Q&A with Carole Dingess

IAA Alum Cody Cashman poses with Carole during graduation

July 23, 2013

Q & A with Carole Dingess, IAA’s Business Services Specialist and IAA’s Mom to everyone.

1)      If life were a pantry full of baking ingredients, which would you choose and why?

The ingredients for the sticky bun contest—frozen bread dough, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and molasses. Mother made everything when we grew up from scratch, and those ingredients bring back memories of good times!

2)      We at the IAA know you for your amazing baking skills. To whom do you credit your culinary expertise?

But my dad could cook as well—he was known for his homemade cocoa and oyster stew! My parents both worked, so part of my job was to get dinner ready after school. That’s when I practiced my cooking.

3)      You’re somewhat of a celebrity now that you’ve snagged first-runner-up at the Sticky Bun contest in St. Cloud, Florida. Tell us about that contest.

My sister and her husband moved to Florida 20 years ago, and we’d all go visit her. One time, my sister Kay asked my mom if she could teach us how to make her sticky buns. Mom showed us and then we tried to imitate. Well, we made it into a contest! Originally, it was just us three sisters—me, Kay, and Gloria, but now it’s evolved to include more people. My sister Kay won this year. We give a sash, tiara, and sparkly earrings. Kay gives all kinds of gifts, too—soap, note pads, an apron, and hand towels that say “Sticky Bun Queen.” It’s really a great time.

4)      What’s the biggest culinary disaster that ever took place in your kitchen?

One year, we bought new pans for the sticky bun contest, and they all burned. That was horrible. We still went on with the contest, though—we just used different pans!

5)      You’re no stranger to the IAA—you’ve been here for almost 10 years. What’s one of the fondest memories you have of life in Jull Hall?

I just love the way everyone works together.  I love how the faculty are so concerned about the lives of the students, no matter how busy they are. It’s like a family.

6)      Speaking of life in Jull Hall, I’ve seen some pretty interesting creatures housed here. What’s the scariest encounter you’ve had with the creepy-crawler kind?

It wasn’t real, but a former instructor used to have this snake—he would put it on my desk and scare me.  There have also been some cockroaches walking around…BIG cockroaches.

7)      If we opened your refrigerator door right now, what would we find on the shelves?

You’d see some yogurt and the usual condiments—ketchup, mustard.  There are no leftovers at the moment, but I live on leftovers. To be honest, right now my fridge is kind of empty. I need to go shopping!

8)      You’re also known for your savvy supermarket-saving skills. What’s the last deal you snagged?

I haven’t bought anything for myself lately, but I always shop for deals! You can’t go wrong with Aldi’s—as far as supermarkets go, they have the best prices!

9)      If you could give one piece of advice to the IAA’s newest faculty members, what would it be?

Don’t hesitate to talk to Glori and to the other seasoned faculty. She’s had many years of experience and will help you with whatever you need.

10)   This last question seems to be the one of choice among all the IAA faculty: Why haven’t we gotten to sample these delicious sticky buns yet???

 Honestly, they never make it back to Maryland. They’re usually eaten first!