The Ace of Cakes Celebrates Alaska’s 50th Anniversary.

It’s one of life’s little mysteries: Why do those crazies at the health club watch ‘Ace of Cakes’ while on the treadmill? Do they think they’ll sweat harder while gawking at a vat of buttery frosting? Do they think drooling over half-dozen layers of golden cake is a big calorie-burner?

This is why I am steeling myself for Sunday, July 19 when the “Ace of Cakes” season premiere stars a ginormous ‘Happy 50th Anniversary, Alaska’ cake, complete with a base scrumptiously shaped like the famous Mount McKinley.

Being a Bastille Day baby, I am definitely all for a ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ mentality. But Chef Duff Goldman has taken this attitude to a luscious new level after being inspired by his recent trip to that glorious natural wonder known as our 49th state, courtesy of Alaska’s awesome ATIA (Alaska Tourism Industry Association). The Chef liberally sampled some of Alaska’s tastiest spots including Anchorage, Girdwood and Whittier. He went flightseeing with Rust’s Flying Service, heli-boarding with Chugach Powder Guides and dog mushing with Ididaride Sled Dog Tours. He visited the Alaska Native Heritage Center and spent time in the Alyeska Resort’s Seven Glaciers kitchen with Chef Tanner Exposito. He even jumped into Prince William Sound from the dock in Whittier. To top it all off, he performed with his band, soihadto, at the Spenard Road House. (No word of a visit to tabloid-favorite, Wasilla.)

“Alaska is my dream state,” Goldman said. “I experienced a year’s worth of mind candy in five days and I feel like I only scratched the surface. I could keep going back for the rest of my life and do something different every time.”

What does this mouthwatering masterpiece mean for us, the sweating, salivating viewers?

Set that treadmill on max. The epic episode also airs Thursday, July 23 and Tuesday, July 28.