Kathy Wakile returns to Rider with sweet treats

By Emily Klingman

Foodies and dessert-lovers alike should clear their schedules and rejoice this Friday night. Former Real Housewife Kathy Wakile and her husband, Rich, will be coming to Rider to promote Kathy’s new dessert book Indulge on Oct. 3.

For this event, both Kathy and Rich will be holding a moderated Q&A at 8 p.m. in the Mercer Room about her cookbook and her various other projects, including the Bravo television show, Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Wakile’s book was inspired by her dessert line, Dolci della Dea, which specializes in cannoli kits, chip-and-dip platters, specialty desserts and gluten-free items. Her cookbook includes more than 75 bite-sized dessert recipes, all influenced by her Italian heritage.

According to Nick Barbati, the assistant director of Campus Life, it was when Wakile was on campus for the fashion show last year that the idea of her coming back to Rider was introduced.

“The decision [for this event] came up organically during an interview with The Rider News last year,” said Barbati.

Wakile is no stranger to the Rider community, as she held a lecture with fellow Real Housewife Melissa Gorga in 2012 and hosted the SEC fashion show last year.

Since her book release in September, Wakile has done a book tour, stopping at other colleges throughout New Jersey.

In comparison to her previous events at Rider, this one is focusing much less on Wakile’s well-known TV persona. Instead, it’s more intimate and personal.

“In the past, we have focused on Kathy as a celebrity guest,” said Barbati. “This time we are putting the focus on the students learning how to bake and how to share their love for people through food and desserts.”

Students are excited for Wakile’s arrival this Friday and to hear about her desserts.

“I’m really excited to meet Kathy and share with her my love for baking,” said sophomore communication studies major Rena Carman. “I’m so happy she decided to come back to Rider this year.”

Senior elementary education major Adrienne Straley is also looking forward to Wakile’s arrival, saying, “I’m interested in hearing about her recipes. I think a lot of them sound so delicious.”

Barbati, too, is eager for Wakile’s return to campus.

“Kathy is a remarkable woman and probably the most student-centered of all the guests we’ve invited to campus,” Barbati said. “Hopefully, Rider is her favorite stop.”

After the Q&A, Wakile will be signing copies of her new cookbook, with the first 100 students in attendance receiving a free copy. Students and anyone else after that will be able to purchase a copy at the event.

printed in the 10/1/14 edition