December 23, 2024
The smell of sugar, spice, and everything nice filled the air as Kendal at Lexington celebrated its second annual Great Kendal Bake Off. This year’s event was bigger and better, showcasing the incredible baking talents of residents and staff. With 11 entries, the competition was as fierce as it was fun!
The event featured four award categories: Judges’ Choice, Kid’s Choice, Runner-Up, and Most Creative. Judging duties were handled by three members of the Kendal community: Madison Carter and Clint Ayers from HR, and Erica Turman from Marketing. The Kid’s Choice award had a special guest judge, Willow, the daughter of Kandace Little from Dining, who brought youthful enthusiasm and a sweet tooth to the judging panel.
The entries ranged from classic comfort treats to beautifully intricate creations. In the end, it was Kandace Little who stole the show with her pecan praline cheesecake, earning the coveted Judges’ Choice award. Runner-Up honors went to resident Dianne Herrick, whose seven-layer cookies had everyone going back for seconds. Melou Piegari, a Kendal resident, wowed the crowd and judges alike, taking home the Most Creative award with her stunning raspberry lemon cake, decorated to perfection. The youngest judge, Willow, selected Life Enrichment’s Liesel Koenig’s mini cannoli cheesecakes as the Kid’s Choice winner, a testament to their delicious appeal to all ages.
As an added treat, each of the winners was awarded (in addition to bragging rights) a brand-new food processor.
The Great Kendal Bake Off wasn’t just about competition—it was about community. Residents, staff, and families gathered to cheer on the bakers, sample sweet treats, and enjoy a day filled with laughter and camaraderie. The event highlighted the creativity and talent that make Kendal at Lexington such a special place to live and work.