Nineteen-year-old Joseph Mongillo, a self-taught baker and cookie decorator from Markham, is coming back to this season’s Holiday Wars, Food Network’s competition featuring top bakers from across the nation.
The show challenges skilled bakers, cake artists, and sugar sculptors to showcase their creativity and battle for a grand prize of $25,000 and the prestigious title of Holiday Wars Champion.
Mongillo’s journey began in his mother’s kitchen, where he was inspired by her passion for baking.
“Watching my mom bake birthday cakes and treats for family gatherings sparked my own interest,” Mongillo said.
He then started with simple cookie decorating, relying on YouTube tutorials and a lot of trial and error. This didn’t discourage him, though, as he says, “I live by the motto ‘practice makes perfect’, and my family has been there every step of the way.”
As the youngest competitor, Mongillo admits that stepping into the national spotlight is both exciting and nerve-racking.
“It’s intimidating to be surrounded by such experienced talent,” he said. “But I joined because I want to show that passion and dedication aren’t defined by age. Competing with the best is a dream, and I hope to inspire other young bakers to follow their ambitions.”
To prepare for Holiday Wars, Mongillo had to push his skills to new levels, moving from small, flat cookies to intricate 3D displays. One of his biggest challenges is constructing a standing four-foot by four-foot holiday scene entirely out of cookies, sugar and cake.
“It was a leap, but it pushed my creative boundaries,” he shared.
Mongillo promises eye-catching holiday-themed creations with designs inspired by Santa Buddies.
“It’s going to be a visual feast,” he teased.
Mongillo’s dreams don’t stop at Holiday Wars. If he takes home the $25,000 prize, he plans to continue his culinary education at George Brown College, where he’s pursuing a bachelor of commerce in culinary management.
“Winning would be life-changing and would allow me to further invest in my craft.”
New episodes of Holiday Wars Season 6 premiere on the Food Network every Sunday at 9 p.m.
Scarlett Liu is a federally funded Local Journalism Initiative reporter at Markham Economist & Sun.
