Spring back: ‘Baking Championship’ returns this week

By Michelle Rose TV Media

Spring is (almost) here! Daylight is increasing, and if Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction holds true, winter should be easing its grip on all of us, barring a few last temperature dips and tantrum-esque storms.

And in the Food Network universe, that means it’s time for a new edition of “Spring Baking Championship.” A solid ratings performer since its 2015 debut, the perennial fan favorite returns to our screens Monday, March 9, for a sixth season on Food Network.

Host Clinton Kelly is back to welcome a new batch of bakers to the kitchen. And things get off to a quick start in the premiere episode, when the 11 competitors are tasked with making “perfectly patterned spring fruit geometric tarts” that sweetly celebrate spring’s beauty.

For the second round, they’ll have to create a seasonal transformation-themed fault line — think leaves sprouting, flowers blooming, caterpillars becoming butterflies. The decision to feature a fault line cake isn’t surprising, given its high visual appeal. It’s also the latest trend to have taken the cake world and Instagram feeds by storm, and it’s certainly easier on the teeth than the candy-laden geode cakes that made a big impression in 2016.

You’ll have to keep watching to find out what other confectionary creations will be featured, though I can say doughnuts and eclairs will be on the menu.

Once again, the judging panel consists of Nancy Fuller, Lorraine Pascale and the ace of cakes himself, Duff Goldman. They’ll decide who will be eliminated and who will advance to the final round and get a shot at the $25,000 grand prize in the double-episode finale on April 27.

And considering the trio has presided over the proceedings since Season 1 (2015), one would think it gets tougher every year to impress their discerning, dessert-loving palates.

As for the host, this is Kelly’s sophomore year after taking over hosting duties from Ali Khan (“Cheap Eats”) last year. The lifestyle expert’s hosting skills have already earned him an Emmy — he won for ABC’s “The Chew,” but he’s also known for his role in TLC’s “What Not To Wear,” which is getting the reboot treatment this year. In “Spring Baking Championship,” Kelly brings a seasonal-appropriate warmth and enthusiasm that is clearly resonating with viewers.

Sunday, March 8

10:35 a.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen

Today, Bea makes delicious specialties straight from Finland: Piirakka, Pulla, and Paisti.

11:10 a.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen

Bea creates a gourmet dinner for two featuring a standing rib roast and crisp salad.

11:45 a.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen

Bea makes moist flaky Danish pastry with jewel tone fruit preserves and almond filling.

12:20 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen

Bea turns delicious homemade soup and bread combinations into a feast for the senses.

5:30 p.m. (8) WDSE America’s Test Kitchen 20th Anniversary Special

The 20 most popular recipes and greatest moments from the show are showcased.

Monday, March 9

7:00 p.m. (8) WDSE Julia Child: Best Bites Chefs and celebrities share personal insights as they screen Julia’s most-beloved recipes. (N)

8:30 p.m. (8) WDSE America’s Test Kitchen 20th Anniversary Special

The 20 most popular recipes and greatest moments from the show are showcased.

10:00 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen

Bea serves up a light as air, never fail recipe for cheese soufflé and a farmer’s cheese.

10:35 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen

Today, Bea makes delicious specialties straight from Finland: Piirakka, Pulla, and Paisti.

11:10 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen

Bea creates a gourmet dinner for two featuring a standing rib roast and crisp salad.

11:45 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen Bea makes moist flaky Danish pastry with jewel tone fruit preserves and almond filling.

12:20 a.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen

Bea turns delicious homemade soup and bread combinations into a feast for the senses.

Tuesday, March 10

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

Wednesday, March 11

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

4:30 a.m. (2) KTCA Julia Child: Best Bites Chefs and celebrities share personal insights as they screen Julia’s most-beloved recipes.

Thursday, March 12

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

Friday, March 13

12:30 p.m. (9) KAWE Food Over 50

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

Saturday, March 14

10:00 a.m. (8) WDSE America’s Test Kitchen 20th Anniversary Special The 20 most popular recipes and greatest moments from the show are showcased.

2:30 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen Bea serves up a light as air, never fail recipe for cheese soufflé and a farmer’s cheese.

3:05 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen Today, Bea makes delicious specialties straight from Finland: Piirakka, Pulla, and Paisti.

3:40 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen Bea creates a gourmet dinner for two featuring a standing rib roast and crisp salad.

4:15 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen Bea makes moist flaky Danish pastry with jewel tone fruit preserves and almond filling.

4:45 p.m. (8) WDSE Beatrice

Ojakangas: Welcome to My Kitchen Bea turns delicious homemade soup and bread combinations into a feast for the senses.

9:30 p.m. (8) WDSE WDSE Cooks Juli and 19 local cooks are ready to impress with a delicious array of pure comfort food.

Brainerd Daily Dispatch, MN: Food Mar 8, 2020 to Mar 14, 2020

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