Alabama Chef Competes on Food Network for $25,000 Prize

Bassyonni

ago 7 hours

Alabama Chef Competes on Food Network for $25,000 Prize

Jeanna “Gia” Barnes, the founder of bSweet Dessert Boutique in Troy, Alabama, is set to compete on the Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship.” This season marks a significant milestone, as she is the first contestant from Alabama to participate in the show.

Season 12 Details

The twelfth season of “Holiday Baking Championship” premieres on Monday, November 3, at 7 p.m. CT. The episode is titled “Welcome to the Holiday Village.” During this season, twelve bakers will be divided into two teams, known as Naughty and Nice. The Nice Team will create warm desserts, while the Naughty Team will focus on chilly treats.

Competition Structure

Each team will eventually construct an edible holiday village, showcasing a dessert from every participant. Renowned judges Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller, and Kardea Brown will evaluate the creations and decide which team wins and which faces elimination.

Challenges and Format

This season will consist of eight episodes, with additional challenges centered on holiday cocktails, pies, and festive desserts. Season 12 is hosted by Jesse Palmer, and the grand prize includes $25,000 and recognition in Food Network Magazine.

Jeanna “Gia” Barnes’ Journey

Gia Barnes opened her bakery, bSweet Dessert Boutique, on March 17, 2022, after a long career in emergency management. Tragically, just weeks after opening, she lost her husband due to a stroke. With the support of her two sons, Gia has carried on the business, pouring love and effort into every treat.

Self-taught in baking, she began her culinary adventures at the age of five. Her bakery features a five-generation pound cake recipe, a cherished family tradition. Currently, she specializes in custom sculpted cakes, wedding cakes, and Lambeth-style designs.

Meet the Contestants

Alongside Gia, the season features eleven other bakers:

Violet Zoner, Ithaca, N.Y.
Daniel Gray, High Point, N.C.
Camrey Smith, Detroit, Mich.
Erin Luttrell, Kansas City, Mo.
Nico Alkalay, Denver, Colo.
Charles Zimmerman, Charlottesville, Va.
Jean Carlos, Orlando, Fla.
Ashleigh Wright, Frisco, Texas.
Alyx Abreu, New Orleans, La.
Tarek Husseini, St. Louis, Mo.
Chase Maus, Santa Fe, N.M.

Alabama’s Food Network Presence

While Gianna is the first Alabama contestant on this specific show, others from the state have previously competed in Food Network’s baking competitions. Notable competitors include Caleb Fischer, who ranked in the top three on “Spring Baking Championship” in 2018, and three participants from “Kids Baking Championship.”

Viewers can tune in to the season premiere of “Holiday Baking Championship” at 7 p.m. CT on November 3, to witness the baking talents and challenges faced by these contestants.