PIES AND TARTS ARE ON THE MENU THIS WEEK, ON 'THE GREAT AMERICAN BAKING SHOW'

"Pies and Tarts Week" - It's week four of "The Great American Baking Show," and competitors are tasked with creating sweet and savory pies and tarts, on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

First up, meringue pies! This week the bakers are frantically whipping egg whites and lighting up their blowtorches to give their meringues toasted finishes, hoping their creations stand up - and out - to the judges.

Next is the Technical Challenge, where Mary surprises the bakers with her recipe for Partridge in a Pear Tart. With no molds, the bakers must freeform their creations, and not everyone finds pear shape perfection.

Finally, for their Showstopper Challenge, it's all about savory flavors with Hors D'oeuvre Tartlets. With ingredients like kimchi butter and southern grits, these bakers are going outside of the box to create delicious holiday treats!

Hosted by Nia Vardalos ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") and Ian Gomez ("Cougar Town"), "The Great American Baking Show" features Britain's "Royal Queen of Baking," Mary Berry, and James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and author Johnny Iuzzini as judges, where each week they will taste the decadent and delicious holiday fare these bakers create, as they throw down their best culinary skills all hoping to be named "America's Best Amateur Baker."

"The Great American Baking Show" is from Love Productions and is executive produced by Richard McKerrow, Kevin Bartel, Simon Evans and Joey Allen.

"The Great American Baking Show" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound.