Four professional culinary artists trim a holiday tree entirely in edible decorations. Over the course of several timed rounds, the competitors will make edible garland, ornaments and then cap off their trees with an edible topper. Each chef is allowed an assistant, but won't know who their assistant is until moments before the competition begins. The competitors will have to figure out how to stay focused and quickly communicate their vision if they want any hope of taking home the $10,000.
COMPETITORS:
Michael Daniels Florist, Silver Birches Event Design and Production West Hollywood, Calif.
Michael's Assistant: Julie Grosner, mother Summerfield, Fla.
Jason Ellis Owner, Cakes by Jay Selden, N.Y.
Jason's Assistant: David Ellis, brother Port Jefferson, N.Y.
Stevie Famulari Owner/Principal Artist, Sugart Albuquerque, N.M.
Stevie's Assistant: Maria Pettus, mother Staten Island, N.Y.
Melissa Murphy Co-Owner/Pastry Chef, Sweet Melissa Patisserie Brooklyn, N.Y.
Melissa's Assistant: Kathleen Fashempour, aunt Wadsworth, Ohio
Judges:
Tina Casaceli Director of Pastry and Baking Arts, French Culinary Institute New York, N.Y.
Steve Hess Manager in Innovations and Research Development, Hallmark Cards Kansas City, Mo.
Aaron Morgan Executive Pastry Chef, Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Asheville, N.C.