• f
  • t
  • p
  • s
  • i
  • y
  • Magazine
  • Newsletters
  • My Recipe Box
    • Recipes Grocery List Profile Log Out
    • Log In What is Recipe Box? Sign Up
  • Recipes
  • Healthy
  • Party Food
  • Iron Chef Gauntlet
  • Full Episodes
On TV Now
Full Schedule
  • Recipes
  • Shows
  • Chefs
  • Restaurants
  • Videos
  • Sweeps
  • Blog
  • Apps
  • Shop
  • Shows A-Z
  • Chefs A-Z
  • Log Out
  • Log In Sign Up
© 2018 Scripps Networks Interactive
  • Home
  • Shows
  • Food Network Challenge
  • Food Network Challenge Episodes

Food Network Challenge

  • Main
  • Episodes
  • Recipes
  • Videos

Food Network Challenge Episodes

  • Season 13.0
  • Season 12.0
  • Season 11.0
  • Season 10.0
  • Season 9.0
  • Season 8.0
  • Season 7.0
  • Season 6.0
  • Season 5.0
  • Season 4.0
  • Season 3.0
  • Season 2.0
  • Season 1.0
Change Season
Season 5, Episode 1

Edible Ornaments

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.

 

 

Season 5, Episode 2

Princess Cakes

They are the most recognized Disney princesses on the silver screen. In this challenge, five of the country's top cake designers transform Snow White, Belle, Cinderella and Jasmine into 3-foot tall cakes.


COMPETITORS:

Flora Aghababyan
Assistant Pastry Chef, Bellagio Hotel
Las Vegas, Nev.
Assistant: Anna Kandaharian

Norman Davis
Owner, The Sweet Life
Annandale, Va.
Assistant: Zane Beg

Elizabeth Hodes
Owner, Elizabeth Hodes Custom Cakes and Sugar Art
New York, N.Y.
Assistant: Susan Gambelli

Mary Maher
Co-Owner, Cakegirls
Chicago, Ill.
Assistant: Brenda Maher

Kate Sullivan
Owner, Lovin Sullivan Cakes
New York, N.Y.
Assistant: Katie Robinson

Judges:

Katherine Alford
Test Kitchen Director, Food Network
New York, N.Y.

Dara Trujillo
Manager of Disney's Princess Merchandise Franchise
Orlando, Fla.

Kerry Vincent
Wedding Cake Designer/Hall of Fame Sugar Artist
Tulsa, Okla.

 

 

 

 

 

Season 5, Episode 3

Villain Cakes

Five of America's best cake decorators travel to Disney World to compete in a cake competition where each cake revolves around a famous Disney villain.

Season 5, Episode 4

Great American Pie Cook-Off

Nothing says comfort like a slice of homemade pie. In this competition, five amateur bakers will roll out top crusts and mix up flavorful fillings for a chance to win $10,000. The competition takes place over three rounds in which they'll try their hand at fruit, cream, chocolate and custard pies. These bakers must wow some of the toughest chefs in the industry if they want to take home the prize.


COMPETITORS:

Valarie Enters
Sanford, Fla.

Christine Fiedorowicz
Denver, Colo.

Saptosa Foster
Atlanta, Ga.

John Michael Lerma
Saint Paul, Minn.

Dennis McKinney
Oklahoma City, Okla.

Judges:

Linda Hoskins
Executive Director, American Pie Council
Lake Forest, Ill.

Liz Prueitt
Co-Owner & Pastry Chef, Tartine Bakery
San Francisco, Calif.

Jorge De La Torre
Dean of Culinary Education at Johnson and Wales
Denver, Colo.

 

 

 

Season 5, Episode 5

Haunted Gingerbread Houses

There goes the neighborhood! Santa Claus and his reindeer are out, and ghosts and goblins are in as a Christmas classic gets a Halloween makeover. The art of gingerbread building takes a giant leap forward as four pastry chefs build not only haunted houses, but a spooky slime-filled cave and a Spanish Galleon manned by skeleton sailors. Who knew something so sweet could be so...scary!


COMPETITORS:

Elizabeth Falkner
Owner and Executive Pastry Chef, Citizen Cake & Citizen Cupcake
San Francisco, Calif.
Assistant: Sara Cameron

Liv Hansen
Owner, The Riviera Bakehouse
Upper Nyack, N.Y.
Assistant: Kaye Hansen

Dawn Nemec
Pastry Chef, Just Cake
Monterey Bay, Calif.
Assistant: Marina Sousa

April Robinson
Pastry Chef, A Voce Restaurant
New York, N.Y.
Assistant: Ron Rosselli

Judges:

Steve Kopelman
Owner of Thrillvania and The Nest Haunted Houses
Terrell, Texas

Andrew Shotts
Owner, Garrison Confections
Providence, R.I.

Kerry Vincent
Wedding Cake Designer/Hall of Fame Sugar Artist
Tulsa, Okla.

 

 

 

 

 

Season 5, Episode 6

Sweet 16

Sweet 16 parties are all the rage, and in this challenge, four cake designers try to make a sweet sixteen cake for a lavish birthday party.

Season 5, Episode 7

Extreme Cakes

Four of the country's top cake designers do things with cake you've never seen before. Judged by Duff Goldman and his crew from Ace of Cakes, the competitors are encouraged to break all of the rules of cake decorating. The creator of the most radical cake takes home $10,000.


COMPETITORS:

Jörg Amsler
Chef/Owner, Truly Jörg’s Patisserie
Boston, Mass.
Assistant: Peter Ungár

Michelle Garcia
Chef/Owner, The Bleeding Heart Bakery
Chicago, Ill.
Assistant: Valentin "Vinny" Garcia

Stephen Maronian
Chef/Co-Owner, Sweet Lisa's Exquisite Cakes
Greenwich, Conn.
Assistant: John Ewen

Elisa Strauss
Owner, Confetti Cakes
New York, N.Y.
Assistant: Mark Randazzo

Judges:

Duff Goldman
Owner, Charm City Cakes
Baltimore, Md.

Geof Manthorne
Executive Sous Chef, Charm City Cakes
Baltimore, Md.

Mary Alice Yeskey
Manager, Charm City Cakes
Baltimore, Md.

Season 5, Episode 8

Simpsons Movie Cake

The Simpsons movie is one of most anticipated films to hit the silver screen. In this competition, four professional cake designers try to capture the spirit of FOX's craziest family.


COMPETITORS:

Debbie Goard
Owner, Debbie Does Cakes
Oakland, Calif.
Assistant: Chris Hirneisen

Mary Maher
Co-Owner, Cakegirls
Chicago, Ill.
Assistant: Brenda Maher

Bronwen Weber
Executive Chef, Frosted Art Bakery & Studio
Dallas, Texas
Assistant: Jennifer Bartos

Tad Weliczko
Specialty Cake Designer
New York, N.Y.
Assistant: James Rosselle

Judges:

Tina Casaceli
Director of Pastry and Baking Arts, French Culinary Institute
New York, N.Y.

Patrick Coston
Owner/Executive Pastry Chef, PC Desserts
New York, N.Y.

Kerry Vincent
Wedding Cake Designer/Hall of Fame Sugar Artist
Tulsa, Okla.

 

 

 

 

Season 5, Episode 9

Mac and Cheese

This isn't your mom's mac n cheese. In this competition, four professional chefs do things you've never seen before with this classic comfort food.


COMPETITORS:

Frank Bonanno
Owner & Chef, Mizuna Restaurant & Luca d’Italia
Denver, Colo.

Duskie Estes
Co-Owner, Bovolo & Zazu Restaurant & Farm
Santa Rosa, Calif.

Melissa Mayer
Executive Chef, The Guild Restaurant and Lounge
San Diego, Calif.

Derek Wagner
Owner & Chef, Nick’s On Broadway
Providence, R.I.

Delilah Winder
President, Delilah’s Southern Cuisine, Inc.
Philadelphia, Pa.

Judges:

John Besh
Owner - Restaurant August, The Besh Steakhouse, Luke, La Provence
New Orleans, La.

Barbara Lynch
Chef/Owner - No. 9 Park, B & G Oysters & The Butcher Shop
Boston, Mass.

Andrew Smith
Culinary Author
New York, N.Y.

Season 5, Episode 10

Super Heroes

Four chefs will gather in Memphis to compete in the ultimate sandwich battle. The competition will contain 4, timed rounds: Hot, Cold, Panini, and a Signature round where the chefs will showcase their best tasting sandwich. After each round is judged, the chef with the highest score at the end of the challenge will win $10,000.

Season 5, Episode 11

National Chicken Cook-Off

Once again the Challenge cameras descend on one of the richest competitions in the culinary world - the $100,000 National Chicken Cooking Contest. Birmingham, Alabama plays host, but representatives from every state in the nation will be cooking up home-grown recipes sure to make your mouth water!


COMPETITORS:

Jenny Flake
Gilbert, Ariz.

Rob Mongeon
Colchester, Vt.

Janine Washle
Sonora, Ky.

Jennifer White
Columbus, Ohio

Judges:

Saimi Bergmann
Alliance, Ohio

Nancy Dell’Aria
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Gwynn Galvin
Montvale, N.J.

Frances Largeman-Roth
Birmingham, Ala.

Kathy Martin
Miami Shores, Fla.

Julie Miltenberger
New York, N.Y.

Lyon Nusom
Hillsboro, N.M.

Suzanne Ontiveros
Chicago, Ill.

Colleen Pierre
Baltimore, Md.

Gwen Schoen
Sacramento, Calif.

Nancy Stohs
Wauwatosa, Wis.

Diane Stoneback
Allentown, Pa.

Joy Taylor
Ankeny, Iowa

Teresa Taylor
John’s Island, S.C.

Karin Welzel
Pittsburgh, Pa.

 

Season 5, Episode 12

World Championship BBQ Cook-Off

258 teams are gathered in Memphis for one of the most prestigious barbeque contests in the world. Competitors will compete in three categories: shoulder, ribs and whole hog. If they can beat out the other competitors in their category they'll win $3,000 and have a shot at the Grand Prize of $22,000.

The challenge follows returning grand champions Red Hot Smokers in the Shoulder Category, two-time grand champion Myron Mixon in the Whole Hog Category and newcomers Killer Hogs in the Ribs Category.

Season 5, Episode 13

National Beef Cook-Off

Chicago hosts the National Beef Cook-off. Amateur chefs will compete in four categories: New Dynamic Beef Dishes, Nuevo Latino Beef Dishes, Small Plates, Big Taste and Kids in the Kitchen. The winner of each category will win $10,000, with the runner-up in each receiving $5,000.


COMPETITORS:

Michael Cohen – New Dynamic Beef Dishes
Los Angeles, Calif.

Lori Falce – Small Plates, Big Taste
Osceola Mills, Pa.

Teresa & Catherine Ralston – Kids in the Kitchen
New Albany, Ohio

Christine Riccitelli – Nuevo Latino Beef Dishes
Incline Village, Nev.

New Dynamic Beef Dishes Competitors:

Michelle Benthin
Gates, Ore.

Veronica Callaghan
Glastonbury, Conn.

Diane Coates
Allendale, N.J.

Barbara Estabrook
Rhinelander, Wis.

Nuevo Latino Beef Dishes Competitors:

Roxanne Chan
Albany, Calif.

Norma Fried
Denver, Colo.

Patrice Hurd
Bemidji, Minn.

Margaret Murphy
Naperville, Ill.

Kids in the Kitchen Competitors:

John & Morgan Hanrahan
Olympia, Wash.

Shannon & Tanner Kohn
Simpsonville, S.C.

Shannon, Riley & Danielle Mitchell
Naperville, Ill.

Tracy & Bradley Schuhmacher
Penfield, N.Y.

Small Plates, Big Taste Competitors:

Deborah Biggs
Omaha, Neb.

Angela Buchanan
Longmont, Colo.

Lisa Huff
Clive, Iowa

Kurt Wait
Redwood City, Calif.

Judges:

Mary Adolf
President and COO, National Restaurant Association Education Foundation
Chicago, Ill.

Carol Haddix
Associate Subject Editor, Good Eating
Chicago, Ill.

Chris Koetke
Dean of Department of Culinary Arts, Kendall College
Chicago, Ill.

Ina Pinkney
Owner, Ina’s Restaurant
Chicago, Ill.

Nancy Rodriguez
President, Food Marketing Support Services, Inc.
Oak Park, Ill.

  • Previous Season
  • Next Season

On TV

The Pioneer Woman

9:30am | 8:30c

Kids Baking Championship

10am | 9c

Kids Baking Championship

11am | 10c

Kids Baking Championship

12pm | 11c

Kids Baking Championship

1pm | 12c

Kids Baking Championship

2pm | 1c

Kids Baking Championship

3pm | 2c

Kids Baking Championship

4pm | 3c

Kids Baking Championship

5pm | 4c

Kids Baking Championship

6pm | 5c

Kids Baking Championship

7pm | 6c

Spring Baking Championship

8pm | 7c

Spring Baking Championship

9pm | 8c
On Tonight
On Tonight

Cake Masters

10pm | 9c

Vegas Cakes

11pm | 10c

Vegas Cakes

11:30pm | 10:30c

Spring Baking Championship

12am | 11c

Cake Masters

1am | 12c

Vegas Cakes

2am | 1c

Vegas Cakes

2:30am | 1:30c

Spring Baking Championship

3am | 2c

Guy's Grocery Games

4am | 3c
See Full Schedule

Video Newsletter

Sign up for the latest how-tos, TV exclusives and behind-the-scenes footage. Privacy Policy

What's New

Meet the Hopefuls Competing on Comeback Kitchen 8 Photos

Meet the Food Network Star, Season 14 Finalists 11 Photos

Bobby's 10 Commandments of Grilling 10 Photos

Worst Cooks in America, Season 13: Craziest Moments 14 Photos

Worst Cooks in America, Season 13: Meet the Celebrity Recruits 9 Photos

The Chopped Judges' Best Recipes 20 Photos

Behind the Scenes of Season 2 21 Photos

The Best Cakes from Vegas Cakes 9 Photos

Guy's Grocery Games: DDD All-Star Tournament — Meet the Competitors 12 Photos

Most-Delectable Desserts from Spring Baking Championship, Season 4 33 Photos

The Most-Dangerous Ingredients on Chopped 12 Photos

Meet the Challengers Competing on Iron Chef Gauntlet, Season 2 8 Photos

Meet the Competitors of Spring Baking Championship, Season 4 11 Photos

Worst Cooks in America: Make the Mentors' Recipes 13 Photos

Kids Baking Championship: Top Creations, Season 4 19 Photos

Tyler's Ultimate Tips 8 Photos

Worst Cooks in America, Season 12: Craziest Moments 58 Photos

Worst Cooks in America, Season 12: Meet the Recruits 17 Photos

Kids Baking Championship Competitors, Season 4 13 Photos

The Best Recipes from Baked in Vermont 10 Photos

Gesine's Baking Do’s and Don’ts 11 Photos

Savory and Sweet Pancakes, Courtesy of Iron Chef Stephanie Izard 3 Photos

Guy's Grocery Games: Last Judge Standing Tournament — Meet the Competitors 9 Photos

The Best Recipes from Guy's Ranch Kitchen 7 Photos

Unforgettable Moments from Iron Chef Showdown 52 Photos

Delicious Desserts from Holiday Baking Championship, Season 4 31 Photos

On the Road with the Guy's Big Project Prospects 32 Photos

Valerie's Best Thanksgiving Recipes 14 Photos

Meet the Prospects Competing on Guy's Big Project 9 Photos

Meet the Competitors of Holiday Baking Championship, Season 4 11 Photos

Load More

Latest Stories

If I Ate As Well As My Kids, I’d Be the Healthiest Mom at School Pickup Apr 20, 2018

Cool Ways Companies Are Reducing Food Waste Apr 22, 2018

Chrissy Teigen's Brilliant Frozen Pizza Hack — Plus, This Week's Celeb Food News Apr 20, 2018

Prince William Eats Fast Food Just Like You Apr 20, 2018

This Cocktail Shaker Holds 2,400 Gallons of Booze! Apr 23, 2018

All-Pink Starburst Packs Are Back — This Time with a Clothing Line Apr 20, 2018

5 Simple Rules for a Perfect Chicken Sandwich Apr 20, 2018

We’re Going to Pretend It’s Spring and Eat All of the Rhubarb Apr 19, 2018

People Are Panic-Purchasing Necco Wafers Apr 17, 2018

How I Get 4 Kids to Sit Down for Dinner Peacefully (Almost) Every Night Apr 10, 2018

This New Drink Blends Carbonation and Caffeine Apr 18, 2018

Homer Simpson's Fave Doughnut Is Real, but There's a Catch (D'oh!) Apr 18, 2018

Anderson Cooper: Friend, Foodie or … Both? Apr 16, 2018

Everything They'll Be Eating at Coachella This Weekend Apr 13, 2018

NYT Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwich Recipe Sparks Controversy Apr 13, 2018

You Can Vacation Just Like Ree Drummond — and Other Celebrity Food News This Week Apr 16, 2018

The 20-Calorie Caesar Dressing Your Life’s Been Missing Apr 16, 2018

Has Everything You've Tasted Your Entire Life Been a Lie? Apr 13, 2018

Jessica Biel, Supportive Wife … and Taco Lover? Apr 16, 2018

This Barista Makes Latte Art Inspired By Famous People Apr 12, 2018

Marc Jacobs Popped the Question in a Chipotle Apr 11, 2018

How to Throw a Dinner Party When Your Kitchen Is the Size of a Potato Apr 12, 2018

Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott Pours Sugar on Everything Apr 12, 2018

Here's a Great Reason to Eat Grilled Cheese All Month Long Apr 10, 2018

POLL: How Do You Celebrate Birthdays? Apr 9, 2018

This Ice Cream Rose Is Much Better Than Real Flowers Apr 13, 2018

13 Celebs You Had No Idea Were Vegan Apr 12, 2018

Avocado Toast Marshmallows Are No Joke Apr 11, 2018

Ina’s Favorite Flavor of All Time: The Good Vanilla Apr 5, 2018

2018 Is On Track to Be a Record Year for Avocados Apr 6, 2018

Load More
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoices
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Newsroom
  • Advertise
  • Help
  • Contact Us
  • International Editions
    • United States
    • Asia
    • Brazil
    • Canada
    • Europe, Middle East & Africa
    • United Kingdom
    • Latin America
  • See all Scripps Networks Digital
    • Cooking Channel
    • GeniusKitchen.com
    • HGTV
    • DIY Network
    • Travel Channel
    • Great American Country
    • SpoonUniversity.com
  • © 2018 Scripps Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.