Ron Ben-Israel talks Passover desserts and Season 2 of 'Sweet Genius'

David Lang

Pastry chef Ron Ben-Israel is host and judge of the Food Network's 'Sweet Genius.'

Squid ink and bone marrow aren?t typical baking ingredients.
Then again, ?Sweet Genius? isn?t a typical baking show.
With wedding cake designer Ron Ben-Israel as its host, the Food Network competition tests the pastry prowess of chefs across the country.
?It takes a certain type of chef to play with me,? says Ben-Israel, who serves as the show?s sole judge. ?You need to have not just talent and expertise, but wit.?
Every week, Ben-Israel throws out three over-the-top challenges with surprise ingredients, inspirational objects and, of course, a ticking clock.
The chef who makes it to the top goes home with a $10,000 cash prize.
Now in its second season, ?Sweet Genius? has been a fun change for Ben-Israel, whose past television experience only consisted of guest spots on talk shows.
?I enjoyed talking about trends and designs, but I wanted to show the magic of dessert,? he says.
And the sugar-packed series has had a fair share of sweet surprises despite the odd ingredient list.

Read more: Wedding cake designer Ron Ben-Israel talks Passover desserts and Season 2 of 'Sweet Genius'* - NY Daily News

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