I was really disappointed in the challenge. I had really been looking forward to watching it. I know it was "extreme", but I just think they were all trying to do cakes that were impossible to do well in the time period they had to work in.

I've been reading through these posts and have to agree with a lot of folks--I thought it was just me but I've been dissapointed with the last few Challenges lately--the Skyline one, this Extreme Holiday Cake come to mind. They have 8 hours to wow the judges but just by that fact its not enough time to make something 'big' and well done at the same time. Bronwen does incredible work and even hers was not up to her usual level. Sigh, I hope they tweak the format a bit---or at least all the competitors need to practice before hand like the Patry Chefs do for the Pastry challenges (hugh chocolate or sugar sculpture, etc.) Food Network shows occaisionally---those teams practice months before hand--I guess maybe a little to much to ask--but for $10K---I think I'd practice a little more. Still look forward to them. Anyone know if they are doing a show on the Grove Park Gingerbread contest---love that!

I think the popular vote here is to do away with the nonsensical Home Depot cakes and get back to the basics with no silly gimmicks.

I have never met nor spoke with Kerry Vincent. I certainly want to believe that she is a sweet & caring individual, but, then why does she allow herself to be portrayed like that time and time again?

Never met Kerri but she does instill a little bit of fear.....

I look at her as kind of the Simon Cowell of cake judges---a lot of people talk smack about her but I do notice that when she is complimentary to something or someone people seem to grasp on to that more than any other judges comments--love her or hate her, a lot of people are happy if they please her.

Human nature, ain't it grand.

Well...I just saw the episode last night.I have to agree with many posters in saying that they are getting away from the real reason they are there..To Decorate!! No pyrotechnics...no remote control santa heads....or santa bags etc.I want to see a good old challenge with stacking and pillaring and all that stuff and actual decorating with flowers and techniques like lustre dusts and airbrushing etc..That being said I was a bit dissapointed with all 4 cakes..Lori's cake was not thought out.How in the world did she think several large,thick sugar panels were going to hold together..Laws of gravity...I like Bronwen's design but I agree with most..I didn't like seeing all the wires etc in between the tree boughs.Buddy's cake was big and huge but I agree the santa head was not molded by hand..he used a mold and was a little theatrical but I liked his ideas like the shingles dipped in poppy seeds.The young gentleman(Sorry forgot his name) His cake was alright but I felt all the technical problems on and off kinda deflated the end result.I felt his work was better than most but still I think he is way more talented at gumpaste flowers.