Portland baker competes on Food Network’s ‘Holiday Baking Championship’


Another Oregonian is showing off skills in a TV realty show competition. Joining such recent examples as Jacquie Roar on “The Voice,” Kelly Bartlett on “Lego Masters,” and Steven Mosier and Summer Lynne Seasons on “Buddy Games,” is a home baker from Portland who’s trying to cook her way to victory on the 2023 season of “Holiday Baking Championship” on the Food Network.

Alex Jacks is described on the “Holiday Baking Championship” website as “a home baker, single mom and server. She began her baking journey decorating sugar cookies in her home kitchen. She has high hopes for the competition and the grand prize payout.”

“Holiday Baking Championship” is one of the seasonal cooking competitions that the Food Network whips up for viewers. The 2023 season, which began with the Nov. 6 episode, is, according to press materials, “filled with more sugar and spice than ever before! Over eight exciting episodes, host Jesse Palmer invites the most heartwarming group of bakers to channel the spirit of the holidays by making everything from Thanksgiving pies to a cake inspired by holiday-loving chocolatier — Wonka! In the end, only one baker will impress judges Carla Hall, Duff Goldman and Nancy Fuller to win the title of Holiday Baking Champion and take home the grand prize of $25,000.”

If you missed last week’s season premiere (cinnamon rolls were involved), it airs again at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13. A new episode, “Can’t Wait for Turkey Day,” follows, airing at 8 p.m. Nov. 13. Here’s the synopsis for what viewers can expect in tonight’s new episode: “Jesse Palmer highlights Thanksgiving’s star when he has the bakers create turkey dome desserts with edible feathers.”

Well, let’s hope those creations are more delicious than they sound! The episode continues with the bakers showing judges Carla Hall, Duff Goldman and Nancy Fuller their tablescaping skills, complete with mini table cakes with a Thanksgiving theme.

“Holiday Baking Championship” airs at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13 on Food Network, and can be streamed on Max and on Philo, which offers a free trial.

— Kristi Turnquist

503-221-8227; [email protected]; @Kristiturnquist

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