If you’ve heard this holiday advice before, there’s a reason we keep repeating it.

In this Best Of episode of Knead To Know, Gemma and Ami revisit the holiday planning advice they end up giving every single year—because it works. This episode breaks down what to prep early, what causes unnecessary stress, and how professional bakers stay calm and organized during the busiest cooking days of the year.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What bakers always make days (or weeks) ahead

• Which desserts freeze beautifully—and which don’t

• How early prep creates more time, confidence, and flexibility

• The biggest “day-of” mistakes that add stress

• Holiday cookie traditions, favorites, and new ideas worth trying

• Why this advice comes up every single holiday season

Whether you’re hosting a full holiday dinner or just baking a few special things, this is the advice worth hearing again.

ABOUT KNEAD TO KNOW

Knead To Know is the baking entertainment podcast from the Bold Baking Network, hosted by professional chef Gemma Stafford and Culinary Director Ami Shukla. Each episode blends practical baking wisdom, food culture, and behind-the-scenes kitchen insights—served with humor, honesty, and a love of feeding people well.

ABOUT THE BOLD BAKING NETWORK

The Bold Baking Network is a creator-led, digital-first media company founded by Gemma Stafford, professional chef, cookbook author, and creator of Bigger Bolder Baking, and Kevin Kurtz, media entrepreneur and co-founder of Bigger Bolder Baking. The network produces baking entertainment across podcasts, video, and social—built on confidence, creativity, and the joy of baking.

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Holiday movies, iconic food scenes, and the show-stopping desserts that make a whole table go silent—pavlova wreaths, towering cakes, trifle, and more.

In this episode, Gemma and Ami:

• Share their must-watch holiday movies and the food moments they can’t forget

• Break down what truly makes a dessert a “show-stopper” (hint: it’s not just height or drama)

• Talk pavlova wreaths, croquembouche-style profiterole towers, 24-layer cakes, and Clementine trifle

• Show how to “dress up” a simple cake or cheesecake with sugared fruit, herbs, gold leaf & more

• Answer Hotline questions about making pavlova ahead and how to split cake layers without fear

Whether you’re planning Christmas dinner, a New Year’s party, or just want one jaw-dropping dessert on the table, this episode will give you ideas—and the confidence—to go for it.

MENTIONED / RELATED ON BiggerBolderBaking.com

• Christmas Wreath Pavlova

• Sweet and Zesty Clementine Trifle with Boozy Amaretto

• Luxurious 24-Layer Chocolate Cake

• Bûche de Noël (Christmas Yule Log)

ABOUT KNEAD TO KNOW

Knead To Know is the #1 baking entertainment podcast from chef Gemma Stafford and the Bold Baking Network. Every week, Gemma and Bigger Bolder Baking Culinary Director Ami Shukla break down what’s hot in the baking world—trends, viral recipes, pop-culture bakes, and real questions from Bold Bakers everywhere. It’s baking talk, but make it fun, practical, and a little bit cheeky.

ABOUT THE BOLD BAKING NETWORK

The Bold Baking Network, founded by chef Gemma Stafford and media entrepreneur Kevin Kurtz, is a creator-led food media company and the first-ever 24/7 baking TV network. With 1,400+ trusted recipes, hit digital series, and shows from incredible bakers around the world, the Network is on a mission to help home bakers feel comfort, confidence, and connection—anytime, anywhere.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From gingerbread houses around the world to Irish Christmas dinners, Hanukkah latkes, scents that define the season, and the centuries-old history behind holiday baking — this episode breaks down what truly makes this time of year taste, feel, and smell like magic.

MENTIONED + RELATED ON BiggerBolderBaking.com

• Gingerbread House

• Chocolate Rugelach

• Blueberry Cheesecake Topping (for babka filling!)

• Traditional Irish Mince Pies

• Brandy Butter (for mince pies!)

⭐️ ABOUT KNEAD TO KNOW

Knead to Know is the #1 Baking Entertainment Podcast — serving up the hottest baking stories, trends, traditions, and delicious chaos every week. Hosted by professional chef and Bigger Bolder Baking creator Gemma Stafford, with culinary director Ami Shukla.

⭐️ ABOUT THE BOLD BAKING NETWORK

The Bold Baking Network is a creator-led media network built by Gemma Stafford and Kevin Kurtz, dedicated to inspiring confidence in the kitchen through shows, podcasts, and streaming content.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.