Fans may notice a familiar face returning to the Food Network for the upcoming season of Holiday Baking Championship.
The Food Network shared a sneak peek on YouTube for the new season, which is set to begin on November 3. In a new twist, the show will be splitting contestants into two teams, team naughty and team nice. In addition to this twist, the network teased that a former Food Network competitor will be returning for the show.
Tarek Husseini, a runner-up on season seven of Kids Baking Championship, is returning to the stage. Husseini was 13 years old when he first appeared on the Food Network.
Former Food Network Contestant Returns for Holiday Baking Championship
“When I was 13 years old, I was a finalist on Kids Baking Championship, but I did not win,” Husseini said in the sneak peek video posted on October 17. “I was a hot mess. But now, I’m better. I promise.”
“Hindsight is 20/20 and I’ve really refined those techniques,” he said.
The contestant, who is now 19 years old, will be competing alongside 12 fellow bakers for season 12. His age however, poses a problem for one of his desserts.
In the trailer, Husseini had to ask a fellow competitor to try a sip of the champagne he wanted to use, as he’s not legally old enough to drink.
One of the desserts Husseini will make this season is a mimosa-inspired mini pavlova.
“I’m back,” the baker told the show’s judges as he went up to present a dish.
“You’re like a foot taller,” judge Duff Goldman responded.
“You’re not old enough to drink,” judge Nancy Fuller said after the baker presented his dish.
“You know, nothing’s naughtier than underage drinking,” the baker quipped, a nod to the team he’ll be competing on this season.
Fellow Contestant is ‘Glad’ to Join Tarek Husseini on the Show
Husseini also announced his return in a post on Instagram.
“Excited to announce that I am competing on @foodnetwork Holiday Baking Championship season 12,” he wrote. “The season premieres November 3rd at 8pm ET— Super excited to share more with you guys soon!!”
“I’m so glad to be in this season with you. You are fantastic !!” Jean Carlos, a fellow competitor this season, said in the comments.
Husseini, who is from St. Louis, Missouri, tied for second place during his run on the Kids Baking Championship. Throughout the season, he consistently stayed in the middle of the rankings, staying safe from elimination, according to the Kids Baking Championship Fandom Wiki page.
Husseini tied with 12-year-old Sophie Tate in the season’s finale.
Trevin Alford, an 11-year-old from Washington, Indiana, won the seventh season of Kids Baking Championship.
The Holiday Baking Championship is set to begin on November 3 at 8:00 p.m. EST. Whoever wins the season not only scores the title of Holiday Baking Champion but also wins $25,000 and a spot in Food Network Magazine.
