Incredible Christmas delights are on display in ‘Extreme Cake Makers’

By Andrew Warren TV Media

Christmas is almost upon us, and it’s a busy time of year for bakers. Whether a professional with culinary school training or a home baker who bakes for friends and family, bakers of all stripes are busy blending, whisking and kneading as they whip up incredible festive favorites.

For the bakers in Cooking Channel’s “Extreme Cake Makers,” the holidays really aren’t that different from the rest of the year — they’re still pulling out all the stops to make some of the most fantastical cake creations that can be imagined. Currently airing Friday evenings, each episode of the British import follows several U.K.-based bakers as they create amazing edible treats that have to be seen to be believed.

This week’s episode, airing Friday, Dec. 21, is all about — you guessed it — Christmas. The master cake makers are hard at work as the holiday season gets into full swing, with one of them crafting an edible reindeer that would make Santa Claus himself proud. Meanwhile, bakers Christine and Phil plot out a way to make immaculately detailed cake presents, and then work on mastering the meticulous details required to bring the Christmas cake magic to life.

Baker Eloise is in the holiday spirit, too, and she creates a cake that’s filled with local landmarks to celebrate the Christmas season in her hometown. Meanwhile, cake master Molly branches out into gingerbread as she builds a gingerbread house masterpiece that creates a perfect fairy-tale ending. Things get back to normal once Christmas is past, and in next week’s episode, things get royal. While Rosie bakes a life-size Prince Charming cake, Phil and Christine bake for a real-life prince when Prince Charles himself gives their creations his royal approval. Now that’s an honor that any baker can be proud of! There are plenty of baking shows on TV, but “Extreme Cake Masters” stands out from the crowd, thanks to its quintessential Britishness. Join some of the best bakers in the business as they get into the Christmas spirit in the holiday episode airing Friday, Dec. 21, on Cooking Channel.

Sunday, Dec. 16

11:00 a.m. TRAV Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Andrew explores coastal classics like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and barbecue.

11:30 a.m. TRAV Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Andrew tastes classic Chicago deep dish pizza and many other great dishes.

Noon (2) KTCA The Great British Baking Show Paul bakes St. Lucia buns and mincemeat and marzipan couronne.

12:30 p.m. TRAV Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Andrew highlights San Diego’s sun-soaked cuisine, served surfside.

1:00 p.m. (2) KTCA The Great British Baking Show Mary and Paul share favorite recipes for Christmas classics.

2:00 p.m. (2) KTCA The Great British Baking Show Mary prepares a pavlova wreath, and Paul a Chelsea bun Christmas tree.

3:00 p.m. (2) KTCA The Great British Baking Show Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood detail how to make perfect mince pies.

Monday, Dec. 17

1:00 p.m. (11) KARE The Rachael Ray Show Viewers are presented with great recipes and simple solutions for everyday issues.

Tuesday, Dec. 18

11:30 a.m. (9) KAWE Sara’s Weeknight Meals Arroz con gandules, and a sandwich version of picadillo are made.

1:00 p.m. (11) KARE The Rachael Ray Show Viewers are presented with great recipes and simple solutions for everyday issues.

8:00 p.m. (2) KTCA (8) WDSE (9) KAWE Lidia Celebrates America (N)

Wednesday, Dec. 19

1:00 p.m. (11) KARE The Rachael Ray Show Viewers are presented with great recipes and simple solutions for everyday issues.

Thursday, Dec. 20

1:00 p.m. (11) KARE The Rachael Ray Show Viewers are presented with great recipes and simple solutions for everyday issues.

8:00 p.m. (5) KSTP The Great American Baking Show Five finalists remain in the tent as they face their final three bakes. (N)

9:00 p.m. (5) KSTP The Great American Baking Show With their toughest challenges ahead only one will be named America’s Best Amateur Baker. (N)

Friday, Dec. 21

12:30 p.m. (9) KAWE Food Over 50 David Jackson chooses two spectacular recipes that pack more flavor into our food.

1:00 p.m. (11) KARE The Rachael Ray Show Viewers are presented with great recipes and simple solutions for everyday issues.

Saturday, Dec. 22

8:30 a.m. (2) KTCA Moveable Feast With Fine Cooking

9:00 a.m. (2) KTCA Martha Bakes Martha makes four mouth-watering Great Lakes favorites, including Belgian rice pie.

9:30 a.m. (2) KTCA How to Cook Well With Rory O’Connell Mincemeat filos and ballymaloe, pickled pears and kumquat compote and more are prepared.

10:00 a.m. (2) KTCA Joanne Weir’s Plates and Places Joanne makes risotto with Amarone wine and radicchio and demonstrates extruded pasta.

10:30 a.m. (2) KTCA New Orleans Cooking With Kevin Belton Cabbage Casserole; Black Eyed Peas and Andouille; Corned Beef.

11:00 a.m. (2) KTCA Jacques Pepin: More Fast Food My Way

11:30 a.m. (2) KTCA Lidia’s Kitchen (N) Noon (2) KTCA Sara’s Weeknight Meals Salt cod with bacon, onions, eggs and potatoes; chicken, shrimp, peanut and cashew stew.

12:30 p.m. (2) KTCA America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated Julia and Bridget discover the secrets to preparing exceptional chicken marsala.

1:00 p.m. (2) KTCA Nigella: At My Table Nigella shares new discoveries like her Turkish-inspired eggs.

1:30 p.m. (2) KTCA Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street A fennel-rosemary Porchetta is made.

2:30 p.m. (8) WDSE Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Taipei, Taiwan: Taiwanese flaky scallion pancakes, and Taiwanese five-spice pork are made.

3:00 p.m. (2) KTCA Lidia Celebrates America

Brainerd Daily Dispatch, MN: Food Dec 16, 2018 to Dec 22, 2018

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