Palm Coast, FL – It was a Food Network lover’s dream come true as more than a dozen bakers and sweet artists from around Flagler County pulled out their favorite recipes and signature dishes to wow the judges for the inaugural Dash of Delish Bake-Off.
Co-hosted by Charming Sisters Events and Elite Dance and Travel Studio, the elegant afternoon event was created by event planner Ashley Skaer-Tilley and Christmas Come True founder Nadine King to benefit the beloved nonprofit organization assisting Flagler County residents in need all year long.
From chocolatier Diane Wasney’s springy mint chocolate marshmallow bars to Leann Pennington’s mini lemon soufflé, Michele Collins’ apple cinnamon whoopee pies – breakfast and dessert in one, and Lee Ann Vogel’s raspberry crumb shortbread bars, the offerings were packed with flavor.
Chocolate lovers found no shortage of delights as they visited with Irene Beissel for a taste of authentic Black Forest Cake, a recipe that earned her second place in the competition, surrounded by the likes of Melinda Rivera’s signature Triple Chocolate Cake, Patti Comeau-Simonsen’s Single Layer Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache, Jen Caia’s exquisitely designed floral cupcakes with an expresso pop and Becca Johnson’s Tiramisu cupcakes with lighter than air frosting.
Bringing their Oreo cheesecake, Mrs. Confections Co. had judges going back for more and Angelica Rosado’s dainty raspberry lemon samples were perfect for tea with the Queen.
Presentation was also part of the overall event, and Jessica Steckert pulled out all of the stops for her display, winning a nod of approval from guests and the first place award – a three day, two night stay at the Hammock Beach Resort, while the event’s other stunner, the chocolate covered strawberries, over-sized, sweet and hand decorated by April Cardenas were festive showstoppers, earning her third place.
“I’ve been doing this about seven years,” shared Cardenas. “It’s my dream to one day have a storefront. It’s just my passion to bake and make my strawberries and show people.”
Hostess Magdalena Piekarz was excited to open her professional dance studio and ballroom for the event.
“Working with Nadine has just been wonderful. To know that we can now in having the facility, be able to hold this event and support them in a way that is possible to help the children, the families in need, it’s just a wonderful thing,” said Piekarz, who has been generous to charitable organizations since opening her doors in Palm Coast’s Roma Court.
“I think that now, for the first time in my life, I have this opportunity. You always want to give, and while financially I cannot help yet, I can help with space, resources and time, so that’s a way for me to help,” she said.
King was humbled by the support for Christmas Come True as the organization officially begins fundraising for a permanent building to house operations for the nonprofit, with a $4 million goal.
“It’s (been) extremely successful,” said King appreciatively.
“The bakers here have done a phenomenal job displaying their wonderful food and we have so many wonderful people that are showing up to support this. Magdalena has been such a gracious hostess.”
Excited to work with King and her bevy of volunteers on this event, Charming Sisters Events owner Ashley Skaer-Tilley is set to host her next event, a Spring Fling at the Fairgrounds on April 30th with over 70 handcrafted and direct sales vendors.
“It is awesome. I love that she is willing to help everybody in the community,” said Skaer-Tilley. “To be able to take my 10 years in event planning and be able to help her come up with something like this is truly amazing.”
Winners: Jessica Steckert (1st Place), Irene Beissel (2nd Place), April Cardenas (3rd Place)
Judges: Quinn Bui, Heather Turdo (Flagler Auditorium), Sarah Foster Davis (Author, “Confession”), Danielle Anderson (Flagler News Weekly)
