004 00:42:39,249 --> 00:42:41,219 Next time, on Next Level Baker... 1005 00:42:42,790 --> 00:42:44,993 It's like Rockefeller Plaza... in here. 1006 00:42:44,994 --> 00:42:48,132 Go, go, go! These desserts need to be perfect. 1007 00:42:48,133 --> 00:42:49,837 Damn, damn, damn. One wrong move 1008 00:42:49,838 --> 00:42:51,306 and everything's gonna come crashing down. 1009 00:42:51,307 --> 00:42:53,478 You in trouble. 1010 00:42:53,579 --> 00:42:54,979 Ready for the perfect thing for egg whites? 1011 00:42:54,980 --> 00:42:57,285 Where'd it go? 1012 00:42:57,385 --> 00:42:59,054 Somebody poach your whipped cream? 1013 00:42:59,055 --> 00:43:00,826 Oh, no, no! 1014 00:43:00,926 --> 00:43:03,631 That was not good. It was so bad. 1015 00:43:03,632 --> 00:43:05,467 Do I go home now? 1016 00:43:05,468 --> 00:43:07,271 ♪ Oh Christmas tree 1017 00:43:07,272 --> 00:43:09,676 ♪ Oh Christmas tree... ♪ 1018 00:43:09,677 --> 00:43:11,446 Seriously? What the is going on?!