Gingerbread Showdown Episode 203
If You Have Questions, We Have Answers!
Missy and I get so many questions about our experience on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship Gingerbread Showdown and how all of this came to be! So, here you are - all of our insider pics and information on the showdown.
Question #1: How did we get on the show?
It all began with a phone call from a scout in California to me in Asheville, North Carolina. Gauging my interest, this individual saw my gingerbread posts on Instagram and requested additional pictures from me. I knew right away that I would not do the showdown without Missy! Even though we had not worked together in years, we had once been a dynamite gingerbread duo (leading a team of gingerbreaders) at a large hotel in Chicago! One quick call to Missy and we decide to go all in!
Question #2: What was the vetting process like?
Our next step was to be interviewed via Zoom with another casting scout! To prepare for our interviews and to get in the spirit of Christmas, Missy and I pulled out our Christmas decorations in June! How funny to have winter décor and attire on during hot, summer weather!
Next, the casting scout recorded our interview then edited it so she could present us to Food Network producers. These producers would then determine if we were moving along in the process. Next a production producer interviewed us and provided us with a try-out assignment. We were given a theme and a short timeline. Missy was to make a dessert that had sentimental value using a specific ingredient and I was given the theme of “Elves Elfing Around” to complete a gingerbread display. Before we knew it, we were having a Zoom interview with Food Network producers to introduce and discuss our creations. You can’t imagine how fun and nerve-racking this process was!!! With three teams of two on each episode and seven episodes to cast, that means 21 teams (plus alternates for each episodes) would be cast. You can imagine that the waiting (to hear) felt like forever! In the meantime, we were not allowed to tell anyone! Ugh.
Question #3: What was the next step?
Once we were officially cast, we were assigned an episode and filming schedule. Approximately 2 weeks prior to our filming date we were given our theme. During this time we had countless phone meetings to review rules, assess and approve our gingerbread display sketch, and so much more. We had information about taking Covid tests, wardrobe requirements, make-up needs, and prep that could or couldn’t be done prior to filming.
Did we make enough gingerbread?
Question #4: What was the prep like before filming?
Intense and overwhelming - lol! During the two weeks prior to filming, you are given a theme, you are coming up with a design for the theme and you are getting your sketch approved. During this time, I was building a life size display out of cardboard that we could later use to problem solve construction and refine our design. In addition, it took quite a bit of time to plan, order and test our mechanicals and lighting! What’s more, Missy lives in Chicago, Illinois and I live in Asheville, North Carolina! This meant we had scheduled calls and lists to determine our problem solving and prep. From Chicago, Missy worked on designs and her timing creating Jack Frost, Santa and his elves. From Asheville, I refined design and started gingerbread production.
Three days prior to reporting to the studio, Missy joined me in Asheville to finish production and pack up all of items for travel. And, this is where we met our biggest obstacle. As we are cutting out pieces, we realize that we are grossly short of gingerbread slabs! Massively short!!! Agonizingly short!!! We spent all of our “practice” time retoasting slabs, and making and baking more dough. Oh my gosh, I can laugh about it now, but at the time we were prepping so hard and running on very little sleep! Check out our videos so you can see our challenge for yourself!
No rest for the pastry chefs - uh, literally!
Question #5: Where was the episode filmed?
The show was filmed at a large studio in Knoxville, Tennessee. This was a welcome surprise for us because it meant that we could drive our delicate prep from Asheville to Knoxville - easing some of our fears of breakage during transportation.
Question #6: What did you need to do for wardrobe and make-up?
All contestants were responsible for their own wardrobe. The production company provided recommendations and ultimate approval. Missy and I wanted to coordinate our colors and we came up with three outfit options to bring with us. Once at the studio, our wardrobe expert helped all of us to determine what translated best for the cameras and then chose an apron color that coordinated well with our wardrobe. Pictures were taken and approval received prior to filming.
Due to covid protocols, all contestants were responsible for their own make-up.
Thank You for Watching Episode 203!
We had a ball participating in Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown, Episode 203! Thank you to everyone who watched, bit their nails, sat on the edge of the seat and cheered us on! If you have more questions regarding our journey, we would love to hear from you!
