The Truth About Jose Marchan From Holiday Baking Championship

It's that time of year, folks. "Holiday Baking Championship" is returning to Food Network for its eighth season. As in previous years, 12 bakers from around the country will face off in a holiday-inspired baking competition like no other. Their goal? To win $25,000 and bragging rights.

Host Jesse Palmer will once again be joined by judges Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman, and Carla Hall. Each week, contestants receive a baking challenge, and the bakers with the weakest performances are eliminated. In the first episode, airing November 1, contestants face seasonal doughnuts and a holiday cheese board, Food Network says.

Of this year's talented chefs, one we're most excited to watch is Jose Marchan. Although he will be representing Cleveland, Ohio, Marchan is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Based on his impressive track record, we can only imagine what kind of skills he will bring to the show this winter. 

Per the "Holiday Baking Championship" introductions, we know Jose Marchan "gains his baking inspiration from some of his favorite traditional childhood treats" (via Food Network). According to his LinkedIn profile, Marchan attended Universidad Del Este in Carolina, Puerto Rico, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Culinary Management.

While earning his degree, Marchan also attended the HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences to learn about restaurant management. Since his graduation in 2015, Marchan has worked as a pastry chef and a baker at several restaurants and bakeries, both in Puerto Rico and in the U.S.

Marchan currently works at the Union Club of Cleveland as a pastry chef (via LinkedIn). According to his bio, he is "striving for greatness, looking for better and bigger opportunities." He seems to have found this in the "Holiday Baking Championship." Regardless of what the other competitors bring to the table, we have a feeling Marchan will do great.