So, it seems I have made a totally badass chocolate showpiece (that also is a candy stand and way more awesome in person) with decorative sugar pieces made out of isomalt to resemble coral. As it turns out, I don’t hate working with isomalt (a sugar substitute). In fact, I enjoy it! After bringing the isomalt to a certain temperature, I separated the clear gloopy stuff into batches and colored them pretty colors and poured them over ice cubes, then dumped it out to create these whimsical and somewhat creepy pieces. I first witnessed this trick on an episode of Cake Boss and wouldn’t shut up about it. I think it’s the fact that the shapes of the coral were unpredictable, yet always beautiful that struck me the most. Anyway, after pouring chocolate into molds, assembling them, and attaching some coral, this is what I came up with:
That was pretty much my week at school. Speaking of school, I technically should be there right now, but because of this impending freak snow storm that is supposed to be happening any minute, I decided not to risk having to be stranded in the city as I often am thanks to the LIRR. Apparently I’m not missing much anyway. Just marzipan fruits. After an official snow day tomorrow, I am back at school on Thursday. I will be piping things. It’s officially time for cake decorating. And then, GRADUATION.
christine goes to pastry school 
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog. I will be starting at ICE this Saturday. I am enrolled in the weekend program. Your descriptions of each Mod/Lesson are so helpful to me. I like to know all of the when/where/how/and why of things. I am still a little lost though. Where did you go the first day to get your locker issued? Who will tell me what kitchen to report to? What size lock works best for the lockers? See…I get hung up on the little details…my military background I guess. I would appreciate any details you can share. I look forward to your next entry as I think you are pretty close to starting you externship.
Hey, Shannon! I’m so glad you enjoy reading, and also very excited for you that you’ll be starting ICE soon. Will you be doing the pastry program as well? As far as the first day details… everything will be taken care of when you go to the help desk on the 6th floor. You’ll have to take the elevator to the 5th floor and you’ll see the reception desk when you walk in, turn right and you’ll see a set of stairs. Go up those, and you’ll see a window right when you get up there (you can also ask the person at reception where to go, of course). Then the people on the 6th floor will set you up with your locker, ID picture, which kitchen to go to, your books, etc. A standard lock will suffice, they are regular lockers like the ones in high school (except smaller). If you are doing pastry, your locker and kitchen will be back down those same flight of stairs. It’s a pretty small school, so it’s hard to get lost, but if you do, then there are plenty of people around to help you out.
Well, I hope that helps… If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. E-mail is best: christinevivian@gmail.com. Good luck!