The Holidays are here and we love nothing more than binging FOOD NETWORK CANADA during the Holidays! Check-out some of their upcoming Programming offerings to inspire us! Season’s Eatings!

NEW SEASON The Big Bake: Holiday, Season 2 (6x60min) Canadian Broadcast Premiere Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT  The Big Bake: Holiday is a larger-than-life baking competition series with themed episodes. In each episode, three professional baking teams have five hours to design, bake and decorate a grand-scale cake creation based on a particular theme. These bakers need to think big and bold, blowing up their designs to gigantic proportions and thinking outside the (bakery) box. In the end, the most ambitious, eye-popping and delicious cake will go home with a $10,000 prize.

NEW SEASON Holiday Baking Championship, Season 8 (3x120min & 5x60min) Canadian Broadcast Premiere Mondays at 9 p.m. ET/PT The search to find the greatest holiday baker begins as eight amateur bakers enter the kitchen, where they show off their family traditions and superb baking skills. To survive the challenges from week to week, they must prove their abilities in front of our tough-love judges: Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller and Lorraine Pascale. Hosted by Jesse Palmer, this baking championship is the sweetest way to celebrate this holiday season.

NEW SEASON Holiday Wars, Season 3 (8x60min) Canadian Broadcast Premiere Premieres Sunday, November 7 with back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET/PT. Beginning November 14, new episodes continue Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT Holiday Wars sees nine teams of masterful cake and sugar artists battle it out over eight one-hour episodes to create eye-popping and edible seasonal displays. Whether it is creating the perfect snowball fight, or bringing the story of an iconic caroling song to life in the most delicious way imaginable, these confectionary stars must lay it all on the line to impress host Maneet Chauhan and judges Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeira.

NEW SEASON Christmas Cookie Challenge, Season 5 (8x60min) Canadian Broadcast Premiere Premieres Sunday, November 14with back-to-back new episodes at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET/PT.  Beginning November 21 new episodes continue Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT Holiday cookies are more than mere sweets, they are also gifts and mementos of childhood and family celebrations. This holiday season, co-hosts Ree Drummond and Eddie Jackson get audiences ready for the holidays with the return of Christmas Cookie Challenge. In each one-hour episode, five daring and confident cookie makers compete in two rounds to prove their holiday cookie-baking skills.

NEW SPECIAL Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown (5x60min) Canadian Broadcast Premiere Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT beginning November 15 Three teams of talented gingerbread artists face off in the new five-episode spin-off, Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown. Host Jesse Palmer brings audiences inside this festive world of gingerbread delights, as judges Nacho Aguirre, Kardea Brown, and Breegan Jane challenge the gingerbread teams in each standalone one-hour episode to embrace their holiday spirit.

NEW SEASON Buddy vs. Duff: Holiday, Season 4 (3x60min & 1x90min) Canadian Broadcast Premiere Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT beginning November 28 Each episode features Buddy and Duff creating out-of-this-world cakes that perfectly celebrate the holiday season. With just 20 hours to work with their talented teams and bring their masterpieces to life, four esteemed pastry chefs join the teams at their bakeries each week to judge the cakes, including Gesine Prado and Elizabeth Falkner from Jersey City, and Stephanie Boswell and Valerie Gordon judging from Los Angeles.

NEW SPECIAL The Best Thing I Ever Ate Holiday Edition (1x60min) Canadian Broadcast Premiere Thursday, December 2 at 10 p.m. ET/PT The All-Star Best Thing I Ever Ate Holiday Edition is the ultimate guide to America’s most amazing holiday meals, eats and treats as told by the pros who spend their lives obsessing over food.

NEW SPECIAL Kids Baking Championship: Light Up the Holidays (1x60min) Canadian Broadcast Premiere Monday, December 13 at 8p.m. ET/PT Kids Baking Championship: Light Up the Holidays features fan-favorites returning to the kitchen to make Holiday Candle Tsunami Cakes with a poured sugar flame. Host and judge Duff Goldman is joined by a special guest judge who will offer their unique perspective as a former contestant. In the end, the baker with the best cake will win.

NEW SPECIAL Holiday Wars: Champion Cake Off Special (1x60min) Canadian Broadcast Premiere Sunday, December 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT Host Maneet Chauhan challenges the reigning champions of Halloween Wars and Holiday Wars on Holiday Wars: Champion Cake Off. The two teams of cake and sugar artists must create their own team mascot and show how they will celebrate the New Year with a champagne-inspired cake flavor. Judges Shinmin Li and Aarti Sequeira determine which team of champions come out on top.

DAYTIME PROGRAMMING Some of Food Network’s most recognizable faces share holiday-themed instructional programming including new specials The Kitchen: Home for the Holidays and The Pioneer Woman: Holiday and reruns of favourites including Giada’s Holiday Handbook, Girl Meets Farm, Guy’s Ranch Kitchen and  Valerie’s Home Kitchen.

Five episode Mini-Series DOPESICK arrives on Disney+ right in time for Disney+ Day. Based on the Book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy, the Series by Danny Strong recounts the Opioid Crisis that began in the ’90s as Americans were misled down the path that a new-to-market prescription pain medication OxyContin. was not addictive with its delayed release. Subsequent to that, we see the impacts as doctors are incentivized to prescribe this to their patients, and then the impacts on communities with a surge in associated addictions and deaths.

Michael Keaton (who serves also as Executive Producer), stars as Dr. Samuel Finnix at the center of the story, who despite showing reluctance to embrace narcotics for pain, begins prescribing it to his patients. He then begins to question its safety and finds himself in a real dilemma of accountability. We fast-forward about ten years and meet two lawyers, Rick Mountcastle (Peter Sarsgaard) and Randy Ramseyer (John Hoogenakker) begin to launch an investigation into Purdue Pharma, manufacturer of OxyContin after it leaves a trail of devastation among its users.

We also meet Bridget Meyer (Rosario Dawson), the highest-ranking woman at the Drug Enforcement Administration. The story cuts back in time as we see her marriage dissolve from a once-happy place. We witness her ordeal with sexism in her work, as Dawson delivers us a rich performance here. Most affecting is Betsy Mallum (Kaitlyn Dever) who really brings to life what it meant to be a promising young woman who worked in the mines, getting injured, coping with pain and then becoming addicted to OxyContin. Her battle halts her plans for a new beginning with her girlfriend, with her family being unsupportive of her being a Lesbian.

DOPESICK looks at an important issue which still impacts us today, but does it with a fresh lens and what it meant to those key players surrounding the crisis. Deeply-enthralling, DOPESICK is meant to be difficult to watch, meaning it has succeeded in its intentions.

Disney+ premieres DOPESICK November 12, 2021.

Star Wars fans, something exciting is coming this Holiday! Check-out the new Trailer for THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT.

Synopsis:

“The Book of Boba Fett,” is a thrilling Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the Season 2 finale of “The Mandalorian,” finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.

“The Book of Boba Fett” stars Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen. Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Robert Rodriguez, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are the executive producers. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck serve as co-executive producers, with John Bartnicki producing and John Hampian as co-producer.

THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT arrives December 29, 2021 on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney+)

DUNE takes top spot at the Box Office a second straight week for Warner Bros., with $15.5 million from 4,125 theatres, for a two-week tally of $69.3 million domestically.

In second is former #1, HALLOWEEN KILLS, taking $8.7 million from 3,616 theatres for Universal Pictures. Over three weeks, it has grossed $85.9 million.

A surprise third is MY HERO ACADEMIA: WORLD HEROES” MISSION with $7.9 million from 1,602 theatres. The Anime Feature gets 80% on the Tomatometer.

NO TIME TO DIE lands in fourth with $7.7 million from 3,507 theatres, a four week run of $133.2 million for Universal Pictures.

VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE rounds-out the Top Five with $5.6 million, a total $190 million over five weeks for Sony Pictures.

Notables include also Edgar Wright‘s LAST NIGHT IN SOHO debuting in sixth with $4.3 million from 3,016 theatres for Universal Pictures. The Thriller-Horror which did the Festival rounds including TIFF ’21, gets 73% on the Tomatometer.

ANTLERS starring Keri Russell and Jesse Plemons, opens in seventh with $4.1 million from 2,800 theatres for Searchlight Pictures. It garnered 62% on the Tomatometer.

Following the events of 2017’s CULT OF CHUCKY, Toronto-filmed CHUCKY is winning over Critics and audiences, becoming one of the top-rated TV Series of 2021.

Jake (Zackary Arthur) finds a Chucky doll at a yard sale but what ensues shortly after are a spree killings throughout the town of Hackensack, which uncover a trail of dark secrets. The Series works on multiple levels as we witness Jake‘s coming-of-age and he begins to understand his own sexuality, but we also get a glimpse also of Chucky‘s untold past. He is depicted as a normal child and the Series will trace retroactively his path to becoming a psychotic killer.

We know the Series is packed with appearances from several stars from the Franchise including Brad Dourif who returns to voice the titular character, plus Jennifer Tilly and Alex Vincent, reprising their roles as Tiffany and Andy. The latter two surface a bit later.

The focus however is on the new generation. In addition to Jake, we meet his cousin Junior (Teo Briones) and the two completely do not get along. Lexy (Alyvia Alyn Lind) is Jake‘s arch-enemy and love interest to Junior. Devon (Björgvin Arnarson) is Jake‘s crush.

We love that the Franchise has pivoted to adapt to issues of the now and does so successfully, but it still manages to maintain that beloved spirit of Horror and a dash of camp, while still managing to tell a story well and suspensefully. The credit goes to Creator Don Mancini, who oversees some of the writing and direction here, staying true to original vision, knowing best what fans want to see.

The tension is felt right away between characters on the Series and you get a sense of their back stories and complicated histories. We can see these relationships taking turns over the course of this first season, which will keep viewers invested at all twists and turns. But more importantly, we need to know who Chucky will off next!

CHUCKY airs Tuesday nights 10 PM ET on Showcase in Canada. More here.

We were so lucky to have the Cast film literally a few minutes from where we live this Summer.

Catch-up on our experience here meeting the Cast here.

(Photo/video credit: SyFy/Showcase)

Honey Butter Mochi.  I honestly have been non-stop busy for a while now so thought I’d de-stress with a little baking. Butter Mochi are all the rage. Visually, they’re not much to look at, but they are addictive. Think a Blondie, but super-chewy to the bite, the exterior is a thin, crispy crust. I love sweet but not too sweet, so this amount of sweetness is just right for me! Add more if you wish. Have fun with these – they’re super-easy to make!  If shopping for rice flour, ensure you are using Glutinous Rice Flour, versus standard Rice Flour which would give you an entirely different texture.

Ingredients:

1 400g bag of Glutinous Rice Flour

1/2 cup organic raw sugar

2 tsps baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 eggs

1/3 cup melted unsalted butter

1/4 cup honey

1 can of Coconut Milk

1 1/2 cups water

Vegetable Oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven at 375°F.

2. In large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

3. In another large bowl, mix eggs, honey, water, coconut milk and butter.

4. Using hand mixer, combine wet and dry ingredients till smooth.

5..Grease a loaf pan lightly. Pour batter.into pan.

6. Bake one hour or till toothpick comes out smooth.

7. Allow to stand room temperature till cool and cut into squares.

8..Place in air-tight container lined with wax paper for about three days or freeze right away. If freezing, leave out at room temperature 30 minutes before heating in toaster oven. Allow to cool a bit before eating as these get hot.

These also translate beautifully into muffins. Depending on how deep your muffin pans are, you can bake these for about 35-40 minutes. Remember to grease your pans well!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The wait has been excruciating almost, but here’s a new glimpse at HOUSE OF GUCCI to tie us over till later next month!

Synopsis:

The Gucci family had it all. She wanted more. Watch the new #HouseOfGucci trailer now, starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Al Pacino, and directed by Ridley Scott. Only in theaters This Thanksgiving.

(Photo/video credit: MGM)

Featuring groundbreaking technology, you can view the new Trailer for Prime Video‘s THE WHEEL OF TIME in a virtual 3-D wheel with YouTube‘s 360 Player. More on the 360 Player here.

Synopsis:

The Wheel of Time is one of the most popular and enduring fantasy series of all time, with more than 90 million books sold. Set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists and only certain women are allowed to access it, the story follows Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), a member of the incredibly powerful all-female organization called the Aes Sedai, as she arrives in the small town of Two Rivers. There, she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women, one of whom is prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, who will either save or destroy humanity.

Based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling fantasy novels, The Wheel of Time was adapted for television by executive producer/showrunner Rafe Judkins. Larry Mondragon and Rick Selvage of iwot productions, Mike Weber, Ted Field of Radar Pictures, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, and Uta Briesewitz will also serve as executive producers, with Briesewitz set to direct the first two episodes. Rosamund Pike will serve as producer and Harriet McDougal and Brandon Sanderson as consulting producers. The Wheel of Time is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television.

THE WHEEL OF TIME arrives on Prime Video November 19, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

At long last we get some new footage from Steven Spielberg‘s WEST SIDE STORY! Here’s a new sneak peek!

Synopsis:

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); with Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works); and introducing Rachel Zegler (Maria.) Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers. 

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also served as an executive producer; Tony Award® winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and GRAMMY Award® winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Academy Award®-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (“Anastasia”), who arranged the score, Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), who supervised the cast on vocals; and GRAMMY®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Chicago”), who serves as executive music producer for the film. The film is produced by Spielberg, p.g.a., Academy Award®-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger, p.g.a. and Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum. “West Side Story” has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show. Original choreography by Jerome Robbins, based on the stage play, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, play conceived, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein. 

20th Century Studios Canada release WEST SIDE STORY December 10, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

TIGER KING 2 is around the corner and we know just like us, you can’t wait for these five new episodes!

Synopsis:

With Joe Exotic behind bars and Carole Baskin closing in on ownership of his disreputable zoo, the Emmy-nominated saga continues its twisted course with Tiger King 2 as newfound revelations emerge on the motivations, backstories, and secrets of America’s most notorious big cat owners. Old enemies and frenemies, including Jeff Lowe, Tim Stark, Allen Glover, and James Garretson return for another season of murder, mayhem, and madness. Thought you knew the whole story? Just you wait.

TIGER KING 2 arrives on Netflix November 17, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)