BG women-entrepreneurs WIN Food Network Gingerbread Championship!

City shows love to champs upon Monday's episode airing

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Monday night, Discovery Channel’s Food Network Challenge: Gingerbread Champions showcased two of SOKY’s very own Bowling Green business owners competing and winning big on national TV.

When Food Network asked Elizabeth Rhodes, owner of Elizabeth Rhodes Studio, to join their Gingerbread Showdown back in June, she recruited her old friend, Jenn Mackin from cookie decorating class, to join. Neither Bowling Green business owners were prepared for just how much their decision would pay off.

“I can’t even describe to you what a fulfilled dream this was,” Elizabeth said. “I have been making gingerbread for just a few years, but to actually be on television making gingerbread and then bringing home the prize award of $10,000 just was the icing on the cake.”

In late September, the duo filmed on set at the Warner Brothers soundstage in Knoxville, Tennessee. Elizabeth drew inspiration from her hometown roots to create the ultimate Kentucky small-town parade complete with a tractor or stables and even bourbon barrels.

“I grew up in a small town in central Kentucky: Greensburg, Kentucky,” said Elizabeth. “So, I kind of based the parade off of the small-town hometown, sparkly nighttime Christmas parades!”

Jenn added, “When it came to the idea, I just trusted Elizabeth to be the brains behind it, and she was trusting me to be the baker behind it. So, I think it worked out really well.”

Bowling Green helped the champions celebrate their big televised win. Indian Hills Country Club threw Elizabeth and Jenn a viewing party when Monday’s episode aired.

“There were so many people that came out to support us, people we didn’t even know!” Jenn continued, “Social media is blowing up and it’s just so much fun to see all that community support.”

“It’s been incredible,” said Jenn. “When the episode ended, I looked and I had 44 text messages. So, it was really funny to see how many people were actually tuning in.”

As for the women’s futures, it seems neither baker plans to lay down the rolling pin anytime soon.

Elizabeth predicted, “I’ll probably keep making gingerbread houses once a year with my friend. But as far as the competition, I don’t know. We’ll see what happens.”

Jenn said, “People keep asking me if I would do it again. And the answer is 100%. I would do it again. I can’t wait to see what might be next.”