On this episode of Listen In, Class of 2011 graduate Charles Zimmerman sat down with Multimedia Editor Samantha Haney after his recent competition in season 5 of “Holiday Wars”, a baking competition show.

As a high school student, Zimmerman took cooking classes and won a gingerbread house contest as part of the Lafayette Culinary team, which no longer exists. That was his first culinary arts competition and while he has since competed in a few others, “Holiday Wars” was his television debut.

While on the show, Zimmerman worked as part of a three person team and was able to offer a specialty in flavor in not only the cakes and cookies they were creating but drinks as well. Although he originally went in to his audition as a cake artist, Zimmerman ended up joining as a sugar artist, which is something he hadn’t worked with since culinary school.

Each team included a cake artist, cookie maker and sugar artist, with each getting opportunities to feature their individual skills. Before coming on the show, he took time to practice with sugar and other edible mediums to ensure he was prepared to compete.

“Holiday Wars” was an opportunity for Zimmerman to make friends in his field, challenge himself and show off his skills nationally. Zimmerman sat down with Haney to talk about what he took away from the show and how he got into his current field as a pastry chef, including his college classes and internships. He said that connections are the most important part of the industry and the main reason he was able to get on the show. Zimmerman keeps a busy schedule with his work as a pastry chef, but was able to work his schedule around the show.

To see Zimmerman make it to the finale, “Holiday Wars” is currently streaming on HBO Max.

This story was originally published on The Lancer Feed on December 20, 2023.