IT'S THE SEMI-FINALS, AND THE BAKERS' STRESS LEVELS ARE AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH WHEN CHALLENGED WITH PATISSERIE-STYLE DESSERTS, ON 'THE GREAT AMERICAN BAKING SHOW'

"Patisserie Week" - It's the semi-finals, and the bakers' stress levels are at an all-time high when they face three French pastry challenges and compete for a chance to make it to the final round, on "The Great American Baking Show," THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

This week's Signature Challenge is all about precision as the bakers must make two-dozen Petit Four glacé-style mini cakes. The cakes may be small, but that just makes them that much harder to perfect.

Next up, the Technical challenge, which throws the bakers for a loop when Johnny surprises them with a donut - the French Cruller. The bakers won't just need to master their dough; they'll also need to master the deep fryer.

Then, in the Showstopper, it's Mille-Feuille, also known as the Napoleon. Layers of perfectly flakey puff pastry sandwiched with unique fillings. But getting it perfect in the short time frame will be difficult for all and the downfall for one.

Based on the hit UK series "The Great British Bake Off," "The Great American Baking Show" features ten all new bakers from across the country battling through eight themed episodes, 24 challenges, and weekly eliminations, all in the hopes to be crowned "America's Best Amateur Baker." Nia Vardalos ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") and husband Ian Gomez ("Cougar Town") return as hosts. James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini is once again joined by Britain's "Royal Queen of Baking," Mary Berry, as judges.

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