Although I love watching Ace of Cakes, have dated a pastry chef and swoon at the slightest mention of Johnny Iuzzini, given the choice I'd choose cooking savory dishes over baking any day. Baking is an exact science unlike cooking where you can wing it or modify a dish and the word "exact" and me; well, we don't go together so well. Maybe it's because I had a horrible chemistry teacher in high school or maybe it's because I chose a Lite-Brite over an Easy-Bake oven when I was a kid; but I've never had the patience for being precise in the kitchen. Sure, I bake begrudgingly from time to time when I have to but when I need something baked well, I turn to the experts...those that LOVE to bake. You know the ones...they're happiest when they're kneading dough, there's usually a sprinkle of flour on their sleeve or forehead and their kitchens ALWAYS smell warm and inviting. Lucky for me, living in the grid I've come to know the bake-ress of Wildlands Bake Shop, Jenn Garrison. From the first time you meet her, you'll be won over by Garrison's friendly smile and southern grace. A Sacramentan by way of Georgia and Ohio, Jenn's baking goods have slowly won her recognition in the downtown (and surrounding) communities. She started out in the food business at the age of 19 as a server at the Zephyr Restaurant while attending Kent State. Fate took a turn for her when the night baker quit and Garrison was bumped up into the position. She prepared the Zephyr's cheesecakes, assorted daily breads and cookies each night as friends stopped by to chat. Although baking isn't her day job yet, Garrison a senior project manager for an environmental firm, hopes to someday open her own bakery/coffee shop here in the river city.
( Wildland's Bake Shop's Jenn Garrison )
Until the Wildlands Bake Shop makes it's brick and mortar debut, you can place orders via Facebook (under the group name: Wildlands Brown Box) or email wildlandsbakeshop@gmail.com for your baked needs. WBS uses all natural ingredients and strives to use local, seasonal ingredients as much as possible. Currently WBS is offering up homemade cookies, cakes (special occassion or otherwise), cheesecakes, cupcakes, pies, scones, cornbread, brownies, truffles and tarts. Whew! You can see the available flavors and prices at : WBS Price List
And if that doesn't get your tastebuds buzzing, Garrison welcomes special orders and dessert spreads with advance notice and is happy to meet with customers for a consultation. She also does several gluten-free products that are magically delicious; none of that dense, cardboard-like stuff that most of us have had at one time or another and spit out.
Can't make up your mind which of these goodies to go with? Let me suggest the coconut pecan tartlets, which are my fav. These mini tarts resemble the Girl Scout Samoa cookies in taste and are absolutely scrumptious. I would recommend either getting the full size tart or a couple of the minis if you don't live alone as everyone will be flocking to you for "just a bite" when you pull this dessert out. And fellas, want to not get in trouble with your lady this year? Plan ahead and order one of WBS's sweetheart cakes for Valentine's Day. They're the perfect size for sharing and come in several flavors (triple chocolate, mexican hot chocolate, bittersweet chocolate and chocolate butter caramel). Or you could go the route of truffles (Gosling's dark rum/crushed almonds/toasted coconut or dark chocolate/4 Roses single barrel bourbon/toasted pecans). Regardless of whichever tasty treat you decide to go with, you can rest assured that it'll be made fresh and with love.
( Ginger carrot cake with winter spice cream cheese topped with toasted almonds and currants. Photo by Jenn Garrison )
(Seasonal fruit pies. Photo by Jenn Garrison)
(Coconut pecan mini tarts. Photo by Jenn Garrison )
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