The cakes of yesteryear home kitchens were rather ho-hum and basic. Not anymore! A local gal has devoted 30 years to perfecting the art of specialized cake making and decorating, and she’s ready to teach you!

Introducing Kimberly Megill, Pastry Chef extraordinaire. Ms. Megill began working in the food industry in her young teen years with a passion for the Pastry Arts that has grown and blossomed into a sweet life. With pastry bag in hand, Kimberly specializes in cake decorating & designing for 27 years.

In 1992, Kimberly received her Associate’s Degree in Baking & Pastry Arts from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), in Hyde Park, NY. The Pastry degree curriculum was a new program then to which Ms. Megill, one of the first to graduate, had made the Dean’s List.

Working in a variety of establishments, Kimberly Megill gained experience and quite a bit of notoriety in the pastry world. A few of the locations have been, The Manor (West Orange), The Warren Hotel (Spring Lake), Mary’s Catering (Belmar), Taste Sensations (Toms River), La Frenier Bake Shop (Bricktown) and currently in a local popular grocery in Spring Lake/Wall.

Kimberly began teaching cake decorating for Wilton Industries about 20 years ago at several AC Moore locations. In addition to group lessons, she has also taught private classes too! *(what a great party idea for both adults and kids alike!) Other appearances have been The Oceanic Library in Rumson, and MAECOM in Tinton Falls. She also started an after school program at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park. Roughly 5,000 students of all ages and skill levels have passed through Kimberly’s classes using buttercream icing, royal icing, fondant, gum paste, and chocolate.

Several years back this talented baker created one of her specialties at the Philadelphia Museum of Art representing the “Art of Cake Decorating.”  It was around this time that she found herself being interviewed and photographed for a news article by the Asbury Park Press entitled, “Cake My Day”.

Kimberly enjoys sharing her love of cake decorating through teaching. She says she’s been decorating for so long that it’s not only a career but a lifestyle! She is also a member of the ACF and International Cake Exploration Society as well as being a certified instructor.

Sign up for Kimberly’s upcoming classes:

https://www.facebook.com/kim.megill.1

Bunny Butt Cupcakes

Recipe courtesy of Amanda Rettke of “I am baker”
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24

1          2-layer size white cake mix

1          tablespoon, plus 2 teaspoons, McCormick Pure Lemon Extract, divided

1          tablespoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract

3/4       cup white chocolate chips

2          sticks butter, softened

16        ounces confectioners’ sugar

2          tablespoons milk

10        drops McCormick Green Food Color

1-2       drops McCormick Red Food Color

12        large marshmallows, halved crosswise

3          tablespoons white nonpareil sprinkles

Prepare cake mix as directed on package, adding 1 tablespoon lemon extract and vanilla. Spoon 3 tablespoons batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups. Bake as directed on package for cupcakes. Cool cupcakes on wire rack.

To make bunny feet: In medium, microwave-safe bowl, microwave white chocolate chips on high 30 seconds. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Spoon into pastry bag or re-sealable plastic bag. Snip small corner from bag. Pipe 24 pairs of bunny feet onto parchment or wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Use toothpick to smooth out bumps or rough edges, and gently tap cookie sheet on counter to help settle. Allow to harden 2 minutes in freezer or 15 minutes in refrigerator.

To make frosting: In large bowl, beat butter and remaining lemon extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition and scraping sides and bottom of bowl frequently. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Remove half the frosting and place in medium bowl. Add green food color; mix until evenly blended. Spoon into pastry bag fitted with grass decorating tip. Set aside. Remove half the remaining frosting into small bowl. Add red food color; mix until light pink. Spoon into another pastry bag.

Using pink frosting, pipe three toes and padding on each bunny foot. Once frosting has set (about 1 hour) gently press down on pink frosting to create smoother look.

For more Easter recipes, visit Culinary.net.

The weather is changing and there’s a nip in the air.  As fall is upon us and the holiday season is just around the corner many people start thinking about baking.  With that in mind, I thought I would offer some tips to help make your fall baking and holiday gift giving go a little smoother and perhaps you’ll even have some fun!

Plan

Planning is the key to a successful baking experience.  Make a list of all the different recipes that you would like to make over the fall and holiday seasons and create a shopping list based on those recipes so that when you’re ready to bake you have what you will need.  Also, there may be certain aspects of your recipes that can be prepared in advance like doughs or pie crusts. Being prepared is the key to stress free baking.

Ask for Help

Baking should be fun and rewarding.  Enlist the help of family and friends by making baking an event.  Perhaps you’ll join us at Chocolate Carousel for one of our baking classes. Get everyone involved and baking and cleanup with be a breeze!

Warm it Up Use your kitchen timer

Many people don’t realize that using cold ingredients is a baking no no.  This is a great tip.  Unless your recipe specifically calls for a cold ingredient, always take the time to let your ingredients like eggs, butter etc. come to room temperature before using them.  They will be easier to work with and you will get better results.

Use your kitchen timer

We all lead a busy life and we can be easily distracted while baking.   Most people will begin doing something else while the cookies bake and completely forget they are in the oven, so a kitchen timer is a must.  We use kitchen timers all day long in our busy commercial kitchen to ensure that our hard work results in a perfectly baked product. Be sure to set your timer for the halfway mark and be sure to rotate trays at that point to ensure even baking.

Put a Bow on it!

With so many gifts to give this season, baked goodies are a perfect choice for neighbors, co-workers and friends.  There are so many adorable rustic containers in crafts stores these days which make the perfect vessel to hold your baked goods and turn them into an instant cozy rustic gift.

Visit your Favorite Bake Shop

You can’t do it all.  Specialty bake shops like Chocolate Carousel  use fresh ingredients and bake in small batches.  Perfect for your holiday baking needs!  Whether you order all your sweet treats or supplement your own baking with some of ours, we are a great resource for our customers.  Stop in to check out some of our homemade specialties and enjoy this baking season!

Chocolate Carousel is widely known for its beautiful and delicious cake creations, creative design concepts and exceptional quality and service.  Chocolate Carousel has received a number of local and national awards for its work and philanthropy.

Lisa Porada is the owner and executive pastry chef at Chocolate Carousel in Wall, NJ.  Tune in on Wednesdays at noon on https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateCarouselDessertShoppe to watch and interact with Lisa as she demonstrates fun and creative recipes and techniques Live on Facebook.

One of the questions I am asked the most during the bridal consultation is, “what exactly is a Groom’s Cake?”.  The Groom’s Cake is a tradition made popular in the Southern part of the United States, but has become mainstream everywhere in recent times.  It’s a great way to make the groom feel a part of the festivities and to honor him at the wedding or rehearsal dinner. Once, viewed as an “unnecessary” expense, the groom’s cake has made a huge comeback with most brides taking advantage of the opportunity to do something special for her guy!  

The Groom’s cake is designed to represent the groom’s favorite flavors and past times.   And of course, the price ranges based on flavor and on how elaborate the design is.

Tradition says the groom’s cake should be displayed beside the wedding cake and should serve as an alternative to the wedding cake.  That is no longer the only option. Today’s budget conscious and practical minded couples often opt to serve the groom’s cake at the rehearsal dinner in lieu of another type of dessert.  Alternatively, the groom’s cake is sometimes cut and boxed as a wedding favor after it has been displayed at the wedding.

Groom’s cakes are made to represent a groom’s favorites sport or team, favorite food, cars, pets or more.  Your creativity and imagination are the only limitations. At Chocolate Carousel, we have made some amazing groom’s cakes including firetrucks, cheese steaks, Yankees caps, hunting cakes, a cheeseburger and fries, a Ferrari, Death Star, pets and many more.  The best part for the bride and the guests is to see the look of delight on the groom’s face when he sees his cake. Let’s face it, after months of choosing flowers, dresses, invitations and the rest, the groom’s cake is something the groom deserves and will really appreciate.   

Chocolate Carousel is widely known for its beautiful and delicious cake creations, creative design concepts and exceptional quality and service.  Chocolate Carousel has received a number of local and national awards for its work and philanthropy.

Lisa Porada is the owner and executive pastry chef at Chocolate Carousel in Wall, NJ.  Tune in on Wednesdays at noon on https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateCarouselDessertShoppe to watch and interact with Lisa as she demonstrates fun and creative recipes and techniques Live on Facebook.

SWEET! 702 10th Avenue, Belmar, NJ is right off 71, the main drag. Beneath the quaint green & white awning sits a little shop boasting an incredible plethora of delectables! Mother/daughter team, Lena & Cali have made the mark of excellence together creating an incredible edible array of delights beginning in 2010. (I must mention Dad, Jay, who is often seen behind the scenes.) Early on, the women had begun their passion pursuing a desire to create excellent cakes and cupcakes. Their Cupcakes won awards two years running. AND….holy cow….Sweet was recently voted #1st Place in Best of Monmouth Health & Life Magazine! Serving up the best of bakery, cookies, cupcakes, cannolis, chocolate & cakes is bringing in great recognition! Hard, dedicated family work pays off Cali mentions that among the many customer favs’ at the shop is the chocolate dipped bacon in light or dark chocolate. These are great for any day, gift or really cool as a Sunday brunch buffet extra yum! Just walking into this fun shop brings back childhood memories as the many mouth-watering aromas waft their sweet sugary chocolate through the air. Reminiscent of a good old-fashioned bakery on a Sunday morning.

Summertime has come to an end but the fun continues this weekend in Belmar! Sweet! of Belmar, will be the sponsor for the Official Cannoli Eating Contest held Saturday 15th. Cannoli’s fit right into the annual Feast of San Gennaro celebration in Belmar. (Google for full details) There’s still time to sign up! Even the morning of you will be sliding in under the wire. Don’t eat breakfast! What a tasty way to help out the Bulldogs!

Cannoli Eating Contest– Sat. 15th 1:00pm$10 entry fee

Location: between 10th & 13th Street-find Sweet! next to the stage*

All proceeds benefit The Mid Atlantic Bull Dog Rescue

Winner receives:  Trophy

Name on plaque mounted in the Sweet! shop

$25 Gift Certificate

1 # fudge / 1# mixed taffy T-Shirt:   *wear T-shirt into store for “life of the shirt” and receive a 10% discount on future purchases!  Wow! The shirt that keeps on giving!

Cali & Lena are dedicated to giving back to their community. Worthy causes are nothing new to this shining Belmar business! Sweet has exhibited their dedication to local causes via a multitude of charities & causes throughout the Belmar and surrounding areas. The latest included helping out the annual Pt. Pleasant VFW Family Flukin’ Frenzy with a generous door prize. Between a mix of donations, gift certificates, cash, fundraising, time, materials and treats, Sweet has contributed well over $10,000 for our area! For a list a mile long of recipients check out the “In The Community” section on the web. Kudos to Cali & Lena!

There are seasonal treats to mention which are worthy of your forks as well. Fall brings a seasonal flare with pies Cherry, Blueberry, Apple, Cherry and good old Pumpkin (my personal favorite). New on deck are Sweet’s special Pumpkin, Spice & Butter Pecan Cupcakes. Something my late grand-pop went nuts over are Snickerdoodle Sand Dollar Cookies. Yep, Sweet has ‘em! A must have in the display case.

Sweets array of amazing premise made chocolates, unique cupcakes, cake balls and assorted baked goods will get the saliva glands pumping and have you back time and again! Their fantastic custom cakes have become a hot item, popular for all occasions. With the holidays approaching, what better way to celebrate than with a beautifully hand crafted personal cake made just for your family or event. Looking at the wide variety made me think of how much fun it would to have one heck of a dessert party featuring a buffet of fantastic delights from Sweet, with gourmet teas and coffees! Picture the sweet and savory combos of creamy rich chocolate dipped bacon, Oreos, marshmallows or taffy sitting among an array of “Chuckie’s”, Chocolate Sea Salt Carmels, Dark Chocolate Squirrels, Old Fashioned English Toffy, Chocolate Covered Expresso Beans and more! Sweet memories for all who attend for sure! Perhaps little tiny gift bags for guests to carry a treat home in.

Mixed boxes can be fun too. Kids have a great 1st week of school? Why not stop into Sweet with the kids? Let them each pick 1-2 for the “Family Box” of homemade old-fashioned goodness. Maybe you are invited to dinner? Bring a Hostess Gift box of chocolates. This customary practice is almost non-existent….bring it back and watch the smiles. Need a card for your spur of the moment gift? Sweet has occasion cards, Teddy Bears and a wide variety of non edibles too.

Check out the assortment of fine homemade chocolates packing the glass display case along with homemade fudge and salt water taffy and baked goods. Next time you visit out of area friends, bring them a box of assorted of Salt Water taffy “shore” to please any age. (A little extra Fix-A-Dent?) So many choices and combinations! Mix it up and put together favorites or try something new. A Sweet! gift box filled with homemade goodness or to make points and share in the office. Boxes are available in ¼ #, ½ # as well as 1 #. So have a ball and hit up the treats….as long as you share! Almond Bark and even large Chocolate Dipped 3” Gummy Bears are ready just for you! How about a Heavenly little ball of Chocolate Mousse or good old-fashioned English Toffee to get the ol’ taste buds perky? Another big seller & local favorite are the Haystacks-little mounds of toasted coconut and milk or dark chocolate. Simple, yet oh so delicious!

Another major factor in visiting and patronizing the many small shops and businesses here along our beloved shore is family and traditions. Bringing in the love and family feel is something never found in a mall or big chain store. Sweetness comes in many forms and here the “Chuckies” found in the glass display case warms my heart. In honoring Cali’s Grandfather, Charles “Chuck” Lowe, Cali and Lena have improved upon the classic “Turtle”, one of his favorites. “Chuck” apparently loved Turtles but felt they had not enough caramel nor looked like turtles! Sadly, Grandpa Chuck passed away several years back and in his honor the gals cooked up a new Sweet! version named “Chuckies”. With a lot more soft & yummy caramel the “Chuckies” even look like turtles with pecan legs! They are hefty with usually about 12 pieces per pound. You can bet Chuck Lowe is smiling!

Keep Sweet! in mind for baby showers, corp. events, anniversaries, weddings, bridal showers, retirements…..divorces (yes, the big “D” celebration is something new)…..and so much more!  In warm weather pop in for their ice cream and milk shakes. Not far from the beach makes it a good stop after a fun filled day! Outdoor seating is available.

If ordering online use the code “sweet20” at checkout for a 20% discount! (732) 280-8889  [email protected]

www.Facebook.com/sweetbelmar          Twitter: @sweetbelmar       www.instagram.com/sweetbelmar

Hours : Open 7 Days!  Sun. – Thurs. 12pm – 6pm

Fri. & Sat. 12pm – 8pm

It’s graduation season, with college and high school graduations happening all throughout the next month or so.  But with all the pomp and circumstance, is it really necessary to have a cake for this occasion too? Well of course we say YES!  

As the name suggests, graduation cakes are designed to celebrate the completion of one’s graduation degree. Sometimes, these cakes can even celebrate a whole class’s accomplishment, here’s to the class of 2018!  What better way to congratulate a loved one on their accomplishments or to celebrate the new chapter they are about to embark on! With today’s creative cakes there are so many options for the graduation cake. Perhaps a cake sculpted like a diploma or graduation cap complete with hanging tassel.   Another option is a tiered cake with nods to all of the graduates interests prominently displayed, his/her favorite subject, Greek life symbol or sports team. This is the perfect time to incorporate school colors or mascots and add a personal touch to the cake. We have even done cakes shaped like a pile of books finished off with a graduation cap on top which really makes a statement at the graduation party.

The important thing to remember when designing a graduation cake is to make it personal.  Including personal touches to the cake shows that you put some effort in to acknowledge the recipient.  After all the graduate has been working very hard for the past 2, 4 or more years to get to this point and they deserve a cake as amazing as they are!

Chocolate Carousel is widely known for its beautiful and delicious cake creations, creative design concepts and exceptional quality and service. Chocolate Carousel has received a number of local and national awards for its work and philanthropy.
Lisa Porada is the owner and executive pastry chef at Chocolate Carousel in Wall, NJ.

Tune in on Wednesdays at noon to watch and interact with Lisa as she demonstrates fun and creative recipes and techniques Live on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ChocolateCarouselDessertShoppe

2510 Belmar Blvd, Wall Township, NJ 07719

(732) 280-0606