Celebrity chefs sweeten baking event

Duff “Ace of Cakes” Goldman, Gale Gand and Brian Emmett are among the celebrity bakers who will share tips and recipes this weekend at America’s Baking and Sweets Show at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.

With it’s Alice in Wonderland theme, the show promises “a gourmet grand tour of the most delectable and hottest trends in the world of baking and beyond.”

Special demonstrations and appearances include Daily Herald Food Editor Deborah Pankey at 2:30 p.m. today; Gand and Emmett on Saturday and Daily Herald Baking Secrets columnist Annie Overboe and Goldman on Sunday.

In addition to celebrity demonstrations on the show’s main stage, bakers can sign up for a number of specialized classes such as gum paste flowers and wedding cake design. After sampling offerings in the global sweets aisles and catching the latest baking goods and gadgets, attendees can stop by the Family Zone where youngsters can practice their baking skills.

The show runs 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, Nov. 15, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17. Tickets are available online or at the door and cost $16. Seniors get in for $10; students/teachers (with valid ID) $6; children 12 and younger free.