Fresh Sheet

Sugar artist doesn’t take cake

While Spokane’s Bob Lombardi helped his three-person team win the “Small Scare” challenge, it wasn’t enough to triumph over the entire season of Food Network’s “Halloween Wars.”

“We gave it our all. We stood together. We overcame many hurdles in our path,” Lombardi said.

Though he’s “very proud” of his team members, they didn’t win the $50,000 grand prize during the final episode, “Haunted Carnival,” which aired Sunday.

Still, Lombardi made history during the season four finale as the first pastry chef on the show to use liquid nitrogen to win a tasting treat challenge. He created Molasses Caramel Cracker Jack Pops, dipped in liquid nitrogen for a spooky effect.

“That one I’m really proud of,” he said. “There has been a total of 20 contestants over the past seasons, and this was a first.”

Lombardi, 57, also used the technique during the first episode of season one of Food Network’s “Sugar Dome” in 2012, making Dragon Fruit, Asian Pear, Sweet Tea Vodka Gelato.

The sugar artist has taught culinary arts at Spokane Community College for more than 30 years.

Last year, his team was eliminated in the second round of season three of “Halloween Wars.”

This season was filmed in Los Angeles last December.

Harvest Festival

The Veradale United Church of Christ is hosting its 74th annual harvest festival Saturday.

When it started in 1940, the celebration of abundance and community featured foods raised on church members’ farms. Today, the 104-year-old church still uses some of the same recipes as well as vegetables grown by church members.

Dinner includes turkey, ham, Swedish meatballs, potatoes, squash, beets, cabbage slaw and dessert.

The event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, 611 N. Progress Road in Spokane Valley. It’s open to the public and free, but donations are accepted.

Lutefisk Dinner

The Tordenskjold Lodge of the Sons of Norway is holding its annual Lutefisk Dinner Nov. 8, and now’s the time to reserve a spot.

There are two seatings this year – from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 3:30 p.m.

The dinner takes place at All Saints Lutheran Church, 314 S. Spruce St. in Browne’s Addition. Dinner is $17 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger.

On the Web: www.sonsofnorwayspokane.com. Call (509) 326-9211.