Holiday Gingerbread Showdown: Elf mischief impacts bakers’ displays

Holiday Gingerbread Showdown found inspiration from the holiday classic movie, Elf. While the bakers might adore Buddy, it seemed that the elfin mischief was in the kitchen.

Holiday Gingerbread Showdown asked three talented bakers to use their imaginations and create the ultimate holiday vision. Inspired by the favorite holiday movie, Elf, these three bakers created a gingerbread showpiece that celebrated Buddy and his love of Christmas. Did these three showpieces sing loudly for all to hear or did a few bakers hit a clunker note?

The premise of this Food Network baking competition has both a baking component and a decorative element. Since gingerbread houses take so long for the bakers to create, much of their baking is done before the competition starts. Even with 10 hours in the kitchen, these bakers wouldn’t be able to bake, assemble and decorate these massive gingerbread showpieces.

This week’s theme is quite fun. Elf has become a holiday favorite, which is celebrating its 15 anniversary. Who can’t help but laugh at Buddy’s antics around New York City. From revolving doors to maple covered everything, Elf is a holiday tradition.

The three bakers took every different approaches to this week’s Holiday Gingerbread Showdown challenge. One design featured all the movie’s favorite moments. A second design added big technology to the display. The third design relied on bright colors.

Of course, there is always a twist to keep the bakers on their toes. Similar to last week, the bakers had to create a tasting element for their display. Truthfully, I don’t think that the bakers are really putting forth the best efforts into this tasting challenge.

Competitor Stephine Kapple’s and Host Marcela Valladolid, as seen on Holiday Gingerbread Showdown, Season 1. photo provided by Food Network

Looking at the three tasting elements, the biggest focus was on appearance, rather than the bite itself. Vanessa had a huge technical issue, but was still able to present a bite. Her rice cereal treat covered with fondant didn’t receive harsh criticism from the judges because of her issue.

The other two bakers had good ideas, but the execution wasn’t perfect. Granted, Stephanie’s chocolate was very pretty, but the coffee flavor was muted. Sean’s trolls with yellow snow as funny, but it had technical issues, too. While Stephanie won the advantage of an extra 20 minutes, I think that everyone will remember Sean’s trolls (and yellow snow – definitely a trick to remember for the future).

Looking at all the gingerbread displays, each one had a significant issue. It seemed as if the elves were playing pranks on these poor bakers. From structural problems to eliminated parts of the design, these final showpieces were a little disappointing. With such big promise and a great theme, it appeared that these bakers might have been in over their head.

Vanessa had a huge issue with her display. Her Buddy the Elf split in two and could not be saved before the end of the competition. She didn’t meet the height requirement.

Also, the judges found fault in the overall presentation of her display. While colorful, the display wasn’t very neat.

Given Vanessa’s big disaster, it seemed that the judges were trying to find some positive aspects to her showpiece. Yes, she persevered, but I don’t know if her showpiece was ever on track.

Personally, I thought that her use of rice cereal treats in the display pushed the boundaries of the rules. While she did used ginger flour in it, it wasn’t classic gingerbread. To me, using the rice cereal for the largest part of the display seemed to defeat the purpose of this competition.

Sean’s gingerbread display had a lot of promise. The idea of a theater opening to show dancing penguins was very cute and technically advanced. Who knew pastry could dance? Also, all the detail work with the elves was quite impressive.

Unfortunately, Sean did have some structural issues. Some pieces didn’t fit into place well. Also, the judges criticized the outside of his display for not being clean. But, he was the only baker to meet the three feet height requirement.

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As a Food Network baking competition fan, I give him a lot of credit for his idea. It was an interesting way to interpret the movie, even with the trolls on the outside. Sean could quite possibly be well remembered for that little display item.

Stephanie’s display had the biggest visual impact. Although she had to scrap part of her idea (and missed the height requirement), she had the cleanest display. Her colors were bright, her pipping was impeccable and the display was engaging. Also, she remembered all the details, including putting gum on the bottle of the subway entrance.

Based on everyone’s efforts, it was pretty clear that Stephanie would be moving onto the finale. It will be curious to see how she does in the finale. Her design was very cookie forward, meaning that the visuals came from the decorated cookie. Will this approach help or hurt her in the finale?

Since the bakers seemed to have a few missteps this week, the judges were nicer. Judge Kerry Vincent seemed to let small details slide, unlike the first episode. Usually she is a stickler for the details.

There was a great tip in this week’s episode. The dough used for a gingerbread house is different than a traditional cookie. The dough needs to be dryer so that it doesn’t spread while baking. Also, the humidity in the kitchen is important to keep the cookie rigid. Great tips to remember if you are baking this year.

Next week’s episode will determine the last spot in the Holiday Gingerbread Showdown finale. Only one baker will win the huge prize and title.

Have you found some gingerbread house inspiration watching these episodes? What tip did you learn this week?