Kardea Brown’s Sweet Transition to Kids Baking Championship Host

Kardea Brown recently completed her first season co-hosting Kids Baking Championship, and it all started with a heartwarming embrace from her predecessor, Valerie Bertinelli. The two Food Network stars crossed paths backstage at The Drew Barrymore Show on November 4th. Before filming began, the Delicious Miss Brown host and the Hot in Cleveland actress shared a touching moment.

“We saw each other backstage, and she was in the hair and makeup chair, and I was coming in right behind her. And she turned around, she was like, ‘Oh my God, you.’ And she gave me the biggest hug,” Brown recounted to PEOPLE. Bertinelli reassured Brown, saying, “The kids are wonderful. The staff is wonderful. You’re going to have a great time. This show is definitely in capable hands.” Brown described the conversation as a significant “rite of passage.” Bertinelli’s parting words were simply, “It’s all you.”

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Brown’s takeover as co-host was officially announced on October 2nd. She replaced the Indulge cookbook author, Valerie Bertinelli, who had co-hosted Kids Baking Championship alongside Duff Goldman since its premiere in 2015. While Brown and Goldman had collaborated on Kids Baking Championship specials and shows like Spring Baking Championship, season 13 marked their first time co-hosting the Emmy-nominated series.

Brown spoke highly of working with Goldman, describing him as a “great teacher” and “great friend.” The Way Home author shared Goldman’s encouraging advice: “‘Just silence the chatter. Just silence everything. Just do you. You’re so wonderful.’” She expressed her gratitude for his unwavering support.

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The latest season, Kids Baking Championship: Amazing Animals, introduced animal guests, bringing unique challenges for the hosts and contestants. Brown even confessed to a “sort of panic attack” while holding a cockatoo. Throughout the 10 episodes, the 12 young bakers tackled animal-themed baking challenges. The winner receives a $25,000 prize and a feature in Food Network Magazine.

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Brown, with her background in social work and education, found working with the young contestants to be incredibly rewarding, albeit emotional. She admitted to shedding tears multiple times during the season, often moved by the children’s dedication and desire to succeed. Despite the emotional moments, Brown emphasized the season’s overall positive and celebratory atmosphere. She highlighted the importance of nurturing the contestants’ talents and creativity.

New episodes of Kids Baking Championship: Amazing Animals air Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Food Network.