Johnson & Wales University (JWU) baking and pastry students Frank Carrieri (Lindenhurst, N.Y.), Kristina Browning (Pawtucket, R.I.), and Emily Donlon (Clifton, Va.) turned chocolate into gold as members of the university's Student International Pastry Team by earning a first place gold medal at Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute's prestigious international student pastry competition called Decadence.

Students from Canada and the United States competed in the competition that showcases just two ingredients: chocolate and icewine. JWU's faculty coaches were Chefs Tim Brown (Cumberland, R.I.) and Stacy Mirabello (Boston, Mass.). Other participating colleges were: Fleming College (Ontario), Niagara College (Ontario), and The Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts (Pennsylvania).

The JWU team impressed the judges with a chocolate showpiece, chocolate entremets, molded and enrobed bon bons, and three individual desserts that were created and completed over the course of the two-day competition.

THE TEAM

Frank Carreiri: a senior majoring in Baking & Pastry Arts and Foodservice Management, Frank will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in May 2015. He is a 2012 graduate of Lindenhurst Senior High School, Lindenhurst, N.Y.

Kristina Browning: a senior majoring in Baking & Pastry Arts, Kristina will earn her Bachelor of Science degree in May 2015. A 2012 graduate of William E. Tolman High School, she is the daughter of Stuart and Cindy Browning of Pawtucket, R.I.

Emily Donlon (alternate): a senior majoring in Baking & Pastry Arts, Emily will earn her Bachelor of Science degree in February 2016. A 2011 graduate of Centreville High School, she is the daughter of Jim and Sandy Donlon of Clifton, Va.

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 16,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its four campuses in Providence, R.I.; North Miami, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; and Charlotte, N.C. An innovative educational leader, the university offers degree programs in arts and sciences, business, culinary arts, education, nutrition, hospitality, physician assistant studies, engineering and design. Its unique model integrates arts and sciences and industry-focused education with work experience and leadership opportunities, inspiring students to achieve professional success and lifelong personal growth. The university’s impact is global, with alumni from 119 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit www.jwu.edu.