Hallmark Drama’s first-ever baking competition will bring together America’s most talented home bakers alongside the cast of “When Calls the Heart” to face off in a new cookie baking challenge.
As the granddaughter of a professional pastry chef, Anna’s had a passion for baking for as long as she could remember. At age 10, her younger brother was diagnosed with many chronic illnesses and allergies, so Anna began experimenting with recipes to create treats he could safely eat and enjoy. She fell in love with serving others and bringing joy through food, which she now does daily at her allergy-friendly shop, To Your Health Bakery, a popular destination in Winston-Salem, NC. Though this hard-working, self-taught entrepreneur specializes in in gluten free, vegan, keto and paleo products, she adapts her recipes to please any palate, especially when she donates her time to produce thousands of cookies for various charities.
Growing up on an Air Force Base, Monica showed such an affinity for biochemistry, that one of her first paying jobs was at NASA. Her passion for art eventually won out, leading her to earn a MFA in Fine Art from California Institute of the Arts. Monica applied her artistic talents to baking and cookie decorating, launching two online sweet shops -- Pent Up Cookie Company and Mack and Jane. Her baking style is less scientific and more intuitive, producing customizable treats that are as fun and bright as her smile. But Monica’s greatest source of joy is her family, including husband Josh, teenage daughter Jordyn and new baby Aspen.
Influenced by his mom and grandmothers, cooking interested Ricky early in life. At age 11, he enrolled in cake decorating classes and knew instantly that this was going to be a lifelong passion. He worked his way up from bakery apprentice to Executive Pastry Chef, eventually becoming a Corporate Executive Chef at several posh hotels. As his skills and confidence blossomed, his creativity took flight, even fulfilling a lifelong dream of building a life-sized Gingerbread House! By day, Ricky works as a chef consultant, helping restaurateurs develop best practices. But, his whimsical culinary style and community involvement has made Ricky a local celebrity in Washington state where he lives with his partner Andrew and two adopted rescue dogs, Ponzu and Gandalf. Follow Ricky on Instagram.
Throughout her childhood in Northeast Wisconsin, Laura enjoyed being in the kitchen, whether it was helping her mom make cookies or simply as the official “taste tester” of mom’s dough. She also loved expressing her creativity, mostly through arts, crafts, and sewing. Laura eventually earned a degree in clothing design at the University of Minnesota and has been designing menswear professionally ever since. She began baking in her free time about five years ago, gifting decorated sugar cookies to friends and loved ones. Perfecting her favorite sugar cookie recipe was as rewarding for her as it was for the recipients who were surprised with detailed and delicious samples. She loves being able to express her design skills and eye for detail in different mediums -- clothing by day, and cookies by night! Follow Laura on Instagram
Jodi Johnston is from Wenatchee, Washington and has been baking professionally for over 10 years. She owns and operates Cake Chic Studio with her mother-in-law-turned-best-friend, Sandy. When she’s not drumming up extravagant wedding cakes, you can find her in the kitchen as the executive pastry chef at Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery. She has a secret recipe that she’ll NEVER spill, but will pass down to her beloved baby granddaughter, Penelope. Follow Jodi on Instagram.
JC grew up in Louisberg, Kansas, a small farming town with a population of 1,500. As a child, JC’s beloved mother taught him to bake. She’d always say, “dessert is a must,” and JC still carries on that tradition with gusto. By day, JC works as an auditor for Costco Wholesale, but he’s famous around Kansas City for his decadent desserts. When his partner developed Type B Lymphoma in 2012, JC stayed home to care for him. Baking once again was a source of comfort. Then, as his partner’s health improved, JC spent his free time donating homemade cookies and desserts around the community. JC’s now specializes in custom cakes and handcrafted macaroons. Every single day, he “accidentally” whips up extravagant desserts to share with loved ones, clients and his favorite charities. Follow JC on Instagram.
In March of 2019, an EF4 tornado ravaged the rural towns of Beauregard and Smith’s Station, Alabama. Our wish for this holiday special is to bring some hope, joy and love to this inspirational community that has gone through so much. Hosted by Rashad Jennings.
