Holiday Baking Championship’s Friendsgiving episode is the first of two episodes tonight so brace yourselves for another round of aggressively autumnal desserts and Jesse Palmer’s unwavering holiday cheer. Ten bakers remain, presumably still fueled by sugar and ambition, and this week the Food Network aims to give them a workout, starting with the always-thrilling “flavor friends” challenge.
The bakers will be tasked with pairing seasonal ingredients, a challenge that, frankly, could go either way. Will we see inspired combinations that elevate the humble pumpkin to new heights? Or will we witness a parade of Frankensteinian creations featuring cranberry-infused caramel apples and pecan-crusted sweet potato pies? The possibilities, both delightful and horrifying, are endless.
But the real action, the main event, the culinary clash of the titans, is the apple vs. pumpkin dessert showdown. Finally, Holiday Baking Championship is tackling the hard-hitting issues. This is the kind of culinary conflict that can divide families and spark heated debates at Thanksgiving tables across the nation. Which fall flavor will emerge victorious? Will Team Apple assert its dominance with a crisp, caramelized masterpiece? Or will Team Pumpkin squash the competition with a spiced, creamy concoction?
Judging this seasonal skirmish are the usual suspects: Carla Hall, Duff Goldman, and Nancy Fuller. One hopes they’ve had their caffeine fix, because they’ll need all their energy and patience to evaluate these fall-flavored creations.
Holiday Baking Championship airs Mondays at 8/7c on Food Network.
