Bake Cookies with Miss USA at ICE!

Alyssa was named Miss USA in June 2011 and since then has been working as a spokeswoman for breast and ovarian cancer education, research and legislation — a platform that is close to her heart as it has personally affected a member of her family. In her free time, Alyssa also has a great love of cooking and baking and is enthusiastic about food.

Earlier this January, Alyssa starred as one of the contestants on Rachael vs. Guy Celebrity Cook-Off (Did you catch our students in Episode 2?). Alyssa followed her interest in food into the kitchens at ICE to learn more, working with Chef Instructors Mike Schwartz and Anita Jacobson to master the culinary arts. This Valentine’s Day, she will combine her passion for sweet treats and her charitable work by teaming up with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer founder Gretchen Holt-Witt to put those newly found skills to work in support of a good cause. Alyssa will host a one-of-a-kind cookie class with 100% of proceeds going to support pediatric cancer research.

Whether you are planning a bake sale or simply looking to acquire some great cookie recipes for your personal repertoire, you will leave this class with new techniques — and the knowledge that you’re helping a good cause. Join Miss USA and Chef Instructor Melanie Underwood to bake an assortment of cookies, including some from Gretchen Holt-Witt's cookbook, Cookies for Kids' Cancer Best Bake Sale Cookbook (she donates 100% of royalties to pediatric cancer research).

To learn more about what you’ll make in class, check out the menu online. For a chance to win two spots in the class and meet Miss USA, simply comment on this blog post and tell us your favorite romantic meal. The winner will be selected at random on February 8. The winners must be in the New York City-area to claim the prize.