- 2 days ago
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:01Previously, welcome to our first-ever Next Level Baker.
00:05Let's go!
00:06Whoo!
00:07Merry Christmas!
00:08I literally cannot believe I'm here right now.
00:11That platform come fast, and it leads back.
00:14Chad, get on there now!
00:16Go ahead, girl. You deserve a drink.
00:18Tonight.
00:19Whoo!
00:21These desserts need to be perfect.
00:23What about a spoon?
00:24Trust me. Trust the process.
00:25Oh, no. Where'd it go?
00:26Somebody post your whipped cream?
00:27Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
00:28Oh, no, no, no, no, no.
00:30That was not good.
00:31Oh, it was so bad.
00:50Whoo!
00:51Yes!
00:52Wow.
00:53Yeah!
00:54Oh!
00:55Oh, my God!
00:56What?
00:57Oh!
00:58Oh, my gosh!
00:59Chad, get your skates on.
01:00You're next.
01:01Oh, perfect!
01:02Come on!
01:03Oh, my gosh!
01:04That was incredible!
01:05Amazing!
01:06Happy holidays!
01:07Figure skating is all about timing, precision, and execution.
01:09One wrong move, and everything's going to come crashing down.
01:13Just like baking.
01:14Some of you all were like, baby deer on ice last time.
01:15Today, you all need to keep your hands on.
01:16Oh, my gosh!
01:17Oh, my gosh!
01:18Chad, get your skates on.
01:19You're next.
01:20Oh, perfect!
01:21Oh, my gosh!
01:22That was incredible!
01:23Amazing!
01:24Yes!
01:25Yes!
01:26Yes!
01:27Chef, what flavors make you really think about the holidays?
01:29Nutmeg.
01:30Nutmeg.
01:31Chocolate.
01:32Chocolate.
01:33Ginger.
01:34Yes!
01:35For me, ginger is the ultimate holiday spice, truly.
01:36So true.
01:37Just the thought of making gingerbread houses transports me to those snowy out.
01:41afternoons and the sound of a crackling fireplace.
01:42Right.
01:43For today's challenge, you'll have 75 minutes to create a next-level holiday bake using ginger.
01:48Ginger is such a core part of Christmas for me.
01:50I would definitely say that ginger is in my wheelhouse, you know, genetically.
01:55The grab is important, right?
01:56Very important.
01:57Yes.
01:58So you've got to be really precise on what you need.
02:03The sad news is that one of you will be leaving after this bake.
02:06You need to take some big risks out there today.
02:09Based on the last challenge, you've got me to take a special time and look what I've
02:22owed on.
02:23Based on the last challenge, Stephanie, Aubrey, and Chloe,
02:26you'll be baking with me on the top level.
02:31Deirdre, Zohar, and Jeff, you'll be with me in the middle level.
02:35Let's go!
02:36Let's go!
02:37And you know what that means, Chad and Nikki.
02:39It's my first time down in the basement.
02:42I am excited to cook with you all.
02:43You're excited to be in that dreaded basement?
02:45I am.
02:46Stuff happens in the basement.
02:47You can't take things for granted.
02:49Happens in the basement.
02:50Right, all of you head to the elevators.
02:53We'll see you shortly in your kitchens.
02:55Let's go, let's go, let's go.
02:57How good was that ice skating?
02:58It's like Rockefeller Plaza in here.
03:05Good luck, everybody.
03:06Pray for me and Nikki in the basement.
03:10Let's do this, Nikki.
03:12Been waiting to make eye contact with the horse.
03:16Hallelujah.
03:19Hallelujah.
03:19Just as beautiful as I remember.
03:23Oh, my God.
03:24I finally did it.
03:26Oh.
03:28Wow.
03:30This is so different.
03:32There's like as many mixing bowls as you need.
03:36It's almost overwhelming.
03:39All right, people.
03:41Let's break out the basement fun.
03:43I'm starting my day in the basement, but in my head, whenever I'm ready to fight, there's
03:49always music playing.
03:50Nikki, this is our third time together.
03:51Chad, this is our first time together.
03:53And today, maybe a little Metallica.
03:55I am so excited to work with you.
03:57I can see you in the eye.
03:59I want to coach you to get out of here.
04:01Oh, yeah.
04:02I'm just kidding.
04:03I don't like Metallica.
04:04Right.
04:06Let's go.
04:07How are you feeling?
04:08Good.
04:09Deirdre, are we good?
04:09Ready for the day.
04:10You good?
04:11Yeah, feeling good.
04:12So that platform will be descending.
04:16Be smart with that grab.
04:18That grab is everything.
04:19We're so excited.
04:23We've hit the big time, ladies.
04:24Yeah, we have.
04:26All right, bakers, time to line up.
04:28Hands on the elevator doors.
04:29Who's that?
04:30Remember, you have to grab one ginger ingredient.
04:33Go for it.
04:36This is my first time in the top kitchen, and I'm determined that I'm going to get that
04:40fresh ginger in my apron.
04:41When the platform turns green.
04:44Go, go, go, go, go.
04:46There's so many good ingredients today.
04:48Come on.
04:49Sorry.
04:50Fresh ginger, first to go.
04:52Ooh, girl.
04:54I really, really, really wanted the fresh ginger, and I was too slow.
04:5815 seconds.
05:00Okay, crystallized ginger.
05:02What else are we going to pair it with?
05:04I love citrus.
05:05I'm going to make a gingerbread-inspired tart with grapefruit curd and ginger pastry cream.
05:12You're running out of time.
05:13Come on, guys.
05:14But it's really going to be a crunch for time with all of these different elements that I
05:18want to go into my tart.
05:20Nobody got maple syrup.
05:22What is happening?
05:24Let's go.
05:25Grab your ginger.
05:27Sushi ginger, ginger tea bags.
05:29Stem ginger with syrup.
05:31I see candy, ginger, and syrup.
05:33Oh, my goodness me.
05:34I'll take this.
05:35And I just wasn't moving quick enough.
05:37Zoha grabbed it immediately.
05:38Wait, what is this?
05:39No, I want a ground ginger.
05:41For us in Pakistan, ginger goes in savory food.
05:44Not so much in the suites.
05:46I'm going to have to get creative today.
05:48How exciting is that?
05:49Quick, quick, quick, quick, quick, quick, quick.
05:51No, I don't know.
05:51There's really nothing else.
05:53I got ground ginger.
05:54I got molasses.
05:55I'm happy.
05:57Yes.
05:58Go.
05:58All right.
05:59Look all around.
06:00I'm down here with a giant.
06:02He just grabbed the ginger.
06:04Pickled ginger.
06:05Yes.
06:06I freeze.
06:07Okay, you have ginger ale over here.
06:08Let's get it.
06:09Get the ginger ale.
06:09Get the ginger ale.
06:10What are you weighing on?
06:11Ginger ale, in my culture, that's medication.
06:15Oh, I think I'm coming down with a cold.
06:18You need ginger ale.
06:20I see tahini.
06:21See tahini?
06:21Where's your tahini?
06:22I have tahini right here.
06:23Blueberries.
06:24Here, give me some of that.
06:25Dry blueberries.
06:26Just grab it.
06:28Grab it.
06:29Oh, gosh.
06:30You froze, Nikki.
06:31I froze again.
06:33You have ginger ale.
06:34That's what you have to work with.
06:36How am I supposed to make this taste ginger with ginger ale?
06:39Like, I might have to jump on that horse.
06:41And ride that ass out of here.
06:44Do I go home now?
06:45Girl, fight your way out of this.
06:48Ugh.
06:49Your 75-minute starts now.
06:54Let's go.
06:55Ginger-inspired bakes.
06:57Deirdre, ginger, what did you get?
06:58Tea bags.
06:59Tea bags.
07:00Probably put it in my raspberry filling for the cake.
07:03Right.
07:03I'm just heating that up.
07:04Yeah, how is it?
07:05Is it flavorful?
07:06It's strong.
07:07Okay.
07:07This is a ginger challenge.
07:09I need to get as much flavor out of those ginger tea bags as I can.
07:15Zohar, what ginger did you get?
07:16I got stem ginger and a syrup.
07:18How good is that?
07:19It's really good.
07:20I don't even like ginger.
07:21I'm going to also try to make a ginger snack for decoration.
07:24I don't know if it's too much, so please.
07:26Why do you always go too far?
07:27I know.
07:27What is it with you?
07:28I just don't want to let you down.
07:30No, no, but just do one thing brilliantly.
07:32The focus is the cake.
07:33I'm very neurotic.
07:34I am a perfectionist, but I also would love to win.
07:37Only if I have time.
07:39Jeff, what ginger did you get?
07:41Ginger candies.
07:42I'm going to melt them in a simple syrup, and I use them to soak a gingerbread cake trifle.
07:47Spend time assembling them, please.
07:50Absolutely.
07:50Remember, we want to see the holidays on these bakes, yes?
07:54Give us a real wow factor.
07:5670 minutes left.
07:5870 minutes left, chefs.
07:59All right, Chad.
08:00Great grab.
08:01What are you thinking?
08:03I'm going to go with a pound cake.
08:04I'm going to infuse my pound cake with pickled ginger.
08:06And then what else?
08:08I'm going to do a tahini buttercream.
08:10I like how you're pulling in these savory notes, Chad.
08:13What is this?
08:14That's my pound cake.
08:15I want a little texture.
08:16Is that stupid?
08:17Normally, pound cakes are just plain.
08:19I just think you should puree it.
08:21Here we go.
08:22We're going to do this.
08:26Chad is a roadrunner whirlwind in the kitchen.
08:30Check this out.
08:31Uh-uh, uh-uh.
08:32No, no, hold on, hold on.
08:33I thought I could wrangle Chad in.
08:35What about a spoon?
08:37Trust me.
08:37Trust the process.
08:39And, um, no.
08:41Let's get this out.
08:42I mean, just because you're in the basement doesn't mean, like, it's an okay corral.
08:45Ah!
08:50Nikki, tell me what you're making.
08:52I'm making a ginger molasses font cake with no ginger.
08:56Oh.
08:58Okay.
08:58You have a little, uh, paralysis analysis.
09:02Huh.
09:03I feel like you need a connection to home.
09:06Huh.
09:06Yeah.
09:07How many grandkids do you have?
09:08Two.
09:09Trent.
09:09Trent.
09:10And Bryson.
09:10And Bryson.
09:11Yeah.
09:12All right.
09:12Ooh, girl.
09:13Okay.
09:14Trent and Bryson, this is for you.
09:15I need you to say it.
09:17Trent and Bryson, this is for you.
09:19Yeah.
09:20Yeah.
09:22Come on.
09:23Let me give you a hug.
09:24This is for Trent and Bryson.
09:25You got this.
09:26Okay?
09:27You got it.
09:28You got it.
09:29Carla mentioned my grandsons, and that's what I needed to hear.
09:33I'm here for a reason, and I got this.
09:36I'm not gonna stop fighting.
09:38It's gonna be a Christmas miracle.
09:39You guys, I think I grabbed tarragon.
09:42Okay.
09:42It just smells amazing.
09:44I think if I whip it into the Chantilly cream, it's gonna come together really well.
09:47Whatever it is, we're gonna make it work.
09:49Looks pretty.
09:49Holiday green.
09:51The air is sweet in the top kitchen.
09:54Hi, Chloe.
09:54Hi.
09:55How are you doing?
09:56I'm going to make a gingerbread pet-a-fork.
09:58We're working on my Chantilly cream, my toasted herbs.
10:01We're not gonna add too much.
10:03Have you tasted the tarragon?
10:04Because I thought to start very small, keep tasting, work up from there.
10:07That's a wise move, because it's quite abundant.
10:09We want to taste it at all, but we don't want it to kick you in the mouth.
10:12Exactly.
10:12All right.
10:13I feel like we need a visit from Santa or something.
10:16I mean, that would be awesome.
10:18All right, Aubrey.
10:20I see a madeleine pan.
10:22Yes.
10:22So I'm using the fresh ginger to make madeleines.
10:25I'm gonna make a little bit of a filling to go inside.
10:28My whole goal is that they feel as fresh out of the oven as possible.
10:31I don't think a baked good is worth eating unless it's fresh, right?
10:34Exactly.
10:34That's Christmas, right?
10:35That is.
10:35You pull the cookies out and you eat them together.
10:37I grew up in a very untraditional manner.
10:41I grew up as Lutheran, Jewish, and Native.
10:44We have Hanukkah.
10:45We have Christmas.
10:46I also do have a Christmas Eve birthday.
10:49It's a lot, but I love it so much.
10:51Are you there yet?
10:57So close.
10:58I'm a little nervous.
10:59This oven's baking fast, so I have one.
11:00Yes, it looks pretty golden brown in there.
11:02It looked like it was around 425, but I think it was actually a little closer to 450.
11:07That is not good at all.
11:09I'm definitely gonna have to bake these again.
11:11Do not like what's happening.
11:13And I am trying not to completely spiral out.
11:16Uh-oh, Madeline's have to go for a rebake.
11:19This will not be my last bake in this competition.
11:27This oven is not my friend.
11:29I'm definitely gonna have to bake these again.
11:31That's right, flavor's there.
11:32That's what matters.
11:33The Madeline's definitely overbaked.
11:35How is it I'm in the nice kitchen and I'm having a harder time baking?
11:38I am booking it as fast as I can to get my extra batter and get it right back in the oven.
11:42Everything's fine.
11:43Former professional, I will not serve burned food.
11:47One hour to go, bakers.
11:49Thanks, chef.
11:53Oh, wow.
11:54These are great.
11:55Ooh, you got it, you got it, you got it.
11:57Your cakes are cool.
11:58Yep, we're good.
11:58I love it.
11:59Oh, I'm adding aromatics to this.
12:01Okay, Aaron, come on.
12:01It's like I'm in culinary school.
12:03You got this.
12:03I like it.
12:04You're such a bro.
12:05Thanks.
12:07I'm a bro.
12:08I'm a bro.
12:10More my former self was a big bro.
12:13Two years ago, I was 300 pounds.
12:15But I couldn't continue to live the way I was for me and my family.
12:20And honestly, they're so proud of my journey and just the man I've become.
12:25I'm a bakery owner.
12:26The holidays for me are cuckoo crazy.
12:29I like to think I'm the Santa Claus and all my elves are helping me out.
12:32But yeah, we work around the clock.
12:34You know, it's like the North Pole.
12:37All right, so you're making like a little compote?
12:39Try that.
12:39Okay, all right.
12:43Yes!
12:43All right, let's go.
12:44Chad, get out of the basement!
12:46Nicky, is this the base of your batter?
12:51Yeah.
12:52The thing about ginger, ginger is spicy, right?
12:55Uh-huh.
12:56Because you only have ginger ale, you need to get some spice in here.
13:00If it's cayenne, if it's black pepper, get spice into it.
13:04Recreate the ginger.
13:06Okay, bakers, platform is on its way with a little mid-bake surprise.
13:12Oh!
13:12Write down one ingredient that you need to take it to the next level.
13:16I know exactly.
13:17Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is a lemon.
13:20Aubrey, what's on your wish list?
13:21Some cranberries.
13:22You better get it on there if you want those ingredients.
13:24Go!
13:26It's white chocolate.
13:28Guys, stand by.
13:29A little mid-bake surprise.
13:31What's going to elevate your dish?
13:32Write your one ingredient you'd love Santa to bring you.
13:36Jeff, what did you ask for?
13:37Ask for lemons.
13:38Lemons, love that.
13:39I did pecans.
13:39That's all good.
13:40Pecans.
13:40And then place it back on the platform.
13:42Get it on there, quick!
13:43Let's go!
13:44My wish list is upside down.
13:47Hey, y'all, we got a platform coming down.
13:50Grab your wish list.
13:51Okay.
13:52Write down one ingredient.
13:54Clementines!
13:55Lemontines.
13:56Pecans.
13:56Pecans.
13:57Okay.
13:58Thank you, Santa.
13:59Thanks, Santa.
14:02Stephanie, you look a little worried.
14:03What is happening over here?
14:05That's my concentration.
14:06Oh, it is?
14:07So we shouldn't be concerned about that?
14:08Well, you can be concerned.
14:09My tart's got to get chilled.
14:11I'm getting all these components done.
14:12I know they all have to chill in time because I can't put hot curd and pastry cream in a warm tart
14:18custard.
14:18It'll just turn into soup.
14:20Come on.
14:21But I'm running out of time.
14:2224 minutes.
14:24Ah!
14:26All right, bakers.
14:27We're about to see who's been naughty and who's been nice.
14:30Let's see if Santa delivers.
14:31Oh, my gosh.
14:32So many.
14:32Stephanie got her lemon.
14:33You're so nice.
14:34Aubrey got her cranberry.
14:36Thank you, Santa.
14:36Thank you, Santa.
14:37All right, everyone on the top level has been very nice this year.
14:41Woo!
14:42Here's the platform, guys.
14:43Oh, yay!
14:43Ah!
14:44I see you, Santa.
14:45Did he deliver?
14:45Yay!
14:47Thank you, Santa.
14:48Thank you, Santa.
14:48Let's go.
14:49Thank you, Santa.
14:50All right, here's the platform.
14:52Oh, my gosh, Santa.
14:53Santa brought you what you wanted.
14:54Thank you, Santa.
14:55All right.
14:55No time to play it safe because someone is going home.
15:00So close.
15:01Trust your gut.
15:02You are a good speaker.
15:04Oh, I'm feeling the pressure of the top floor.
15:06If there's anything about the top floor, it's that the heat rises.
15:10Let's get focused.
15:12You had your first pick of ingredients.
15:14There are no excuses for not bringing your A game today.
15:17There we go.
15:17I just made myself some whipped cream, but I'm thinking, why do I need to add so much more
15:23tarragon to it?
15:24We're just going to do a schmidget.
15:26Here I am, adding more tarragon.
15:31We're going to make it work.
15:32Let's go, bakers.
15:34Toasty golden brown.
15:36Just praying that it gets cold enough that I can put these ingredients in it and they'll
15:40stay nice and firm.
15:42Oh, I have a cream.
15:46Oh, no.
15:46Where'd it go?
15:47You're fine.
15:51Everything's fine.
15:52You're fine.
15:53Everything's fine.
15:54What happened?
15:55I had whipped cream in the fridge, but I'll just...
15:58Uh, oh.
15:59No, no, no, no, no.
16:01Somebody post your whipped cream.
16:02Did we switch something up?
16:05Oh, no, no.
16:07Boom.
16:07There it was.
16:09There were two identical bowls, and I grabbed one instead of the other.
16:15Ten minutes to go, baker.
16:18I definitely didn't ever expect to find myself in a situation where I could endanger somebody
16:23else's bake.
16:23Oh, no, where'd it go?
16:30What happened?
16:31I had whipped cream in there.
16:33Somebody post your whipped cream?
16:35Oh, no.
16:36I'm sorry.
16:37I'm sorry.
16:37No, don't be sorry.
16:39I'll just make some more.
16:39I have to get this cream done.
16:42All these components, I have to chill.
16:44It really is a crunch for time.
16:46What happened with that whipped cream?
16:47We were in identical bowls, and I think I pulled hers out of the fridge and set it aside.
16:51I was so confident I had grabbed something of my own and then continued adding more tarragon
16:57to it.
16:57But we're here.
16:59The flavor is good, and I trust in that.
17:01Just under seven minutes left.
17:03Let's go.
17:04Someone is going home, and there's a title on the line.
17:07I want to taste the beautiful ginger flavor, and I want to see spectacular holiday presentation.
17:13My second batch of Madelines are way too flat.
17:16There is no way that this is good enough for the judges.
17:19I'm going to stack them, and you'll get, like, a Madeline tree.
17:22It's going to be spectacular.
17:24You can build that whole structure.
17:26We shall see.
17:28Last five minutes, guys, yes?
17:30Jeff, start thinking about the assemblyman, man.
17:33I'm going to start layering.
17:34Make it look festive, no?
17:36Oh, no.
17:37That looks ugly.
17:38Aw.
17:40My dulce de leche started melting everywhere.
17:42Okay, I have this ready to go, just in case it works.
17:46I feel like I'm taking a really big risk here, but ginger snaps are really, really fast.
17:50This is a mad rush.
17:53Platform is on the way, ladies.
17:55Platform is coming.
17:56Platform is coming.
17:57Oh, my God.
17:58The platform.
18:00Is it here?
18:01It's here.
18:02Get it on.
18:02Come on, Chad.
18:03Chad, I need it.
18:04Really.
18:05Come on.
18:05All this work.
18:07Oh, my God.
18:11Platform's here, guys.
18:12Oh, no.
18:13Zohar, move now.
18:16Go, go, go, go, go, go, go.
18:18All right.
18:18Ten seconds to go.
18:19Thank God I made those ginger snaps, because those hit a lot of mistakes at the end.
18:24Look, no.
18:24Wrong one.
18:25Down.
18:25Good job.
18:26Down.
18:26I'm not at the top anymore.
18:27Down.
18:28Down.
18:29Okay.
18:31It's here.
18:31It's here, guys.
18:31It's here.
18:32It's here.
18:32All right.
18:3215 seconds.
18:33You got it.
18:34I know Candace wants to see this treat.
18:38How's it going?
18:39Not great.
18:39It is not going to happen.
18:41You got this.
18:41You got this.
18:42It's the matter.
18:42Just get it on the platform.
18:43Go, go, go, go, go, go, go.
18:45Oh, you did it.
18:46Girls, you did it.
18:46Yay!
18:54Wow, sir.
18:56Look at these.
18:57Are you excited?
18:58Things are looking up.
19:00It looks like the holidays.
19:01Unfortunately, this is a competition.
19:03And sadly, we do have to send somebody home.
19:06Where should we start?
19:07Want to start at the basement?
19:08Let's go.
19:09Oh, God.
19:09I want to start with Chad's.
19:12He did a ginger pound cake.
19:14Mm-hmm.
19:14And then he has a tahini buttercream.
19:16I think you could have been a little bit more creative for the finishing.
19:19I clearly know the cake looks like...
19:21I hope this tastes good.
19:23The pound cake is good.
19:25It's good.
19:25Really good.
19:26And ginger in that compote.
19:27That was a nice little surprise there.
19:28Thank you, Chef.
19:29Next up is Nikki's Spiced Ginger Ale Butt Cake.
19:35It's rich, it's buttery, it's dense.
19:37I've got to commend you for the ginger ale.
19:39That's a tough grab.
19:40I get the ginger.
19:41You did it!
19:41Mm-hmm.
19:43Shall we?
19:44All right.
19:45Middle floor.
19:46You're in for a treat.
19:47First up is Deirdre's Spiced Gingerbread Treat.
19:50She used ginger tea bags.
19:53That is a flavor bomb.
19:55Delicious.
19:55Next up is Jeff's Gingerbread Trifle.
19:59He used the ginger candies.
20:02The flavor?
20:03Dude.
20:06Yeah.
20:07I just wanted more time for the finishing.
20:09It's the construction that let you down a touch.
20:11All right.
20:12Last thing on the middle floor.
20:13Zohar, she did a ginger caramel layered cake.
20:16She grabbed the stem ginger in the syrup.
20:19It's gorgeous.
20:20Absolutely stunning.
20:21Stop it.
20:22Layers are looking even.
20:23Brilliant.
20:27I can taste the ginger.
20:28The crumb of the cake is absolutely perfect.
20:31Thank God.
20:32Shall we move to the top?
20:32Let's go to the top.
20:34We're going to start with Chloe's Gingerbread Petit Fours.
20:38It has a tarragon Chantilly Cream Center.
20:41It's reading a little heavy.
20:43She used a lot of tarragon, which is such a strong flavor.
20:46I think that's the problem.
20:48Moving on.
20:50Stephanie's Tart with a Ginger Pastry Cream.
20:53Oh, oh, oh.
20:55A little messy?
20:56No, it's such a shame.
20:57Curd sadly hasn't set.
20:59It's definitely my worst fears confirmed.
21:01It just looks really sloppy.
21:04Last up, Aubrey's Ginger Madeleine's.
21:08She had the fresh ginger.
21:09And there's a cranberry sage filling.
21:12For 75 minutes, it feels simple.
21:14Listen, I lived in France for three years,
21:16and I made madeleines every day.
21:18And these are flat and very heavy.
21:19Mm-hmm.
21:21This decision is not going to be easy.
21:23Excuse us, please.
21:25Wow.
21:25Where do we start on this one?
21:26Good job.
21:28God, I got us.
21:29Basement.
21:30What went on in there?
21:32Stop it.
21:33Chad, I really thought about the ginger.
21:35I think it was his best cook.
21:36It was so delicious.
21:37It was good.
21:38Top floor, the madeleines.
21:40The madeleines are light and airy.
21:42When they're flat like that,
21:43you'd never send them out.
21:44You'd be too embarrassed.
21:46It is what it is.
21:47The tarts, you couldn't serve that, right?
21:49Because the minute you slice into it, just...
21:50No.
21:51Are we in agreement?
21:52Absolutely, yeah.
21:53Yeah, let's do it.
21:58All right, there were two bakers today
22:00who leveled up that ginger flavor.
22:04They are...
22:05Zoha and Chad.
22:09You two will both be baking on the top level
22:12in the next challenge.
22:15Now, three of you have earned safety on the middle level.
22:18Those bakers are...
22:19Deirdre, Jeff, and Nicky.
22:24Oh!
22:25Well done!
22:26That's my sub!
22:31Well done.
22:33Right, unfortunately, Aubrey, Chloe, and Stephanie,
22:38that top-level kitchen really got you today.
22:43The baker leaving us tonight...
22:47is...
22:58The baker leaving us tonight is...
23:03Aubrey.
23:05Yeah, I know.
23:06I'm sorry.
23:07Yeah.
23:08Much love.
23:10You did so good.
23:11Yeah, I'm so happy for you guys.
23:13I really feel so grateful for this experience.
23:17Take care, darling.
23:18Take care.
23:19Best wishes go to everyone that is still cooking.
23:23See you on the flip side.
23:26Chad is back.
23:28Last pro chef standing.
23:29I'm telling you, we have to keep him in the basement longer.
23:32Pleased enough.
23:33Are you ready to go again?
23:34Let's go.
23:36Good.
23:36All right, the holiday season isn't all about building snowmen and roasting chestnuts on an open fire.
23:44No, it's different all over the world.
23:48Makers, we're taking Christmas on vacation.
23:51Because tonight, you've all got 90 minutes to create a next-level holiday bake with tropical fruits.
24:01How cool is that?
24:02Very cool.
24:03This challenge is about putting an international twist on the traditional.
24:07You all know that fruit is a tough addition, so handle it carefully, otherwise you're going to end up with a ticket home.
24:16Understood?
24:17Yes.
24:17Good.
24:18Head the elevator.
24:19We'll see you shortly.
24:20Let's go.
24:21This is going to be so good.
24:22It's going to be so exciting.
24:25Here we go.
24:25You guys have both been down there, right?
24:33Yeah.
24:33Oh.
24:35All right, good luck, guys.
24:37All right, let's go.
24:38Here we go.
24:39Let me introduce you to my humble abode.
24:43All right, see y'all later.
24:55You've been in this one, right?
24:56Yes, I have.
24:57I'm so excited to be in a decent kitchen where there is a measuring cup and a measuring spoon.
25:04So I'm like, hey, get at it, girl.
25:07Oh.
25:08Maybe I'm going to make mini cakes this time.
25:13Hey, y'all.
25:16Being the last professional chef in this competition, you know, I'm going to walk around with a little
25:20bit more swag.
25:21Hey, y'all.
25:22Hey, y'all.
25:23Yay.
25:23I call myself Swaggy C.
25:29Let's go.
25:30All right.
25:31We got this.
25:33Bryce, how are you feeling?
25:34I'm doing okay.
25:35What's happened previously?
25:37Forget it.
25:37Exotic fruit.
25:38Be careful.
25:39Sadly, we'll be picking up what they don't want.
25:43Hi, bakers.
25:45Hello.
25:46Hello, hello.
25:46How is everybody feeling about the challenge?
25:48All right.
25:48We're used to working with tropical fruits or is this going to be a little bit of a stretch?
25:53A little bit.
25:53Depends on the fruit.
25:56Oh, I'm back.
25:58Hello, hello, hello.
25:59Come on, chef.
26:01Kayla.
26:01Oh, my God.
26:02Girl, you have been killing the game.
26:05And you, sir, my girl.
26:08You're my angel.
26:09That Chad that Carla brought out of me today, I'm going to bring that to the top level.
26:15I think I'm going to be unstoppable.
26:17The platform waits for no one.
26:20Take advantage of your long arms, Chad.
26:22Unfair.
26:28And go.
26:30Get in here.
26:32Grab something on the top.
26:34Look all around.
26:35I'm immediately hoping to get my hands on pineapple and coconut.
26:39Look at all of the ingredients.
26:40Because that screams the tropics.
26:44Do you see mint anywhere?
26:46Mint, mint, mint, mint.
26:47Can I grab the mint?
26:48Yes, grab it.
26:49Mr. Longarm Chad grabs the mint and I'm thinking maybe he's giving it to me.
26:53Sorry, chef.
26:54Oh!
26:57Nope.
26:58In the kitchen, gloves come off.
27:00We get scrappy in there.
27:01We got to do what we got to do.
27:02Honestly, I was looking for an herb, too.
27:05All right, guys, here it comes.
27:08Green, green, go!
27:12All I see is papaya left.
27:14Papaya, okay.
27:16But I've never baked with papaya.
27:18I'm racking my brain trying to figure out, okay, what would be the best way to put this into a dessert?
27:22Keep grabbing.
27:23We don't have much time.
27:25I need it.
27:26Pineapple.
27:27Where's that pineapple you were looking for?
27:29Huh?
27:31Somebody nabbed it.
27:32There's just guava.
27:34Oh, budge.
27:37I've never touched a guava unless it was in a martini.
27:41Oh, you snooze, you lose.
27:43Yeah, I lost.
27:44I didn't know if to peel it, slice it, dice it, throw it in the food processor.
27:49Oh, gosh.
27:50I don't even know if I know how to spell guava.
27:52How could I think what to do with this?
27:54Three, two, one.
28:02Let's go, ladies.
28:03Go, go, go, go.
28:05I guess I'll just grab that.
28:07You seriously never know what's coming down on that platform.
28:11But there's almond flour, cream cheese.
28:15Oh, my gosh.
28:16I'm feeling like I just have the top floor picks.
28:20Three seconds.
28:21I don't want that.
28:22Palm sugar.
28:23Well done.
28:25Your 90 minutes start now.
28:27At the end of this one, Baker will be going home tonight.
28:32Let's go, ladies.
28:33Do you see a sifter in here?
28:34I thought I saw one over here earlier.
28:35Oh, not positive.
28:37I'm not trying to you up.
28:37I don't know, girl.
28:38I'm just kidding.
28:39I've got a short list you are not on.
28:41Stephanie, what'd you grab?
28:42What's the dish?
28:42What are you thinking?
28:43And so I'm going to do macarons and go big.
28:45Macaroon.
28:46Where's the almond flour?
28:47It's right here.
28:47Nice.
28:48Yeah, and then fill it with the mango.
28:50I don't think in the history of this competition anyone's ever attempted macaroon.
28:52You know what?
28:53I'm either going to do something great or go home and I'm okay.
28:56In the basement.
28:57I'm going to try.
28:57It's worth it.
28:58I love it.
28:59Yeah.
29:02Chloe, what are you going to do?
29:04I'm thinking croquembouche.
29:05Love that.
29:06With an exotic filling, right?
29:07Yes.
29:07A dragon fruit compote.
29:09Love that.
29:10Let's go.
29:11Croquembouche is ambitious.
29:12It's already going in.
29:13And we're working with the most archaic ovens you've ever seen in your life.
29:19Top floor mentality.
29:21But I'm not here to do safe.
29:27I don't even know what to do with this.
29:29You have any suggestions for this guava?
29:32I don't even know how to cut a papaya right.
29:35Me neither.
29:36Nikki.
29:36What is your plan?
29:38I'm going to do a creamy coconut cake with a guava compote.
29:43And what cake pan are you using?
29:45I'm going to use the mini bun.
29:47Mini bun.
29:47Yes.
29:48Okay.
29:48I've done a bun cake before.
29:51Next up is Nikki's spiced ginger ale butt cake.
29:56But hey, we're going to make the best of it.
29:59Let's go.
30:00All right, Jeff, tell me what you have planned.
30:03So I pulled passion fruit.
30:06I'm going to create a curd out of these and then make kind of a citrus tart.
30:09What inspired your love for baking?
30:11I discovered baking during COVID.
30:13It was the first time I had free time to do something that wasn't work.
30:17I work in finance.
30:19I'm a senior analyst at a hedge fund.
30:20Wall Street, it's a demanding job, but I like to think that I break the mold.
30:26I don't know about a lot of finance bros that love baking.
30:30Maybe that softens my potential finance broness.
30:34I just want to get cold enough to set.
30:40Oh.
30:42That's going to come back.
30:44Deirdre, I definitely just messed up my first pastry cream.
30:48I let it sit and was not paying attention.
30:51We got scrambled eggs in there.
30:52Literally.
30:53You want to make sure we're still going to have enough time for it to set?
30:57Right.
30:57So the goal is to really make a fruit tart.
31:00So I wanted to do a papaya fruit tart, I guess.
31:03Okay.
31:03How long have you been baking?
31:04Since I was eight years old.
31:05Oh, wow.
31:06Yeah.
31:07When I joined Girl Scouts in third grade, we would do the holiday bake sales.
31:12I loved eating the dessert.
31:14I have a sweet tooth.
31:15I mean, what baker doesn't?
31:16I love the holidays.
31:17Christmas is definitely my favorite.
31:19I do make it a point to make the recipes based on the 12 days of Christmas.
31:24So the first day of Christmas, a partridge in a pear tree making a pergolette to match.
31:29That's, like, surprisingly delicious.
31:33Chad, talk me through what you got.
31:36I'm going to go with the coconut decoys.
31:37I love a decoys.
31:38It's one of my favorite things.
31:40A decoys, it's like a cake, but you take meringue and then you fold in nuts.
31:46What nut are you going to use in your decoys?
31:48I'm using the fat from the coconut to substitute that nut.
31:52Oh, okay.
31:53You know what I mean?
31:54Chad doesn't have nuts.
31:56Chad has no nuts.
31:57So technically it's not a decoys because it's no nuts, but I get it.
32:00You know where I'm going with it.
32:01Yeah, yeah, yeah.
32:02I see where you're going.
32:03Coco nut.
32:04Is it going to have enough structure?
32:06Yep.
32:06With that?
32:07I'm going to tell you the same thing I told you last time.
32:09That's the process.
32:10All right.
32:13I'm looking at this thing.
32:14I know this is not going to work.
32:16Okay.
32:18Zoha, I love patichu.
32:22I'm making raw kombucha.
32:23Fingers crossed.
32:25I am back on the top floor and I just feel the need to prove myself.
32:29Time flies in here.
32:33Steph, how is that?
32:35The piping is terrible.
32:37Oh, that sucks.
32:38My God, I hate this basement.
32:42Honestly.
32:49Wouldn't kill y'all to play some Christmas music, you know.
32:54So it lifts it.
32:55So it's a bit like this one here.
32:56Oh.
32:59All of a sudden, I see a choir coming out and I actually kind of love it.
33:06Seriously?
33:07We are up dry balls in right now.
33:10Merry Christmas.
33:11Jeff Ramsey is not impressed with the carolers.
33:16What the?
33:17What is going on?
33:18You guys are lovely.
33:23I'm sweating down here.
33:25Get festive in here.
33:34How are we feeling?
33:35Stress?
33:36F-S-A-L.
33:40This is insane.
33:43Just that quick, I forgot what I was doing.
33:45Oh, salt.
33:46You know what this feels like?
33:55The panic I feel every holiday.
34:01Honestly, this is what I needed.
34:03You know, I feel like I could just...
34:04Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, we love them all over the world.
34:17Happy holidays!
34:19And good night.
34:22Okay, I think these ones are getting dark, Jeff.
34:23Right, Chloe, what do you need?
34:25I think that's as far as I can let these go.
34:27That's a lot.
34:30Damn.
34:31Damn, damn, damn.
34:32Um, there is, like, no lift happening to my shoe pastry.
34:36All right, if they're not fillable, do we need to pivot to something like a shoe pastry sandwich?
34:40Yeah.
34:41Pivot, girl, that's the spirit, right?
34:42Right.
34:44You have got this.
34:45You know that?
34:46Yes.
34:47You love responsibility, don't you?
34:48Don't I?
34:48You're like me, but unfortunately, that came early on in your life, right?
34:53It did.
34:53Uh, we lost our mom to brain cancer.
34:56Damn.
34:57My little sister is 11, and I started raising her.
35:00She's so sorry.
35:02No, she got so much longer than so many other people get, and I am not ungrateful for that.
35:08We have my little sister, my bonus son, and we have one baby of our own.
35:13Our family is holiday obsessed.
35:15Yeah.
35:15I owe everything in my life to the journey that I've had on social media.
35:202.6 million people believed in me.
35:23That's a Christmas present right there.
35:25I just want to show my sister that all things are possible, and I know that that's everything
35:30my mom ever wanted.
35:3220 minutes, bakers!
35:34Ugh.
35:34This is just not it.
35:37I don't think this filling is going to set up at all.
35:39Is that your papaya cream?
35:40Yes.
35:41I'm going to fill it all first, then throw it in the vascular system.
35:43Go at once.
35:44No more pivots.
35:46Time to commit to the plan.
35:48Let's go.
35:49Oh!
35:50If this tart sets, the Christmas gods have come down and blessed this bake.
35:55Like a pivot right now, I'm like, this is not going the way I planned.
36:01Not good today.
36:02Five minutes left.
36:09Don't take your feet off the gas.
36:11Laser focus.
36:12Laser focus.
36:13How's this working?
36:14It's good.
36:14It's just a little sticky.
36:15I'm going to patch a little bit here.
36:17Trust the process.
36:19Trust me.
36:20Trust the process.
36:22I don't know why I'm talking like this.
36:23Trust the process.
36:24I'm very concerned.
36:30Ah!
36:31Chad, come on.
36:32I really want you to finish this.
36:34Yes, Chef.
36:3690 seconds.
36:38That platform is going down to the basement.
36:42It will be backed up to us before you know it.
36:44Come on.
36:45Here she is.
36:47Let's get them on there and get them out carefully now.
36:49Please don't fall.
36:51Yes!
36:51You're going to be fine.
36:52It's beautiful.
36:53So is yours.
36:54Well done.
36:56Seriously well done.
36:57Really good?
36:58Yes, yes.
36:59Less than 30 seconds to get it on the platform, bakers.
37:02It's time to move.
37:05Time is now.
37:06Deirdre, come on.
37:07Come on.
37:08Come on, Deirdre.
37:08You're going to miss this platform.
37:10Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on.
37:11Let's go, let's go.
37:13Oh, my God.
37:15That was not good.
37:16You did it.
37:16That went so bad.
37:18You did it.
37:18Come here, come here.
37:19You did it.
37:20No, you did it.
37:22I just know I could bake so much better, and it's probably the ugliest thing I've ever made
37:27in my life.
37:30Platform is here.
37:3215 seconds, y'all.
37:3315 seconds.
37:35Chad, do not miss this platform.
37:37Come on, you got this.
37:38Come on.
37:39Get it on there.
37:40Come on.
37:41Chad, get in here.
37:44Help me!
37:45I think I hit it.
37:46Look at these beauties.
37:59Oh, I love these.
38:01My goodness me.
38:02Exceptional.
38:03A tropical holiday.
38:05Where should we start?
38:06Let's go to the basement.
38:07Come on in, because you girls are in for a treat.
38:10This one's not in the basement.
38:12First off, Stephanie's mango cheesecake macaroon.
38:16Great crunch and chew.
38:18A fun surprise with the freeze-dried mango.
38:20Yeah.
38:20And made in the basement with the dregs of the grab from the platform.
38:23Yes.
38:24They're good enough to be a gift.
38:26Amazing.
38:27Next up, Chloe's exotic fruit croquembouche.
38:31Chloe, pivoted brilliant.
38:32It's almost like a sort of profiterole sandwich.
38:35It feels like a celebration.
38:38Cream inside is really nice.
38:39Good.
38:41Let's go to the middle.
38:42Middle.
38:42Shall we?
38:42We're going to start with Nikki's coconut bundt cake with guava citrus glaze.
38:49Didn't you just cook a bundt cake?
38:50I did.
38:52I just want more from you.
38:53But it's just, it's lacking the exoticness.
38:57Next up is Jeff's passion fruit tart.
39:02What?
39:03Are you kidding me?
39:04I mean, seriously.
39:04Set and set.
39:05I mean, gorgeous.
39:06I love that.
39:08Let's dig in.
39:11That's delicious.
39:12The fact that you torched the egg white, so it gives me a little bit of a s'mores effect.
39:16Perfect for the holidays.
39:17Well done.
39:19Lastly is Deirdre's coconut papaya tart.
39:22Tart or swimming pool?
39:23It's a bit of a puddle.
39:26So, how should we go about it?
39:28I think we're just digging with a spoon.
39:30Carla.
39:31Carla.
39:31Seriously?
39:32A straw.
39:33Ready?
39:35Oh, my gosh.
39:37It's tasty.
39:38Mmm.
39:40Flavor's there.
39:41What a shame.
39:42Shall we head up to the top?
39:45All right, let's start with Zoha's pineapple profiteroles.
39:48Visually, they look great.
39:48Yeah.
39:49Mm-hmm.
39:53That's incredible.
39:54The shell is exceptional.
39:56The taste inside, exotic.
39:58Absolutely perfect for the holidays.
40:01Thank you, Chef.
40:02Next up, Chad's coconut decoys with the mango and dragon fruit cream.
40:07Should we get in there?
40:08Yeah, let's get in there.
40:13Having no nuts really didn't do you any favors.
40:17It's inundated with all that frosting.
40:19It's destroyed the texture of that sponge.
40:23We got some, uh, serious discussions to be had.
40:28Excuse us, please.
40:29Wow.
40:30All right, let's dig in.
40:31Viskelda, dude.
40:32Hey, I need you.
40:34Some great dishes out there.
40:35Oh, yeah.
40:35Incredible.
40:37As for those other near disasters.
40:40She put cooled pastry cream into a piping hot tart crust.
40:44But also that dakwas.
40:46It was just like a mouthful of butter.
40:48Where was the cake?
40:49I get, you know, I was excited to dig in.
40:51The cake was about an eighth of an inch thick.
40:53Honestly.
40:53I didn't even know how to help it.
40:55Santa me a log.
40:58Shall we?
40:59Yeah, let's do it.
41:01Hey, good luck to you.
41:02Good luck, guys.
41:05Tonight was an exceptional test.
41:08There were two bakes that stood out from the crowd.
41:11Those were baked by Stephanie and Jeff.
41:18You will both be moving to the top level
41:19in the next challenge.
41:21Congratulations.
41:22Two bakers are safe and moving to the middle floor.
41:27Zoha and Chloe.
41:32Unfortunately, that leaves Chad, Deirdre, and Nikki.
41:37And the baker leaving us tonight.
41:43Chad.
41:43Chad, please say goodbye to your fellow contestants and head on out.
41:50Chad, it was amazing working with you.
41:51It was so nice working with you two chefs.
41:53I have just been sent home.
41:56Meh, meh, meh.
41:58Good luck.
41:58Good luck.
41:59But after I had a very short pity party, I'm feeling okay.
42:04I'm going to try and keep trusting the process.
42:07This is just a step to where I want to get to.
42:09So, right, all of you, get some rest because the next time we see you, one of you will be
42:18crowned our first ever Next Level Baker.
42:23Get out of here.
42:24Good night.
42:24Well done.
42:25Good job.
42:28Next time on Next Level Baker.
42:30Go!
42:31Let's go!
42:31You have to create a three-tiered cake.
42:35Each tier baked on a different level.
42:38Ah!
42:39Come on.
42:40Basement, basement, basement, basement.
42:40Moving between all of these levels is complete and utter panic.
42:46My God, we don't have time for this.
42:48I hate this challenge.
42:50Your cakes are burning!
42:52I don't even know what floor is on fire.
42:54This is a nail-biter.
42:56The winner of Next Level Baker.
42:58That's the title you will have forever.
43:01It is everything.
43:02It is...
43:03Well done!
43:07Come on!
Be the first to comment