When you are a Sugar artist, sometimes you only think about sugar when doing your work.  What type of medium do you want to use for your latest project.  What type of tools do you want to use? But that is only part of the project.  When you are baking, do you think about what herbs, spices or condiments you might want to use?  While this doesn't sound like a 'sugar' element, it's very important to make sure your projects turn out the best!

Check out this blog from porch.com that interviewed Chef about how he uses his herbs that he personally grows at his Atlanta home.

I know the title of my blog may sound a little bit contradictory.  How can ‘Isolation’ and ‘Fun’ go together you ask?  Well, let me help you with this one.  If you are stuck at home, either working or not working, it’s easy to get down and sad about being home so much with not much to do or non-fun things to do.  The current situation we are all in right now is very strange and requires us to be apart from people we know and love and self-isolate ourselves until this virus thing passes.  For those of us who are extroverts and always on the go (that’s me and definately Chef!!) this is so difficult.  Being home all day, every day, is not something that happens in our lives and it’s easy to feel down and out.  But it doesn’t have to be! 

First thing to remember is that it's important that we all keep in touch even though we don’t see each other face-to-face.  There are so many different ways to do this, like picking up the telephone to check on a friend or family member or getting on social media more often than normal and post something ‘fun’!  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all great resources right now and it’s a great way to stay connected. 

Chef Nicholas and the team at ISAC are doing their best to keep in touch with everyone and post things on social media to help make the time pass by more quickly.  If you don’t follow Chef on Facebook or Instagram, why not?  Just search for Chef Nicholas Lodge and you can Follow him.  Here is a quick link. Chef Nicholas Lodge Facebook

Hello there!  Are you stressed out?  Is the current news report about all the things going on around the world stressing you?  According to a report published by the NY Times in April, 2019, Americans are among the most stressed out people in the world.  I don’t see a report on people outside the U.S., but I’m sure that stress does not stay just in the U.S..  Well, I want to help relieve some of the stress in your life, if only for a few minutes while you read this blog.

So, I’m going to focus on only positive things for today…… I want to start with the ISAC Spring Open House that was held last Saturday with a small but very fun crowd.  After many weeks of rain and overcast clouds, the Open House went off without a hitch.  Each student, cake decorator and friends were greeted with a warm, bright and sunny day and some bright and fun decorations at the door.

ISAC featured two demonstration times each lasting over two hours.  Chef Nicholas did a very fun, interesting and inspiring demonstration.  His demo showcased new products in the Nicholas Lodge line and silicone molds by Katy Sue Designs. 

Everyone who attended received a free cookie cutter, compliments of our friends at Ann Clark Cookie Cutters.  Here is the link to the Ann Clark Website. 

A break in the demonstrations provided time for everyone to enjoy refreshments and some “retail therapy” in the ISAC retail gallery. 

Now, if you were not able to attend the Spring Open House, here is some GREAT NEWS!!  Chef Nicholas has completed a video on the projects that he did AT the open house and put it on his YouTube channel!  WOW!  Now you can pretend that you are sitting in the ISAC classroom and Chef is teaching you all about how to make these fabulous projects while never leaving the comfort of your home.  Go to Chef Nicholas' YouTube Channel for the SPRING OPEN HOUSE VIDEO.

Happy Thursday to everyone!  Are you looking for more ways to improve your sugar skills?  Do you want to learn more about making sugar flowers, working with fondant, buttercream or other types of sugar art techniques?  Well, look no more!  I have a list of wonderful places for you to go that will provide all that and more!

There are a lot of different places available to get this knowledge and there are a lot of people that are so kind and willing to share their knowledge about the Sugar arts.  You can’t turn around and not bump into someone or something that will help you!  Teachers, classes, cake shows, the list goes on and on!!

Before you get too confused about which way to turn, let me tell you about a couple of things that are coming up that you will want to put on your schedule!  And a few of my favorites too!

First of all, ISAC has put out the class schedule on their website for the next several months.  There are so many opportunities to learn and create new things.  Chef Nicholas pulls out all the stops when he teaches his classes.  All of the supplies, materials, and handouts you need for the class are provided for you.  All you need to do is show up and enjoy learning from one of the best and most professional teachers in the industry.  I have taken so many classes from Chef that I have lost count.  But I always seem to learn something new every time!  ISAC is located in Atlanta, Georgia just a quick 30 min ride from the Atlanta airport, if you are from out of town. 

If you go to the CLASSES page on the ISAC website, you can see the list of classes that are being offered. 

• ISAC Spring Open House, Atlanta Georgia, THIS WEEKEND!! March 14, 2020
• ISAC Renshaw Sugarpaste (Fondant) Module - April 6-8, 2020
• ISAC Rose Bridal Spray class, Atlanta, Georgia -  April 9, 2020
• Simi Cakes Isomalt Glassworks Cake & Isomalt Flamingo, ISAC Classroom, Atlanta, Georgia - June 14-15, 2020

And don’t forget the yummy things that Scott will provide for you during lunch and afternoon breaks.  When his cookies come out of the oven, the smell will make you jump out of your seat and grab as many cookies as you can!

Well, it’s On The Road Again….. for Chef Nicholas.  Do you remember that song Willie Nelson sings about being “On The Road Again….. Just can’t wait to get on the road again….”?  That song reminds me to move the “Nick Stick” to a new location that he is traveling to this week.  Chef Nicholas will be in South Shields, working with Flower Pro for the next 9 days.  He is going to be working on designing and developing new products and creating the YouTube videos that will go with the new products.  Chef also says "I am developing something totally new too".....I’m so excited about this because I can’t wait to see what he is going to come up with next!  If I can get a sneak peak at the new stuff, I’ll be sure to pass it on to you!

After the 9 days, Chef will be returning to Atlanta where he will be in the ISAC studio for the Spring Open House on March 14.  This is a wonderful chance to see the new ISAC showroom and classroom and to get some new ideas for Spring!

My blog this week is going to focus on the “New and Improved” ISAC Studio and some upcoming events that are now on the ISAC calendar.

As many of you heard, ISAC announced late last year that they were making some changes.  They decided to downsize the Retail shopping space and provide their products online for easy access.  The classroom is still there and has only changed a little bit because you know that Chef Nicholas holds some fabulous classes, so that’s not going away!

Now, I know that it “sounded like” they were going out of business, but I’m here to report that is NOT true!!  The team at ISAC is alive and well and there is so much going on!  Chef Nicholas has been traveling to different locations for cake shows and events (see last week’s blog for where he is this week).  And he is still developing and designing some fabulous products with Katy Sue Designs.

Here is a sneak peak at the new space at ISAC.  There is a new gallery area that has everything displayed on new gondolas and casework.  If you go for a visit, the entrance to the classroom and gallery is now through Suite E.  The new store is ready to visit by appointment only.  If you are local to the Atlanta, Georgia area, you can place your order online and then when you check out, select ‘local pickup’ and someone will contact you to arrange the pickup. 

There are some new and fun additions to the NL museum case, including many of his personal tools and products that Chef started off with over 40 years ago!  Some of the items in the case include his original work box that flew on the Concorde 9 times and traveled over 2 million miles around the world!  Chef should have put a Frequent Flyer number on that thing! 

The classroom has been updated with a more intimate feeling, giving a lovely personal space for each student.  The classroom holds a maximum of 12 students for each of the hands-on classes.  This means that once a class is posted online, you will have to sign up for the class pretty quick, because with only 12 seats, the classes are sure to fill up fast!

The lunch area offers a nice relaxing space to enjoy Scott’s delicious lunches and his signature warm out-of-the-oven cookies in the afternoon!! 

If you want to see the New and Improved ISAC, there is a wonderful opportunity coming up at the Spring Open House on Saturday, March 14 in Atlanta, Georgia.  You will have 2 opportunities to attend, one at 9:00am and one at 12:30pm.  Both sessions are the same.  Chef Nicholas will give a 2-hour demonstration on Spring decorating ideas for cookies, cakes and confections, including ideas for St. Patrick’s day, Easter and Mother’s Day.  There will be a refreshment break, plus time for some ‘retail therapy’ afterwards.  Here are some photographs of the projects he will be demonstrating.

You must pre-register for this event, so go to the REGISTRATION link and sign up!  The fee for this event is only $5.00. 

Check out the other upcoming events at ISAC by clicking on the CLASSES LINK.  Hope to see you there!

Stay Sweet and Keep Learning!

February continues to be a very busy month for the team at ISAC as they travel to 2 different shows this week and next.  By the time you read this, Chef Nicholas and Scott will be in Round Rock, Texas for the That Takes the Cake Show.  Round Rock is near Austin, for those of us not familiar with the state, like me….. 

This show starts tomorrow, February 21 and goes through Sunday, February 23.  Chef is going to be a very busy person at this show because he is one of the judges for the Competitions that are taking place and he will also be teaching a class on Monday after the show.

That Takes The Cake show is one of the largest cake shows in the U.S.  This annual event is run by the members of the Capital Confectioners of Austin, Texas.  They have a Facebook page that you can follow and there is information on the website where you can find out more about the event. That Takes The Cake website.  I have not personally attended this show, but it’s on my bucket list!  There are so many things to see and do at this show and reconnecting with Sugar Friends is always a special treat!

On Monday, February 24, after the show, Chef Nicholas will be offering his Rose Bridal Spray class.  This class is so popular that people continue to ask about it wherever he goes.  The class will be held at the Holiday Inn in Round Rock.  Here is the link to the Class Registration.  The class will be held from 9:00am – 6:00pm.  Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon!

Next stop for Chef Nicholas will be Louisville, Kentucky where he will be a part of the very popular Cookie Con show.  This show will be held from Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, February 29.  Chef Nicolas will be one of the Core demonstrators at this show.  He will demonstrate how to create a set of “English Garden and Floral Theme Cookies” on Friday.  He will use many different techniques in the class to create his beautiful cookies; like, how to stamp on a cookie, how to use a mold, vein, pipe and dust your cookies, just to name a few.

Here are some pictures of his project.

These are soooooo adorable!!

You can find out more information about his demonstration at this Demonstration link.

Now, I know that Cookie Con is officially sold out, but don’t give up yet!!  You can put your name on the Waiting list for Tickets or a Shopper Pass.  You never know when a ticket will open up!  ISAC will have a vendor booth at the show, so if you are there, be sure to stop in and say hi to Scott! 

There is still a lot more traveling coming up for Chef Nicholas in the coming months, including a trip to India, The French Pastry School and Katy Sue Design offices in London.  Hmmmm….. I wonder what that last trip is about?   Anyway, for now, put your “Nick Stick” or your “Chef Check” in Texas and Kentucky.  (If you don’t know what that means, you need to go back to my previous blogs!!) 

Stay Sweet and Keep Learning!

UPDATED LINKS.  The links on the previous blog were not working correctly.  This blog has the correct ones in them.  Happy Thursday!

As I mentioned before in my previous blogs, I want to do my best to keep you up to date on the travels and adventures of Chef Nicholas.  I’m sure most of you are aware of the amount of traveling Chef does to share his love for the Sugar Arts.

Here are some of the latest things coming up.  Remember, if Chef comes to your area, be sure to stop in to say “Hi”!

• Sunday, February 16 – Norcross, Georgia. Chef Nicholas will be teaching his popular Rose Bridal Spray class.  This class is back by popular demand!  It’s a fabulous class that teaches you how to make beautiful flowers including the Rose, Rose bud, Calla Lily, Hydrangea, Baby’s Breath, Stephanotis and Ferns.  He will show you how to arrange all of these in a single bouquet that you can give away to your favorite Valentine, or save it for yourself!  If you want to attend, there are still seats available.  Click on the photo or this LINK to register.

• Friday, February 21 through Sunday, February 23, Chef will be in Round Rock, Texas for That Takes The Cake show.  By the time you read this, the show will be less than 10 days away!!  I hope you are planning to go!!  Chef will be there as one of the judges for the Competitions that are taking place.  PLUS….. on Monday, February 24, he will be offering his Rose Bridal Spray class!  If you can’t make it to the ISAC Studio, this is a great opportunity to take this class!  Click on the photo or this LINK to get more information.

• Wednesday, February 28 through Saturday, February 29, Chef will be in Louisville, Kentucky for the Annual Cookie Con Cookie Art Convention & Show.  Now unfortunately, this event is sold out, but you never know when a ticket might be availble, so be sure to check out the Cookie Con website for more details. 

The American Cake Awards 2020 is a new event that is coming up in April that I’m sure most of you may not have heard about.  I mentioned it briefly in my blog last week, but I wanted to dedicate this week’s blog to this event and what it means to our industry.

This is the first year for this annual event that brings together bakers, cake artists and businesses from across North America.  The ACA ceremony will take place on April 25, 202 at the Double Tree by Hilton Miami Airport Hotel.  These awards will recognize talent across many different categories covering the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Islands. 

Before you can understand the significance of this event, I have to take you back…. way back…. to the old days when cake decorating was nothing but buttercream and a bunch of women who baked cakes.  I have been decorating for over 30 years (yes I’m that old) and I remember a time when doing cakes was looked at as a ‘nice hobby’ to have and you typically only did cakes for family and friends and that was it.  Now, don’t get me wrong, the people who did cakes back in the day were very talented with what they had to work with, but what I mean is that the cake industry just wasn’t getting the recognition and respect that it deserved.  Then along came the innovators, designers and talented people that blazed the trail to create new and different materials, methods and techniques that took our Sugar industry to a higher level.  These people went out and developed tools, products, techniques, lessons and so much more that allowed the homemaker to become the Superstar!  These people gave of their time and talents unselfishly.  They would travel to far away places to share these things with people who were hungry to learn more just like you and me!  These are the people that we need to show our appreciation to and thank them for what they have done over the many years.

One person that comes to mind when thinking about all of that is Chef Nicholas Lodge.  Now, you may think…. Well of course she is going to talk about Chef Nicholas, she writes this blog for his company.  Well, yes, but I also want to add that I have known Chef Nicholas for over 20 years, and he is the same talented, sharing, caring and humble guy back then as he is today.  He spends a lot of time on the road, as you can see on his Facebook page, teaching, judging, sharing, guiding and coaching so many people all over the world.  People will also come to his Studio to learn directly from Chef, which is a real special treat!  I have personally taken many classes from him and I learn so much each time!  He packs his classes full of information and projects and you come away from the class happily exhausted!! 

So, with all that said, I will be voting for Chef Nicholas as the Industry Icon of the Year!!  I can’t think of anyone better qualified to receive this award!  There are other awards too.  Maybe you think Chef Nicholas should be nominated as the Hero Award?  I think he deserves all of these!

The website is now open to receive your nominations.  Plus, there are several other categories that you can nominate other people for like, Cookie Award, Modelling Excellence Award, Sculpted Cake Award, Sugar Flowers, Wedding Cake award and so much more.  You can see all the categories here.  https://www.americancakeawards.com/categories

The Nomination form can be found at this link:  https://www.americancakeawards.com/nominate?mc_cid=4a6f567182&mc_eid=d8ee890d4d

You have until February 27^th to put in your nomination, so don’t delay. 

Stay Sweet and Keep Learning!

The first month of the year is just about gone.  If you are like me, you are back to work and picking up where you left off before the holidays… and…. wishing for the next vacation or sugar get-away to hurry up and get here!  Well, don’t despair, because there are so many fun things coming up in the Sugar Arts world.   Whether you are surfing on the web, or planning your next vacation, you won't want to miss out on these things.

I understand that January is a big retail sales month, after the holidays and Black Friday, of course!  Frankly, I think it’s a great idea because that means good things for you and me.  ISAC is no exception to this rule!  They are holding their NL “Green Grab Bag” sale.  The team at ISAC have bundled together some amazing products in a special green bag and they are now available for you!! 

Bundle 1
This bundle is made up of flower and foliage cutters, veiners, and molds. 
Bundle value, if items purchased separately, is between $69-$71.  You pay only $15.00
We have 4 different variations so if ordering more than 1 you would get a totally different assortment of products!

Bundle 2
This bundle is made up of general cake decorating supplies tools, cutters, molds, etc.
Bundle value, if items purchased, separately would be over $70.  You pay only $15.00.

If you order more than 1 of these bundles, there are 3 different variations of products available.

Just click on the photo or use THIS LINK.  Supplies are limited, so you have to hurry!

Here is more exciting news to report during this month of January…. Have you heard about the American Cake Awards 2020?  This event was created to honor the best of the best in the Sugar Arts Industry!

This is the first year for this annual event that brings together bakers, cake artists and businesses from across North America.  The ACA ceremony will take place on April 25, 202 at the Double Tree by Hilton Miami Airport Hotel.  These awards will recognize talent across many different categories covering the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Islands. 

We are so excited to announce that Chef Nicholas is going to be one of several judges for the event.  PLUS Flower Pro is the sponsor for the Sugar Flower Artist category.  What a wonderful way to celebrate the first annual event!  Two of the best in the Sugar arts industry, involved in finding the best for 2020!

Now, what we need to do is nominate our favorite Sugar artists, so we can recognize their contribution to our industry.  

The website for the American Cake Awards is open now and needs your nomination.  There are so many categories to choose from.  The Nomination Catagories can be found HERE.  But here are just a few of the ones you can select;  Hero Award, Modelling Excellence Award, Industry Icon of the Year, Sugar Flowers, Wedding Cake award and so much more.  

The Nomination form can be found HERE.   You have until February 27^th to put in your nomination, so don’t delay. 

So if you think January is just another month that falls after the busy holidays, stay tuned, there is going to be so much more over the coming months, you won’t want to miss out. 

Stay Sweet and Keep Learning!

Do you remember the game “Where’s Waldo?”.  I really loved that game and loved looking at the images to try to find that crazy Waldo character.  I was thinking about that game the other day when I was trying to figure out where Chef Nicholas was traveling to next?   Wouldn’t it be fun to play a new game called “Where’s Chef?”

Over the next several weeks and months, Chef Nicholas will be on the road.  He will be traveling to Florida, Texas, India, Canada, and so many more.  If you are like me, you are probably wondering….. where can I find out where Chef is going to be next?  Now, I don’t mean this in a creepy ‘stalking’ kind of way, but more like ‘where is Chef and if he happens to come to my town…. Where can I go see him?’. 

By the time you read this blog, Chef Nicholas and Scott are in town and getting ready for the FL ICES Mini Classes.  This is a 3-day event that is held in Orlando, Florida this weekend!  As a resident of Florida, I am personally excited about this event.  It’s right in my “backyard”!  There is no way I would miss this event! 

But, let me ask a question….have you ever seen a cake event being advertised with classes nearby, but you waited too long and missed out?  I know I have, and I really regretted it.  I mostly missed out on the event because by the time I made up my mind to go, the class was full or the class had been cancelled because no one else had signed up.  I hate when that happens!!

There are so many shows across the U.S.A. and internationally to choose from.  It takes a lot of effort, coordination and hard work to pull these things off.  The teachers work really hard to prepare for their classes.  They spend hours putting together materials and lessons that will help make your decorating skills the best in the business!  But none of this really matters unless you sign up and attend the events!!  

Now, I know life happens and things get in the way of what we thought would turn out to be a ‘regular week or month’, but if you really, really, really (was that enough really’s?....) want to attend these things, we have to sign up and be committed to attend!  Yes, I said WE….. that includes me because I know I am a big procrastinator sometimes!  The deadlines for these things are provided for a reason.  This is the only way for the event organizers and the teachers to plan for their classes.  I know we are all disappointed when a teacher has to cancel because no one has signed up for the class.  You can’t blame the teacher; they need to know if any students are going to come to the class.  It’s up to us, to sign up in a timely fashion and to be committed to being in class!

Hi there!  I sure hope that you had a great Holiday celebration with your family and friends.  It’s a new year and time to make those New Year resolutions.  Or maybe we can just call them New Year Beginnings……  That’s what ISAC is working on right now.

I’ve heard that the best sales of the year happen during the month of January.  Well, at ISAC there is no exception to that rule!  Wait until you hear about these 2 sales that are going on this weekend! Plus classes, classes, classes!

The first sale to tell you about is the 80% OFF SALE. 

The 80% OFF SALE is a sale where everything, as marked in a special section of the ISAC shop, is 80% off!  Some items will be as low as .20¢, 40¢, and 60¢.  The deals and the bargains are just plain crazy!

Here are some photographs of some of the items that are 80% off.  There are so many things available, we couldn’t take photographs of all of it.  This sale will not be available online.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW SALE is the 2^nd sale this coming weekend.  After 25 years in the ISAC shop, Chef Nicholas and Scott are downsizing with a huge early spring-cleaning sale.  And they did all the cleaning!  For sale are iconic items from the shop including the gingerbread and French chocolate restroom décor.  There are cake baking items, restaurant items, home décor, craft, floral, books and so much more.  These items will be marked to sell, so tell all your friends!!

Here are just a few items that you will find at this sale.

The hours for both sales are Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday 8am-4pm and Sunday 10am-2pm

Happy Holidays to you and your family! 

From Nicholas, Scott and the ISAC Team!

Hi there!  By the time you read this, Christmas will be less than 1 week away.  Yikes!!  I’m sure you are running around picking out last minute gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.  I know I still have some shopping to do!

If you are still trying to figure out what to get the favorite sugar artists on your list, I have an idea for you.  How about giving them a Nicholas Lodge class and some Florida sunshine?? 

Chef Nicholas will be a part of the 2020 FL ICES Mini Classes, in Orlando, Florida.  This is a 3-day event and is scheduled for January 17-19, 2020.  The event is sponsored by the FL Chapter of the International Cake Exploration Society (ICES) and will be held at the Renaissance Orlando Hotel.  This hotel is located just a few minutes from the Orlando International Airport, and they offer a free shuttle to the hotel, so you don’t have to worry about any transportation!  There will also be a lot of vendors at the event and a raffle where FL ICES will give away a 6qt Kitchen Aid mixer!

Chef Nicholas will be teaching all three days.  Each day in class you will learn to create a different and unique set of gum paste flowers and leaves starting at 8:00 am. 

The first class, on Friday, will be Tropical Gum Paste flowers where you will learn several tropical flowers and orchids including Plumeria, Anthurium and Bougainvillea.

 The next day, Chef will teach his class on Bridal Flower Spray.  He will show you how to make a beautiful Rose, Calla Lily, Hydrangea, Baby’s Breath and so much more, using the Flower Pro molds.

On Sunday, Chef will teach a class on Fabulous Foliage.  This class is perfect to learn about foliage that will go with any of the gum paste flowers you make.  You will learn how to make, assemble and color many different types of foliage including Variegated Ivy, Maple leaf and freehand filler leaves. 

Everything you need to participate in the class will be provided for you.  If you have ever attended one of Chef Nicholas’ classes, you know that he packs a lot of information and details into his classes.  All you have to do is show up, ready to learn!

Chef Nicholas has been attending this event since its inception back in 1999.  He has always given his time and talents graciously to the FL ICES organization and we love it when he comes to Florida!  I’m sure he loves getting out of the cold weather in his area in January for a little bit of Sunshine.  Why don’t you join us!?  The deadline to sign up is approaching fast, so don’t delay!

Here is the link to the website where you can get more information and register. 

One last thing to note, there will be a special demonstration with Chef Nicholas and Sidney Galpern of Simi Cakes on Saturday evening.  You will not want to miss this because when these two get together with sugar, you never know what you are going to see and learn!!

Hope to see you in January!

Stay Sweet and Keep Learning!

Hi there!  I can’t believe we are getting so close to Christmas!  Are you ready?  Did you finish your Christmas shopping?  Well, keep reading, because I am here to help you out with some of those things.

First, I must mention the National Gingerbread Competition one more time.  I have to let you know about the wonderful video that was created by Scott Ewing at ISAC that will give you all the details and photographs for all of the entries at the competition.  It will make you feel like you were actually there at the event.

Click on this Gingerbread Competition link to view the video. If you still don’t have your fill of all things gingerbread, the Food Network is airing the 2018 National Gingerbread competition on Thursday, December 19 at 12:00pm EST.

 As I mentioned earlier, if you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet, I have the best solution for what to get your favorite sugar artist!

Hi there!  Do you remember when you were a kid how you got to make those adorable gingerbread houses for your family and friends?  Those houses were decorated with the cutest, most innovative assortment of candies and cookies that you could find.  I have actually made a lot of gingerbread houses for clients and friends and I don’t think I will ever look at a piece of candy or cookie or cereal the same way without thinking….. “how will that look as a roof or window on my gingerbread house?”

Well, I want to tell you about the National Gingerbread Competition that was held on Monday, November 18.  You may already know about this terrific event, but in case you don’t, it takes place every year at this beautiful resort, The Omni Grove Park Inn, which is nestled in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.  This will be their 27^th year of hosting this event. 

The main lobby of the hotel features a towering Christmas Tree and a seasonal “Gingerbread House Café”.  The café is made of real gingerbread and real “sugar” decorations with cotton candy billowing out of the chimney. Each season the inn staff serve hundreds of gallons of hot chocolate as well as thousands of freshly baked gingerbread cookies to the guest visiting and staying at the inn. 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 

From Nicholas, Scott and the ISAC Team!

Hello!  Did you have a chance to attend the Grand Holiday Open House at ISAC this past weekend?  There was a great turn out of cake decorators and sugar artists for both Saturday and Sunday sessions. There was so much to see and do!  Here is a quick summary of all the activities for the day!  Thank you, Scott Ewing, for the wonderful photographs.

The day began with Rochell Ingram of “My Sweet Connection & Divine Baking Divas” in Studio B.  She showed everyone how to make the most adorable Snow Globe cookie.  These are so cute!!

And she showed you how to create her beautiful Cakesicles.  These things make such cute, bite-size gifts.  They look like a lot of work, but once Rochell demonstrated how to make them, it was so easy!!

Next, the group moved into the ISAC lunchroom for refreshments including the popular, freshly baked ISAC Gingerbread cookie.  Did you know this cookie has been served at every Holiday Open House for the past 16 years?  That is one very popular cookie!!

Next, there was a demonstration by Steven Stellingwerf showing his fast, quick and easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Truffles.  Yummy!!  My mouth is watering just writing about those things!!

Next up was Donald Joiner of Cake Boy Confections.  Donald demonstrated Royal Icing techniques that you can use on cookies or Gingerbread houses.  The houses make great gifts and I can’t wait to try my hand at doing these techniques at home.

Chef Nicholas rounded out the session by showing many different holiday ideas using the new Katy Sue Designs silicon molds; some of these molds were specifically designed by Nicholas Lodge.

All of the best products were on hand to purchase and take home so you could recreate these wonderful projects at home.  If you weren’t able to make it to one of the sessions, you can still purchase some of the supplies at the ISAC online store. 

Until next time, Stay Sweet and Keep Learning!