Holiday Baking Championship Season 10 ep 2: Turkeys, tables, and dessert fails

While everyone wants to set the table with a tempting, delicious food spread, Holiday Baking Championship Season 10 episode 2 might have had a few bakers wishing for takeout. In some ways these tables should have been flipped, the turkey might have needed a pardon, and everyone is grateful that these challenges are in the books.

For the Pre-heat Challenge, the bakers had to create dome desserts designed to look like a turkey. While there are many puns that could gobble up these treats, the challenge proved more difficult than anyone imagined.

From one large turkey to smaller foul desserts, the reality is that the bakers missed the mark with the execution. The mousse did not unmold correctly, the glaze did not cover well, and the feathers were plucked before they made the plate.

Finding a few top choices was more difficult than chasing after turkeys in a pen. Still, one dessert impressed the judges both with flavor and design. Javier presented an eggnog and raspberry dome. The combination of the richness with the slightly sweet and tart berry was perfectly balanced. Add to that fact the just of almonds to create feathers on the turkey’s neck, his dessert decisions were smart.

By winning the Holiday Baking Championship Season 10 episode 2 Pre-Heat, Javier earned an advantage. He was able to pick the cake for the Main Heat Challenge. When presented with the option of an opera cake or a mousse cake, Javier picked opera cake.

In the Holiday Baking Championship Season 10 episode 2 Main Heat, the bakers had to create an opera cake that was decorated to look like a Thanksgiving table. Basically, it should capture the tablescape, from plates to décor.

Also, the bakers were presented with a flavor twist. The opera cakes needed to incorporate sage. Although some people might like a little savory note in their desserts, this ingredient seemed to be missing from the conversation.

Overall, the judges seemed to wonder if the sage was left off the table. Whether it was hidden by accident or on purpose, it was unclear. Maybe someone should have thought of those cranberry doughnuts from Dough Doughnuts and McCormick.

Two bakers shined with their desserts. Similar to the Pre-Heat, Javier impressed the judges. While his traditional opera cake had clean, even layers, it was his use of sage that earned praise from the judges. Also, he had fun décor, including a plate of tamales.

The other top baker was Justine. The judges thought that her cookie décor was adorable. It was one of the most visually impressive desserts of the night. Also, her candied sage was a smart use of the twist.

Winning the Main Heat in Holiday Baking Championship Season 10 episode 2 was Justine. Even though Javier was tough competition, Justine rose to the top.

Unfortunately, the two bottom bakers were obvious. Jennifer has major time management issues. Her table had no settings. It was as if the table was cleared before anyone sat down. In addition, no one could taste the sage.

Alex had major execution issues. While there was a story behind her table décor, it still looked messy. In addition, she presented a cake with the consistency of a cracker. It was a big execution fail.

The baker leaving Holiday Baking Championship Season 10 episode 2 was Alex. While the home baker has talent, this competition was too much for her to handle.

What other bakers will measure up in the next challenge? Be sure to watch new episodes Monday nights at 8 p.m. on Food Network and stream the next day on MAX.