A new set of pastry chefs and home bakers are throwing on their aprons, getting their hands in the dough and taking on holiday-themed culinary challenges, but only one can win the grand prize of $50,000 and the title of Holiday Baking Champion.

Don't let her sweet demeanor fool you. This mom and bakery owner used to be a corrections officer at an all-male prison. Now she's bringing her Christmas cheer to the Holiday Baking Championship.

Ian started his culinary career working in high-end New York kitchens, but now he teaches culinary arts to high school students. His 12-year-old daughter was born with down syndrome, and Ian wants to take home the championship and show her that anything is possible.

Stephany is a pastry arts instructor at the International Culinary Center, and a major holiday enthusiast. "I love the holidays so much," she said. "Every year I cut down my own Christmas tree, and I throw a huge holiday party." Stephany is sure that her decades of experience are going to help her win the title.