Halloween Cookie Decorating with Amber Spiegel

Join expert cookie decorator and cookbook author Amber Spiegel of SweetAmbs in our studio for a fun-filled day of Halloween cookie decorating—and celebrating her new book: Cookie Canvas (DK Books, Oct 11, 2022). Even if you’ve never picked up a piping bag, Amber will be there to walk you through the process from start to finish so you can create an impressive set of decorated cookies with royal icing.

In this workshop, Amber will teach you

• How to make royal icing with meringue powder
• How to thin royal icing to different consistencies for decorating cookies
• How to color royal icing
• How to prevent common problems that can arise when working with royal icing
• How to prep, fill, and properly hold a decorating bag
• Cookie decorating techniques                                   
  • Flooding (applying a smooth layer of icing on a cookie)
  • Wet-on-wet technique
  • Filigree 

The workshop will run from 10am to 4pm and includes a 1-hour lunch break and two 15-minute breaks. The Upstate Table will provide a communal lunch and snacks + beverages during the workshop. 

Lunch includes grilled vegetables with burrata and proscuitto, homemade foccacia, fall salad, and dessert. All materials needed for decorating will be provided. Students will leave with 8 decorated cookies in a box for gifting (or eating!) and signed copy of Amber's book.

ABOUT AMBER: After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Amber Spiegel went on to pursue her dream of becoming a professional baker and enrolled in the Baking and Pastry Program at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. During those years at school she realized that her true passion was decorating cakes and cookies – a profession where she could combine her artistic skills with her love for baking.

Amber now creates cookie decorating video tutorials from her home studio in Kingston, New York. She is the author of two books, Cookie Art and Cookie Canvas.

Amber’s work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle magazine, Brides magazine, The Huffington Post, and Better Homes and Gardens. She was named one of Forbes Top Influencers in food and contributed cookie artwork to Puffin Plated’s Pride and Prejudice.

See more of Amber’s work on Instagram and Facebook @SweetAmbs.