ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 When casting producers reached out to Orlando-based chocolatier Katie Bonzer about appearing on television, she initially hesitated. But the mention of Harry Potter changed everything. <\/p>\n
Wizards of Baking Contestant Katie Bonzer (Food Network)<\/p>\n
\u201cTV is not for me. I\u2019m relatively professional, and I like staying within that realm,\u201d Bonzer said. \u201cBut they\u2019re like, \u2018This is for Harry Potter,\u2019 and I was like, \u2018I love it!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, Bonzer is casting spells with chocolate and pastry as a contestant on Season 2 of \u201cHarry Potter: Wizards of Baking,\u201d filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in England.<\/p>\n
A Sweet Victory<\/p>\n
The executive chocolatier recently won her first challenge on the show, creating a hyper-realistic love potion bottle that impressed the judges with its seamless design.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really great to do the hyperrealism challenge,\u201d Bonzer said. \u201cHaving my first hyperrealism piece in chocolate was a really good challenge to hone in on the details and perfectionist items.\u201d<\/p>\n
The winning creation featured an innovative combination of almond cake, marshmallow, and crispy textures, finished with expert chocolate work that made the seams virtually invisible.<\/p>\n
Wizards of Baking Hosts James and Oliver Phelps with contestants Katie Bonzer and Jujhar Mann (Food Network)From Kitchen to Camera<\/p>\n
With 20 years of culinary experience, including owning two patisseries in northern Michigan, Bonzer brings professional kitchen discipline to the competition. Her partnership with an experienced cake artist has proven successful, as they tackle ambitious challenges under tight time constraints.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause my experience has always been in a professional kitchen, I\u2019m used to leisure not being part of my job,\u201d Bonzer explained. \u201cWhen they say we have eight hours to complete this assignment… it didn\u2019t fluster me like most people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Magic Behind the Scenes<\/p>\n
The show has offered Bonzer unique opportunities, including meeting cast members from the Harry Potter films. She described James and Oliver Phelps, who played the Weasley twins in the movies, as \u201ctwo of the nicest people I have ever met.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Bonzer, the competition represents more than just television exposure. \u201cAs a chocolatier and pastry chef, this experience was really great for development,\u201d she said, noting her aspirations to compete for the US pastry team.<\/p>\n
Wizards of Baking Hosts James Phelps and Oliver Phelps pose with contestants (Food Network)What\u2019s Next<\/p>\n
Viewers can expect even more magical creations in upcoming episodes. Having won the hyperrealism challenge, Bonzer teased that her advantage in the next challenge involves \u201cmega artifacts\u201d weighing hundreds of pounds.<\/p>\n
You can watch Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking on the Food Network on Sundays at 8|7c and stream on HBO Max. <\/p>\n
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