1 00:00:01,102 --> 00:00:01,937 (SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING) 2 00:00:02,037 --> 00:00:04,408 (FESTIVE MUSIC FADES IN) 3 00:00:04,475 --> 00:00:06,412 (GORDON, VOICE OVER) 'Twas the week before Christmas 4 00:00:06,479 --> 00:00:09,452 -And all through the tower... -(DRAMATIC BEATS) 5 00:00:09,553 --> 00:00:12,091 The kitchens were covered In sugar and flour... 6 00:00:12,191 --> 00:00:14,630 These desserts need to be perfect. 7 00:00:14,696 --> 00:00:16,534 Only six bakers left 8 00:00:16,634 --> 00:00:18,070 The finale's in sight... 9 00:00:18,170 --> 00:00:20,975 You have to create a three-tiered cake, 10 00:00:21,076 --> 00:00:24,081 each tier baked on a different level. 11 00:00:24,181 --> 00:00:25,952 -Agh! -Who will crumble... 12 00:00:26,052 --> 00:00:28,824 This is straight insanity. 13 00:00:28,924 --> 00:00:30,260 And who will shine bright? 14 00:00:30,360 --> 00:00:32,264 It's (JINGLE) delicious. 15 00:00:32,364 --> 00:00:34,603 My only advice before we begin... 16 00:00:34,636 --> 00:00:37,175 Bake at next level If you want to win! 17 00:00:37,208 --> 00:00:40,447 (GORDON) The winner of Next Level Baker... 18 00:00:40,480 --> 00:00:43,286 That's the title you will have forever - it is everything. 19 00:00:43,386 --> 00:00:45,324 Is... 20 00:00:45,357 --> 00:00:46,827 (SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING) 21 00:00:53,240 --> 00:00:55,143 (UPLIFTING RENDITION OF 'DECK THE HALLS') 22 00:00:58,250 --> 00:00:59,418 (DEIRDRA) Oh, my goodness. 23 00:01:01,122 --> 00:01:03,627 -(JEFF) Oh, my God. -Wow! 24 00:01:03,727 --> 00:01:05,397 (BAKERS GUSHING, CHUCKLING) 25 00:01:05,497 --> 00:01:07,167 (STEFANIE) Good morning, little guy. 26 00:01:09,205 --> 00:01:10,675 (GORDON) Nikki, you look petrified. 27 00:01:10,775 --> 00:01:12,378 You've seen a reindeer before, haven't you? 28 00:01:12,478 --> 00:01:14,550 (NERVOUS) Yes. And my dad's name is Rudolph. 29 00:01:14,617 --> 00:01:15,718 -Oh! -(LAUGHTER) 30 00:01:15,818 --> 00:01:16,987 I love that! 31 00:01:17,087 --> 00:01:19,392 I feel like I just got 32 00:01:19,492 --> 00:01:21,863 a big bear hug from my daddy. 33 00:01:21,963 --> 00:01:23,901 And he said, 34 00:01:24,001 --> 00:01:25,839 "Go tear their ass off." 35 00:01:25,872 --> 00:01:28,544 Dasher and Dancer are all set 36 00:01:28,644 --> 00:01:31,917 to whisk you off to the grand finale. 37 00:01:31,950 --> 00:01:34,990 Sadly, the sleigh over here only has room for five 38 00:01:35,023 --> 00:01:37,529 of you talented bakers. 39 00:01:37,563 --> 00:01:40,568 (CARLA) All of you know what that means - six of you remain 40 00:01:40,668 --> 00:01:44,408 but only five can move forward for a chance at the title 41 00:01:44,510 --> 00:01:48,449 of the first ever Next Level Baker. 42 00:01:48,551 --> 00:01:52,124 If you want it, you have to earn it first with one last bake. 43 00:01:52,158 --> 00:01:53,728 -Are you ready? -(BAKERS, EAGERLY) Yes! 44 00:01:53,761 --> 00:01:54,996 We're ready. 45 00:01:55,030 --> 00:01:57,134 Now, baking around the holidays 46 00:01:57,200 --> 00:01:59,271 is not just about the sweet treats, right? 47 00:01:59,304 --> 00:02:02,411 It's also about those incredible savory comfort foods 48 00:02:02,478 --> 00:02:04,884 that really do bring the family around the table. 49 00:02:04,950 --> 00:02:06,419 So, for this challenge 50 00:02:06,486 --> 00:02:08,423 we want to see incredible, 51 00:02:08,490 --> 00:02:12,097 festive, savory showstoppers. 52 00:02:12,131 --> 00:02:16,138 -Is it that incredible pot pie? -Or a spicy sausage wreath? 53 00:02:16,205 --> 00:02:18,143 A delicious Beef Wellington? Think about it. 54 00:02:18,210 --> 00:02:20,548 That's what we're looking for. 55 00:02:20,582 --> 00:02:24,021 Oh, gosh! I don't do savory. Savory is not in my wheelhouse. 56 00:02:24,055 --> 00:02:26,861 This is gonna be challenging. 57 00:02:26,961 --> 00:02:28,931 Make sure you're in that sleigh at the end of the round. 58 00:02:29,031 --> 00:02:31,169 Don't play it safe. 59 00:02:31,202 --> 00:02:32,739 Right. Okay, based on your last performance 60 00:02:32,839 --> 00:02:35,077 in the previous round, Stefanie and Jeff, 61 00:02:35,177 --> 00:02:37,048 you're off to the top level kitchen 62 00:02:37,081 --> 00:02:38,316 and I will meet you there. 63 00:02:38,350 --> 00:02:40,187 (SOFTLY) Okay! 64 00:02:40,254 --> 00:02:42,759 Zoha and Chloe, you are back with me 65 00:02:42,859 --> 00:02:43,928 -in the middle level. -(ZOHA, LAUGHING) Yay. 66 00:02:43,961 --> 00:02:45,931 Yay. 67 00:02:45,998 --> 00:02:47,902 Which means Deirdra and Nikki, 68 00:02:47,936 --> 00:02:48,670 you're in the basement with me. 69 00:02:51,309 --> 00:02:55,050 You'll have 60 minutes to create a next level, 70 00:02:55,116 --> 00:02:58,724 savory, holiday showstopper. 71 00:02:58,757 --> 00:03:03,199 Remember, a spot in the finale is on the line. 72 00:03:03,266 --> 00:03:04,602 Alright, head to the elevators. We'll see you shortly. 73 00:03:06,873 --> 00:03:08,677 -You got this, y'all. -(GORDON) Good luck. 74 00:03:08,744 --> 00:03:09,979 (STEFANIE, SIGHING) 75 00:03:16,092 --> 00:03:18,296 (DRAMATIC FESTIVE MUSIC) 76 00:03:19,866 --> 00:03:20,869 We got this. 77 00:03:20,969 --> 00:03:22,872 (ELEVATOR PINGS) 78 00:03:22,972 --> 00:03:24,876 -(BAKERS WHOOPING) -Let's go. 79 00:03:24,976 --> 00:03:27,080 Oh, back in the basement. 80 00:03:27,114 --> 00:03:29,085 (WHIMSICAL MUSIC) 81 00:03:29,118 --> 00:03:31,757 Oh, my gosh. That doll scared me so bad. 82 00:03:31,791 --> 00:03:33,226 (NIKKI) Yeah, I told you she'd stare at you. 83 00:03:33,260 --> 00:03:34,530 -(SPOOKY LAUGHTER) -I have become 84 00:03:34,630 --> 00:03:36,767 very familiar with the basement. 85 00:03:36,834 --> 00:03:39,873 The doll sitting there, we have a relationship. 86 00:03:39,973 --> 00:03:41,844 Real evil like, too. 87 00:03:41,944 --> 00:03:44,381 -(DEIRDRA) With the red eyes! -(NIKKI) Yeah. 88 00:03:44,415 --> 00:03:47,555 -(PING) -(BAKERS GIGGLING) 89 00:03:47,655 --> 00:03:49,993 Let's go, let's go! You got this, can't wait to see it. 90 00:03:50,060 --> 00:03:51,831 Okay! (SHARP EXHALE) 91 00:03:51,931 --> 00:03:54,536 Having been on every single level so far, 92 00:03:54,603 --> 00:03:56,874 I'm feeling really good about going into middle kitchen today. 93 00:03:56,974 --> 00:03:58,544 I'm comfortable there. 94 00:03:58,644 --> 00:04:01,049 It's the one level that I feel like I'm home. 95 00:04:01,115 --> 00:04:04,857 It is not the basement. That's for (JINGLE) sure. 96 00:04:04,923 --> 00:04:05,758 (JINGLE) the basement! 97 00:04:09,399 --> 00:04:11,068 -(DRAMATIC FESTIVE MUSIC) -(ELEVATOR PINGS) 98 00:04:11,168 --> 00:04:13,307 (STEFANIE) Okay, alright. Let's go, Jeff. 99 00:04:13,407 --> 00:04:16,313 Wow. I've been dreaming of the top kitchen. 100 00:04:16,413 --> 00:04:17,815 Finally made it. Oh, we got lots of stuff. 101 00:04:20,421 --> 00:04:22,424 -Have a good one. -Thank you, you too. 102 00:04:22,491 --> 00:04:24,630 -Alright, thank you. -(ELEVATOR PINGS) 103 00:04:24,730 --> 00:04:28,402 -(DEIRDRA) Hello. -Welcome back to the basement. 104 00:04:28,436 --> 00:04:30,040 I don't wanna be back, but I am. 105 00:04:30,140 --> 00:04:31,308 Alright, let's do a quick huddle. 106 00:04:31,409 --> 00:04:33,413 Remember bakers, by the time the platform 107 00:04:33,480 --> 00:04:36,086 arrives to the basement, it's gonna be picked over. 108 00:04:36,119 --> 00:04:38,758 -But we can still make magic. -(NIKKI) We're gonna make magic. 109 00:04:38,858 --> 00:04:41,697 When we're up against a wall, we're our most creative. 110 00:04:41,763 --> 00:04:45,470 I'm so nervous about this grab. I always freeze. 111 00:04:45,571 --> 00:04:47,708 One thing we're excited about today, you're not... 112 00:04:47,775 --> 00:04:49,478 -I'm not freezing. -..giving us a Bundt cake. 113 00:04:49,579 --> 00:04:52,852 -(LAUGHTER) -(ELEVATOR PINGS) 114 00:04:52,885 --> 00:04:56,225 What up, what up! We are back together. 115 00:04:56,325 --> 00:04:57,729 -(SQUEALING) Carla! -Oh, my gosh. 116 00:04:57,762 --> 00:04:59,364 -Think about a backup. -Got it. 117 00:04:59,465 --> 00:05:01,737 Get a backup so if something goes awry, 118 00:05:01,804 --> 00:05:03,841 you're not like a deer in headlights. 119 00:05:03,874 --> 00:05:05,611 Or shall I say a reindeer in headlights? 120 00:05:05,711 --> 00:05:07,381 -(ZOHA) Yeah... -(CHLOE SNORTS) 121 00:05:07,481 --> 00:05:09,118 -(ZOHA) Okay, yes Carla. -Okay, you snorted! 122 00:05:09,218 --> 00:05:11,055 -(LAUGHING) Not the snort! -God! 123 00:05:11,122 --> 00:05:12,491 C'mon, get in here. -We're so good! 124 00:05:12,592 --> 00:05:13,560 (ALL SQUEALING) Yes! 125 00:05:14,796 --> 00:05:16,600 (ELEVATOR PINGS) 126 00:05:16,667 --> 00:05:19,338 -Let's go! How're you feeling? -I'm excited. 127 00:05:19,405 --> 00:05:21,209 -You good? -Yeah, excited. 128 00:05:21,276 --> 00:05:22,778 -Likewise. How you feeling? -Feeling good. 129 00:05:22,878 --> 00:05:25,518 Good. Baker's line up, please, against the elevator. 130 00:05:25,618 --> 00:05:28,658 Here we go. Grab, grab, grab. 131 00:05:28,758 --> 00:05:30,494 (HOLLERING) It's the holidays, be generous to us 132 00:05:30,528 --> 00:05:34,536 in the basement! Don't be greedy. 133 00:05:34,636 --> 00:05:37,074 What d'you mean don't be greedy? Don't be greedy up there either! 134 00:05:37,141 --> 00:05:38,343 We got pick of the litter. 135 00:05:38,376 --> 00:05:41,382 Right. Platform is moving! 136 00:05:41,482 --> 00:05:46,392 Five, four, three, two, one... Let's go! 137 00:05:46,492 --> 00:05:48,897 -(PLATFORM BLEEPS) -Let's go. Lobster's there. 138 00:05:48,964 --> 00:05:51,504 First thing I see is lobster. Every Christmas 139 00:05:51,570 --> 00:05:54,542 my family celebrates with some kind of lobster. 140 00:05:54,642 --> 00:05:57,448 My dad is always the one to make it... and I choose it. 141 00:05:57,549 --> 00:05:59,519 Even though I've only made it once in my life. 142 00:05:59,553 --> 00:06:02,157 Oh, my goodness me, lobster! Wow. 143 00:06:02,257 --> 00:06:03,661 (FAST-PACED FESTIVE MUSIC) 144 00:06:03,727 --> 00:06:05,931 I'm thinking I can make a lobster pot pie. 145 00:06:07,735 --> 00:06:09,171 (JEFF) I grabbed chicken breast. 146 00:06:09,271 --> 00:06:10,975 Good. Chicken breast, love that! 147 00:06:11,075 --> 00:06:14,181 I'm grabbing mozzarella cheese - to go into my gougères. 148 00:06:14,214 --> 00:06:16,252 (GORDON) That's sage. Be careful, that's very strong. 149 00:06:16,319 --> 00:06:18,657 Twelve seconds. 150 00:06:18,690 --> 00:06:20,662 (JEFF) When you get most of the ingredients of a recipe 151 00:06:20,728 --> 00:06:22,297 you have in mind, I'll take the blessing. 152 00:06:22,397 --> 00:06:24,035 (GORDON) Oh, my goodness me. 153 00:06:24,135 --> 00:06:25,904 Let's go! Platform is moving. 154 00:06:27,909 --> 00:06:29,345 (GORDON) Well done. 155 00:06:29,445 --> 00:06:30,949 -(STEFANIE) Woo! -(PLATFORM BLEEPS) 156 00:06:31,015 --> 00:06:33,687 (CARLA) Yes, GO! We have rosemary, oregano. 157 00:06:33,754 --> 00:06:34,956 (CHLOE) I see ground beef 158 00:06:35,056 --> 00:06:36,159 and I'm thinking quiche. 159 00:06:36,225 --> 00:06:37,427 (CARLA) Get in there! 160 00:06:37,461 --> 00:06:39,733 Boop! I immediately go for beef. 161 00:06:39,833 --> 00:06:41,736 (CARLA) Parsnips, we have bacon bits, you have vinegars. 162 00:06:41,836 --> 00:06:44,075 -Find goat cheese. -(CARLA) If you do anything 163 00:06:44,141 --> 00:06:46,412 with cream, mustard is a great flavor carrier. 164 00:06:46,446 --> 00:06:48,717 This is actually really good. 165 00:06:48,817 --> 00:06:49,953 (ZOHA) I see chicken thighs and not my favorite, but... 166 00:06:52,491 --> 00:06:54,563 ..immediate grab. -You have your chicken. 167 00:06:54,596 --> 00:06:57,602 I am really hoping to bring some Pakistani flavors. 168 00:06:57,702 --> 00:06:59,438 I wanna make some sort of tandoori chicken. 169 00:06:59,471 --> 00:07:01,209 Cheese, cheese, cheese... 170 00:07:01,309 --> 00:07:02,712 Chicken, yogurt, cheese, garlic, greens. 171 00:07:02,745 --> 00:07:04,983 Chicken, yogurt, cheese, garlic, greens. 172 00:07:05,016 --> 00:07:07,154 -(CARLA) Guys, c'mon. -(PLATFORM HUMS) 173 00:07:07,254 --> 00:07:09,593 Now I see everything on there. Oh, that was hard. 174 00:07:09,660 --> 00:07:11,329 I dunno what I grabbed to be honest. 175 00:07:11,395 --> 00:07:12,264 I don't think I got everything I wanted. 176 00:07:12,364 --> 00:07:13,968 Okay, alright. 177 00:07:14,068 --> 00:07:15,738 Here it comes. 178 00:07:15,838 --> 00:07:18,611 Your legs are so long, you always outrun me. 179 00:07:18,711 --> 00:07:20,614 I'm like, what did I sign up for? 180 00:07:20,714 --> 00:07:22,518 -(PLATFORM BLEEPS) -(CANDACE) Go, go, go! 181 00:07:23,954 --> 00:07:25,725 Ahh... We have salmon. 182 00:07:25,758 --> 00:07:27,729 Who leaves salmon to get in the basement? 183 00:07:27,796 --> 00:07:29,098 I snatched that up real quick. 184 00:07:29,198 --> 00:07:30,935 Deirdra, you got your salmon. 185 00:07:30,968 --> 00:07:33,608 Do some lime. Spice. 186 00:07:33,674 --> 00:07:34,876 I'm gonna make a good ass dish with this. 187 00:07:34,910 --> 00:07:36,613 (CARLA) Here we got top sirloin! 188 00:07:36,646 --> 00:07:39,118 I see red meat... Top sirloin. 189 00:07:39,218 --> 00:07:40,487 ..and I GRABBED it. 190 00:07:40,554 --> 00:07:43,292 Go, go! Fifteen seconds, ladies. 191 00:07:43,392 --> 00:07:44,930 (NIKKI) I was lookin' for fresh greens. 192 00:07:45,030 --> 00:07:46,667 There's collard greens over here. 193 00:07:46,767 --> 00:07:49,238 (NIKKI) Collard greens. Oh, my God. 194 00:07:49,338 --> 00:07:52,512 I'm so happy that I get to prove 195 00:07:52,612 --> 00:07:55,150 that I'm more than the cake lady. 196 00:07:55,216 --> 00:07:57,688 (CANDACE) Grab it, grab, grab! Red bell pepper here. 197 00:07:57,788 --> 00:08:01,797 I'm going to make a southern soul food pot pie 198 00:08:01,897 --> 00:08:04,569 straight out the South. Oh yes, I got this. 199 00:08:06,306 --> 00:08:08,711 Your 60 minutes start now. 200 00:08:08,811 --> 00:08:14,321 Off you go. An amazing showstopper bake. 201 00:08:14,388 --> 00:08:16,926 -Jeff, what're you thinking? -I'm thinking Parisian gnocchi. 202 00:08:16,993 --> 00:08:19,800 And match that with chicken breasts I can medallion 203 00:08:19,866 --> 00:08:22,404 -and cut on a bias. -Right. That's not a bake. 204 00:08:22,505 --> 00:08:26,379 Well, with the Parisian gnocchi will be a pile of savory choux. 205 00:08:26,446 --> 00:08:28,116 Kind of like a gougère on the side. 206 00:08:28,149 --> 00:08:30,087 Gougère? Ambitious. 207 00:08:30,187 --> 00:08:32,357 What're you stuffing it with? What's inside? 208 00:08:32,457 --> 00:08:35,598 I want them to be airy and light so they can mop up some sauce. 209 00:08:35,698 --> 00:08:38,704 It's a tough one, okay? Showstopper. 210 00:08:38,804 --> 00:08:40,474 Tonight will be a true test for these bakers 211 00:08:40,575 --> 00:08:42,812 because 95 percent of what they do is all sweet. 212 00:08:42,879 --> 00:08:46,553 This one is a savory challenge using some incredible proteins. 213 00:08:46,586 --> 00:08:49,592 -So lobster pot pie, right? -Lobster pot pie. 214 00:08:49,692 --> 00:08:51,863 Smart idea with the fresh peas and beautiful corn. 215 00:08:51,963 --> 00:08:53,834 Are you gonna cook the lobster in the sauce? 216 00:08:53,901 --> 00:08:57,241 -Um... -Or cook it beforehand? 217 00:08:57,341 --> 00:09:00,313 Well, I might sauté it in a little bit of butter. 218 00:09:00,413 --> 00:09:01,616 I'm just worried about that overcooking. 219 00:09:01,716 --> 00:09:03,854 -Just literally 30 seconds. -Okay. 220 00:09:03,954 --> 00:09:06,593 I dunno how to work with claws, but I'll figure it out. 221 00:09:06,694 --> 00:09:09,165 The biggest mistake a baker could make 222 00:09:09,265 --> 00:09:12,571 across a challenge like this - over complication. 223 00:09:12,638 --> 00:09:14,743 It's gotta be cohesive and it needs that wow factor. 224 00:09:14,843 --> 00:09:16,980 -You good? -Yeah. 225 00:09:17,047 --> 00:09:18,851 -Gonna get the choux going. -Get that in straightaway. 226 00:09:18,918 --> 00:09:21,389 -(WHOOSH -(LIGHT MUSIC) 227 00:09:21,489 --> 00:09:23,326 Chloe, what did you grab? 228 00:09:23,359 --> 00:09:25,063 -Ground beef. -(CARLA) Uh-huh. 229 00:09:25,163 --> 00:09:27,400 Three different cheeses including goat cheese. 230 00:09:27,500 --> 00:09:29,104 -Oh nice. -I got prosciutto, red pepper. 231 00:09:29,204 --> 00:09:30,641 I got some rosemary. 232 00:09:30,741 --> 00:09:32,477 Okay. What is your ultimate dish? 233 00:09:32,578 --> 00:09:34,381 My ultimate dish is gonna be a quiche. 234 00:09:34,414 --> 00:09:36,586 Tell me about your sister. I know she means a lot to you 235 00:09:36,653 --> 00:09:38,724 -'cause you raised her. -Yes. 236 00:09:38,757 --> 00:09:40,862 Talk to me about what she would want in her quiche. 237 00:09:40,895 --> 00:09:43,132 (CHUCKLES) My sister would want so much cheese. 238 00:09:43,199 --> 00:09:45,203 -(LAUGHTER) -Hence, the three cheeses! 239 00:09:45,270 --> 00:09:46,639 We're cheese girls. 240 00:09:46,740 --> 00:09:48,610 My relationship with my little sister 241 00:09:48,677 --> 00:09:50,915 is really special for me. 242 00:09:51,015 --> 00:09:54,622 We lost our mom to brain cancer a few years ago 243 00:09:54,655 --> 00:09:56,693 and my husband and I started raising her. 244 00:09:56,793 --> 00:09:59,265 (EMOTIONAL) My mother asked me to raise her and just... 245 00:09:59,365 --> 00:10:01,301 She said, "Don't disappoint me. 246 00:10:01,401 --> 00:10:03,373 "Don't disappoint me, Pippi. 247 00:10:03,473 --> 00:10:05,377 "Make her exactly what I did for you." 248 00:10:05,477 --> 00:10:07,113 And... I have. 249 00:10:10,453 --> 00:10:12,925 She's 20 years younger than me and she's a middle schooler. 250 00:10:13,025 --> 00:10:14,796 And I don't know how many people know this, 251 00:10:14,896 --> 00:10:15,964 but they're terrifying at this age. 252 00:10:20,373 --> 00:10:24,381 I would do anything in the world to give her the world. 253 00:10:24,481 --> 00:10:26,586 Talk to me about savory, you seem pretty comfortable. 254 00:10:26,686 --> 00:10:29,057 -Do you do a lot of savory food? -I... (GIGGLES) 255 00:10:29,091 --> 00:10:30,528 -My husband... -(LAUGHTER) 256 00:10:30,561 --> 00:10:32,096 (CHLOE) No. So my husband, 257 00:10:32,197 --> 00:10:34,201 you know, he's the cook in our house. 258 00:10:34,267 --> 00:10:36,272 Working with meat is not something I do. 259 00:10:36,372 --> 00:10:38,843 Me make cookie, not beef. 260 00:10:38,944 --> 00:10:41,817 -So you have to channel Tyler. -I do. 261 00:10:41,917 --> 00:10:43,820 And he's talking in my head saying, 262 00:10:43,920 --> 00:10:45,658 "More seasoning, that doesn't taste like anything!" 263 00:10:45,692 --> 00:10:47,194 Exactly. So y'all think about flavor. 264 00:10:47,261 --> 00:10:49,799 -Think about building flavor. -Yes, Carla. 265 00:10:49,866 --> 00:10:52,304 (CHLOE, SOFTLY) I got this, I got this. 266 00:10:52,404 --> 00:10:55,811 Alright! Zoha, what did you pick? 267 00:10:55,878 --> 00:10:58,483 Okay, I got chicken, chicken thighs. I'm so sorry, 268 00:10:58,517 --> 00:11:01,088 I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to butchering chicken. 269 00:11:01,121 --> 00:11:02,992 There's more flavor in the thighs because of the fat. 270 00:11:03,092 --> 00:11:04,862 If I'm ever working with chicken 271 00:11:04,963 --> 00:11:06,900 it's chicken breast with no fat on it. 272 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:09,104 I know that's the opposite of everything 273 00:11:09,204 --> 00:11:11,242 that's supposed to be good - my husband makes fun of me. 274 00:11:11,342 --> 00:11:13,613 But I just get a little queasy around the fats. 275 00:11:13,713 --> 00:11:15,851 So what are you making? 276 00:11:15,951 --> 00:11:19,559 I'm gonna make a tandoori chicken naan pizza. 277 00:11:19,593 --> 00:11:21,964 -Okay. -Basically, make it like a pizza 278 00:11:21,997 --> 00:11:24,301 with a tandoori chicken filling and hopefully serve it 279 00:11:24,401 --> 00:11:26,104 with some sort of yogurt raita on the side. 280 00:11:26,138 --> 00:11:28,577 -Okay, alright. -(TENSE MUSIC) 281 00:11:28,644 --> 00:11:30,714 Carla's reaction to my open pizza... 282 00:11:30,748 --> 00:11:32,752 -(CLEARS THROAT) -..that was not very fun. 283 00:11:32,852 --> 00:11:36,793 Think about how you would make your dish festive. 284 00:11:36,893 --> 00:11:40,133 We asked for a savory showstopper 285 00:11:40,166 --> 00:11:43,607 and she is making a pizza. So I'm worried about that. 286 00:11:43,707 --> 00:11:47,447 This is the last challenge before the finale. 287 00:11:47,515 --> 00:11:49,619 You want to get to the other side. 288 00:11:49,719 --> 00:11:51,789 Think like a savory chef. 289 00:11:51,890 --> 00:11:54,461 It's maybe the stress of the finale 290 00:11:54,563 --> 00:11:57,300 or butchering this however I can - I dunno what I'm gonna do. 291 00:11:57,400 --> 00:11:59,471 I'm just stressing the (JINGLE) out right now. 292 00:11:59,539 --> 00:12:01,241 (TENSE MUSIC BUILDS, ENDS) 293 00:12:06,653 --> 00:12:08,356 (FESTIVE MUSIC REPRISE) 294 00:12:08,422 --> 00:12:10,928 (SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING) 295 00:12:11,028 --> 00:12:13,600 Deirdra, talk to me about your savory bakes. 296 00:12:13,700 --> 00:12:16,506 So I grabbed salmon which I'm surprised came down here! 297 00:12:16,606 --> 00:12:18,075 -How'd it get way down here?! -I know! 298 00:12:18,175 --> 00:12:20,781 Actually, I wasn't thinking about it as an option 299 00:12:20,881 --> 00:12:23,452 but it would work pretty well as a seafood cobbler. 300 00:12:23,553 --> 00:12:25,558 I got a little spice, something I could spice up the dish. 301 00:12:25,658 --> 00:12:28,296 I've never made a salmon cobbler 302 00:12:28,362 --> 00:12:30,099 but I make salmon at home all the time. 303 00:12:30,199 --> 00:12:32,905 And I think I cook it perfectly almost every time. 304 00:12:32,938 --> 00:12:34,809 I wonder if we have pastry cutters. 305 00:12:34,909 --> 00:12:37,581 It's high hopes, but I'm gonna take a look around. 306 00:12:37,614 --> 00:12:39,786 I feel like my mind is pretty creative having to make 307 00:12:39,819 --> 00:12:41,889 five to 10 recipes a week in my job. 308 00:12:47,634 --> 00:12:50,941 Being a food photographer, I do make it a point to make 309 00:12:51,041 --> 00:12:54,815 the things that I bake both beautiful and tasty. 310 00:12:54,915 --> 00:12:56,820 So I need to make sure the buttermilk biscuits on top 311 00:12:56,920 --> 00:12:58,990 are delicious and amazing. 312 00:12:59,090 --> 00:13:01,061 (CANDACE) Deirdra, you are already thinking 313 00:13:01,095 --> 00:13:03,933 of presentation here. We've got colors going on. 314 00:13:04,000 --> 00:13:06,606 I'm gonna make the biscuit red and green for the holidays. 315 00:13:06,706 --> 00:13:08,744 Top 'em with a little thyme. 316 00:13:08,844 --> 00:13:11,616 Is that an old tuna can you're using as a cutter? 317 00:13:11,649 --> 00:13:13,720 It is. You know what, I didn't even realize at first. 318 00:13:13,821 --> 00:13:16,292 So basically it does the same thing. 319 00:13:16,392 --> 00:13:18,597 (CANDACE) That's right. Trash becomes treasure 320 00:13:18,697 --> 00:13:20,968 -in the basement. -It definitely does. 321 00:13:21,035 --> 00:13:23,272 (NIKKI) I would love to have a measuring cup. 322 00:13:23,306 --> 00:13:25,243 (URGENT MUSIC) 323 00:13:25,343 --> 00:13:27,480 When you're in the basement you have to be scrappy. 324 00:13:27,548 --> 00:13:31,522 Sometimes a solo cup has to become a measuring cup. 325 00:13:31,622 --> 00:13:34,529 And it can be because this first line is half a cup. 326 00:13:34,629 --> 00:13:38,603 Second line is one cup and the top is 1-1/2 cups. 327 00:13:38,703 --> 00:13:39,573 -Didn't know that. -Who knew? 328 00:13:39,639 --> 00:13:41,308 Me neither, literally. 329 00:13:41,408 --> 00:13:43,479 So in a pinch, in a college dorm room, 330 00:13:43,580 --> 00:13:44,447 you can do some serious baking. 331 00:13:49,023 --> 00:13:50,894 I ain't mad at the basement today. 332 00:13:50,994 --> 00:13:52,865 It's got everything I need. 333 00:13:52,932 --> 00:13:54,067 (WHOOSH) 334 00:13:56,138 --> 00:13:59,111 Think like a savory chef. Build flavors. 335 00:13:59,178 --> 00:14:02,016 Also I want you to think about how you would 336 00:14:02,116 --> 00:14:04,989 serve it as a showstopper, so that means building things. 337 00:14:05,022 --> 00:14:08,028 -Okay, Carla. -You got this. 338 00:14:08,128 --> 00:14:10,867 Thank God for Carla 'cause Carla comes and helps me realize 339 00:14:10,934 --> 00:14:13,607 I'm just doing a plain round pizza. 340 00:14:13,707 --> 00:14:16,712 What if I do two rounds, put them on top of each other 341 00:14:16,813 --> 00:14:20,020 with the filling inside, do a twisty star snowflake shape. 342 00:14:20,053 --> 00:14:21,957 -That is beautiful! -Thank you, Carla. 343 00:14:22,057 --> 00:14:24,796 -It is GORGEOUS. -Thank you, Carla. 344 00:14:24,896 --> 00:14:27,166 -That is not a pizza-- -I changed my mind! 345 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:29,037 I thought I could make a snowflake with it. 346 00:14:29,137 --> 00:14:32,043 It's really ambitious to try to do an enriched 347 00:14:32,144 --> 00:14:34,748 naan bread dough in just 60 minutes. 348 00:14:34,849 --> 00:14:38,022 I'm keeping my fingers crossed the bread is baked properly. 349 00:14:38,055 --> 00:14:39,959 Did you know you were gonna roll it like that? 350 00:14:40,059 --> 00:14:41,562 -No. -You just came up with that? 351 00:14:41,662 --> 00:14:43,365 -Yeah. -I am so EXCITED! 352 00:14:43,432 --> 00:14:44,702 (ZOHA) Yes! 353 00:14:44,802 --> 00:14:47,440 -(SOMBER MUSIC) -Alright, Nikki. 354 00:14:47,473 --> 00:14:50,647 You did indeed find your collard greens! 355 00:14:50,680 --> 00:14:52,952 -I did -So happy for you. 356 00:14:53,052 --> 00:14:55,089 -And some red meat. -Yeah. 357 00:14:55,189 --> 00:14:56,860 So you must be feeling pretty happy. 358 00:14:56,960 --> 00:15:00,132 -I'm very happy. -Thank goodness! 359 00:15:00,232 --> 00:15:01,803 Tell me a little bit more about your dad Rudolph, Nikki. 360 00:15:01,869 --> 00:15:04,040 Oh, my gosh. 361 00:15:04,074 --> 00:15:07,080 The most amazing person I've met in my life 362 00:15:07,180 --> 00:15:09,552 -other than my husband. -(LAUGHS GENTLY) 363 00:15:09,652 --> 00:15:12,791 I did manage to get a husband 364 00:15:12,858 --> 00:15:15,096 much like my father. 365 00:15:15,196 --> 00:15:17,701 My husband stepped in and picked up where my dad 366 00:15:17,801 --> 00:15:19,605 finished spoiling me. 367 00:15:19,639 --> 00:15:20,974 I dunno, seems like you spoil your family 368 00:15:21,074 --> 00:15:22,878 with all this good cooking. 369 00:15:22,979 --> 00:15:26,118 Yeah, I spoil them and they spoil me. 370 00:15:26,218 --> 00:15:30,427 My tribe at home - my grandkids, my husband, 371 00:15:30,493 --> 00:15:32,263 especially my daddy... 372 00:15:32,363 --> 00:15:35,704 He's always said, "You could do whatever you wanna do. 373 00:15:35,804 --> 00:15:38,577 "You want to be Next Level Baker? 374 00:15:38,677 --> 00:15:40,514 "Go be Next Level Baker." 375 00:15:40,614 --> 00:15:43,853 I need to channel them and make them proud. 376 00:15:43,954 --> 00:15:46,959 I'm gonna fight to the nitty gritty. 377 00:15:46,993 --> 00:15:48,730 (CANDACE) Love it. I can tell you're here to win. 378 00:15:48,830 --> 00:15:51,736 Okay. Oven, oven, oven. (SIGHS) 379 00:15:54,008 --> 00:15:56,111 -(DRAMATIC FESTIVE MUSIC) -Guys, look! 380 00:15:56,178 --> 00:15:58,884 Another mid-round surprise. Looks like the reindeers, 381 00:15:58,984 --> 00:16:00,787 they've chosen this one. Carrots, right? 382 00:16:00,888 --> 00:16:03,159 (REINDEER GRUNTS) 383 00:16:03,259 --> 00:16:05,864 Some beautiful carrots here, by the way. Oh, my lord! 384 00:16:05,931 --> 00:16:08,603 -Oh, guys! C'mon. -(CHLOE) Oh no! 385 00:16:08,703 --> 00:16:10,473 (CARLA) Look at the carrots. You got carrot juice. 386 00:16:10,574 --> 00:16:11,710 You got carrot baby food. 387 00:16:11,776 --> 00:16:14,247 You got baby carrots. 388 00:16:14,280 --> 00:16:16,520 Oh my God, what did I grab?! Carrot baby food. 389 00:16:16,620 --> 00:16:18,990 Hope this works. 390 00:16:19,023 --> 00:16:21,529 Looks like the reindeer have left us a surprise. 391 00:16:21,563 --> 00:16:24,467 Grab whatever you can to add to your stews. 392 00:16:24,535 --> 00:16:26,004 Go, go, go! 393 00:16:26,037 --> 00:16:27,542 That thing be gone too fast. 394 00:16:27,642 --> 00:16:30,647 (CONTENTED SIGH) 395 00:16:30,747 --> 00:16:32,818 (SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING) 396 00:16:32,918 --> 00:16:35,056 (MUSIC ENDS) 397 00:16:35,156 --> 00:16:37,293 (CARLA) Oh, my God. I'm loving carrot juice, 398 00:16:37,326 --> 00:16:39,030 carrot baby food, 'cause it's already cooked. 399 00:16:39,064 --> 00:16:40,901 Right, we're talking vinaigrette. 400 00:16:40,968 --> 00:16:41,936 -Yeah. -We're talking carrot. 401 00:16:42,036 --> 00:16:43,774 Yeah. So let's taste it. 402 00:16:43,874 --> 00:16:44,809 See if you need anything. 403 00:16:44,909 --> 00:16:47,715 Mm... OH! 404 00:16:47,815 --> 00:16:50,019 ('DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY' - NUTCRACKER BALLET) 405 00:16:50,052 --> 00:16:52,256 Carla! You should do this like, professionally. 406 00:16:55,396 --> 00:16:56,533 (GIGGLING) 407 00:16:56,633 --> 00:16:58,202 (TENSE MUSIC) 408 00:16:58,302 --> 00:16:59,237 We have time check? 409 00:17:00,406 --> 00:17:01,909 Time check! 410 00:17:01,976 --> 00:17:03,914 Carla, time please? 411 00:17:03,947 --> 00:17:05,818 Thirty five minutes to go. 412 00:17:05,918 --> 00:17:07,722 -Thank you, Carla. -(MUSIC ENDS) 413 00:17:07,822 --> 00:17:09,592 Both Zoha and Chloe 414 00:17:09,659 --> 00:17:11,596 are very intense in very different ways. 415 00:17:11,663 --> 00:17:14,268 -Ah (JINGLE)! Yeah, goat cheese. -Yes! 416 00:17:14,368 --> 00:17:16,505 -Zoha is like, give me the time. -Time check? 417 00:17:18,577 --> 00:17:20,446 Chloe's like, stay out of my face. 418 00:17:20,513 --> 00:17:22,316 Doing laps! Can't find a towel. 419 00:17:22,350 --> 00:17:23,820 Oh, my God. What do you need? You need a towel. 420 00:17:23,920 --> 00:17:26,191 It's like, ah-ooh-ah-ooh! 421 00:17:26,258 --> 00:17:27,528 Be really nice to have some oven mitts in here! 422 00:17:27,594 --> 00:17:28,462 (SIGHS) 423 00:17:31,101 --> 00:17:33,840 -Time check? -Twenty three minutes left. 424 00:17:33,940 --> 00:17:36,144 -How you doing up there? -Oh, my God. 425 00:17:36,244 --> 00:17:37,981 -How's it going down there? -Oh, it's awesome. 426 00:17:38,081 --> 00:17:41,255 We have festive biscuits 427 00:17:41,355 --> 00:17:43,492 -rising in the oven. -Oh my God, that's what I smell. 428 00:17:43,560 --> 00:17:46,131 Ho, ho, ho. It's the holidays down here in the basement. 429 00:17:46,231 --> 00:17:48,001 Okay. Nikki, how you doing down there? 430 00:17:48,102 --> 00:17:49,972 I'm doing amazing. 431 00:17:50,072 --> 00:17:52,578 She's using a PVC pipe for a rolling pin. 432 00:17:52,678 --> 00:17:54,247 She's making things work. 433 00:17:54,347 --> 00:17:55,851 Next thing you know, she'll be buying one for home. 434 00:17:55,951 --> 00:17:56,852 I already have one. 435 00:17:59,157 --> 00:18:01,395 (GORDON) Twenty minutes remaining. 436 00:18:01,495 --> 00:18:04,535 A spot in the grand finale is on the line. 437 00:18:04,635 --> 00:18:06,305 -I want you both in there. -Yes. 438 00:18:06,405 --> 00:18:08,242 -Yes, chef. -Stef, be careful 439 00:18:08,275 --> 00:18:09,746 that lobster's not overcooked now. 440 00:18:09,846 --> 00:18:11,414 Okay. Off the heat. 441 00:18:11,515 --> 00:18:12,985 Do you mind tasting that to see what you... 442 00:18:13,052 --> 00:18:14,354 Yeah, taste with me. 443 00:18:16,291 --> 00:18:17,861 You need more salt, just a touch. 444 00:18:17,894 --> 00:18:19,799 I keep adding it, I guess... 445 00:18:19,832 --> 00:18:21,803 Just a touch. Don't forget, lobster's very sweet. 446 00:18:21,836 --> 00:18:24,007 (STEFANIE) Being in the top level with Chef Ramsay 447 00:18:24,107 --> 00:18:26,111 is definitely more stressful 448 00:18:26,144 --> 00:18:28,148 than baking at home with my four kids. 449 00:18:28,248 --> 00:18:30,654 Although my kids also rate my food. They'll be like, 450 00:18:30,688 --> 00:18:34,260 "I'd give this meal an eight out of 10." I'm not kidding you! 451 00:18:34,327 --> 00:18:37,166 Christmas day, is it chaotic? Is it mad? 452 00:18:37,266 --> 00:18:39,939 Oh, I love Christmas morning. We wake up early... 453 00:18:40,039 --> 00:18:41,809 -Love that. -..and usually I'll make 454 00:18:41,843 --> 00:18:43,947 cinnamon rolls or just something like that. 455 00:18:43,981 --> 00:18:46,318 -And then the chaos starts. -(GORDON) We have a big family. 456 00:18:46,418 --> 00:18:48,055 -There's eight of us. -You have twins? 457 00:18:48,155 --> 00:18:50,561 I think I read somewhere they were premature-- 458 00:18:50,628 --> 00:18:52,998 They were very premature, yeah. Due on the 14th of February, 459 00:18:53,098 --> 00:18:55,871 Valentine's Day, and they were born on millennial eve, 1999. 460 00:18:55,938 --> 00:18:58,008 Are you serious? That's incredible. 461 00:18:58,109 --> 00:19:00,914 He has twins and I have twins, and his twins were premature 462 00:19:01,014 --> 00:19:02,818 and my twins were incredibly premature. 463 00:19:02,852 --> 00:19:05,289 So it feels like we really do have a bond. 464 00:19:05,356 --> 00:19:07,493 I tried to suggest to Tana, why don't we have one each side? 465 00:19:07,595 --> 00:19:10,065 One on 1999... and she told me politely to (JINGLE) myself. 466 00:19:10,165 --> 00:19:12,705 -A terrible idea. -Sorry! 467 00:19:12,772 --> 00:19:14,675 I think we're best friends. (LAUGHS) 468 00:19:17,313 --> 00:19:19,518 (GORDON) We've just over 18 minutes to go. 469 00:19:19,585 --> 00:19:21,889 (TENSE MUSIC) 470 00:19:21,989 --> 00:19:24,996 It would mean so much to me to get into the final. 471 00:19:25,062 --> 00:19:27,200 I learned how to bake in the evenings, on weekends. 472 00:19:27,233 --> 00:19:30,473 I spent a year sacrificing any free time 473 00:19:30,574 --> 00:19:32,343 to go into a culinary school dedicated 474 00:19:32,443 --> 00:19:34,414 to people like me who had full time jobs. 475 00:19:36,451 --> 00:19:38,355 -(GORDON) You happy with those? -Yeah. 476 00:19:38,455 --> 00:19:40,059 -You're not stuffing them? -No, not stuffing them. 477 00:19:40,126 --> 00:19:41,629 I didn't put too much cheese in. 478 00:19:41,730 --> 00:19:43,198 I didn't want it to be overpowering. 479 00:19:43,232 --> 00:19:46,137 So, getting to the finale recognizes 480 00:19:46,237 --> 00:19:48,976 all the work I put into being a quality baker. 481 00:19:49,077 --> 00:19:51,214 Let's run through. 482 00:19:51,247 --> 00:19:53,218 I'm gonna plate the gnocchi kind of in a line. 483 00:19:53,251 --> 00:19:54,955 -Yeah. -In between those 484 00:19:55,022 --> 00:19:56,792 -I'll lay chicken breasts. -Gotcha. 485 00:19:56,892 --> 00:19:58,629 And the buns will go off to the side here. 486 00:19:58,663 --> 00:20:00,634 -Now bring it together. -Yeah. 487 00:20:00,667 --> 00:20:02,604 Okay. A lot of elements going on there, young man. 488 00:20:02,705 --> 00:20:03,873 Don't let me down. 489 00:20:03,973 --> 00:20:05,511 -Yes, chef. -Please. 490 00:20:05,611 --> 00:20:07,681 (CANDACE) Stay focused, bakers. 491 00:20:07,714 --> 00:20:09,350 Oven... 492 00:20:09,384 --> 00:20:10,687 A spot in the finale is on the line. 493 00:20:13,392 --> 00:20:15,029 (DEIRDRA) I do think my savory bake is good enough 494 00:20:15,062 --> 00:20:17,901 to get me in the finals. It's got perfectly cooked salmon 495 00:20:17,934 --> 00:20:21,141 in my opinion, and a delicious fluffy biscuit on top. 496 00:20:21,241 --> 00:20:23,179 I feel really good about the sauce. 497 00:20:23,279 --> 00:20:24,581 All the flavors work really well together. 498 00:20:26,018 --> 00:20:26,786 -(DRAMATIC BEAT) -Oh! 499 00:20:30,159 --> 00:20:31,896 -Wow. -(HITCHCOCK-STYLE TENSE MUSIC) 500 00:20:31,996 --> 00:20:33,031 (JINGLE) 501 00:20:34,735 --> 00:20:35,469 (MUSIC ENDS) 502 00:20:38,977 --> 00:20:41,448 -(URGENT MUSIC) -(CANDACE) 15 minutes remaining. 503 00:20:42,985 --> 00:20:45,790 -Oh! -What happened? 504 00:20:45,857 --> 00:20:49,164 Um, the top just came off as I was shaking it into... 505 00:20:49,264 --> 00:20:51,635 We've had a seafood seasoning explosion. 506 00:20:54,541 --> 00:20:57,413 -How did it taste, Deirdra? -A bit salty. 507 00:20:57,479 --> 00:20:59,484 I'm literally thinking of all the ways I could pivot. 508 00:20:59,585 --> 00:21:01,556 I'm like (JINGLE)! What am I gonna do to make this 509 00:21:01,622 --> 00:21:04,361 not as salty as it is? I'm freaking out. 510 00:21:04,461 --> 00:21:06,732 Deirdra, would you have time to start again 511 00:21:06,833 --> 00:21:10,541 with just a butter flour roux, a little bit of fish stock, 512 00:21:10,574 --> 00:21:12,310 then adding in some of your existing? 513 00:21:12,410 --> 00:21:13,646 -Hmm. -See what you can do. 514 00:21:16,752 --> 00:21:18,556 (WHOOSH) 515 00:21:18,589 --> 00:21:20,561 (GORDON) We're down to 10 minutes to go. 516 00:21:20,594 --> 00:21:22,363 Can't wait to see what you make, Jeff. 517 00:21:22,463 --> 00:21:25,102 (JEFF) Likewise, chef. Uh, where are the thermometers? 518 00:21:25,202 --> 00:21:27,975 Do you know? Nevermind, I have one. 519 00:21:28,042 --> 00:21:29,711 -I just want to test these. -No, no! Look at me. 520 00:21:29,778 --> 00:21:31,481 Just touch them. I promise you, they're raw. 521 00:21:31,582 --> 00:21:33,185 -Sorry... Thanks. -I'm here to help you. 522 00:21:33,218 --> 00:21:35,356 But I promise you, now, way too dangerous. 523 00:21:35,456 --> 00:21:37,728 They're still raw. Nine minutes means nine minutes. 524 00:21:37,795 --> 00:21:39,531 Nine minutes, okay. Heard, chef. 525 00:21:39,631 --> 00:21:41,535 -(VALIANT MUSIC) -(CANDACE) Let's go! 526 00:21:41,636 --> 00:21:43,405 Earn your spot in the finals, ladies. 527 00:21:45,510 --> 00:21:47,180 It's not giving me the color I want. 528 00:21:47,213 --> 00:21:49,351 If this pie doesn't brown... 529 00:21:49,451 --> 00:21:51,355 ..get the medic. 530 00:21:51,455 --> 00:21:52,691 And please make sure she's got a stretcher. 531 00:21:54,995 --> 00:21:56,498 -(URGENT FESTIVE MUSIC) -Okay. 532 00:21:56,599 --> 00:21:59,470 C'mon, Nikki J! Rudolph is counting on you. 533 00:21:59,538 --> 00:22:01,509 -And my grandkids. -Rudolph and Todd... 534 00:22:01,609 --> 00:22:03,479 -Yes. -The whole gang are cheering 535 00:22:03,513 --> 00:22:05,617 real loud for you right now. I can hear 'em. 536 00:22:05,684 --> 00:22:10,026 This is a competition and it's for the finale. 537 00:22:10,126 --> 00:22:11,461 Come on, brown gods. 538 00:22:13,031 --> 00:22:15,570 (WHOOSH) 539 00:22:15,670 --> 00:22:18,643 I'ma tell you, it smells so good my mouth is watering. 540 00:22:18,743 --> 00:22:22,518 And you all are ama... Hold on! Hold the phone. 541 00:22:22,618 --> 00:22:24,655 You are getting this beautiful puff in your eggs. 542 00:22:24,755 --> 00:22:27,026 -I'm sorry, I love eggs so much. -Isn't it great?! 543 00:22:27,059 --> 00:22:28,830 I'm not getting any jiggle. What d'you think? 544 00:22:28,930 --> 00:22:31,569 -No, I think you're good. -Let's go. I'm gonna pull 'em. 545 00:22:31,669 --> 00:22:33,372 Take them out one... Uh, yeah. Be careful. 546 00:22:33,439 --> 00:22:35,309 -Gentle. -(CARLA) Gentle! 547 00:22:35,409 --> 00:22:39,417 These look so incredible. Oh, my gosh. 548 00:22:39,518 --> 00:22:41,387 Oh, that's heavy! Sorry, sorry. 549 00:22:41,421 --> 00:22:44,160 -Sorry, sorry. -Phew! 550 00:22:44,260 --> 00:22:46,465 (CARLA) That is gorgeous. 551 00:22:46,566 --> 00:22:49,270 (CHLOE) To get into the finale, you have got 552 00:22:49,370 --> 00:22:51,441 to bring your A-game and make it feel 553 00:22:51,542 --> 00:22:53,780 like the holidays and perfect. 554 00:22:53,847 --> 00:22:56,118 I really hope that it baked beautifully on the bottom. 555 00:22:56,151 --> 00:22:58,422 That's so unpredictable. 556 00:22:58,523 --> 00:23:00,560 (JINGLE)! I might be in the finale. 557 00:23:00,661 --> 00:23:02,396 I did not think I was getting this far. 558 00:23:02,463 --> 00:23:05,102 ..but I'm feeling pretty confident 559 00:23:05,202 --> 00:23:08,408 that I'm not going home to the holidays right now. 560 00:23:08,475 --> 00:23:11,582 Christmas tree, christmas tree... 561 00:23:11,682 --> 00:23:15,323 Oh, is that ugly? Nah, it's not ugly. 562 00:23:15,423 --> 00:23:17,694 This looks like a showstopper. Let's do it. 563 00:23:17,761 --> 00:23:18,830 I'm nervous. I don't want it to break. 564 00:23:18,930 --> 00:23:20,299 Okay. 565 00:23:20,366 --> 00:23:22,337 Woo! (WHISPERING) I did it. 566 00:23:22,437 --> 00:23:24,274 (CARLA) How is it? Is it cooked? 567 00:23:24,307 --> 00:23:26,344 Looks pretty brown all around. I think so. 568 00:23:26,444 --> 00:23:29,450 -Okay, garlic butter. -Oh my gosh, stop it! 569 00:23:29,551 --> 00:23:31,589 -Stop it right now! -It's a naan bread, Carla. 570 00:23:31,689 --> 00:23:34,227 (GORDON) Ninety seconds! You good? 571 00:23:34,293 --> 00:23:37,835 Yep. I just wanna try and tower it up as much as possible there. 572 00:23:37,902 --> 00:23:40,607 Not trying to crowd it, but I want that to be a centerpiece. 573 00:23:40,707 --> 00:23:43,045 (GORDON) The platform is descending downstairs. 574 00:23:43,145 --> 00:23:46,786 -That means it's coming up soon. -(DRAMATIC BEATS) 575 00:23:46,853 --> 00:23:48,757 (VALIANT MUSIC) 576 00:23:48,857 --> 00:23:51,328 (CANDACE) The platform is on its way. 577 00:23:51,394 --> 00:23:53,131 Here it comes, ladies. 578 00:23:53,231 --> 00:23:55,002 Don't let it pass you by. 579 00:23:55,069 --> 00:23:57,440 -(NIKKI) Woo, shoot! -(CANDACE) Go, go, go! 580 00:23:57,508 --> 00:23:59,544 Let's get those bakes on the platform. 581 00:24:01,447 --> 00:24:03,552 (DEIRDRA) Insanity. We did it. 582 00:24:05,723 --> 00:24:07,494 (CARLA) Okay, it's the platform! 583 00:24:07,595 --> 00:24:09,263 C'mon, the platform. The decisions are over. 584 00:24:09,363 --> 00:24:11,568 Zoha, don't miss it. Carefully! 585 00:24:13,239 --> 00:24:15,475 (CHLOE) Oh, my God. 586 00:24:15,543 --> 00:24:17,681 -(CARLA YELPS) -It looks good, it looks good. 587 00:24:17,748 --> 00:24:19,819 Woo! 588 00:24:19,919 --> 00:24:21,823 (GORDON) Platform's here. Let's go, we got this. 589 00:24:21,923 --> 00:24:24,661 Do not miss that platform. C'mon! Turn and burn. 590 00:24:24,762 --> 00:24:27,367 Let's go, guys. It waits for no one. 591 00:24:27,433 --> 00:24:29,471 Let's go. It waits for no one. 592 00:24:29,539 --> 00:24:32,242 Well done! Yes, yes, yes. Good job. 593 00:24:32,343 --> 00:24:33,244 -Thank you. Yeah, I'm good. -You good? 594 00:24:36,151 --> 00:24:37,587 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 595 00:24:39,490 --> 00:24:40,760 (GORDON) Mm. Very good. 596 00:24:40,793 --> 00:24:43,566 (CARLA) Look at this! 597 00:24:43,667 --> 00:24:46,538 -(CANDACE) Wow. -(GORDON) Look at that. 598 00:24:46,639 --> 00:24:49,678 -Wow. Man, it smells festive. -Right? 599 00:24:49,778 --> 00:24:51,148 -Heavenly. -(GORDON) Holidays. Delicious. 600 00:24:51,248 --> 00:24:51,982 (CARLA SIGHS) 601 00:24:54,287 --> 00:24:56,425 Unfortunately, there are six of you 602 00:24:56,526 --> 00:24:59,430 and there are only five spots in the finale. 603 00:24:59,531 --> 00:25:00,398 Right. Where shall we start, ladies, top floor? 604 00:25:00,465 --> 00:25:02,002 -Okay. -Yes. 605 00:25:02,036 --> 00:25:03,506 (GORDON) Let's go. 606 00:25:03,573 --> 00:25:06,377 These are Stefanie's Lobster Pot Pie. 607 00:25:06,444 --> 00:25:07,715 -(CARLA) Wow. -Shall we dig in? 608 00:25:07,815 --> 00:25:09,050 -Yes. -Let's do it. 609 00:25:09,150 --> 00:25:10,119 (CARLA) This looks amazing. 610 00:25:10,152 --> 00:25:13,391 (SUSPENSEFUL NOTES) 611 00:25:13,458 --> 00:25:17,065 It feels decadent yet cozy and homey. 612 00:25:17,132 --> 00:25:20,473 Just that perfect balance of celebration and Christmas. 613 00:25:20,574 --> 00:25:22,342 Lobster's cooked beautifully. 614 00:25:22,443 --> 00:25:24,582 I love the spice, the heat. Well done. 615 00:25:24,682 --> 00:25:26,719 -(DRAMATIC NOTE) -This is Jeff's Gougère 616 00:25:26,819 --> 00:25:29,558 with pan roasted chicken, gnocchi, 617 00:25:29,625 --> 00:25:32,362 -with a carrot purée underneath. -(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 618 00:25:32,396 --> 00:25:34,066 I will be honest, it's not a showstopping holiday bake. 619 00:25:36,138 --> 00:25:38,008 It's components of a bake. 620 00:25:38,108 --> 00:25:40,078 I think if you call something a gougère you do need cheese. 621 00:25:40,178 --> 00:25:42,216 I wish you'd stuffed these. 622 00:25:42,249 --> 00:25:44,721 But... (TAPPING) they're cooked beautifully. 623 00:25:44,822 --> 00:25:47,293 And the cook on the chicken - beautiful, really beautiful. 624 00:25:47,326 --> 00:25:48,495 (JEFF) They liked my gougères. 625 00:25:48,596 --> 00:25:50,466 I'm feeling a little relieved. 626 00:25:50,567 --> 00:25:52,704 I just hope that it's enough. 627 00:25:52,737 --> 00:25:54,307 Alright, shall we move up to the middle level? 628 00:25:54,340 --> 00:25:56,178 The best level... what?! 629 00:25:56,211 --> 00:25:58,481 (LAUGHTER) 630 00:25:58,582 --> 00:26:00,252 (CARLA) Alright to start, we have Chloe's 631 00:26:00,352 --> 00:26:02,757 Ground Beef Holiday Quiche. 632 00:26:02,858 --> 00:26:05,864 There's a carrot purée in the quiche 633 00:26:05,930 --> 00:26:08,001 and then the carrot salad with a carrot vinaigrette. 634 00:26:08,101 --> 00:26:09,739 (LIGHT MUSIC) 635 00:26:09,839 --> 00:26:12,243 Okay, let's see what you're talking about. 636 00:26:12,343 --> 00:26:13,580 Look at that. That is beautiful. 637 00:26:13,647 --> 00:26:15,315 I think what I'm excited about already 638 00:26:15,382 --> 00:26:16,317 is the crispiness of that pastry. 639 00:26:16,351 --> 00:26:17,186 (CARLA) Mm-hmm. 640 00:26:18,989 --> 00:26:19,958 That is a savory flavor bomb. 641 00:26:22,730 --> 00:26:24,066 Pastry - exceptional. I love the little acidity 642 00:26:24,166 --> 00:26:25,269 -with the pickled carrots. -Right? 643 00:26:25,369 --> 00:26:27,608 -Smart. -(CARLA) Mm. 644 00:26:27,641 --> 00:26:31,014 Alright next up, this is Zoha's 645 00:26:31,081 --> 00:26:34,354 Tandoori Chicken Holiday Naan Star. 646 00:26:34,420 --> 00:26:36,659 We have a carrot raita 647 00:26:36,759 --> 00:26:38,763 and then we have a little chutney. 648 00:26:38,796 --> 00:26:40,900 -(SHARP EXHALE) -(CARLA) Look at that. 649 00:26:40,967 --> 00:26:42,905 It's fun to have the theater of pulling. 650 00:26:42,972 --> 00:26:45,376 -Tear and share. -Yeah, and sharing. 651 00:26:45,476 --> 00:26:47,680 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 652 00:26:53,559 --> 00:26:54,961 -It's (JINGLE) delicious. -(LAUGHTER) 653 00:26:57,233 --> 00:26:58,903 We said showstopper and it is just that. 654 00:26:58,970 --> 00:27:01,241 -It's stunning. -I love the technical ability 655 00:27:01,274 --> 00:27:03,579 of this beautiful twist. 656 00:27:03,679 --> 00:27:05,416 And a very traditional shape for the holidays. 657 00:27:05,517 --> 00:27:07,688 -Did you use the thigh? -Yeah. 658 00:27:07,788 --> 00:27:09,357 Yeah, the flavor from that thigh is incredible. 659 00:27:09,457 --> 00:27:11,394 Move over chicken breast. The thighs are in town. 660 00:27:11,461 --> 00:27:13,533 (NERVOUS GIGGLE) 661 00:27:13,599 --> 00:27:15,468 -Alright, the basement. -(GORDON) Please. 662 00:27:15,536 --> 00:27:19,678 (CANDACE) Okay, this is Nikki's Southern Soul Food Pot Pie 663 00:27:19,778 --> 00:27:22,382 made with top sirloin with candied carrots. 664 00:27:22,416 --> 00:27:24,387 Really, really flaky pie crust. 665 00:27:24,454 --> 00:27:27,928 (SUSPENSEFUL NOTES) 666 00:27:27,994 --> 00:27:30,800 (CARLA) I love the flavor of the sauce. 667 00:27:30,834 --> 00:27:33,204 -(CANDACE) Mm-hmm. -(GORDON) It's warm, inviting. 668 00:27:33,271 --> 00:27:34,206 It's definitely a savory bake. Congratulations. 669 00:27:36,945 --> 00:27:39,618 Alright, next up, Deirdra's Spicy Salmon Cobbler 670 00:27:39,718 --> 00:27:41,956 topped with holiday biscuits. 671 00:27:42,023 --> 00:27:43,157 (CARLA) I love the way it looks. 672 00:27:45,429 --> 00:27:47,800 (TENSE FESTIVE MUSIC) 673 00:27:52,142 --> 00:27:54,681 The seasoning is really overpowering. 674 00:27:54,748 --> 00:27:56,852 That spice is starting to build in my mouth. 675 00:27:56,952 --> 00:27:59,591 I could probably only have three bites or so. 676 00:27:59,691 --> 00:28:02,296 (DEIRDRA) The seasonings were still there more 677 00:28:02,329 --> 00:28:04,099 than I'd hoped they'd be 678 00:28:04,166 --> 00:28:05,636 (EMOTIONAL) and I feel I'm probably gonna go home. 679 00:28:05,736 --> 00:28:06,805 Uh... 680 00:28:09,210 --> 00:28:10,846 (SHARP EXHALE, SNIFFLES) 681 00:28:12,182 --> 00:28:12,984 (DRAMATIC BEATS) 682 00:28:17,527 --> 00:28:18,996 -(DRAMATIC MUSIC) -(GORDON) Wow. 683 00:28:19,030 --> 00:28:21,200 Deirdra, the seasoning is really overpowering. 684 00:28:23,305 --> 00:28:25,008 She had a bit of a mishap. 685 00:28:25,108 --> 00:28:27,781 Deirdra was putting her seasoning into her stew... 686 00:28:27,881 --> 00:28:30,018 -Oh! -..and the entire bottle 687 00:28:30,118 --> 00:28:31,755 of seasoning went into her stew and it was 688 00:28:31,855 --> 00:28:33,593 -salty as all get out. -Damn. 689 00:28:33,659 --> 00:28:35,229 She had to start again. 690 00:28:35,329 --> 00:28:36,497 (CARLA AND GORDON) Wow. 691 00:28:36,598 --> 00:28:38,869 Listen, it's on maximum seasoning. 692 00:28:38,903 --> 00:28:40,873 I'll be honest. 693 00:28:40,940 --> 00:28:42,811 Um, but the biscuits - exceptional. 694 00:28:42,911 --> 00:28:44,881 And the salmon - it's delicious, really good. 695 00:28:44,915 --> 00:28:47,554 (SOMBER NOTE) 696 00:28:47,654 --> 00:28:49,624 Sadly, only five of you will continue 697 00:28:49,691 --> 00:28:51,929 to the grand finale. 698 00:28:52,029 --> 00:28:54,033 Man, it's gonna come down to the wire. 699 00:28:54,066 --> 00:28:55,837 -Excuse us, please. -Wow, this is hard. 700 00:28:55,937 --> 00:28:57,740 Uh, very hard. My goodness me. 701 00:28:59,010 --> 00:29:01,013 (STEFANIE, WHISPERING) 702 00:29:01,047 --> 00:29:04,487 (GORDON) That tandoori naan. Oh, my goodness me. 703 00:29:04,588 --> 00:29:06,525 (CARLA) That was the first time I saw you take a second bite. 704 00:29:06,625 --> 00:29:07,527 -(LAUGHTER) -Oh, my goodness. 705 00:29:07,627 --> 00:29:08,896 I didn't wanna put it down. 706 00:29:08,929 --> 00:29:10,098 (QUIETLY) I think you're safe. 707 00:29:10,165 --> 00:29:11,969 (SIGH OF RELIEF) 708 00:29:12,069 --> 00:29:13,773 -For the basement? -I have to say, 709 00:29:13,807 --> 00:29:15,308 I've never seen Nikki so comfortable. 710 00:29:15,342 --> 00:29:17,113 (GORDON) I think that's one of her best cooks. 711 00:29:17,213 --> 00:29:19,317 -(CANDACE) I agree. -(GORDON) Deirdra's cobbler. 712 00:29:19,350 --> 00:29:21,220 I could tell spice had been dumped in 'cause it was hot. 713 00:29:21,320 --> 00:29:23,057 -I struggled to finish that. -Mm-hmm. 714 00:29:23,124 --> 00:29:25,863 (GORDON) But Deirdra's biscuits - incredible. 715 00:29:25,963 --> 00:29:28,235 I thought the texture of the biscuits were perfect. 716 00:29:28,335 --> 00:29:30,405 -(GORDON) It was a showstopper. -It was gorgeous. 717 00:29:30,506 --> 00:29:32,342 Top floor? The lobster pot pie? 718 00:29:32,442 --> 00:29:34,079 Stefanie knows how to put together flavor. 719 00:29:34,179 --> 00:29:36,952 Yeah. Kudos for her being a phenomenal baker. 720 00:29:37,052 --> 00:29:38,823 -(CARLA) Yeah. -Grabbing a lobster 721 00:29:38,923 --> 00:29:40,860 -and cooking it beautifully. -Absolutely. 722 00:29:40,960 --> 00:29:42,964 Moving on to the dish I've been dying to talk about 723 00:29:43,064 --> 00:29:45,068 because I'm still scratching my head. 724 00:29:45,135 --> 00:29:47,574 -(CARLA) Jeff's buffet platter. -(CANDACE) Well put, Carla. 725 00:29:47,674 --> 00:29:48,976 I thought the gougères were incredible. 726 00:29:49,077 --> 00:29:50,412 They were! Some of the best we've had. 727 00:29:50,478 --> 00:29:51,949 That's the bake side, right? 728 00:29:51,982 --> 00:29:54,119 And then all these other elements went in. 729 00:29:54,219 --> 00:29:55,956 (CANDACE) Right, if only he'd brought them together. 730 00:29:56,023 --> 00:29:58,361 Listen, this is for the final spot 731 00:29:58,428 --> 00:30:02,103 in the finale and it's a toss-up between the salty cobbler 732 00:30:02,169 --> 00:30:04,006 or is it the three dishes in one with the gougères? 733 00:30:04,106 --> 00:30:05,475 -(CARLA) The buffet, right. -Tough, tough... 734 00:30:05,576 --> 00:30:07,413 Yeah. 735 00:30:07,480 --> 00:30:09,718 (WISHING EACH OTHER GOOD LUCK) 736 00:30:09,818 --> 00:30:12,055 (LIGHT SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 737 00:30:13,960 --> 00:30:15,596 Woo! Let's get one thing straight. 738 00:30:15,696 --> 00:30:18,603 You guys have elevated 739 00:30:18,703 --> 00:30:20,740 in each and every round, truly. 740 00:30:20,840 --> 00:30:22,109 I am so proud of you. 741 00:30:23,244 --> 00:30:24,079 (SIGHS) 742 00:30:26,417 --> 00:30:28,922 But there are only five spots in the finale. 743 00:30:31,193 --> 00:30:34,734 The first two bakers who have earned their spots 744 00:30:34,801 --> 00:30:37,205 in the grand finale are... 745 00:30:40,345 --> 00:30:41,749 Zoha! 746 00:30:41,849 --> 00:30:43,118 (WHISPERING) Oh, thank you! 747 00:30:43,151 --> 00:30:44,888 (CARLA) And Stefanie. 748 00:30:44,988 --> 00:30:46,591 -Thank you. -Congratulations! 749 00:30:46,625 --> 00:30:49,396 (ZOHA) Let's GO! 750 00:30:49,463 --> 00:30:52,537 I am in the final. I feel so... happy. 751 00:30:52,637 --> 00:30:54,741 The next two bakers 752 00:30:54,808 --> 00:30:56,343 moving on to the grand finale are... 753 00:30:58,883 --> 00:31:01,120 -Chloe. -(GASPS) 754 00:31:01,220 --> 00:31:02,222 And Nikki! 755 00:31:08,501 --> 00:31:09,604 (EMOTIONAL) Oh, my God. 756 00:31:09,671 --> 00:31:11,775 That's Rudolph. 757 00:31:11,875 --> 00:31:15,182 My daddy is bringing in the luck today. 758 00:31:15,282 --> 00:31:17,018 -(GENTLE MUSIC) -Unfortunately, that leaves 759 00:31:17,085 --> 00:31:19,925 Deirdra and Jeff. Only one of you 760 00:31:20,025 --> 00:31:23,900 will be moving on into the grand finale. 761 00:31:23,933 --> 00:31:27,173 -This was a tough one. -It was. 762 00:31:27,206 --> 00:31:31,280 The final baker claiming their spot in the grand finale is... 763 00:31:34,521 --> 00:31:36,123 Deirdra. Well done. 764 00:31:37,527 --> 00:31:39,430 (STEFANIE UNVOICED) 765 00:31:39,531 --> 00:31:41,668 Jeff, what you cooked here 766 00:31:41,735 --> 00:31:44,440 as a dish was exceptional. 767 00:31:44,507 --> 00:31:46,244 The big discrepancy for all three of us, 768 00:31:46,344 --> 00:31:48,715 that it wasn't a holiday bake. 769 00:31:48,782 --> 00:31:51,856 It's been a joy and I hope you guys have happy holidays. 770 00:31:51,956 --> 00:31:53,492 -Likewise. -You too. 771 00:31:53,593 --> 00:31:55,630 -(GORDON) Well done. -Thank you very much. 772 00:31:55,730 --> 00:31:58,735 I would have loved to have been able to bake in the final 773 00:31:58,802 --> 00:32:01,942 but the other bakers I'm baking with are just so talented. 774 00:32:01,975 --> 00:32:04,581 So I can walk out with my head held high. 775 00:32:04,681 --> 00:32:06,183 (GORDON) Take care, bud. 776 00:32:10,258 --> 00:32:13,966 I look calm, cool and collected, but screaming on the inside. 777 00:32:14,000 --> 00:32:16,538 Congratulations on entering into the first ever 778 00:32:16,571 --> 00:32:19,477 Next Level Baker finale. 779 00:32:19,545 --> 00:32:20,846 -(SQUEALS OF DELIGHT) -(CANDACE) Let's go! 780 00:32:20,947 --> 00:32:22,483 (GORDON) Honestly. 781 00:32:22,517 --> 00:32:24,588 My kids are gonna lose their minds. 782 00:32:24,688 --> 00:32:26,156 (LAUGHTER) 783 00:32:26,257 --> 00:32:27,727 Like, what do you do? Like mom dance? 784 00:32:30,431 --> 00:32:31,635 (CANDACE) Look at all these women. 785 00:32:31,735 --> 00:32:32,871 -That's what I'm sayin'. -Right? 786 00:32:32,971 --> 00:32:34,641 -What?! -(CANDACE) Amazing. 787 00:32:34,741 --> 00:32:35,743 You're the last man standing. 788 00:32:35,843 --> 00:32:39,116 (LAUGHTER) 789 00:32:39,183 --> 00:32:41,889 Nikki, what would you do with $25,000 across the holidays? 790 00:32:41,989 --> 00:32:44,159 -I'm going on a cruise. -(GORDON) Love that. 791 00:32:44,259 --> 00:32:45,597 And when I get back from the cruise 792 00:32:45,630 --> 00:32:47,066 I'ma go on another cruise. 793 00:32:47,166 --> 00:32:50,271 -Okay, that's whassup. -(GORDON) All of you... 794 00:32:50,371 --> 00:32:53,879 head back to the lounge, get your heads in the game, 795 00:32:53,979 --> 00:32:56,117 'cause when you get back... 796 00:32:56,150 --> 00:32:58,121 you're gonna be faced with the most difficult, 797 00:32:58,155 --> 00:33:00,794 the most daunting bake of your lives. 798 00:33:00,894 --> 00:33:02,163 -Well done. -(CARLA) Yay. 799 00:33:02,263 --> 00:33:03,331 -Congratulations. -Let's go. 800 00:33:03,364 --> 00:33:04,868 Let's go! 801 00:33:04,934 --> 00:33:07,072 (ZOHA) All girls final! (CHUCKLES) 802 00:33:07,173 --> 00:33:11,080 Who's surprised? Not me. Not surprised. 803 00:33:11,180 --> 00:33:13,084 I am honored to be here with these four women 804 00:33:13,184 --> 00:33:15,288 and I think each one of them has their own strengths 805 00:33:15,355 --> 00:33:16,390 and it's gonna be a tough competition. 806 00:33:16,490 --> 00:33:17,760 (PING) 807 00:33:17,794 --> 00:33:19,429 -Oh! -(LAUGHTER) 808 00:33:19,463 --> 00:33:21,100 And that's from a 60-year-old! 809 00:33:21,200 --> 00:33:22,269 (CHUCKLING) Oh! 810 00:33:25,409 --> 00:33:26,912 ...on the Next Level Baker finale. 811 00:33:27,012 --> 00:33:29,016 (GORDON) Go! Let's go! 812 00:33:29,083 --> 00:33:31,487 You have to create a three-tiered cake, 813 00:33:31,589 --> 00:33:34,528 each tier baked on a different level. 814 00:33:34,628 --> 00:33:36,197 Agh! 815 00:33:36,297 --> 00:33:37,801 That elevator is gonna be busy. 816 00:33:37,901 --> 00:33:39,638 Woo! Hey. Top floor! 817 00:33:39,705 --> 00:33:40,673 (FRUSTRATED SIGH) 818 00:33:40,773 --> 00:33:42,610 Oh, my God! 819 00:33:42,710 --> 00:33:44,781 This is really pissing me off right now. 820 00:33:44,815 --> 00:33:46,919 -(SIGHS) -(HI-ENERGY FESTIVE MUSIC) 821 00:33:46,952 --> 00:33:49,356 -Woo! -Your cakes are burning! 822 00:33:49,456 --> 00:33:51,695 I don't even know what floor is on fire. 823 00:33:51,795 --> 00:33:53,599 Hold your nerve, c'mon. 824 00:33:53,633 --> 00:33:58,074 The winner of Next Level Baker is... 825 00:33:58,174 --> 00:33:59,911 -SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING) -(LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE) 826 00:33:59,978 --> 00:34:00,813 (GORDON) Well done, c'mon! 827 00:34:04,788 --> 00:34:06,123 (FAST-PACED FESTIVE MUSIC) 828 00:34:07,593 --> 00:34:08,528 Welcome back. 829 00:34:10,132 --> 00:34:11,969 Come on in. There she is! 830 00:34:12,069 --> 00:34:13,404 -Jumpity jump-jump. -Nikki's got more moves. 831 00:34:13,505 --> 00:34:17,345 Love it! Right, really well done. 832 00:34:17,412 --> 00:34:19,751 A one in five chance of becoming our first ever Next Level Baker. 833 00:34:19,852 --> 00:34:21,387 (DEIRDRA) Amazing. 834 00:34:21,487 --> 00:34:24,527 Deirdra, what does that mean and say to you? 835 00:34:24,628 --> 00:34:27,165 That would mean everything. Like, this is a childhood dream. 836 00:34:27,266 --> 00:34:29,938 But to win would be even more amazing. 837 00:34:29,971 --> 00:34:33,812 $25,000 would be insane to win. 838 00:34:33,912 --> 00:34:35,883 I think I would love to take some culinary classes, 839 00:34:35,983 --> 00:34:37,419 hone my expertise even more. 840 00:34:37,452 --> 00:34:38,589 Love that. 841 00:34:38,689 --> 00:34:41,161 (GUSHING) Oh, Nikki! 842 00:34:41,261 --> 00:34:44,133 How are you feeling, little chocolate drop? 843 00:34:44,233 --> 00:34:47,005 I'm feeling still nervous, but amazing. 844 00:34:47,105 --> 00:34:50,278 I am the oldest person in the competition 845 00:34:50,379 --> 00:34:53,184 with all the youngsters, but I'm like, 846 00:34:53,284 --> 00:34:55,856 listen girl, you have been baking all your life. 847 00:34:55,923 --> 00:34:57,994 (PFFT) You got this. Piece of cake! 848 00:34:58,060 --> 00:35:00,331 Piece of Bundt cake at that. 849 00:35:00,432 --> 00:35:04,173 Stefanie, the fact that you're not even classically trained 850 00:35:04,273 --> 00:35:06,410 and you've been serving up the bakes that you have? 851 00:35:06,511 --> 00:35:08,448 I mean, we are all so impressed with you. 852 00:35:08,549 --> 00:35:10,452 (EMOTIONAL) Thank you so much. 853 00:35:10,553 --> 00:35:14,293 All of my formal training was watching baking shows. 854 00:35:14,393 --> 00:35:17,332 And being here and doing this is absolutely validation 855 00:35:17,432 --> 00:35:19,905 that I'm... doing what I should be doing. 856 00:35:20,005 --> 00:35:22,209 It's just the biggest privilege 857 00:35:22,309 --> 00:35:25,482 to bake amongst these incredible women 858 00:35:25,583 --> 00:35:28,856 and to be mentored by you guys. I can't even believe it. 859 00:35:28,956 --> 00:35:32,596 Chloe, you bake with such prowess, where's that come from? 860 00:35:32,696 --> 00:35:35,602 I think my entire life has built me up for this moment. 861 00:35:35,703 --> 00:35:37,574 I don't back down from pressure and I'm not gonna start now. 862 00:35:37,674 --> 00:35:39,811 -We love that about you. -Thank you. 863 00:35:39,911 --> 00:35:41,948 -(CARLA) Zoha! -Hi. 864 00:35:41,981 --> 00:35:44,320 -How are you feeling? -Normally I have a lot of words. 865 00:35:44,420 --> 00:35:46,792 but I feel like I can't "English" right now. 866 00:35:46,892 --> 00:35:48,027 (CHUCKLING) 867 00:35:48,094 --> 00:35:49,430 It's just a jumble. 868 00:35:49,497 --> 00:35:51,067 I honestly dunno what to say. 869 00:35:51,167 --> 00:35:54,240 -Speechless! -Honestly, speechless. 870 00:35:54,340 --> 00:35:56,912 Well, just believe in your baking, and trust in it. 871 00:35:57,012 --> 00:36:00,051 And I'm gonna say this to you, and you say, "Zoha time." 872 00:36:00,118 --> 00:36:02,389 -Zoha, what time is it? -Zoha time! 873 00:36:02,489 --> 00:36:04,794 -What time is it? -Zoha time! 874 00:36:04,827 --> 00:36:05,930 That's what's up, okay? 875 00:36:05,996 --> 00:36:07,967 Okay. Thank you, Carla. 876 00:36:08,067 --> 00:36:10,071 And Zoha, if you do become 877 00:36:10,171 --> 00:36:11,708 our first ever Next Level Baker tonight, 878 00:36:11,742 --> 00:36:14,614 can you buy yourself a bloody watch? 879 00:36:14,714 --> 00:36:17,386 Candace, Carla and myself are absolutely done with 880 00:36:17,486 --> 00:36:20,091 telling you how much time is left. 881 00:36:20,191 --> 00:36:21,360 We're like the talking clock that never stops. 882 00:36:21,460 --> 00:36:23,599 -(LAUGHTER) -(GORDON) Honestly. 883 00:36:23,665 --> 00:36:25,803 Gosh, why are they giving me such a hard time? 884 00:36:25,869 --> 00:36:27,974 I just need the time. 885 00:36:28,074 --> 00:36:29,511 Ladies, let's get one thing straight. 886 00:36:29,611 --> 00:36:34,019 What stands between you and that title of our first ever 887 00:36:34,119 --> 00:36:37,259 Next Level Baker is the most intense finale 888 00:36:37,359 --> 00:36:39,496 in baking show history, let me tell you. 889 00:36:39,564 --> 00:36:41,935 Your skills and your creativity 890 00:36:42,035 --> 00:36:44,607 are about to be tested to the absolute limit tonight. 891 00:36:44,641 --> 00:36:47,345 -(DRAMATIC BEAT) -For this final challenge 892 00:36:47,378 --> 00:36:51,286 you all have to create a delicious three-tiered cake. 893 00:36:53,758 --> 00:36:55,897 (CHLOE) Easy breezy. I can make a three-tiered cake. 894 00:36:55,997 --> 00:36:57,534 I'm pretty comfortable with it. 895 00:36:57,634 --> 00:36:59,871 -Sounds easy, right? -No... (CHUCKLES) 896 00:36:59,971 --> 00:37:02,242 Think again, because each tier 897 00:37:02,309 --> 00:37:05,015 must be baked on a different level. 898 00:37:05,115 --> 00:37:08,020 (DRAMATIC MUSIC) 899 00:37:08,121 --> 00:37:09,289 (CARLA) And it's up to you to decide 900 00:37:09,389 --> 00:37:11,493 where you'll make each tier. 901 00:37:11,594 --> 00:37:12,630 (SIGHS) 902 00:37:12,730 --> 00:37:13,666 (SOMBER NOTE) 903 00:37:13,766 --> 00:37:14,901 Agh! 904 00:37:15,001 --> 00:37:17,239 On top of that, 905 00:37:17,272 --> 00:37:20,044 each tier of your cake must feature 906 00:37:20,144 --> 00:37:21,782 a different flavor profile. 907 00:37:21,882 --> 00:37:23,519 (UNEASY MUSIC) 908 00:37:23,586 --> 00:37:26,256 It still needs to feel cohesive. 909 00:37:26,323 --> 00:37:28,027 The platform will drop ingredients 910 00:37:28,127 --> 00:37:29,630 three times, once on each level. 911 00:37:32,336 --> 00:37:34,674 (GASPS) I think I just wanna go for some fresh air. 912 00:37:34,741 --> 00:37:37,914 You'll have four hours and for the first time ever, 913 00:37:38,014 --> 00:37:39,817 you'll have total freedom 914 00:37:39,851 --> 00:37:42,957 to move from kitchen to kitchen as you please. 915 00:37:43,057 --> 00:37:45,194 The three of us will be moving 916 00:37:45,295 --> 00:37:47,299 floor to floor to keep an eye on you. 917 00:37:47,332 --> 00:37:49,437 -I'm dizzy. -(SOFTLY) What?! 918 00:37:49,470 --> 00:37:52,175 I'm just thinking, survive, survive, survive! 919 00:37:52,275 --> 00:37:54,480 -Are you ready? -(NIKKI) Yes, yes. Let's do it! 920 00:37:54,581 --> 00:37:56,450 -Alright, get to that elevator. -(GORDON) Good luck! 921 00:37:56,551 --> 00:37:57,753 -(DEIRDRA) Let's do it! -Thank you! 922 00:37:57,820 --> 00:37:58,655 Let's go! 923 00:38:00,191 --> 00:38:02,062 (STEFANIE) We got this. 924 00:38:02,162 --> 00:38:03,565 -That's crazy, man. -Yeah. 925 00:38:03,632 --> 00:38:06,571 Three different levels, three different cakes, 926 00:38:06,638 --> 00:38:09,577 all assembled in the last 30 minutes on that top floor. 927 00:38:09,644 --> 00:38:13,752 For me, 'cause the basement is a little willy-nilly 928 00:38:13,852 --> 00:38:15,956 and the ovens are small, I would do my top tier in the basement. 929 00:38:16,057 --> 00:38:18,160 A hundred percent. 930 00:38:18,261 --> 00:38:21,333 I'd start my biggest tier in the basement and get that done. 931 00:38:21,367 --> 00:38:24,306 I actually think I would go middle level. 932 00:38:24,373 --> 00:38:25,943 -(GORDON) Interesting. -They need to make sure 933 00:38:26,043 --> 00:38:27,513 that bottom layer is solid. 934 00:38:27,614 --> 00:38:29,449 That is the structure of your cake. 935 00:38:29,517 --> 00:38:30,820 -I mean... -This is gonna be crazy. 936 00:38:30,920 --> 00:38:32,623 Honestly. 937 00:38:32,723 --> 00:38:34,527 -(ELEVATOR PINGS) -(BAKERS WHOOP AND CLAP) 938 00:38:34,627 --> 00:38:37,900 -First time in the basement! -(DEIRDRA) Very good! 939 00:38:38,000 --> 00:38:40,606 I'm going into the final at a disadvantage 940 00:38:40,639 --> 00:38:42,643 because I've never been to the basement before. 941 00:38:42,743 --> 00:38:44,947 Oh, my gosh, these are the cake pans you guys have? 942 00:38:44,981 --> 00:38:48,420 -(SPOOKY MUSIC) -Ohh... 943 00:38:48,522 --> 00:38:51,293 Here we go, little friend. Here we go. 944 00:38:51,393 --> 00:38:53,464 I've been freaked out by that old evil doll... 945 00:38:55,401 --> 00:38:57,405 ..but we just had to become friends 946 00:38:57,506 --> 00:39:00,478 because I need my good luck charm. 947 00:39:00,546 --> 00:39:03,251 I even brought her my glasses today. 948 00:39:03,351 --> 00:39:05,488 We twinnin'... me and Tabitha. 949 00:39:07,392 --> 00:39:09,229 -Hey! -Oh, my gosh! 950 00:39:09,263 --> 00:39:12,435 -Alright! -Alright, who's ready? 951 00:39:12,536 --> 00:39:13,872 (GORDON) All of you, come and line up across there. 952 00:39:13,972 --> 00:39:16,645 This grab is crucial. 953 00:39:16,712 --> 00:39:19,784 It is really important you get everything. Be smart, right. 954 00:39:19,851 --> 00:39:21,888 Line up. That platform is descending. 955 00:39:21,989 --> 00:39:23,458 (PLATFORM HUMMING) 956 00:39:23,559 --> 00:39:25,663 (GORDON) One stunning cake... 957 00:39:25,730 --> 00:39:27,533 -(CARLA) Oh, my God. -..three incredible layers. 958 00:39:27,600 --> 00:39:30,773 This is the most crucial platform grab ever. 959 00:39:30,840 --> 00:39:32,409 You have to figure out what ingredients 960 00:39:32,510 --> 00:39:33,979 might you need on the other levels. 961 00:39:34,045 --> 00:39:35,649 Big question is, who will be 962 00:39:35,716 --> 00:39:37,786 our first ever Next Level Baker? 963 00:39:37,820 --> 00:39:39,691 (ZOHA) And we all want to win. 964 00:39:39,791 --> 00:39:41,661 Obviously I'm already losing my (JINGLE). 965 00:39:43,131 --> 00:39:45,468 GO! Let's go! Grab! 966 00:39:45,569 --> 00:39:47,272 -(CARLA) Alright! -(GORDON) Grab, grab, grab! 967 00:39:47,372 --> 00:39:49,577 (CHLOE) I grab molasses because I'm thinking gingerbread cake 968 00:39:49,678 --> 00:39:52,182 and I'm gonna need a lot of molasses. 969 00:39:52,282 --> 00:39:53,619 -(CHLOE) Cranberries. -Okay, got it. 970 00:39:53,719 --> 00:39:55,021 I might as well be shopping on Black Friday. 971 00:39:55,088 --> 00:39:57,125 It is intense. 972 00:39:57,225 --> 00:39:59,597 -(GORDON) Grab everything, guys. -(NIKKI) Raspberry. 973 00:39:59,698 --> 00:40:03,606 For my bottom tier, I would like to make a hummingbird cake. 974 00:40:03,706 --> 00:40:05,609 -What do you need? -(NIKKI) Pineapple, pineapple... 975 00:40:05,709 --> 00:40:08,047 Pineapple is one of the key ingredients. 976 00:40:08,147 --> 00:40:09,583 Anybody seen a pineapple? 977 00:40:09,684 --> 00:40:12,623 I did not see it anywhere. (JINGLE)! 978 00:40:12,723 --> 00:40:14,561 (DEIRDRA) I'm grabbing all these ingredients, 979 00:40:14,594 --> 00:40:16,163 thinking I got everything. Then I'm like... 980 00:40:16,230 --> 00:40:17,432 Carrots. Where are the carrots? 981 00:40:17,465 --> 00:40:19,970 (CANDACE) Five seconds. 982 00:40:20,071 --> 00:40:21,173 (EXASPERATED SIGH) 983 00:40:21,240 --> 00:40:23,110 (GORDON) Go, go, go. 984 00:40:23,210 --> 00:40:25,047 (CARLA) Let's go, go! 985 00:40:25,114 --> 00:40:27,052 -Woo! Dude. -Woo! 986 00:40:27,152 --> 00:40:29,155 (GORDON) Did anybody miss a vital ingredient? 987 00:40:29,255 --> 00:40:32,596 Oh, I'm gonna need some carrots to come down next time. 988 00:40:32,630 --> 00:40:34,500 -Pineapples. -Then switch it up. 989 00:40:34,601 --> 00:40:37,740 Yeah. I needed pineapple. 990 00:40:37,840 --> 00:40:41,113 But I'm gonna take what I have and I'm going to 991 00:40:41,213 --> 00:40:43,484 make the other cakes first 992 00:40:43,585 --> 00:40:46,457 and pray for the best on the next platform. 993 00:40:46,524 --> 00:40:48,461 -(WHOOSH) -(GORDON, CLAPPING) Here we go! 994 00:40:48,529 --> 00:40:50,733 Your four hours start NOW. Let's go! 995 00:40:50,766 --> 00:40:52,504 -(CANDACE) Let's go! -Let's go, let's go! 996 00:40:52,604 --> 00:40:54,741 -(CANDACE) Hustle, hustle! -(URGENT MUSIC) 997 00:40:54,774 --> 00:40:56,911 -I'm going to the top. -I'm going to middle. 998 00:40:57,012 --> 00:40:59,383 -Yeah, I'm going there as well. -I'm gonna start down here. 999 00:40:59,483 --> 00:41:00,753 Tonight will be a true test for these bakers 1000 00:41:00,819 --> 00:41:03,223 because you're operating three kitchens. 1001 00:41:03,323 --> 00:41:06,798 So this is a tall order. It may sound like a long time, 1002 00:41:06,898 --> 00:41:08,768 four hours, but they've got their work cut out 1003 00:41:08,802 --> 00:41:10,906 and that elevator is gonna be busy. 1004 00:41:11,007 --> 00:41:13,111 I'm gonna head straight for my station. 1005 00:41:13,211 --> 00:41:15,247 (UPBEAT MUSIC) 1006 00:41:15,348 --> 00:41:16,483 Alright Miss Nikki, it's you and me. 1007 00:41:16,518 --> 00:41:18,522 This mixer's older than... me. 1008 00:41:18,622 --> 00:41:20,526 (SHARP EXHALE) 1009 00:41:20,626 --> 00:41:22,362 I've spent a lot of time in the basement 1010 00:41:22,395 --> 00:41:24,066 so I feel pretty confident. 1011 00:41:24,166 --> 00:41:25,836 I'll do my smallest cakes in the basement. 1012 00:41:25,936 --> 00:41:28,809 (CANDACE) I love to see some smiles already, ladies. 1013 00:41:28,909 --> 00:41:30,646 (STEFANIE) It's kinda peaceful in the basement. 1014 00:41:30,713 --> 00:41:32,683 -(CANDACE) It is peaceful in... -Oh! Two at once. 1015 00:41:32,783 --> 00:41:34,520 -..the basement. -(GORDON) 20 minutes gone, yes. 1016 00:41:34,553 --> 00:41:36,190 I put a little espresso powder in there. 1017 00:41:36,290 --> 00:41:37,726 Wow. And the inspiration behind it? 1018 00:41:37,826 --> 00:41:40,131 I just love Christmas. 1019 00:41:40,231 --> 00:41:41,534 These are some of my favorite holiday flavors. 1020 00:41:41,601 --> 00:41:43,672 For my three-tiered cake, 1021 00:41:43,705 --> 00:41:46,511 the bottom tier is a gingerbread cake. 1022 00:41:46,578 --> 00:41:49,784 It's filled with an orange diplomat cream. 1023 00:41:49,850 --> 00:41:52,556 And the middle tier is a cranberry orange cake 1024 00:41:52,656 --> 00:41:54,961 filled with cranberry compote. And then my top layer, 1025 00:41:55,061 --> 00:41:57,800 I'm hoping to make a chocolate peppermint cake. 1026 00:41:57,833 --> 00:42:00,237 As long as I can find some peppermint extract, but-- 1027 00:42:00,338 --> 00:42:02,543 Peppermint extract. It's the only thing you missed, right? 1028 00:42:02,577 --> 00:42:05,314 -Yes. -Five minutes until the platform 1029 00:42:05,415 --> 00:42:06,450 -for the second drop... -Oh, my gosh. 1030 00:42:06,551 --> 00:42:08,187 ..hits the middle kitchen. 1031 00:42:08,287 --> 00:42:09,022 I wish I could fry my cake. 1032 00:42:10,291 --> 00:42:12,428 You okay? 1033 00:42:12,495 --> 00:42:15,101 Hmm! That would go faster. 1034 00:42:15,201 --> 00:42:16,705 Alright, Nikki. 1035 00:42:16,738 --> 00:42:18,708 You're starting with your top tier. 1036 00:42:18,809 --> 00:42:22,850 The top. Mm-hmm. For my three-tier cake 1037 00:42:22,950 --> 00:42:26,691 I want the bottom tier to be a hummingbird cake. 1038 00:42:26,758 --> 00:42:30,464 The next layer in the middle tier is an amaretto liqueur. 1039 00:42:30,565 --> 00:42:34,006 And the top layer is a raspberry liqueur cake. 1040 00:42:34,106 --> 00:42:36,611 So I bet you're hoping to get some pineapple in the next... 1041 00:42:36,711 --> 00:42:38,481 -Oh. (CHUCKLES) -..ingredient grab. 1042 00:42:38,582 --> 00:42:40,384 -Definitely. -Otherwise it's time to pivot. 1043 00:42:40,484 --> 00:42:42,122 I need pineapple and pecans. 1044 00:42:42,222 --> 00:42:43,525 A little southern flavor. 1045 00:42:43,625 --> 00:42:46,631 -Yes. -I love it. 1046 00:42:46,731 --> 00:42:48,936 (CANDACE) About to get these cakes in the oven? 1047 00:42:49,036 --> 00:42:52,108 Our timers set for cakes down here? Don't want to forget them. 1048 00:42:52,175 --> 00:42:54,312 -We won't be able to smell them. -They are on. 1049 00:42:54,379 --> 00:42:55,849 Nikki, what's the second flavor? 1050 00:42:55,883 --> 00:42:58,722 -Amaretto. -Should we do one together? 1051 00:42:58,789 --> 00:43:00,659 -I'd love to do shots with you. -Yeah, definitely. 1052 00:43:00,759 --> 00:43:02,229 If you win, I'll come on that cruise with you. 1053 00:43:02,329 --> 00:43:02,963 We'll do shots together, girl. 1054 00:43:05,301 --> 00:43:07,673 Me and Gordon Ramsay, we're going on a cruise. 1055 00:43:07,774 --> 00:43:09,677 -(URGENT MUSIC) -(CANDACE) Headed up. 1056 00:43:09,777 --> 00:43:10,979 (NIKKI) I'm going to the grab. 1057 00:43:14,486 --> 00:43:16,289 (NIKKI) Hey, watch my girl. Don't knock her down, okay? 1058 00:43:16,390 --> 00:43:17,492 I'll keep an eye. 1059 00:43:17,526 --> 00:43:19,295 (JAZZY 'JINGLE BELLS') 1060 00:43:19,362 --> 00:43:21,535 It's three cake ladies in an elevator together! 1061 00:43:21,635 --> 00:43:23,505 -I know! -(NIKKI) Yeah. 1062 00:43:23,572 --> 00:43:24,807 -The Cake Rockettes. -Yes. 1063 00:43:27,212 --> 00:43:29,383 (CHUCKLING) 1064 00:43:29,483 --> 00:43:30,986 (PLAYFUL MUSIC) 1065 00:43:38,100 --> 00:43:40,271 (MUSIC ENDS) 1066 00:43:40,371 --> 00:43:42,042 (BELL TOLLS) 1067 00:43:42,142 --> 00:43:44,078 (URGENT MUSIC) 1068 00:43:44,179 --> 00:43:45,983 Press and turn, like frickin' medicine. 1069 00:43:46,083 --> 00:43:48,453 (CHLOE) God yeah, childproofed. 1070 00:43:48,487 --> 00:43:51,694 A three-tiered cake is something I've never made before. 1071 00:43:51,794 --> 00:43:54,065 I've never done anything like this in my life. 1072 00:43:54,099 --> 00:43:55,836 It's been a dream of mine since I was eight years old 1073 00:43:55,936 --> 00:43:58,909 to be on a baking competition like this. 1074 00:43:58,942 --> 00:44:00,813 It feels great to be a home chef and made it this far. 1075 00:44:00,913 --> 00:44:03,450 Is this your licorice cake, chocolate licorice? 1076 00:44:03,551 --> 00:44:05,989 Yeah, bottom tier. First tier of my cake, 1077 00:44:06,089 --> 00:44:10,064 I'm making a black licorice cake with a blackberry filling. 1078 00:44:10,097 --> 00:44:13,103 For my second tier, I'm making an orange carrot cake. 1079 00:44:13,204 --> 00:44:16,210 I'm hoping so bad that I can get my hands on some carrots. 1080 00:44:16,277 --> 00:44:19,383 Fingers crossed for that next platform. 1081 00:44:19,483 --> 00:44:22,889 For my top tier, I'm making a peppermint vanilla cake 1082 00:44:22,990 --> 00:44:26,565 with cranberry orange filling and a cream cheese frosting. 1083 00:44:26,598 --> 00:44:27,699 (CARLA) Have you had that combo before? 1084 00:44:27,733 --> 00:44:29,168 -Yeah, I've made it. -Okay. 1085 00:44:29,269 --> 00:44:30,972 Not many people love black licorice. 1086 00:44:31,072 --> 00:44:34,614 I know it's a little bit risky, but in the baking world 1087 00:44:34,647 --> 00:44:37,219 one of my favorite things to do is flex the creative side of it. 1088 00:44:37,252 --> 00:44:39,356 I'm trying to get enough of the licorice root flavor in here. 1089 00:44:39,456 --> 00:44:41,493 -Okay. -You like it? 1090 00:44:41,594 --> 00:44:46,436 Wow. So good. Oh, my goodness. 1091 00:44:46,504 --> 00:44:47,639 Deirdra... (SIGHS) I love Deirdra. 1092 00:44:47,739 --> 00:44:50,712 She understands flavor. 1093 00:44:50,745 --> 00:44:54,252 But I am hoping all the flavors work together. 1094 00:44:54,286 --> 00:44:55,723 So this is a real challenge for her. 1095 00:44:55,789 --> 00:44:57,760 Everybody's gettin' ready for this drop? 1096 00:44:57,860 --> 00:44:59,329 (SING SONG) Ready as we're gonna be. 1097 00:44:59,362 --> 00:45:00,197 (GORDON) Stand by, guys. 1098 00:45:02,402 --> 00:45:04,206 (GORDON) Here we go! 1099 00:45:04,306 --> 00:45:05,576 Grab everything you need. 1100 00:45:05,609 --> 00:45:07,312 Let's go! 1101 00:45:07,379 --> 00:45:09,650 Platform's there. 1102 00:45:09,750 --> 00:45:11,453 -(PLATFORM BLEEPS) -(NIKKI) I need pineapple. 1103 00:45:11,521 --> 00:45:12,890 (CARLA) Anybody see pineapple? 1104 00:45:12,990 --> 00:45:14,794 I'm just grabbing stuff, grab something. 1105 00:45:14,894 --> 00:45:16,531 Pineapple, pineapple! How many? What else do you need? 1106 00:45:16,631 --> 00:45:18,401 (GASPS) There's pineapple! 1107 00:45:18,434 --> 00:45:19,737 Look over here. What carrots are they?! Yes! 1108 00:45:19,803 --> 00:45:21,908 Yeah! As many as I can get. 1109 00:45:22,008 --> 00:45:24,279 (SOFTLY) Yes! It's exactly what I needed. 1110 00:45:24,379 --> 00:45:26,183 Does anybody see peppermint? 1111 00:45:26,283 --> 00:45:28,287 I wanted to add peppermint extract 1112 00:45:28,321 --> 00:45:29,924 into my buttercream for my peppermint cake. 1113 00:45:30,024 --> 00:45:32,529 Anybody see peppermint? Peppermint? 1114 00:45:32,630 --> 00:45:34,165 I searched and searched and searched. 1115 00:45:34,232 --> 00:45:36,637 I could not find it anywhere. 1116 00:45:36,704 --> 00:45:38,642 Anything that's like legit peppermint? 1117 00:45:38,742 --> 00:45:40,812 So I've gotta pivot. (HI-PITCHED YELP) 1118 00:45:40,913 --> 00:45:42,617 -(CARLA) You get candy canes? -I did! 1119 00:45:42,683 --> 00:45:44,152 Ten seconds! 1120 00:45:44,186 --> 00:45:46,090 And I found some candy canes. 1121 00:45:46,190 --> 00:45:49,028 I'm just hopeful I can make something out of it. 1122 00:45:49,095 --> 00:45:50,899 I'll do my best. I don't know if I'll be able to. 1123 00:45:50,933 --> 00:45:53,337 Fondant! You need fondant? 1124 00:45:53,437 --> 00:45:56,410 (GORDON) Five seconds! Quick, quick, quick! Last grab! 1125 00:45:56,511 --> 00:45:59,249 Well done! Great grab. 1126 00:45:59,315 --> 00:46:00,685 I gotta go downstairs! 1127 00:46:00,785 --> 00:46:02,255 -Where do you wanna go? -Basement. 1128 00:46:02,355 --> 00:46:03,658 -Okay, basement first. -I'll ride up and down. 1129 00:46:03,692 --> 00:46:06,697 (HI-STAKES MUSIC) 1130 00:46:06,797 --> 00:46:08,200 C'mon, I won't let you down. 1131 00:46:08,300 --> 00:46:09,268 -Let's go. -Okay. 1132 00:46:09,302 --> 00:46:10,772 (SOMBER NOTE) 1133 00:46:10,839 --> 00:46:13,678 Oh, geez. Who's are these in here? 1134 00:46:13,778 --> 00:46:15,783 'Cause they are burning. 1135 00:46:15,849 --> 00:46:17,853 Who's are they, d'you know? 1136 00:46:17,953 --> 00:46:19,657 They might be Nikki's. She's been baking it down here. 1137 00:46:19,724 --> 00:46:22,563 Oh, no. NIKKI! 1138 00:46:22,663 --> 00:46:24,533 -Yeah! -Your cakes are burning! 1139 00:46:24,566 --> 00:46:26,403 -(DRAMATIC BEAT) -(JINGLE)! 1140 00:46:26,470 --> 00:46:27,673 Oh God, I forgot. 1141 00:46:27,740 --> 00:46:30,377 -Nikki! -Comin'! 1142 00:46:30,477 --> 00:46:32,582 I don't even know what floor is on fire. 1143 00:46:32,682 --> 00:46:34,019 -Get down here! -(NIKKI) Comin'! 1144 00:46:34,119 --> 00:46:36,089 -Please! -She's coming! 1145 00:46:36,156 --> 00:46:37,827 -I'm coming down! -(GORDON) Come on, Nikki! 1146 00:46:37,894 --> 00:46:39,328 -(SOFTLY) Oh, my God! -(MUSIC ENDS) 1147 00:46:43,739 --> 00:46:45,107 -(HI-STAKES MUSIC) -(HOLLERING) Nikki! 1148 00:46:45,207 --> 00:46:47,311 -Your cakes are burning! -(SOFTLY) Oh, my God! 1149 00:46:47,411 --> 00:46:49,716 My cakes are on fire. 1150 00:46:49,817 --> 00:46:51,721 Oh, my God. Who signed me up for this? 1151 00:46:51,821 --> 00:46:54,225 Cake gods, shine on that cake. 1152 00:46:56,631 --> 00:46:57,833 (NIKKI) C'mon, c'mon! 1153 00:46:57,866 --> 00:46:59,704 You got it girl, go get 'em! 1154 00:46:59,771 --> 00:47:01,775 Please, put some down. Let's go. Well done. 1155 00:47:01,875 --> 00:47:03,444 (JINGLE) 1156 00:47:03,511 --> 00:47:04,746 -(JINGLE) -That's fine. 1157 00:47:04,847 --> 00:47:06,417 Take them out, we'll get them cooled. 1158 00:47:06,518 --> 00:47:08,688 Let's get them out. You've gotta be on it. 1159 00:47:08,788 --> 00:47:11,895 Thank God Gordon Ramsay did tell me they were on fire because... 1160 00:47:11,995 --> 00:47:14,299 Whew! That could've been bad. 1161 00:47:14,399 --> 00:47:16,637 -(LIGHT MUSIC) -(GORDON) You okay? 1162 00:47:16,737 --> 00:47:18,240 -Yes. -Just get them out quickly. 1163 00:47:18,307 --> 00:47:19,743 -Okay. -And get them cooled down, yes? 1164 00:47:19,843 --> 00:47:21,882 -Okay? -Yes... okay. 1165 00:47:21,982 --> 00:47:23,584 Then you decide whether you do them again. 1166 00:47:23,618 --> 00:47:25,287 Did you just forget about them? 1167 00:47:25,388 --> 00:47:27,024 -No. The timer just went off. -Right. 1168 00:47:27,124 --> 00:47:28,728 They didn't look burned 1169 00:47:28,762 --> 00:47:31,065 I think because they were raspberry, 1170 00:47:31,166 --> 00:47:34,640 so they were already a darker color. 1171 00:47:34,741 --> 00:47:36,678 -At least they're fine, right? -Yes. 1172 00:47:36,744 --> 00:47:41,286 He saved the day because I could not have started over. 1173 00:47:43,558 --> 00:47:46,496 -Oh, my lord! -(PING) 1174 00:47:46,597 --> 00:47:48,200 -Geez, what's she doing here? -That's Tabitha. 1175 00:47:48,300 --> 00:47:49,637 -(GORDON) Tabitha? -Yeah, that's my girl. 1176 00:47:49,703 --> 00:47:50,672 She magical. 1177 00:47:50,772 --> 00:47:52,108 (CREEPY MUSIC) 1178 00:47:52,208 --> 00:47:53,277 (PING) 1179 00:47:53,377 --> 00:47:55,281 (CHUCKLES) 1180 00:47:55,347 --> 00:47:57,284 Tabitha was letting me know, "I got you, girl." 1181 00:47:57,384 --> 00:47:58,888 Hi, sweetie. 1182 00:47:58,921 --> 00:48:00,659 She's got eyes on the cake. 1183 00:48:00,759 --> 00:48:03,197 (CHUCKLING) 1184 00:48:03,297 --> 00:48:05,802 How long for the sponges on the middle floor and the top floor? 1185 00:48:05,902 --> 00:48:06,671 I haven't got 'em in the oven yet. 1186 00:48:06,771 --> 00:48:09,442 (JINGLE)! Let's go. 1187 00:48:09,475 --> 00:48:11,915 Here we go, straight up to the top floor. 1188 00:48:11,948 --> 00:48:13,818 -Get that sponge in, please. -Yes. 1189 00:48:13,918 --> 00:48:16,122 -(SOMBER NOTE) -(CARLA) Just over 3 hours left. 1190 00:48:16,222 --> 00:48:19,195 Zoha! What tier are you making right now? 1191 00:48:19,228 --> 00:48:21,601 I'm making my base tier, the largest tier. 1192 00:48:21,701 --> 00:48:23,470 -(CARLA) Okay. -I am making 1193 00:48:23,538 --> 00:48:26,076 a three-tiered cake representing the colors 1194 00:48:26,176 --> 00:48:28,047 and beautiful flavors of Pakistani food. 1195 00:48:28,113 --> 00:48:30,919 My bottom tier is a pistachio kulfi cake 1196 00:48:30,953 --> 00:48:32,689 with a raspberry compote through it. 1197 00:48:32,790 --> 00:48:35,094 The middle tier is a maple pecan cake 1198 00:48:35,194 --> 00:48:37,566 and my top tier is a gulab jamun-flavored cake 1199 00:48:37,666 --> 00:48:39,536 with cardamom and rose water. 1200 00:48:39,603 --> 00:48:40,873 (CARLA) It sounds amazing. 1201 00:48:40,973 --> 00:48:42,475 Feel like I'm already far behind. 1202 00:48:42,543 --> 00:48:44,780 The brain is not braining right now. (LAUGHS) 1203 00:48:44,881 --> 00:48:47,351 Yeah, it kind of feels like some screws are not in place. 1204 00:48:47,385 --> 00:48:50,158 Oh, I didn't put my frickin' parchment paper in there. 1205 00:48:50,258 --> 00:48:53,397 This is multitasking on a whole other level. 1206 00:48:53,497 --> 00:48:55,602 Cool, calm, collected. That's the mantra for today. 1207 00:48:55,702 --> 00:48:57,371 (METALLIC CLATTERING) 1208 00:48:57,438 --> 00:48:58,942 Just be cool, calm and collected. 1209 00:48:58,976 --> 00:49:00,679 (PLASTIC BANGING) 1210 00:49:00,746 --> 00:49:02,616 I can't lose it. 1211 00:49:02,716 --> 00:49:04,185 Oh, I'm running to the middle! 1212 00:49:06,123 --> 00:49:07,826 I have to split my brain into 30 pieces. 1213 00:49:07,893 --> 00:49:09,463 (WHOOSHING) 1214 00:49:09,564 --> 00:49:11,534 Holy (JINGLE). 1215 00:49:11,634 --> 00:49:13,671 There's different buttercreams, different flavors. 1216 00:49:13,771 --> 00:49:16,376 Then I'm gonna need time to make sure my cake looks good. 1217 00:49:16,443 --> 00:49:18,881 Hey, do you have baking powder and salt up here? 1218 00:49:18,981 --> 00:49:20,652 I haven't even started, no. 1219 00:49:20,752 --> 00:49:21,888 Is anyone actually calm right now? 1220 00:49:21,988 --> 00:49:24,760 Stefanie, what's going on here? 1221 00:49:24,860 --> 00:49:27,733 Here I'm doing a cranberry orange cake 1222 00:49:27,833 --> 00:49:30,170 and I'll have a cranberry compote in between the layers. 1223 00:49:30,271 --> 00:49:31,741 You're lovin' the cranberries today. 1224 00:49:31,841 --> 00:49:33,844 My daughter, Elle, is 10 1225 00:49:33,911 --> 00:49:36,817 and she loves sugared cranberries. 1226 00:49:36,918 --> 00:49:38,855 She eats them by the handful, so it's a little ode to her. 1227 00:49:38,889 --> 00:49:40,692 -Oh, that's so sweet. -Yeah. 1228 00:49:40,792 --> 00:49:43,163 Kind of a sophisticated palate. Those can be tart. 1229 00:49:43,263 --> 00:49:45,935 Cranberries and sushi. That's my girl. 1230 00:49:45,969 --> 00:49:48,140 I've got kids that like sushi, too. That's an expensive habit. 1231 00:49:48,207 --> 00:49:50,879 Yes, it is. So I'm a mom of four. 1232 00:49:50,912 --> 00:49:53,885 We had twins first, Landon and Hudson. 1233 00:49:53,952 --> 00:49:56,056 And a couple of years later we decided 1234 00:49:56,156 --> 00:49:59,062 to adopt our daughter, Elle, from China. 1235 00:49:59,162 --> 00:50:01,834 And then fast forward many, many, many years later, 1236 00:50:01,934 --> 00:50:04,172 we felt drawn towards foster care 1237 00:50:04,238 --> 00:50:06,611 and we were placed with this precious baby boy. 1238 00:50:06,678 --> 00:50:09,750 And so we were able to adopt him 1239 00:50:09,784 --> 00:50:11,319 right before Christmas last year. 1240 00:50:11,419 --> 00:50:13,758 Wow, that's amazing. You have your hands full. 1241 00:50:13,825 --> 00:50:15,595 One of my sons goes, 1242 00:50:15,695 --> 00:50:18,466 "Mom, you've gotta bake your butt off today!" 1243 00:50:18,568 --> 00:50:21,339 He also was, "Have you cursed?" That's what he wanted to know. 1244 00:50:21,439 --> 00:50:23,210 "Have you cursed?" Tried really hard not to. 1245 00:50:23,310 --> 00:50:25,214 We'll leave the cursing to Gordon. 1246 00:50:25,314 --> 00:50:27,085 Now c'mon, I'm not (JINGLE) around. Let's go, girl. 1247 00:50:27,185 --> 00:50:29,723 (TENSE ATMOSPHERIC MUSIC) 1248 00:50:29,823 --> 00:50:31,059 Damn it, I need more batter. 1249 00:50:31,093 --> 00:50:32,996 The game face is real, Chloe. 1250 00:50:33,096 --> 00:50:34,966 -(MANIC LAUGH) -What's your flavor? 1251 00:50:35,067 --> 00:50:37,806 So I'm working with a gingerbread cake. 1252 00:50:37,906 --> 00:50:42,247 For my bottom tier, I'm going to be baking my gingerbread cake. 1253 00:50:42,348 --> 00:50:45,521 My middle tier, I'm going to be making my pecan spice cake. 1254 00:50:45,622 --> 00:50:47,960 For my top tier, I'm going to be baking 1255 00:50:48,060 --> 00:50:51,199 my orange zest cake with cranberry compote. 1256 00:50:51,266 --> 00:50:54,338 And we're gonna do some snickerdoodle buttercream. 1257 00:50:54,372 --> 00:50:56,711 -You better shut your face. -Yes! Snickerdoodle buttercream! 1258 00:50:56,811 --> 00:50:59,115 -Oh. My. God. -(URGENT MUSIC) 1259 00:50:59,215 --> 00:51:01,286 I have made this gingerbread cake a thousand times, 1260 00:51:01,386 --> 00:51:04,359 but you take however much time you want. 1261 00:51:04,426 --> 00:51:07,398 You know and maybe even - wild thought - one kitchen. 1262 00:51:07,498 --> 00:51:09,368 So let's just get this in the oven! (BLEEP) 1263 00:51:11,541 --> 00:51:12,274 We're good. 1264 00:51:16,984 --> 00:51:18,354 Do you know where teaspoons are in here? 1265 00:51:18,420 --> 00:51:20,258 Do you know where teaspoons are in here? 1266 00:51:20,358 --> 00:51:23,363 Moving between all these levels is really, really 1267 00:51:23,397 --> 00:51:25,969 affecting my timing in getting this cake put together. 1268 00:51:26,002 --> 00:51:27,772 You guys know where teaspoons are? 1269 00:51:27,806 --> 00:51:29,843 I can't find teaspoons anywhere. If you see them... 1270 00:51:29,910 --> 00:51:31,046 Okay, okay. (SHOUTING) I heard you! 1271 00:51:31,146 --> 00:51:32,749 Top kitchen please! 1272 00:51:32,850 --> 00:51:35,555 (HI-STAKES MUSIC) 1273 00:51:35,655 --> 00:51:38,928 I'm comin'! Every single bit of my energy is going into getting 1274 00:51:39,028 --> 00:51:40,297 in and out of the elevator. 1275 00:51:40,397 --> 00:51:42,034 Down, down, down. C'mon! 1276 00:51:42,134 --> 00:51:43,537 Basement, basement. BASEMENT! 1277 00:51:43,604 --> 00:51:45,775 -(LIGHT MUSIC) -Top floor, please. 1278 00:51:45,875 --> 00:51:46,844 -(TENSE MUSIC) -Basement! 1279 00:51:46,877 --> 00:51:48,380 I don't think I've screamed 1280 00:51:48,446 --> 00:51:50,017 at equipment more in my life. BASEMENT! 1281 00:51:50,117 --> 00:51:51,352 -(CLEARS THROAT) -(LIGHT MUSIC) 1282 00:51:52,756 --> 00:51:54,593 (LIGHT MUSIC CONTINUES) 1283 00:51:54,627 --> 00:51:56,262 (SHARP EXHALE) 1284 00:51:56,296 --> 00:51:57,498 Oh, my God! This is absolutely wild. 1285 00:52:00,404 --> 00:52:02,175 -(DRAMATIC 'JINGLE BELLS') -Phew! 1286 00:52:02,275 --> 00:52:05,047 -(ELEVATOR PINGS) -Oh! Oh, uh... 1287 00:52:05,147 --> 00:52:06,650 This is insane, from floor to floor, man. 1288 00:52:07,886 --> 00:52:09,288 Teaspoons? 1289 00:52:09,355 --> 00:52:10,959 (DEIRDRA) Woo. Hey! Top floor, please. 1290 00:52:11,059 --> 00:52:13,063 Shoes please, on three. 1291 00:52:13,163 --> 00:52:15,301 -This is a marathon. -(PING) 1292 00:52:15,334 --> 00:52:19,041 A really sticky, sugary marathon. Ugh. 1293 00:52:19,142 --> 00:52:20,645 Hold the elevator! 1294 00:52:20,745 --> 00:52:21,781 I think I've probably run 1295 00:52:21,881 --> 00:52:22,615 at least 20,000 steps by now. 1296 00:52:24,520 --> 00:52:25,354 Top floor. 1297 00:52:26,757 --> 00:52:29,161 I hate this challenge! 1298 00:52:29,228 --> 00:52:31,365 -Finally found some. -(MUSIC ENDS) 1299 00:52:31,466 --> 00:52:34,573 -(PING) -Shut up, shut up, shut up... 1300 00:52:34,673 --> 00:52:37,846 (WHOOSHING) 1301 00:52:37,879 --> 00:52:39,950 -Up, up, up... Go, go, go... -(ELEVATOR PINGS) 1302 00:52:41,453 --> 00:52:43,223 (CLEARS THROAT) Okay! 1303 00:52:43,323 --> 00:52:44,960 -(DRAMATIC BEAT) -(JINGLE)! 1304 00:52:45,060 --> 00:52:47,464 (TENSE MUSIC) 1305 00:52:47,565 --> 00:52:49,068 (DOOR SLAMS) 1306 00:52:49,102 --> 00:52:51,373 If you leave your oven doors open 1307 00:52:51,473 --> 00:52:54,445 any baker knows, you will effectively ruin your bake. 1308 00:52:54,478 --> 00:52:56,851 One more minute, c'mon! 1309 00:52:56,918 --> 00:52:58,955 That is probably the worst thing that could happen. 1310 00:52:59,055 --> 00:53:00,257 (CANDACE) Chloe, how's it going? 1311 00:53:00,357 --> 00:53:02,629 (IRONIC) We're doing great. 1312 00:53:02,730 --> 00:53:04,967 You know, honestly I dunno what everyone's panicking about. 1313 00:53:05,067 --> 00:53:06,838 -(CANDACE) Yeah! -Literally fine. 1314 00:53:06,938 --> 00:53:09,242 -Cool as a cucumber. -Yeah. 1315 00:53:09,342 --> 00:53:12,382 I did so many things right up to this point. 1316 00:53:12,482 --> 00:53:14,820 This cannot be the thing that brings me down. 1317 00:53:14,853 --> 00:53:17,224 Ow, ow, ow. 1318 00:53:17,257 --> 00:53:19,495 (SIGHS) Please be good, please be good... C'mon! 1319 00:53:24,038 --> 00:53:24,740 (JINGLE) 1320 00:53:26,711 --> 00:53:27,846 (JINGLE)! 1321 00:53:27,947 --> 00:53:29,750 (FRUSTRATED GROAN) 1322 00:53:29,850 --> 00:53:31,954 It is not fully baked. 1323 00:53:31,987 --> 00:53:33,958 I would love for this cake 1324 00:53:33,992 --> 00:53:35,227 to be salvageable, but it is not. 1325 00:53:35,260 --> 00:53:36,964 (HI-STAKES MUSIC BUILDS) 1326 00:53:37,031 --> 00:53:38,333 (THUDDING) 1327 00:53:41,138 --> 00:53:41,840 (CHLOE) Might be redoing this cake. 1328 00:53:44,178 --> 00:53:45,447 (MUSIC ENDS) 1329 00:53:49,288 --> 00:53:50,124 (DRAMATIC MUSIC) 1330 00:53:50,324 --> 00:53:52,494 (CHLOE) Please be good, please be good... C'mon! 1331 00:53:55,534 --> 00:53:59,008 It's pretty easy to see that this is dark on the outside 1332 00:53:59,109 --> 00:54:01,112 and completely not baked in the middle. 1333 00:54:01,179 --> 00:54:03,785 Oh, you're (JINGLE) kidding me. 1334 00:54:03,852 --> 00:54:05,655 I'm gonna have to start from scratch. 1335 00:54:05,722 --> 00:54:08,293 -Damn... damn, damn, damn. -(CANDACE) I know. 1336 00:54:08,393 --> 00:54:11,801 (CHLOE) It was fate, you guys. 1337 00:54:11,834 --> 00:54:13,604 You're remaking your ginger cake? 1338 00:54:13,704 --> 00:54:16,577 Yes. This time we'll do sheet pan, it'll be super fast. 1339 00:54:16,677 --> 00:54:19,015 I think the sheet pan strategy is gonna be brilliant. 1340 00:54:19,115 --> 00:54:21,754 I think the second time around I'll be prouder of the taste-- 1341 00:54:21,854 --> 00:54:23,323 -I think so. -Who gets to taste test 1342 00:54:23,423 --> 00:54:25,695 -their cake already? -(LAUGHTER) 1343 00:54:25,762 --> 00:54:28,166 -So let's get this in the oven! -Let's get this going. 1344 00:54:28,200 --> 00:54:30,371 This should be fine. Alright. 1345 00:54:30,471 --> 00:54:31,673 Should be fine. 1346 00:54:34,012 --> 00:54:36,416 (LIGHT FESTIVE MUSIC) 1347 00:54:36,483 --> 00:54:38,353 Maybe not the best thing to go to the basement 1348 00:54:38,453 --> 00:54:41,292 for the first time on your last challenge, 1349 00:54:41,326 --> 00:54:43,965 but I have to make my top cake. I hate this. 1350 00:54:44,065 --> 00:54:46,203 (DEIRDRA) Just try to have fun. 1351 00:54:46,303 --> 00:54:47,606 My top tier is a gulab jamun-flavored cake 1352 00:54:47,706 --> 00:54:49,174 with cardamom and rose water. 1353 00:54:49,241 --> 00:54:52,849 Gulab jamun is a South Asian sweet. 1354 00:54:52,882 --> 00:54:54,218 It's okay, you're right. We're having fun. 1355 00:54:54,318 --> 00:54:55,922 -Yes, yes, yes. -C'mon, Zoha. 1356 00:54:55,955 --> 00:54:58,393 L-O-L. 1357 00:54:58,493 --> 00:55:00,665 I should have rose... right here. 1358 00:55:00,765 --> 00:55:03,370 I mean, for us, the biggest holiday in Pakistan is Eid. 1359 00:55:03,470 --> 00:55:05,976 And my mom or my grandmom 1360 00:55:06,009 --> 00:55:07,880 will not asleep at all because they're making 1361 00:55:07,980 --> 00:55:09,649 the Pakistani sweets. So this is for them. 1362 00:55:14,092 --> 00:55:15,193 (YELPS) 1363 00:55:15,227 --> 00:55:16,730 (URGENT MUSIC) 1364 00:55:16,830 --> 00:55:18,935 Oh, my God. 1365 00:55:19,002 --> 00:55:20,370 -Did it spill? -Yeah. 1366 00:55:20,470 --> 00:55:22,542 The top came off, didn't it? 1367 00:55:22,642 --> 00:55:25,280 -Did that happen to you before? -Down here, too. 1368 00:55:25,381 --> 00:55:27,886 (RESIGNED CHUCKLE) Damn the basement! 1369 00:55:27,952 --> 00:55:29,956 Everything's okay, don't worry about it. 1370 00:55:30,023 --> 00:55:31,126 (QUIETLY) It's okay. 1371 00:55:31,226 --> 00:55:33,163 (DRAMATIC BEAT) 1372 00:55:33,263 --> 00:55:34,833 Let's go. Ladies, halfway. 1373 00:55:34,867 --> 00:55:37,872 Halfway. 1374 00:55:37,972 --> 00:55:38,941 Who's are these cakes here? 1375 00:55:38,975 --> 00:55:40,711 Who's are these? 1376 00:55:43,216 --> 00:55:44,385 -DEIRDRA! -Oh, shoot. 1377 00:55:44,485 --> 00:55:46,356 (GORDON) Top floor to basement! 1378 00:55:46,389 --> 00:55:48,226 -DEIRDRA! -Oh yeah, that's me. Top floor. 1379 00:55:48,293 --> 00:55:49,964 Cakes are ready. 1380 00:55:50,031 --> 00:55:51,232 Deirdra's coming! 1381 00:55:51,299 --> 00:55:53,538 Oh my gosh, I need to make sure 1382 00:55:53,638 --> 00:55:55,240 these carrot cakes are delicious and amazing. 1383 00:55:55,307 --> 00:55:56,643 I can't have anything burn right now. 1384 00:55:58,179 --> 00:56:01,186 (OMINOUS MUSIC) 1385 00:56:01,286 --> 00:56:02,487 Okay, thank you. 1386 00:56:04,124 --> 00:56:05,327 The one at the back is ready. 1387 00:56:05,427 --> 00:56:06,930 That one looks a little bit runny. 1388 00:56:06,997 --> 00:56:09,302 It's so awesome to work with Chef Ramsay 1389 00:56:09,402 --> 00:56:11,941 because he so effortlessly knows everything. 1390 00:56:12,041 --> 00:56:14,078 See what I'm saying? Touch. They're ready. 1391 00:56:14,178 --> 00:56:16,248 -That top one isn't. -He just saved my carrot cake. 1392 00:56:16,315 --> 00:56:18,019 Ooh... This is the best cake I make. 1393 00:56:18,119 --> 00:56:19,623 (SIGHS) I'm so relieved. 1394 00:56:21,292 --> 00:56:22,596 Chloe, what are you working on? 1395 00:56:22,696 --> 00:56:25,267 I'm working on my spiced pecan cake. 1396 00:56:25,333 --> 00:56:27,404 I have to get back on track. 1397 00:56:27,438 --> 00:56:29,075 You can't stand around going, 1398 00:56:29,175 --> 00:56:30,812 maybe I'll, maybe I'll... Move! 1399 00:56:30,879 --> 00:56:32,414 -Let's taste that. -(CARLA) Hey! 1400 00:56:32,448 --> 00:56:35,087 Chloe, that is your yummy face. 1401 00:56:35,187 --> 00:56:36,322 It's SO good. 1402 00:56:36,422 --> 00:56:37,926 (CARLA) Oh, my gosh. 1403 00:56:38,026 --> 00:56:39,563 I needed it kinda nutty 1404 00:56:39,630 --> 00:56:40,631 because there'll be a caramel filling. 1405 00:56:42,301 --> 00:56:44,606 (MAGICAL HARP STRUMS) 1406 00:56:44,706 --> 00:56:47,411 This is delicious, and you toasted the nuts, didn't you? 1407 00:56:47,444 --> 00:56:49,348 -It makes all the difference. -It does. 1408 00:56:49,448 --> 00:56:51,419 Nuts will not caramelize inside the batter. 1409 00:56:51,452 --> 00:56:53,557 No, they just get more waxy? 1410 00:56:53,590 --> 00:56:55,829 Yes, they get waxy and taste like fingernails. 1411 00:56:55,862 --> 00:56:58,200 That's gross. I'm gonna get you in the oven, baby. 1412 00:56:58,300 --> 00:56:59,435 Which tier is this, the top or middle? 1413 00:56:59,468 --> 00:57:00,036 -This is the middle. -Alright. 1414 00:57:01,305 --> 00:57:02,742 (CHLOE) Middle! 1415 00:57:02,842 --> 00:57:04,980 An hour and 50 minutes left. 1416 00:57:05,013 --> 00:57:06,884 -(MUSIC ENDS) -We go for the middle tier now. 1417 00:57:06,984 --> 00:57:08,120 -Right? The left hand side. -Yes. 1418 00:57:08,220 --> 00:57:10,490 (PLAYFUL MUSIC) 1419 00:57:10,591 --> 00:57:12,829 Oh my God, stop the clock. Just stop the clock. 1420 00:57:12,929 --> 00:57:15,735 Uh... 1421 00:57:15,768 --> 00:57:18,607 I can't think, I can't think. A mixer... I need a mixer. 1422 00:57:18,707 --> 00:57:21,514 I'm just trying to think of all three 1423 00:57:21,614 --> 00:57:24,485 different flavored cakes that we have to do. 1424 00:57:24,586 --> 00:57:27,725 I need a mixer. And now my head is so gone. 1425 00:57:30,631 --> 00:57:34,238 Nikki's way behind. Way, way behind. Nikki? 1426 00:57:34,339 --> 00:57:36,009 -Yes? -Next step, straight in the oven 1427 00:57:36,042 --> 00:57:37,512 with that sponge, then we can breathe. 1428 00:57:37,612 --> 00:57:38,747 No, there ain't no breathin'. 1429 00:57:40,384 --> 00:57:42,989 This is the craziest thing 1430 00:57:43,089 --> 00:57:44,893 I have experienced. 1431 00:57:44,960 --> 00:57:47,397 Okay. This oven... Which oven on? 1432 00:57:47,497 --> 00:57:49,669 -Good girl. -Why did I do this? 1433 00:57:49,770 --> 00:57:53,243 We got two in, I want you to think about your top tier now. 1434 00:57:53,343 --> 00:57:54,378 Okay, yeah. I'm gonna be fine. 1435 00:57:54,478 --> 00:57:56,650 Oh, I know. I remember. 1436 00:57:56,750 --> 00:57:59,657 Because I'm Nikki J and I'm Next Level Baker. 1437 00:57:59,757 --> 00:58:01,827 -(URGENT MUSIC) -Chloe? 1438 00:58:01,928 --> 00:58:04,632 What's going on with your cake that's in the oven right now 1439 00:58:04,699 --> 00:58:06,871 -that appears to be-- -Looking good... Oh, my God. 1440 00:58:06,971 --> 00:58:08,039 (MUSIC BUILDS) 1441 00:58:11,513 --> 00:58:13,651 This is amazing. This is going so swimmingly. 1442 00:58:13,717 --> 00:58:15,521 I'm pretty fed up, I'm pretty frustrated with myself. 1443 00:58:15,554 --> 00:58:17,525 Wish this was a martini. 1444 00:58:17,558 --> 00:58:19,162 You good? Is that out? 1445 00:58:19,262 --> 00:58:21,332 No, the cake is doing something. 1446 00:58:21,398 --> 00:58:22,936 I dunno what the (JINGLE) it's doing, it's not good. 1447 00:58:23,003 --> 00:58:24,740 -C'mon, what happened? -That oven. 1448 00:58:24,840 --> 00:58:26,376 Did you put bicarb in there or baking soda? 1449 00:58:26,442 --> 00:58:28,146 -I mean, yeah. -How much? 1450 00:58:28,246 --> 00:58:29,516 I think the amount I should. 1451 00:58:29,583 --> 00:58:31,386 -I mean (JINGLE). -(JINGLE) 1452 00:58:31,452 --> 00:58:34,192 I likely moved too fast 1453 00:58:34,258 --> 00:58:36,797 and used baking soda instead of baking powder. 1454 00:58:36,864 --> 00:58:40,437 It's going to burn on the edges and stay soup in the middle. 1455 00:58:40,538 --> 00:58:41,941 I dunno if this is gonna bake, 1456 00:58:42,008 --> 00:58:43,544 dunno what the (JINGLE) is happening. 1457 00:58:43,611 --> 00:58:45,147 Am I seriously gonna have 1458 00:58:45,214 --> 00:58:46,416 to make this cake a third time? 1459 00:58:46,449 --> 00:58:47,652 (MUSIC ENDS) 1460 00:58:52,261 --> 00:58:54,766 -It's not good. Just, just... -(GORDON) Damn. 1461 00:58:54,866 --> 00:58:56,736 -My recipe is... -We'll get this. You know that. 1462 00:58:56,837 --> 00:58:59,408 My gingerbread cake is somehow worse 1463 00:58:59,442 --> 00:59:01,212 than the first time I made it. 1464 00:59:01,312 --> 00:59:03,016 I have to start from scratch. 1465 00:59:03,083 --> 00:59:04,853 So, I make it again. 1466 00:59:04,953 --> 00:59:07,559 I'll use brown sugar 'cause I don't have molasses. 1467 00:59:07,625 --> 00:59:08,995 There you go, don't stick to a problem. 1468 00:59:09,095 --> 00:59:10,765 -Pivot and change up. -Move on. 1469 00:59:10,865 --> 00:59:13,571 I don't have time. I don't have any time for this. 1470 00:59:13,637 --> 00:59:15,608 That is annoying. What happened to that? 1471 00:59:15,708 --> 00:59:18,714 I honestly can't tell ya. 1472 00:59:18,781 --> 00:59:22,254 (EMOTIONAL) Believe me, this kind of thing can break you. 1473 00:59:22,354 --> 00:59:24,291 We are not giving up. 1474 00:59:24,391 --> 00:59:27,899 But, I promised my mom, I promised my little sister, 1475 00:59:27,999 --> 00:59:31,607 that I was going to make her life extraordinary. 1476 00:59:31,707 --> 00:59:34,011 At all costs. 1477 00:59:34,111 --> 00:59:36,483 We're gonna get there... If I win Next Level Baker 1478 00:59:36,584 --> 00:59:38,521 it's like everything I ever lost 1479 00:59:38,621 --> 00:59:40,759 and everything I overcame, finally, 1480 00:59:40,859 --> 00:59:42,260 it was for something. 1481 00:59:42,360 --> 00:59:43,463 Let's use a different oven. 1482 00:59:43,496 --> 00:59:44,866 New cake, new oven. 1483 00:59:44,933 --> 00:59:46,402 (QUIETLY) New cake, new oven. 1484 00:59:46,502 --> 00:59:49,408 -(PLAYFUL MUSIC) -What the hell? 1485 00:59:49,442 --> 00:59:52,882 It is bad in this basement, but I see some stockings. 1486 00:59:52,949 --> 00:59:55,220 Those stockings had to be about 50 years old, too. 1487 00:59:58,159 --> 01:00:01,098 I know nobody else would be excited about a stocking. 1488 01:00:03,369 --> 01:00:04,506 (CARLA) Oh, Nikki! 1489 01:00:04,539 --> 01:00:05,875 It's just me and you, babe. 1490 01:00:05,942 --> 01:00:07,646 And Tabitha, don't disrespect... 1491 01:00:07,746 --> 01:00:09,917 (CARLA) Sorry Tabitha, I see you. 1492 01:00:10,017 --> 01:00:12,254 Okay, I gotta roll my fondant out here. 1493 01:00:12,354 --> 01:00:13,791 I found something down here. 1494 01:00:13,891 --> 01:00:16,395 Tabitha showed me where something was. 1495 01:00:16,495 --> 01:00:17,666 -Yeah. -You puttin' on some stockings? 1496 01:00:17,766 --> 01:00:18,901 -No. -What's happening? 1497 01:00:18,934 --> 01:00:20,303 -Long story. -Okay. 1498 01:00:20,404 --> 01:00:21,807 Oh, is this a tip? 1499 01:00:21,907 --> 01:00:25,347 Okay, I need cornstarch. 1500 01:00:25,447 --> 01:00:27,518 Please don't leave those pantyhose on the kitchen table. 1501 01:00:27,585 --> 01:00:29,523 -(LAUGHTER) -(CARLA) Girl, that... 1502 01:00:29,590 --> 01:00:32,194 I put the cornstarch in the stocking 1503 01:00:32,294 --> 01:00:35,166 to control how much 1504 01:00:35,266 --> 01:00:36,837 I apply to the fondant. 1505 01:00:36,937 --> 01:00:39,576 So your decor, is it all fondant? 1506 01:00:39,677 --> 01:00:41,412 -Yeah. -Make it nice and thin because-- 1507 01:00:41,513 --> 01:00:43,584 -I know. -Yeah. 1508 01:00:43,684 --> 01:00:45,788 -Can't be too heavy. -You lookin' at me like, 1509 01:00:45,855 --> 01:00:47,859 "Yeah, I know, Carla. I do this all the time." 1510 01:00:47,959 --> 01:00:51,566 (CHUCKLES) I've been making cakes out of fondant 1511 01:00:51,666 --> 01:00:54,238 for at least 13 years. 1512 01:00:54,338 --> 01:00:55,841 I'm used to that sheeter, but we don't-- 1513 01:00:55,942 --> 01:00:58,346 -You are the sheeter. -Yeah, I see. 1514 01:00:58,446 --> 01:00:59,883 But not in these conditions. 1515 01:01:02,989 --> 01:01:05,728 How am I doing, Tabitha? (SIGHS) Yeah, I know. 1516 01:01:05,828 --> 01:01:08,867 This is super challenging. 1517 01:01:08,967 --> 01:01:11,841 You can use this as a guide so that this is-- 1518 01:01:11,941 --> 01:01:13,210 -It's all even. -Yes. 1519 01:01:13,310 --> 01:01:14,479 I love teaching. 1520 01:01:14,580 --> 01:01:16,684 I love watching someone grow. 1521 01:01:16,717 --> 01:01:18,855 I used to do a lot of cooking classes. 1522 01:01:18,955 --> 01:01:22,227 And I feel like this experience sorta feels 1523 01:01:22,294 --> 01:01:24,833 like that but there's more at stake. 1524 01:01:24,866 --> 01:01:26,836 -(URGENT MUSIC) -(ELEVATOR PINGS) 1525 01:01:26,870 --> 01:01:29,241 (CARLA) Yes, yes, that's so much nicer. Oh, my God. 1526 01:01:29,308 --> 01:01:31,378 -(NIKKI) Yes. -(CARLA) Alright, Stefanie. 1527 01:01:31,445 --> 01:01:33,850 I'm hoping to do kinda like a peppermint filling. 1528 01:01:33,917 --> 01:01:35,755 I didn't find peppermint extract but I've got candy canes. 1529 01:01:35,855 --> 01:01:37,892 -Okay... yeah. -I'll work with what I've got. 1530 01:01:37,993 --> 01:01:40,263 -To get a little holiday flavor. -You can make a simple syrup 1531 01:01:40,330 --> 01:01:42,802 -out of candy canes. -Yes, I love that. 1532 01:01:42,902 --> 01:01:45,274 So I'm making a simple syrup out of these candy canes. 1533 01:01:45,340 --> 01:01:47,277 They're not melting great, and honestly, 1534 01:01:47,377 --> 01:01:50,050 there's not that much peppermint to it. 1535 01:01:50,150 --> 01:01:53,022 Forget this and get a mallet and just freakin' smash it. 1536 01:01:53,122 --> 01:01:55,460 I wanna save that one so that I get it in my buttercream. 1537 01:01:55,528 --> 01:01:56,863 I think one more minute and... 1538 01:01:56,930 --> 01:01:59,401 -Yeah, good. -..this will be ready. 1539 01:01:59,468 --> 01:02:02,908 Simple syrup goes a long way. Perhaps, I don't know. 1540 01:02:03,009 --> 01:02:05,213 I'm worried about the peppermint not punching through enough. 1541 01:02:05,247 --> 01:02:06,783 So much pressure. 1542 01:02:06,883 --> 01:02:09,021 You're both trailblazers and you both 1543 01:02:09,054 --> 01:02:11,225 wanna be that first EVER Next Level Baker. 1544 01:02:11,292 --> 01:02:13,664 (WHOOSH) 1545 01:02:13,764 --> 01:02:16,937 Two and a half hours down. Ninety minutes left. 1546 01:02:17,037 --> 01:02:21,045 Five-minute warning for the final drop on the top floor. 1547 01:02:21,146 --> 01:02:23,350 This to help you decorate your cakes 1548 01:02:23,416 --> 01:02:24,886 and make them beautiful. 1549 01:02:24,953 --> 01:02:26,355 We're all headed to the top floor. 1550 01:02:26,422 --> 01:02:27,525 (GORDON) Top floor, let's go. 1551 01:02:29,829 --> 01:02:34,539 -(LIGHT MUSIC) -Oh, oh! (LAUGHING) Oh, my God! 1552 01:02:34,639 --> 01:02:37,177 Girl dance party. Yeah? Yeah? Anybody? 1553 01:02:37,244 --> 01:02:38,413 -(ELEVATOR PINGS) -(MUSIC ENDS) 1554 01:02:38,514 --> 01:02:40,083 Alright, get out there! 1555 01:02:40,183 --> 01:02:42,522 (GORDON) Let's go! Get your stations clear. 1556 01:02:42,622 --> 01:02:44,726 Don't forget, the platform's gonna be here any moment. 1557 01:02:44,793 --> 01:02:47,698 (GORDON) The platform's on the move. Final grab. Here we go! 1558 01:02:47,798 --> 01:02:50,337 Grab your decorations. 1559 01:02:50,437 --> 01:02:52,809 (DRAMATIC BEATS) 1560 01:02:52,909 --> 01:02:54,780 -(PLATFORM BLEEPS) -(STEFANIE) What is that! 1561 01:02:54,846 --> 01:02:57,518 -What do you need? -Is there shredded coconut? 1562 01:02:57,551 --> 01:02:59,221 I'm looking for coconut shavings 1563 01:02:59,321 --> 01:03:00,992 to actually give a snowy effect... 1564 01:03:01,092 --> 01:03:03,697 (CANDACE) These need to look gorgeous. 1565 01:03:03,797 --> 01:03:06,201 ..because the top is supposed to be white 1566 01:03:06,268 --> 01:03:08,139 like you made it up to the North Pole 1567 01:03:08,239 --> 01:03:11,245 and it's Christmassy and snowy. 1568 01:03:11,345 --> 01:03:13,482 But the only thing I see on the platform 1569 01:03:13,517 --> 01:03:15,688 are little tiny marshmallows. Oh, this is great. 1570 01:03:15,754 --> 01:03:18,459 Dazzling cakes that wow us. 1571 01:03:18,561 --> 01:03:20,965 Ten seconds, guys. 1572 01:03:21,032 --> 01:03:23,136 Jelly beans, where're the jelly beans? Somebody got 'em? 1573 01:03:23,236 --> 01:03:27,210 All I want is Santa at the top of the cake. Okay. 1574 01:03:27,244 --> 01:03:29,549 Santa made the wish come true. 1575 01:03:29,616 --> 01:03:31,485 Oh! Where're them jelly beans? 1576 01:03:31,586 --> 01:03:32,922 (CANDACE) There it goes! 1577 01:03:35,093 --> 01:03:36,596 This is the biggest grab Nikki's ever had! 1578 01:03:36,697 --> 01:03:38,399 (CANDACE) Oh, wow! 1579 01:03:38,499 --> 01:03:40,137 -(ELEVATOR PINGS) -Good luck. Let's go. 1580 01:03:40,237 --> 01:03:41,773 -(ZOHA) Thank you, sir. -One more. Basement? 1581 01:03:41,873 --> 01:03:43,978 -(LIGHT MUSIC) -Alright, c'mon. 1582 01:03:44,011 --> 01:03:45,982 -(CHUCKLING) -I'm just ready to go. 1583 01:03:46,049 --> 01:03:48,386 Come here, you. C'mon, a hug. You okay? 1584 01:03:48,419 --> 01:03:50,891 You've done the hardest part, now it's just bringing it home. 1585 01:03:50,992 --> 01:03:53,196 I still have to ice the other cakes. 1586 01:03:53,296 --> 01:03:55,300 That's half an hour per cake. Think about that. 1587 01:03:55,400 --> 01:03:56,636 -Okay. -And think about the cruise. 1588 01:03:58,740 --> 01:04:00,745 (LIGHT MUSIC) 1589 01:04:00,845 --> 01:04:02,181 (CHLOE, CHEERFUL) Okay... 1590 01:04:02,214 --> 01:04:03,450 Yes, yes. 1591 01:04:03,518 --> 01:04:04,351 Oh God, thank God. 1592 01:04:07,424 --> 01:04:10,263 This is, for a fact, a Christmas miracle. 1593 01:04:10,297 --> 01:04:13,670 This cake has finally baked after the third try. 1594 01:04:13,703 --> 01:04:18,479 So, I am incredibly grateful for that. Yes! (LAUGHS) 1595 01:04:18,547 --> 01:04:22,388 (TRIUMPHANT FESTIVE MUSIC) 1596 01:04:22,488 --> 01:04:24,024 (WHOOSH) 1597 01:04:24,091 --> 01:04:25,661 (CARLA) I don't wanna stress you out 1598 01:04:25,761 --> 01:04:28,166 but we have one hour left. 1599 01:04:28,199 --> 01:04:30,772 One hour to assemble your three tiers. 1600 01:04:30,838 --> 01:04:34,211 Decorate. Impress us. 1601 01:04:34,311 --> 01:04:36,650 And you know that all finishes up on the top level. 1602 01:04:36,750 --> 01:04:38,554 You didn't want to stress us? 1603 01:04:38,654 --> 01:04:40,891 Agh! Time is not my friend today. 1604 01:04:40,924 --> 01:04:42,962 Okay. Well, my cakes are kind of breaking, 1605 01:04:43,062 --> 01:04:46,603 so this is gonna be a challenge. 1606 01:04:46,704 --> 01:04:50,176 These cake pans down in the basement are really, really bad. 1607 01:04:50,209 --> 01:04:53,450 My cakes are broken, so I hope I can somehow redeem this. 1608 01:04:53,483 --> 01:04:55,954 When your cake starts to break, if you're trying to frost it, 1609 01:04:56,054 --> 01:04:58,994 that's where your tiered cake can start falling over. 1610 01:04:59,095 --> 01:05:01,099 They're all breaking. What do I do? 1611 01:05:01,199 --> 01:05:03,336 You can't do it over. I see that it's crumbling, 1612 01:05:03,369 --> 01:05:05,975 and there's nothing else to do. She doesn't have time. 1613 01:05:06,075 --> 01:05:07,310 Father Time has left the building. 1614 01:05:08,814 --> 01:05:10,149 (MUSIC ENDS) 1615 01:05:13,958 --> 01:05:15,527 -(DRAMATIC MUSIC) -(ZOHA) They're so broken. 1616 01:05:15,594 --> 01:05:16,830 Do you want to chill them? 1617 01:05:16,930 --> 01:05:19,068 That way you can cut it easier? 1618 01:05:19,101 --> 01:05:20,705 I don't know if I have any time, Carla. 1619 01:05:20,805 --> 01:05:23,109 You have 55 minutes. 1620 01:05:23,209 --> 01:05:24,846 I mean, that's really not a lot of time. 1621 01:05:24,946 --> 01:05:26,817 Yeah. There's still a lot 1622 01:05:26,850 --> 01:05:29,121 to get done on each level of the kitchen. 1623 01:05:29,221 --> 01:05:31,559 Some buttercreams need chilling, frostings need to be made, 1624 01:05:31,659 --> 01:05:35,233 some fillings need to be made... Oh gosh, what a mess. 1625 01:05:35,266 --> 01:05:38,272 I can't redo this. I'll have to use my frosting 1626 01:05:38,372 --> 01:05:40,812 as glue and just try to stick it together as best as I can. 1627 01:05:40,845 --> 01:05:43,349 Let me get a crumb coat on 1628 01:05:43,416 --> 01:05:44,853 then put it in the blast chiller. 1629 01:05:44,953 --> 01:05:46,990 Then I think it might redeem itself. 1630 01:05:47,090 --> 01:05:49,896 This is gonna come down to the last minute 1631 01:05:49,996 --> 01:05:51,365 and it's time to lock it. 1632 01:05:53,503 --> 01:05:55,173 Okay, I'm going back to the middle. 1633 01:05:55,273 --> 01:05:56,710 -Thank you, Carla. -Great, back to the middle! 1634 01:05:56,776 --> 01:05:59,248 Zoha's goin' to the middle. 1635 01:05:59,281 --> 01:06:01,686 Chloe, remind me what you're working on now. 1636 01:06:01,786 --> 01:06:03,389 I'm working on my top tier, just need to assemble it 1637 01:06:03,423 --> 01:06:05,026 -and get it upstairs. -Okay. 1638 01:06:05,127 --> 01:06:07,163 -(CARLA) You've had some redos. -Yes. 1639 01:06:07,263 --> 01:06:09,034 -How are you feeling? -I feel like if I get a cake up 1640 01:06:09,134 --> 01:06:11,205 at this point, we're winning. 1641 01:06:11,305 --> 01:06:13,744 -This is your comeback! -This is... (CHORTLES) 1642 01:06:13,844 --> 01:06:15,514 When it comes to my top tier, 1643 01:06:15,547 --> 01:06:17,851 my orange cake, it's looking good! 1644 01:06:17,885 --> 01:06:19,188 Chloe, show that cake who's boss. 1645 01:06:19,288 --> 01:06:20,858 Show that cake who's boss, right? 1646 01:06:20,891 --> 01:06:23,897 -Okay? -Okay. It's fluffy, it's zesty. 1647 01:06:23,997 --> 01:06:25,767 It's really, really bouncy 1648 01:06:25,868 --> 01:06:27,605 but the crumb is good. I'm thrilled. 1649 01:06:27,705 --> 01:06:29,809 (CARLA) Your sister's gonna be so proud of you. 1650 01:06:29,910 --> 01:06:32,915 Charlotte's gonna be like, you rock! 1651 01:06:33,015 --> 01:06:34,886 I am so incredibly impressed with these bakers. 1652 01:06:34,919 --> 01:06:37,057 Fifty minutes left. 1653 01:06:37,157 --> 01:06:38,894 There is the time crunch. 1654 01:06:38,928 --> 01:06:41,064 -There is the pressure. -(SHARP EXHALE) 1655 01:06:41,164 --> 01:06:43,102 When we see what they've made... 1656 01:06:43,202 --> 01:06:46,075 Alright, your cake is leaving the basement. 1657 01:06:46,175 --> 01:06:48,581 ..it's really impressive. 1658 01:06:48,681 --> 01:06:51,786 Aw, that's so nice! So what is this design? 1659 01:06:51,886 --> 01:06:53,089 I'm trying to do a henna design. 1660 01:06:53,189 --> 01:06:55,259 -Yes! -It's so hard, Carla. 1661 01:06:55,359 --> 01:06:57,364 (ZOHA) 1662 01:06:57,464 --> 01:06:59,569 ...which is a Muslim holiday. 1663 01:06:59,636 --> 01:07:01,773 The night before Eid, all the girls get henna on their hands 1664 01:07:01,806 --> 01:07:03,342 and it looks so beautiful. 1665 01:07:03,442 --> 01:07:05,113 -It means a lot. -I don't normally do a lot 1666 01:07:05,213 --> 01:07:07,083 of Pakistani baking, but I figured now 1667 01:07:07,183 --> 01:07:08,921 -is the time to do it. -Yes. 1668 01:07:08,988 --> 01:07:10,958 I'm always scared to get my hopes up high 1669 01:07:11,058 --> 01:07:13,997 but it would mean the absolute world to win. 1670 01:07:14,097 --> 01:07:16,101 I'm gonna try it. I'm gonna try my best. 1671 01:07:16,201 --> 01:07:18,205 (GORDON) Forty five minutes to go. 1672 01:07:18,272 --> 01:07:20,343 Oh, my goodness. This is really pissing me off. 1673 01:07:20,443 --> 01:07:22,481 -You're fine. -Ugh! The marshmallow top 1674 01:07:22,582 --> 01:07:25,120 is so bad - I wanted to have coconut shavings instead. 1675 01:07:25,220 --> 01:07:27,591 This snowy masterpiece that I imagined 1676 01:07:27,691 --> 01:07:29,194 is turning into a snowstorm. 1677 01:07:29,228 --> 01:07:30,429 -(LIGHT MUSIC) -(ELEVATOR PINGS) 1678 01:07:32,000 --> 01:07:33,737 (CANDACE) Hi, Deirdra. 1679 01:07:33,837 --> 01:07:36,241 -Hi, how are ya? -Not great, but... 1680 01:07:36,341 --> 01:07:38,112 (CHLOE) Okay. Well same. 1681 01:07:38,212 --> 01:07:40,483 Nobody's feeling great right now, by the way! 1682 01:07:40,584 --> 01:07:41,619 (URGENT MUSIC) 1683 01:07:44,357 --> 01:07:47,030 -You good, Nikki? -No, I'm not. 1684 01:07:47,130 --> 01:07:50,303 It's too much to cover three cakes in fondant. 1685 01:07:50,403 --> 01:07:53,744 Anybody seen a fondant smoother? Y'all doing buttercream. 1686 01:07:53,810 --> 01:07:55,747 (CARLA) Thirty minutes. We need to finish these. 1687 01:07:55,814 --> 01:07:57,985 The clock is ticking, the clock is ticking. 1688 01:07:58,085 --> 01:08:01,559 Damn. All I'm trying to do is make sure 1689 01:08:01,659 --> 01:08:04,164 I've got the fondant on this cake. 1690 01:08:04,264 --> 01:08:06,637 I should have done something buttercream. 1691 01:08:06,703 --> 01:08:08,106 -(CARLA) How you looking, Nikki? -Terrible. 1692 01:08:08,172 --> 01:08:10,177 -But I got faith. -Yeah. 1693 01:08:10,277 --> 01:08:13,215 It's okay, I got this. Hope this cake is okay. 1694 01:08:15,921 --> 01:08:17,591 -Hi, Zoha! -Hi. 1695 01:08:19,862 --> 01:08:21,398 (GORDON) What a day, man. -Yeah! 1696 01:08:21,465 --> 01:08:23,436 Pretty awesome, pretty awesome. 1697 01:08:23,537 --> 01:08:25,674 Cannot believe we've done this, I'm so proud. 1698 01:08:25,707 --> 01:08:27,945 -All these girls. (SIGHS) -Nearly there. 1699 01:08:28,046 --> 01:08:30,651 We're fine, gonna be tight, and the rest you do upstairs. 1700 01:08:30,718 --> 01:08:33,590 -Okay, yeah. -Here we go. Elevator, please. 1701 01:08:33,623 --> 01:08:34,926 Top floor. 1702 01:08:35,026 --> 01:08:38,332 I can't believe it's all over. 1703 01:08:38,432 --> 01:08:41,438 This all started from my little kitchen at home. 1704 01:08:41,539 --> 01:08:43,944 And when I opened a bakery, people thought I was crazy. 1705 01:08:44,044 --> 01:08:46,214 Hold your nerve, c'mon. 1706 01:08:46,314 --> 01:08:50,190 So to be here now in the finale of Next Level Baker? 1707 01:08:50,290 --> 01:08:53,162 -It's incredible. -Let's go. Good, look at that. 1708 01:08:53,196 --> 01:08:55,901 Guys, we've got 25 minutes to go, okay? 1709 01:08:56,001 --> 01:09:01,144 The baker who pulls it off will be walking away on $25,000. 1710 01:09:01,178 --> 01:09:03,248 -That looks beautiful. -Thank you! 1711 01:09:04,652 --> 01:09:06,355 Nikki, that looks great. 1712 01:09:06,455 --> 01:09:09,228 -There's so much color. -There's so much, 1713 01:09:09,328 --> 01:09:11,431 -and a lot of texture. -I want this to be pretty. 1714 01:09:11,498 --> 01:09:14,506 (GORDON) 15 minutes to go, yes? Come on, ladies. Finish strong. 1715 01:09:14,606 --> 01:09:17,845 Ah! Come on, come on... Visually, I'm gonna get flamed 1716 01:09:17,912 --> 01:09:20,349 on the internet for this, is what's gonna happen! 1717 01:09:20,449 --> 01:09:23,222 Fix it, fix it, fix it. But at this point 1718 01:09:23,322 --> 01:09:25,226 it's about getting a cake on the platform, at all. 1719 01:09:25,326 --> 01:09:26,929 And hopefully, the flavors shine. 1720 01:09:26,963 --> 01:09:28,733 (JINGLE) 1721 01:09:28,833 --> 01:09:31,740 Chloe, you have a CAKE! 1722 01:09:31,807 --> 01:09:33,810 -I have a cake. -(GORDON) Well done, Chloe. 1723 01:09:33,911 --> 01:09:34,945 10 minutes to go. 1724 01:09:36,783 --> 01:09:38,953 I want this to look better. 1725 01:09:39,054 --> 01:09:40,858 There's a lot of texture on Deirdra's. 1726 01:09:40,891 --> 01:09:43,329 My family would look at that cake and be like, 1727 01:09:43,362 --> 01:09:45,366 she didn't make that. 'Cause they've never seen me 1728 01:09:45,467 --> 01:09:47,070 put together a tiered cake like that. 1729 01:09:47,103 --> 01:09:49,340 I'm so scared to put it together. 1730 01:09:49,374 --> 01:09:51,145 (GORDON) There you go, well done. 1731 01:09:51,245 --> 01:09:52,748 -(CARLA) Yes. -(GORDON) Well done! 1732 01:09:52,848 --> 01:09:54,652 Oh (JINGLE). 1733 01:09:54,753 --> 01:09:56,488 You got this, Nikki. You're amazing. 1734 01:09:56,556 --> 01:09:58,527 -(ZOHA) We all got this, girl! -(BAKERS AGREEING) 1735 01:09:58,627 --> 01:10:00,664 (GORDON) Zoha, c'mon. Bring it home, let's go. 1736 01:10:00,764 --> 01:10:03,002 I'll try to make some stripes to make it look like bangles. 1737 01:10:03,102 --> 01:10:05,240 So, I'm just piping around. 1738 01:10:05,306 --> 01:10:07,344 Piping, piping, piping. Switching bag, piping... 1739 01:10:07,377 --> 01:10:09,381 switching bag, piping... switching bag, piping. 1740 01:10:09,481 --> 01:10:11,351 (CARLA) Oh, my gosh. 1741 01:10:11,385 --> 01:10:13,957 Then again, time is not my friend. 1742 01:10:14,024 --> 01:10:15,560 Three minutes to go! Final three. 1743 01:10:17,230 --> 01:10:20,269 C'mon! Oh, my goodness me. 1744 01:10:20,369 --> 01:10:22,240 These last 30 minutes have been insane. 1745 01:10:22,307 --> 01:10:24,044 -I mean... -Insane! 1746 01:10:24,144 --> 01:10:26,281 -This is a nail-biter. -Honestly. 1747 01:10:26,381 --> 01:10:29,154 (CANDACE) They are just so focused and concentrated. 1748 01:10:29,254 --> 01:10:31,058 -Every second counts. -(GORDON) Unbelievable. 1749 01:10:31,091 --> 01:10:33,162 (CANDACE) And somebody's going home the winner tonight. 1750 01:10:33,262 --> 01:10:36,301 Make it dazzle! Make it sparkle! 1751 01:10:36,401 --> 01:10:38,005 You guys wanna be the Next Level Baker. 1752 01:10:38,038 --> 01:10:40,578 It is your time to shine. 1753 01:10:40,678 --> 01:10:42,882 -(GORDON) Platform's moving! -Here comes the platform. 1754 01:10:42,982 --> 01:10:44,450 Thirty seconds to go! 1755 01:10:44,552 --> 01:10:46,121 (CARLA) C'mon, get that chocolate on. 1756 01:10:46,155 --> 01:10:48,927 Everyone has a completed cake! 1757 01:10:48,993 --> 01:10:52,334 (CARLA) I'm so proud of you all, I can't even stand it! 1758 01:10:52,434 --> 01:10:54,806 Fifteen seconds to go. (CLAPPING) Come on! 1759 01:10:54,873 --> 01:10:57,544 Please be careful when you put your cakes on the platform. 1760 01:10:59,915 --> 01:11:01,351 (CARLA) Platform is arriving. 1761 01:11:01,452 --> 01:11:03,823 -Can't watch... -(TENSE MUSIC BUILDS) 1762 01:11:03,857 --> 01:11:05,493 I never lifted a three-tiered cake before. 1763 01:11:05,594 --> 01:11:08,098 I was so scared to get it to the platform 1764 01:11:08,198 --> 01:11:10,002 without falling over, and it's wobbling. 1765 01:11:10,102 --> 01:11:13,877 That's probably one of my worst fears, is dropping a cake. 1766 01:11:13,911 --> 01:11:15,346 Ten seconds to go! 1767 01:11:17,016 --> 01:11:18,085 Stefanie, you gotta go up top. 1768 01:11:18,185 --> 01:11:19,087 How am I gonna put my cake 1769 01:11:19,187 --> 01:11:21,291 on the second level? 1770 01:11:21,325 --> 01:11:23,930 (CARLA) On the top. Zoha go up! 1771 01:11:24,030 --> 01:11:25,734 (GORDON) Let's go! Eight... 1772 01:11:25,834 --> 01:11:28,941 (CARLA) C'mon, c'mon! -..seven, six, five, four... 1773 01:11:29,041 --> 01:11:30,711 My muscles aren't that strong! 1774 01:11:30,778 --> 01:11:32,915 -(CARLA) Be careful, c'mon! -..three, two, one. 1775 01:11:32,948 --> 01:11:35,119 (CARLA) Oh... oh... 1776 01:11:35,219 --> 01:11:38,192 (DRAMATIC BEATS) 1777 01:11:38,225 --> 01:11:39,528 (MUSIC ENDS) 1778 01:11:43,269 --> 01:11:45,339 (GORDON) Go, go, go! Go up. 1779 01:11:45,406 --> 01:11:47,210 -Stefanie, you gotta go up top. -(GORDON) Four... 1780 01:11:47,310 --> 01:11:48,713 My muscles aren't that strong! 1781 01:11:48,747 --> 01:11:49,782 -Be careful! -..three, two, one. 1782 01:11:51,185 --> 01:11:52,521 (CARLA) Oh... oh... 1783 01:11:54,457 --> 01:11:55,861 -(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE) -(CARLA) Wow! 1784 01:11:57,130 --> 01:11:59,869 Oh, my God! 1785 01:11:59,903 --> 01:12:02,374 I did it, I got it on the platform. 1786 01:12:02,474 --> 01:12:03,810 And I'm really, really proud of myself for that. 1787 01:12:05,814 --> 01:12:07,952 -You good? -(CARLA) Y'all! Dude! 1788 01:12:08,019 --> 01:12:09,354 What's that face doing, girl? 1789 01:12:09,388 --> 01:12:11,391 (NIKKI) I'm extremely proud of myself 1790 01:12:11,491 --> 01:12:15,534 but I feel like I had just been run over by a truck 1791 01:12:15,634 --> 01:12:18,106 and the truck backed up to make sure I was dead 1792 01:12:18,172 --> 01:12:19,809 and ran over me again. 1793 01:12:19,875 --> 01:12:21,679 (CARLA) Oh my gosh-uh! 1794 01:12:23,115 --> 01:12:24,552 (UPBEAT FESTIVE MUSIC) 1795 01:12:35,006 --> 01:12:36,843 (MUSIC ENDS) 1796 01:12:36,877 --> 01:12:39,782 Wow, what a bake. 1797 01:12:39,815 --> 01:12:42,187 You five have created holiday magic. 1798 01:12:42,287 --> 01:12:44,391 It's been a frantic four hours 1799 01:12:44,457 --> 01:12:48,265 but my goodness me, this looks stunning. 1800 01:12:48,332 --> 01:12:50,069 This was indeed the toughest test... 1801 01:12:50,169 --> 01:12:51,840 -Yeah. -..in baking history 1802 01:12:51,940 --> 01:12:54,310 and you've all accomplished an incredible feat. 1803 01:12:54,410 --> 01:12:56,950 Well done. Right. Ladies, ready to taste? 1804 01:12:57,050 --> 01:12:59,221 -(CARLA) Ready to taste. -(CANDACE) Oh, yeah. 1805 01:12:59,321 --> 01:13:04,565 (CARLA) Our first cake is Zoha's Cardamom, Maple and Pistachio. 1806 01:13:04,665 --> 01:13:06,135 I just love what you've done tempering that chocolate. 1807 01:13:06,202 --> 01:13:08,305 It looks stunning. 1808 01:13:08,405 --> 01:13:11,011 It's so festive. It's so distinctive. 1809 01:13:11,111 --> 01:13:13,549 (CARLA) This is a cultural celebration. I love it. 1810 01:13:13,616 --> 01:13:15,153 All we have to do now is taste it. 1811 01:13:15,186 --> 01:13:16,589 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 1812 01:13:16,690 --> 01:13:18,191 (CARLA) Alright, we're gonna get into it. 1813 01:13:24,204 --> 01:13:26,675 (MUSIC ENDS) 1814 01:13:26,742 --> 01:13:30,618 I think the flavors are really complex and well-balanced. 1815 01:13:30,718 --> 01:13:32,888 There's so much depth here, and I was delighted 1816 01:13:32,988 --> 01:13:35,560 by the texture in the bottom layer. 1817 01:13:35,594 --> 01:13:38,567 Pistachios were nutty, toasty and delicious. 1818 01:13:38,600 --> 01:13:40,469 -Thank you. -I think all of the flavors 1819 01:13:40,570 --> 01:13:43,643 go together - one doesn't blow out the other. 1820 01:13:43,744 --> 01:13:45,614 I wanna go in for another bite 'cause I'm like oh my gosh, 1821 01:13:45,714 --> 01:13:47,851 discover another flavor. 1822 01:13:47,918 --> 01:13:51,358 Overall, you've taken us on a cultural flavor journey. 1823 01:13:51,458 --> 01:13:53,362 (GORDON) It's beautiful. It's a celebration. 1824 01:13:53,462 --> 01:13:55,099 What a perfect moment for it. Well done. 1825 01:13:55,199 --> 01:13:56,501 -(CARLA) Mm! -Thank you, chef. 1826 01:13:56,602 --> 01:13:58,372 I'm so proud of myself. To be able to win, 1827 01:13:58,472 --> 01:14:00,309 it would be the absolute highlight of my life, 1828 01:14:00,376 --> 01:14:02,346 aside from my baby. 1829 01:14:02,446 --> 01:14:04,518 I would literally scream from the rooftops. 1830 01:14:04,618 --> 01:14:06,722 -(TENSE MUSIC) -Right, next up, 1831 01:14:06,789 --> 01:14:10,497 this is Chloe's Orange, Gingerbread and Pecan Cake. 1832 01:14:10,598 --> 01:14:12,868 First of all, I just wanna say well done. 1833 01:14:12,935 --> 01:14:15,072 Honestly, pulling that back the way you did? 1834 01:14:15,105 --> 01:14:16,776 -Brilliant job. -Thank you. 1835 01:14:16,876 --> 01:14:19,381 The scale of the tiers, obviously, is a little off 1836 01:14:19,481 --> 01:14:21,819 and some of the frosting is heavy-handed 1837 01:14:21,919 --> 01:14:24,157 but I'm really proud of you. I think you put together 1838 01:14:24,257 --> 01:14:26,562 a very simple and elegant cake. 1839 01:14:26,662 --> 01:14:28,031 -(GORDON) Shall we taste? -(CANDACE) Yes. 1840 01:14:28,131 --> 01:14:29,735 (UPBEAT CHAMBER MUSIC) 1841 01:14:35,748 --> 01:14:39,220 Well, this is packed with the spice flavors of the holidays. 1842 01:14:39,287 --> 01:14:40,624 (GORDON) The middle tier - ginger. 1843 01:14:40,691 --> 01:14:42,561 I know you had some issues with that. 1844 01:14:42,661 --> 01:14:44,899 It's just the sponge is a bit too dense for me, 1845 01:14:44,966 --> 01:14:47,303 but then the top tier is beautiful. 1846 01:14:47,336 --> 01:14:49,942 It's elegant. It's sort of... It's almost perfect. 1847 01:14:50,042 --> 01:14:53,583 If I had three tiers like that it would be number one. 1848 01:14:53,683 --> 01:14:56,689 I'm happy to hear how they feel about my flavors 1849 01:14:56,790 --> 01:15:01,064 and I imagine that my little sister 1850 01:15:01,164 --> 01:15:03,302 will be immensely proud. 1851 01:15:03,402 --> 01:15:05,607 (GORDON) Next up, Stefanie's. 1852 01:15:05,707 --> 01:15:09,515 This is a Peppermint, Cranberry and a Gingerbread. 1853 01:15:09,582 --> 01:15:11,852 (CARLA) I think this is going to be an inspiration 1854 01:15:11,952 --> 01:15:16,195 for a lot of home cooks. It is effective, it is simple, 1855 01:15:16,228 --> 01:15:18,265 in terms of piping and putting all the decor. 1856 01:15:18,299 --> 01:15:20,670 (GORDON) It looks... elegant. 1857 01:15:20,703 --> 01:15:23,209 I can imagine kids running up and pressing their nose 1858 01:15:23,309 --> 01:15:25,446 to the window at this cake... 1859 01:15:25,547 --> 01:15:27,183 -That would be you. -..in a patisserie, yeah. 1860 01:15:27,283 --> 01:15:29,087 But like all these cakes 1861 01:15:29,154 --> 01:15:31,358 it's about the flavor profile balance, right? 1862 01:15:31,458 --> 01:15:32,628 Should we get in there? 1863 01:15:32,728 --> 01:15:34,598 -Yeah. -Sure. 1864 01:15:34,698 --> 01:15:36,167 Right, so on the base we've got the ginger. 1865 01:15:36,234 --> 01:15:38,639 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 1866 01:15:40,008 --> 01:15:40,777 (GORDON) Nice. 1867 01:15:45,119 --> 01:15:47,223 Ginger at the bottom - delicious. Great start. 1868 01:15:47,290 --> 01:15:49,460 Cranberries, refreshing, tart, everything you want. 1869 01:15:49,562 --> 01:15:51,633 It's a nice little intro to the holidays. 1870 01:15:51,733 --> 01:15:53,736 I forgot about the peppermint and the chocolate. 1871 01:15:53,836 --> 01:15:55,574 It's just enough, it is not overpowering. 1872 01:15:55,608 --> 01:15:58,245 It reminded me of having chocolate milk 1873 01:15:58,312 --> 01:16:01,218 with the little candy cane, you know? I loved it. 1874 01:16:01,318 --> 01:16:02,621 (CANDACE) It feels like a party. 1875 01:16:02,721 --> 01:16:04,992 I just want to deck the halls 1876 01:16:05,059 --> 01:16:06,863 and you really brought out the spirit of the holidays. 1877 01:16:06,896 --> 01:16:08,900 I really felt like I was discovering something 1878 01:16:09,000 --> 01:16:11,138 through each tier of your cake. 1879 01:16:11,205 --> 01:16:13,577 It really was honestly like opening a present. 1880 01:16:13,610 --> 01:16:15,714 To hear comments like that 1881 01:16:15,747 --> 01:16:18,753 about a bake that I've literally just poured 1882 01:16:18,854 --> 01:16:23,863 so much into, it's just like this soothing balm to my soul. 1883 01:16:23,930 --> 01:16:27,738 This is Nikki's Raspberry Hummingbird and Amaretto Cake. 1884 01:16:27,771 --> 01:16:29,775 You do nothing by halves. You didn't go down 1885 01:16:29,875 --> 01:16:31,779 the easy route, let me tell you. You really went all out there. 1886 01:16:31,879 --> 01:16:34,552 And it looks beautiful. 1887 01:16:34,585 --> 01:16:37,791 It's kid friendly and definitely a celebration for the holidays. 1888 01:16:37,892 --> 01:16:39,761 You were the only baker who covered your cake in fondant. 1889 01:16:39,828 --> 01:16:41,666 I think that was a really bold choice 1890 01:16:41,766 --> 01:16:43,703 because it brought the color. 1891 01:16:43,803 --> 01:16:45,907 (CARLA) This cake reads to the back of the room. 1892 01:16:45,940 --> 01:16:47,878 You could be way over there and see what this cake says. 1893 01:16:47,911 --> 01:16:50,349 And I do think it's gonna bring the kids to the yard. 1894 01:16:50,382 --> 01:16:51,384 -Is that a thing? -(LAUGHTER) 1895 01:16:53,388 --> 01:16:55,794 (CANDACE) Alright, let's dig in. 1896 01:16:55,894 --> 01:16:57,631 Did you mean to leave the foil on Santa? 1897 01:16:57,698 --> 01:16:59,300 You don't wanna undress him for Christmas? 1898 01:16:59,400 --> 01:17:00,502 I didn't wanna undress him. 1899 01:17:00,570 --> 01:17:02,541 -Gotcha. -We had to keep it nice. 1900 01:17:02,641 --> 01:17:05,078 You know, naughty or nice? I kept it nice. 1901 01:17:05,178 --> 01:17:07,150 -I mean, he's on a pole. -(DRAMATIC 'CAROL OF THE BELLS') 1902 01:17:07,250 --> 01:17:09,788 (LAUGHTER) 1903 01:17:09,855 --> 01:17:12,961 (GORDON) It's very indulgent, the amaretto. I love that. 1904 01:17:13,061 --> 01:17:15,266 I love that you made a Christmas cake with hummingbird. 1905 01:17:15,366 --> 01:17:17,604 It took me down South. It was really sort of... 1906 01:17:17,704 --> 01:17:19,975 comforting. Well done. 1907 01:17:20,076 --> 01:17:22,413 (GORDON) The big issue I've got is the density of the fondant. 1908 01:17:22,514 --> 01:17:24,785 It needs to be thin. 1909 01:17:24,852 --> 01:17:28,091 And sadly, some parts, it's like half an inch thick. 1910 01:17:28,191 --> 01:17:31,464 But the flavor's there and I love the fun inside this cake. 1911 01:17:31,565 --> 01:17:32,801 Well done. Great job. 1912 01:17:35,205 --> 01:17:38,145 This is Deirdra's Peppermint, Carrot and Chocolate 1913 01:17:38,212 --> 01:17:40,082 Black Licorice Cake. 1914 01:17:40,149 --> 01:17:41,719 (CARLA) I like the ombre of the blue. 1915 01:17:41,819 --> 01:17:44,825 I'm processing the marshmallows. 1916 01:17:44,858 --> 01:17:47,731 And, um, the elephant in the room is that it's tilted. 1917 01:17:47,831 --> 01:17:50,704 -(DRAMATIC BEAT) -Please catch it if it falls. 1918 01:17:50,771 --> 01:17:52,608 Again, it's gonna be all down to the flavor. 1919 01:17:52,708 --> 01:17:54,912 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 1920 01:18:00,824 --> 01:18:04,397 The carrot cake is divine. It is so fluffy and delicious. 1921 01:18:04,497 --> 01:18:06,301 The chocolate cake I love. Be careful with that licorice. 1922 01:18:06,368 --> 01:18:08,640 It is so strong. 1923 01:18:08,740 --> 01:18:10,409 (CARLA) The reason this cake is sort of sinking - 1924 01:18:10,510 --> 01:18:13,415 this carrot cake is so soft, it needed to be on top. 1925 01:18:13,516 --> 01:18:15,453 It may look busted, but the flavor is on point. 1926 01:18:15,521 --> 01:18:16,187 (GIGGLES QUIETLY) 1927 01:18:19,862 --> 01:18:24,003 Wow. What an experience. Right now, we need to decide 1928 01:18:24,037 --> 01:18:26,308 which one of these five becomes our first ever 1929 01:18:26,375 --> 01:18:28,747 Next Level Baker. 1930 01:18:28,847 --> 01:18:31,018 All of you, head back to the lounge. 1931 01:18:31,118 --> 01:18:33,489 Put your feet up, 'cause we need a strong moment. 1932 01:18:33,590 --> 01:18:35,292 -Well done. -Well done! 1933 01:18:35,392 --> 01:18:36,862 (GORDON) Head out. We'll see you shortly. 1934 01:18:38,098 --> 01:18:39,635 (NIKKI) 1935 01:18:39,736 --> 01:18:40,937 Ladies, shall we? 1936 01:18:43,475 --> 01:18:44,811 (CARLA SIGHS) 1937 01:18:46,414 --> 01:18:48,787 (STEFANIE EXHALES NERVOUSLY) 1938 01:18:48,887 --> 01:18:50,323 We got a very hard decision here. 1939 01:18:50,423 --> 01:18:52,427 -(CARLA) Yeah. -How do we choose between them? 1940 01:18:52,460 --> 01:18:54,799 -Chloe had a hard time today. -She struggled. 1941 01:18:54,899 --> 01:18:56,769 (CANDACE) She's really talented when it comes to flavor. 1942 01:18:56,836 --> 01:18:57,971 -Absolutely. -I give her so much credit 1943 01:18:58,071 --> 01:18:59,909 -for not just breaking down. -Yeah. 1944 01:19:00,009 --> 01:19:02,146 An hour left and you're putting cakes in the oven. 1945 01:19:02,179 --> 01:19:04,885 I'm not making my kid's birthday cake after this, honestly. 1946 01:19:04,919 --> 01:19:06,956 Zoha's finishing with that tempered chocolate 1947 01:19:07,056 --> 01:19:09,460 and the piping. I mean, beautiful. 1948 01:19:09,562 --> 01:19:12,166 (CARLA) The tempered chocolate was representative of the henna 1949 01:19:12,233 --> 01:19:14,939 that she's had on her hands and it was very effective. 1950 01:19:15,039 --> 01:19:16,943 Even if you didn't know the flavors 1951 01:19:17,043 --> 01:19:19,213 you got to know her through the cake. 1952 01:19:19,314 --> 01:19:21,685 (CANDACE) It was personal to her, celebrating her heritage. 1953 01:19:21,786 --> 01:19:24,290 -And was something unexpected. -Yeah. 1954 01:19:24,390 --> 01:19:26,061 Your cake was beautiful. 1955 01:19:26,094 --> 01:19:27,798 -That chocolate work?! -That was perfect. 1956 01:19:27,831 --> 01:19:29,067 -Thank you. -Oh my gosh! 1957 01:19:29,134 --> 01:19:30,737 And I wanna try those flavors. 1958 01:19:30,837 --> 01:19:32,641 I wanna try all your food. 1959 01:19:32,708 --> 01:19:34,377 Stefanie's cake. I mean - beautiful. 1960 01:19:34,443 --> 01:19:36,047 -Yeah. -Really beautiful. 1961 01:19:36,080 --> 01:19:37,584 The peppermint for me, the most elegant. 1962 01:19:37,684 --> 01:19:39,588 -Oh! -And the sponge - delicious. 1963 01:19:39,655 --> 01:19:42,493 -(CANDACE) Very nostalgic. -It was so symmetrical and so 1964 01:19:42,594 --> 01:19:45,666 beautiful - as a home cook I think sometimes less is more. 1965 01:19:45,733 --> 01:19:47,236 -(BOTH AGREEING) -It was stunning. 1966 01:19:47,336 --> 01:19:50,610 -You said it there. Nikki's? -(CANDACE) I was excited 1967 01:19:50,677 --> 01:19:52,547 she was working with fondant. She was the only one to do that. 1968 01:19:52,614 --> 01:19:54,651 -Mm-hm. -But it was so thick, 1969 01:19:54,752 --> 01:19:58,124 -it ended up being sorta gummy. -I love the decorative part. 1970 01:19:58,225 --> 01:20:00,731 She did the frosting with the snow, the Father Christmas. 1971 01:20:00,831 --> 01:20:02,701 -(CARLA) Yes. -For the kids, it's just... 1972 01:20:02,734 --> 01:20:04,303 -They'd go to that one. -Oh, 100 percent. 1973 01:20:04,403 --> 01:20:06,675 I was going to make the damn Santa. 1974 01:20:06,742 --> 01:20:08,345 You got Santa on a pole? You did. 1975 01:20:08,445 --> 01:20:10,817 (MANIC LAUGHTER) 1976 01:20:10,850 --> 01:20:12,353 Deirdra's carrot cake was a showstopper. 1977 01:20:12,386 --> 01:20:15,092 -The carrot cake was the bomb. -Honestly. 1978 01:20:15,159 --> 01:20:17,731 -That carrot cake was insane. -(GORDON) It tasted incredible! 1979 01:20:17,831 --> 01:20:19,835 But it looked a hot mess. 1980 01:20:19,902 --> 01:20:21,705 We gotta pick a winner. It's our first ever 1981 01:20:21,772 --> 01:20:23,510 Next Level Baker and it's a tough one. 1982 01:20:23,543 --> 01:20:25,914 Ask yourself this - which cake would you love to see 1983 01:20:26,014 --> 01:20:27,985 at your table for the holidays? 1984 01:20:28,018 --> 01:20:30,189 -It's a clear top two for me. -Yeah. 1985 01:20:30,289 --> 01:20:33,395 But I'm really torn as to which one is my top choice. 1986 01:20:33,429 --> 01:20:35,667 -I know who my top two are. -Interesting. 1987 01:20:35,767 --> 01:20:37,671 How do we choose between them? (SIGHS) 1988 01:20:37,771 --> 01:20:39,608 -No pressure! -Seriously? 1989 01:20:41,746 --> 01:20:42,947 (MUSIC ENDS) 1990 01:20:46,789 --> 01:20:47,857 (DELICATE MUSICAL NOTES) 1991 01:20:50,062 --> 01:20:53,301 ♪ Deck the hall with boughs of holly 1992 01:20:53,401 --> 01:20:56,608 ♪ Fa la la la la La la la la 1993 01:20:56,675 --> 01:21:00,048 ♪ 'Tis the season to be jolly 1994 01:21:00,148 --> 01:21:03,556 ♪ Fa la la la la La la la la 1995 01:21:03,656 --> 01:21:06,962 ♪ Don we now our gay apparel 1996 01:21:07,062 --> 01:21:10,770 ♪ Fa la la la la La la la la 1997 01:21:10,804 --> 01:21:14,343 ♪ Troll the ancient Yuletide carol 1998 01:21:14,444 --> 01:21:17,918 ♪ Fa la la la la La la la la ♪ 1999 01:21:18,018 --> 01:21:21,191 -Oh, brilliant! -(NIKKI) Awesome! 2000 01:21:21,291 --> 01:21:25,432 (GORDON) Thank you so much. Ladies, what a night. 2001 01:21:25,465 --> 01:21:28,807 Honestly, for the three of us, this has been incredible. 2002 01:21:28,907 --> 01:21:30,977 You've done yourselves proud, 2003 01:21:31,077 --> 01:21:33,550 -your families proud, and... -Our taste buds proud. 2004 01:21:33,650 --> 01:21:36,054 Our taste buds proud, honestly. 2005 01:21:36,087 --> 01:21:37,423 Congratulations to all five of you. 2006 01:21:37,524 --> 01:21:38,960 Thank you. 2007 01:21:39,060 --> 01:21:41,532 We've had a tough discussion... 2008 01:21:41,565 --> 01:21:42,701 (SIGHING) Ah, yeah. 2009 01:21:42,801 --> 01:21:44,672 ..but we do have our winner. 2010 01:21:44,705 --> 01:21:46,776 One of you 2011 01:21:46,842 --> 01:21:49,079 is about to become the first person ever 2012 01:21:49,180 --> 01:21:52,720 to be crowned our Next Level Baker. 2013 01:21:52,754 --> 01:21:55,827 I mean as a baker, that's like getting your doctorate. 2014 01:21:55,927 --> 01:21:59,433 That is the title you will have forever. 2015 01:21:59,535 --> 01:22:01,238 It is everything. 2016 01:22:01,338 --> 01:22:04,109 (GORDON) Scooping up that check for $25,000 2017 01:22:04,210 --> 01:22:07,082 and a incredible HexClad prize package. 2018 01:22:09,721 --> 01:22:11,959 (NIKKI) I need a HexClad crown. 2019 01:22:11,992 --> 01:22:13,028 You think they would have a trophy or crown 2020 01:22:13,128 --> 01:22:15,399 or somethin' for the queen? 2021 01:22:15,499 --> 01:22:17,202 (GORDON) For one of you, this will be the best holiday ever. 2022 01:22:19,708 --> 01:22:22,814 To think that I could possibly be the Next Level Baker? 2023 01:22:22,848 --> 01:22:25,887 That is... wild. 2024 01:22:25,988 --> 01:22:30,028 The winner of Next Level Baker is... 2025 01:22:32,032 --> 01:22:33,737 Being here already has proven to me 2026 01:22:33,837 --> 01:22:35,773 that I am really good at baking. 2027 01:22:35,873 --> 01:22:38,178 And if I win, that would mean so much more. 2028 01:22:39,849 --> 01:22:41,451 Congratulations goes to... 2029 01:22:41,484 --> 01:22:43,454 (SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC) 2030 01:22:44,925 --> 01:22:46,728 Stefanie! 2031 01:22:46,795 --> 01:22:47,897 Well done! 2032 01:22:47,998 --> 01:22:49,635 (EMOTIONAL MUSIC) 2033 01:22:49,735 --> 01:22:51,137 (GORDON) Well done! 2034 01:22:53,442 --> 01:22:55,045 Amazing. Well done. 2035 01:22:55,747 --> 01:22:58,084 (ZOHA) 2036 01:23:00,924 --> 01:23:02,827 Stefanie, well done. How does that feel? 2037 01:23:02,928 --> 01:23:06,267 (EMOTIONAL) It feels amazing. I'm so grateful to be here. 2038 01:23:06,300 --> 01:23:10,142 And I have such a wonderful family that supported me 2039 01:23:10,176 --> 01:23:12,412 through all of this. And this has just been 2040 01:23:12,446 --> 01:23:15,018 the best privilege of my life. Thank you so much. 2041 01:23:15,085 --> 01:23:19,928 And... I mean, these women are so incredible. 2042 01:23:20,028 --> 01:23:22,867 It's been such a gift. 2043 01:23:22,968 --> 01:23:26,876 I've worked really, really, really hard for so many years. 2044 01:23:26,909 --> 01:23:30,015 And coming here and winning this... 2045 01:23:30,049 --> 01:23:32,053 all that hard work and the sleepless nights 2046 01:23:32,153 --> 01:23:36,428 and... the tears. Like, it's all been worth it. 2047 01:23:36,461 --> 01:23:38,231 Sorry. A Home Baker did this. 2048 01:23:39,834 --> 01:23:41,938 And I think it shows that even 2049 01:23:42,039 --> 01:23:43,509 if you're not trained in something, 2050 01:23:43,576 --> 01:23:44,578 you can do anything. 2051 01:23:45,947 --> 01:23:47,984 Oh, my goodness! 2052 01:23:48,084 --> 01:23:49,521 I can't wait to celebrate with my family. 2053 01:23:49,621 --> 01:23:51,190 It's gonna be a Christmas for the books. 2054 01:23:52,827 --> 01:23:54,598 From our family to yours... 2055 01:23:54,698 --> 01:23:57,671 Happy holidays, everybody! 2056 01:23:57,704 --> 01:23:59,406 (GORDON) Well done, guys! 2057 01:23:59,507 --> 01:24:01,979 ♪ We wish you a merry Christmas 2058 01:24:02,079 --> 01:24:04,851 ♪ We wish you a merry Christmas... 2059 01:24:04,885 --> 01:24:07,857 -(CARLA) Oh, my God! ♪ We wish you a merry Christmas 2060 01:24:07,924 --> 01:24:10,797 -♪ And a Happy New Year... -Oh, God. I'm so happy! 2061 01:24:10,864 --> 01:24:13,703 ♪ Good tidings we bring 2062 01:24:13,803 --> 01:24:16,975 ♪ To you and your kin 2063 01:24:17,075 --> 01:24:20,349 ♪ We wish you a merry Christmas 2064 01:24:20,416 --> 01:24:22,486 -♪ And a Happy New Year -(CANDACE) You're so talented... 2065 01:24:24,858 --> 01:24:26,327 (SLEIGH BELLS JINGLING)