3. Ron Ben-Israel was born in Israel in 1957. In the mid-1970’s, Ron joined the Israel Defense Forces. He attended the Thelma Yellin High School of the Arts, specializing in dance. At the age of 21, he began a career in dancing, specializing in modern dance. He started his confectionary career in 1993 in New York, having stopped dancing due to arthritis. He was mentored by Martha Stewart. Ron teaches part time at the International Culinary Center in New York City. He teaches Classic Pastry Arts and Cake Techniques and Design. Since 2011, Ron has been the host of the Food Network competition show, Sweet Genius. He is currently an active member of the City Harvest Food Council, a New York food rescue organization.

4. Ron’s mother born in Vienna. She was rescued from a Warsaw ghetto by American volunteers. She later immigrated to Israel. She worked as a government map-maker. Ron’s father survived the Auschwitz death camp, but lost most of his family to the Holocaust. He worked in the printing industry.

5. Ron Ben-Israel Specializes in pastries and desserts, mainly cakes. He tries to make his food both look and taste like “fun.” He currently owns a pastry shop in New York called Ron Ben-Israel Cakes. His inspiration for his career came from baking with his mother in Vienna. His skills and knowledge of pastries landed him the job of hosting and judging the show “Sweet Genius.”

6. Soldier Dancer Pastry Chef Competition Show Host and Judge Visiting Master Pastry-Instructor

7. Supplies Cooking spray 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups hot strong coffee 1 1/2 cups natural unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon baking soda 1 tablespoon baking powder 4 cups sugar 4 large eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 4 teaspoons vanilla extract For instructions, go to http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chocolate-layer- cake-recipe/index.html

8. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Ben-Israel http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/130168753.html http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chocolate-layer-cake- recipe/index.html