Ep 2. Santa to the Rescue!

In this festive episode of Holiday Wars season 2, titled "Santa to the Rescue!", the competition heats up as the remaining four teams are tasked with creating a masterpiece inspired by none other than Santa Claus himself. The judges, including Jonathan Bennett and chef Duff Goldman, are looking for life-sized Santa cakes that can dazzle the eyes and tantalize the taste buds.

The episode opens with the teams getting into the holiday spirit by donning Santa hats and singing carols. But the mood quickly shifts when they learn of the challenge ahead. The bakers get to work brainstorming, sketching, and strategizing for the biggest cake they've ever made.

Team Mistle Toast, composed of two sisters and a cousin, decides to make a jacket cake for Santa with gingerbread cookies as buttons and red velvet cake for the lining. They plan to include mini trampolines that will make Santa's belly wiggle when you shake the cake. The judges are skeptical that the team can pull it off, but they seem determined to try.

Team Holly Jolly, consisting of best friends and a cousin, decide to celebrate Santa's journey around the world by making a globe with Santa flying over different continents. They plan to incorporate flavors from around the world, including matcha from Japan and coconut from the Caribbean. With a team member struggling with a sore throat, they worry if it could affect their chances.

Team Gingerbread Giants, made up of a husband and wife duo and their friend, decide to depict Santa in his workshop surrounded by whimsical gingerbread creatures. The judges appreciate their attention to detail and creativity in making a fun and whimsical scene.

Finally, Team Christmazzz takes a different approach by creating an unconventional Santa with sunglasses and a boombox on his shoulder. They plan to infuse their cake with energy, incorporating coffee and espresso into the flavors. The judges are curious to see how this playful interpretation of Santa could turn out.

As the teams race against the clock to complete their cakes, tensions run high. With hours until the judging, teams experience some ups and downs as they encounter technical difficulties and unexpected mishaps. They all struggle with the sheer size and scale of the cakes, questioning whether they can finish in time.

With five minutes left on the clock, teams frantically put the finishing touches on their Santa masterpieces. They present their cakes to the judges, who inspect each one in detail, paying attention to taste, design, and overall execution.

The judges are impressed with the creativity of all the teams, but ultimately, one team is declared the winner. The judges highlight the attention to detail and overall balance of flavors in the winning cake. The team members are ecstatic, high-fiving and hugging each other, amazed their cake was able to measure up to the incredible creations of their competitors.

As the episode comes to a close, the losing team must say goodbye, leaving the competition with their heads held high and grateful for the experience. The remaining three teams gear up for the next challenge, eager to see what Holiday Wars has in store for them next.