IT'S BREAD WEEK ON 'THE GREAT AMERICAN BAKING SHOW'

"Bread Week" - It's week three of "The Great American Baking Show," and competitors are tasked with baking bread on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

Beginning with the Signature Challenge set by Mary and Johnny, the bakers create a dozen perfectly sized dinner rolls incorporating unique flavors and spices, including those traditional to Portugal and India.

Next up, The Technical Challenge, where the judges once again surprise the bakers - this time it's Johnny's Christmas Stollen, a traditional German Christmas fruit and nut bread.

Finally, for their Showstopper Challenge, the competitors must create elaborate sculptures with bread! No stone or clay here. In the end, Mary and Johnny will decide which bakers create a masterpiece and which sculptures crack under the pressure.

Hosted by Nia Vardalos ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") and Ian Gomez ("Cougar Town") "The Great American Baking Show" features Britain's "Royal Queen of Baking" Mary Berry, and James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and author Johnny Iuzzini as judges, where each week they will taste the decadent and delicious holiday fare these bakers create as they throw down their best culinary skills, all hoping to be named "America's Best Amateur Baker."

"The Great American Baking Show" is from Love Productions and is executive produced by Richard McKerrow, Kevin Bartel, Simon Evans and Joey Allen.

"The Great American Baking Show" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound.