Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2: Steph and Cherry might be the bakers to beat, interview

At the beginning of Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2, two new competition twists added more excitement to the FOX baking show. While baking execution is important, solving the sweet clues earns safety from elimination. For Steph and Cherry, part of the self-taught bakers group, knowledge has reaped rewards time and again.

When a food television competition revamps part of its rules, the hope is for the contestants to be pushed in a new direction. No matter how much they have studied past seasons, researched recipes, and prepped in their own kitchens, the pressure in the kitchen studio cannot be recreated outside of that environment.

For Steph and Cherry on Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2, they might not have that culinary school parchment paper, but they have figured out the solution to the pre-heat challenges. After going three for three in the first couple of episodes, it could be difficult to outperform this dynamic duo.

Recently, FoodSided spoke with Steph and Cherry about their Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2 experience and how they prepared for this FOX baking competition. While Cherry has channeled their artistic vision as a Charm City Cakes decorator, their day job is far different from the pressures of the competition kitchen. But, they had a plan to give themselves an advantage. It might sound cliché, but knowledge is power.

Giving a little insight into their approach, the pair explained how they never wanted to fall into a trap when evaluating the clues. For them, it was about seeing what they were supposed to see, not necessarily what they wanted to see. That difference is vital.

As Steph said, they were very open minded going into each challenge. From appreciating that the tomato and basil could bring them down a savory route to making streusel brownies, it was letting the clues drive their choice, not making the clue fit into a preconceived notion. With the support of their friendship, they were willing to swing for the fences. Luckily, they knocked it out of the park.

While winning the various challenges allows them to progress further in the competition, the pair understands that missing out on a round had both advantages and disadvantages. Even though they might have watched, predicted, and planned what they would have done. Although they were happy to have skipped over the ombre citrus cake challenge, they would have happily completed the Basque cheesecake round.

Overall, Steph and Cherry had a plan for Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2, and it started long before they stepped onto that FOX set. Reading, researching, and baking all types of desserts gave them a base that is hard to beat. From cookbooks to food television shows, knowing that anything and everything could be part of the competition allowed them never to be pigeonholed into a particular approach. In a way, they are on a mission to prove that baking knowledge is not limited to a classroom. Anyone who wants to go on a culinary journey just has to open the door and take the first step.

In addition, the pair understood that this food television competition is different from baking at home. Whether it was one of them engaging with Joel so that the other would be able to complete a task or drawing out the plan before cracking a single egg, they appreciate that this competition is about having a plan. In some ways, it goes back to an important skill that every baker needs, precision. Even though the décor is an artistic impression, the initial concept is rooted in measurement and science. Forensic baking is on display when the clues are followed correctly.

As Steph and Cherry begin to face the professionally trained bakers in the second half of Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2, they have one component that will continue to serve them well, their friendship. Both of them said time and again that they willingness to have fun, appreciate the moment, and be grateful for the time together set them up for success.

Whether or not their expansive database turns into a cookbook or they have solved the clues to becoming Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2 champions remains to be seen. For now, the pair have their friendship, a passion for food, and some more delicious treats to create outside of the FOX baking competition.

Crime Scene Kitchen Season 2 airs on Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET and can be streamed on Hulu.

Want to read more on FOX food television shows, like Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, check out the food television section on FoodSided.