TEN BAKERS BREAK OUT THEIR MIXERS AND MEASURING CUPS FOR A SHOT AT $250,000 AND THE TITLE OF AMERICA'S BEST AMATEUR BAKER, ON THE SERIES PREMIERE OF "THE AMERICAN BAKING COMPETITION," WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

"Pies and Tarts" - Ten of the nation's top bakers from across the country begin their quest to become America's Best Amateur Baker, on the new summer reality series THE AMERICAN BAKING COMPETITION, premiering Wednesday, May 29 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. In the series premiere, a baking firefighter battles his own fire in the kitchen and a Southern baker introduces judge Paul Hollywood to chocolate bacon. Comedian Jeff Foxworthy (@foxoutdoors) is the host. Chef and bestselling cookbook author Marcella Valladolid (@chefmarcela) and master baker and current judge on the UK format "The Great British Bakeoff" Paul Hollywood (@Hollywoodbaker) are judges.

The bakers of THE AMERICAN BAKING COMPETITION are:

Name: Whitney Appleton Beery
Age: 21
Current Residence: Lubbock, Texas (Originally from Castle Rock, Colo.)
Occupation: College Student
Baking Specialties: Cupcakes, cakes and scones

Name: James Reddick
Age: 26
Current Residence: Hollywood (Originally from Indianapolis, Ind.)
Occupation: Photographer
Baking Specialties: Pies, cookies and pastries

Name: Francine Bryson
Age: 44
Current Residence: Pickens, S.C.
Baking Specialties: Pies, cakes and quiche

Name: Jeremy Cross
Age: 35
Current Residence: San Diego, Calif.
Occupation: Firefighter
Baking Specialties: Cookies, cakes and pies

Name: Darlene Pawlukowsky
Age: 51
Current Residence: Johns Creek, Ga.
Occupation: Project Manager
Baking Specialties: Cakes and cookies

Name: Elaine Francisco
Age: 63
Current Residence: Claremont, Calif.
Occupation: Retired
Baking Specialties: Breads, pies and cakes

Name: Brian Emmett
Age: 43
Current Residence: Itasca, Ill. (Originally from Glendale Heights, Ill.)
Occupation: Owner of a Marketing/Advertising Company
Baking Specialties: Breads, pies, cookies, savory baked goods and pastries

Name: Kolette Biddle
Age: 30
Current Residence: Norco, Calif.
Occupation: Home Health Care Provider
Baking Specialties: Cookies, pies, cakes and tarts

Name: Carlo Fuda
Age: 35
Current Residence: Stamford, Conn. (Originally from Elwood City, Pa.)
Occupation: Social Marketing Consultant
Baking Specialties: Zeppole, cheesecake and cupcakes

Name: Effie D. Sahihi
Age: 40
Current Residence: Hendersonville, Tenn. (Born in Israel and raised in Winter Haven, Fla.)
Occupation: Attorney
Baking Specialties: Cakes, tarts and breads

THE AMERICAN BAKING COMPETITION is executive produced by Richard McKerrow and Jay Bienstock and produced by Love Productions Ltd.