SWEET COMPETITION KICKS OFF MONDAY ON THE food network

The sweetest season is upon us and the Food Network is getting us in the mood with the premiere of several new holiday-themed shows including “Cake Wars: Christmas,” hosted by Jonathan Bennett.

Seven teams, each consisting of a cake artist, sugar sculptor and master food carver, will attempt to outdo each other with their outrageous holiday displays to jingle all the way home with the $50,000 grand prize.

What makes this particular competition even sweeter is that local sugar artist Candy Repsher Knappenberger of Lehighton is one of the competitors.

Tune in Monday at 9 p.m. for the premiere of this sweet, high-stakes competition.