This Monroe-Woodbury 7th grader is competing on the Food Network: How to watch
For as long as she can remember, Madison Lendor always knew she wanted to bake.
But even in her wildest childhood dreams, she couldn’t have anticipated her talents would lead her to the bright lights and big stage of network television before even becoming a teenager.
The Monroe-Woodbury seventh grader was selected to compete on "Kids Baking Championship," a competition reality show on the Food Network now in its 12th season.
When does 'Kids Baking Championship' first episode air?
The first episode of "Kids Baking Championship" is set to premiere Jan. 1.
Much of the process is kept under wraps until each episode airs, but Madison was able to disclose that she traveled to a studio in Tennessee to film the 10-episode elimination-style show.
Hosted by Valerie Bertinelli and Duff Goldman, the Food Network show sees a dozen youngsters compete for the title of Kids Baking Champion, along with a $25,000 grand prize and a feature in Food Network Magazine.
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The school-themed baking assignments require technical knowledge and skill, as well as awareness of the latest in baking trends.
“From picture day portrait cakes to blondies that celebrate the most popular recess game, hopscotch, and to cafeteria lunch dessert imposters, (the bakers) must showcase their baking knowledge by making the most delicious and visually stunning treats imaginable,” reads a network promotion.
Twin sisters celebrate Dominican heritage through baking
Madison auditioned alongside her twin sister, Hailee, with whom she launched a baking business at age 8.
Though Hailee was not among the 12 bakers selected to compete, she cheers on her sister from the wings.
“We always loved baking, and we wanted to showcase our talents and show people that we can do it,” Madison said.
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The twins learned to bake from their mother, Yesenia Lendor-Montero, who taught them how to bake pies and cakes in the Dominican tradition, a nod to their family origins.
“It’s basically just a regular cake, but with a special way of doing it,” Madison said.
Traditional Dominican cakes, or Bizcocho Dominicano, are airy, chiffon-style and feature a pineapple jam filling.
These cakes are among the many specialties of Hailee and Madison’s baking business, Double Baked Culinary.
Monroe-Woodbury seventh graders run baking business
In addition to juggling two to three wedding or birthday cake orders per week, the girls also regularly sell their confections at bake sales and benefits for charities.
The tradition began with a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after a beloved neighbor was diagnosed with cancer in his 70s.
Each cake takes about six hours to make, depending on its complexity.
For Madison, the most difficult aspect of baking is managing her schedule, which includes a full load of homework, orchestra rehearsal, soccer practice and peer tutoring. Hailee keeps just as busy, joining her sister in playing the violin and on the honor roll for math, while also playing volleyball for a travel league.
In rare moments of downtime, Madison enjoys watching "Is it Cake?" and "Nailed It!" on Netflix.
Madison and Hailee have two younger sisters — 6-year-old Elizabeth and 4-year-old Maya — who themselves are budding bakers.
“They get involved sometimes, but they just like baking for fun,” Madison said. “Sometimes they help decorate.”
Beyond her stint on the show, Madison says she sees herself continuing to bake at a professional caliber.
“I think it’s something I want to do as a career,” she said.
Madison’s teachers and classmates have been cheering her on.
“We know you have all the right ingredients for success!” the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District wrote in a Facebook post, wishing Madison luck on the show.
How to watch 'Kids Baking Championship'
"Kids Baking Championship" airs on the Food Network and is available for streaming on HBO Max and Discovery+.
The first episode of season 12 airs at 8 p.m. Jan. 1 and the winner will be crowned in a two-part finale Feb. 26.
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Kids Baking Championship's season 12: Meet NY's Madison Lendor
