Sweet Success: Mableton Youth Take on Food Network's Baking Championship

Did you catch Mableton on the Food Network last night? If so, you probably recognized two very talented neighbors: Jovie (14) and her sister Lenore (12).

The duo officially debuted on Baking Championship: Next Gen, a high-stakes competition where 12 sibling teams from across the country battle it out for a $25,000 prize. Hosted by icons Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown, it’s a grueling (but delicious) journey that started right here in a Mableton kitchen.

The Road to the Spotlight

What started as a "no harm in trying" audition turned into a months-long process of Zoom calls and high-pressure baking. To get on the show, the sisters had to prove they had serious skills. Jovie, acting as the "head baker," specialized in technical items like macarons and tarts, while Lenore focused on her love for creative cake decoration.

The item that really sealed the deal? Their final audition "showstoppers": dessert sushi and a matcha-flavored boba cake. That sophisticated menu earned them a spot in the top 12 sibling teams in the nation.

Sibling Synergy

While they work as a unified team, the sisters bring different vibes to the kitchen. Jovie loves the precision of a perfect macaron and has her sights set on one day opening her own bakery.

Lenore, on the other hand, is all about the artistic freedom of "fun cakes"—though she admits her favorite part is often just eating the finished product.

Beyond the competition, the girls shared that the best part was the connection they made with other young bakers from all over the country. They also got a behind-the-scenes look at how TV magic happens.

How to Watch

You can cheer on our local stars as they tackle challenges like "cream puff friendship bracelets" and "animated cakes." New episodes air Mondays at 8 PM ET on the Food Network, and you can stream them the next day on HBO Max or discovery+.

Whether they take home the title or not, Jovie and Lenore are already champions in our book. Mableton pride has never tasted so sweet!

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