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Growing up as a young boy in the Philippines, I was always amazed watching my aunt make elaborate wedding cakes. She would pipe hundreds of roses, blossoms, and leaves out of royal icing. I was mystified on how they would become rock solid the next day. She would give us the broken ones, which was a treat since I loved sweets when I was a kid!
It was not until I was in my 30’s that I discovered my passion for making cakes. I received a catalog in the mail from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City for culinary continuing education classes. I wanted to do something after work (I was an IT professional in New York City back then), so I took a few baking classes. I liked it so much that I signed up for the
Pastry and Baking Techniques Program. In the process of taking those classes, I wanted my cakes to also look nice, so I took cake decorating classes at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating and The New School Culinary Arts.
After living in New York City for 25 years, I relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2014. In December 2015 I
co-founded J&D Cakes in Boca Raton, Florida. Three months into our partnership, I was called by the Food Network to compete in Season 3 of
Cake Wars (Paddington Bear Challenge Episode) that aired on Aug 22, 2016, and I won! It was truly a dream come true for me.
I was called back to compete in
Food Network’s Cake Wars Champs Season 5 in 2017 (Shrek Challenge Episode).
I was also featured on the
Cooking Channel’s Cake Hunters Season 2 (Twice as Nice Episode).
My latest competition was on
Food Network Canada's The Big Bake Halloween Season 3 (Monsters on the Move Episode) which aired October 10, 2022
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Sadly, on October 31, 2022, I had to give up ownership of J&D Cakes to become a full-time caregiver for my elderly mom who accidentally fell and had hip replacement surgery. I created
JPBaked Art (@jpbakedart on Facebook and
Instagram) to continue my passion for making cakes and creating digital content of cake demos and tutorials.
I also started a Filipino cooking blog called Cooking for Pinoy Mom
(www.cookingforpinoymom.com,
@cookingforpinoymom on
Facebook and
Instagram) which chronicles my adventures in cooking since taking care of
mom.
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I
also recently published my very first cake decorating book titled
"Celebrating Pinoy Culture in Cakes". It's a celebration of my Filipino culture where I also share some of my personal stories related to these edible creations. Writing a book has always been in my bucket list. It took me a little over a year to complete this book as I was doing this during the downtimes of taking care of my mom. I did everything from the book cover design and page layout to the manuscript, proofreading and photography so you can say it's a one man publishing team that created this book. Some cake projects include a Jeepney cake, Nipa Hut cake and a Filipino theme wedding cake. I also share some of my favorite cake recipes as well as cake decorating tips and techniques. The book is now available on
Amazon.com
So to those in the South Florida area, let me create the cake of your dreams. The one that will be the highlight of your celebration and the talk of the town.
Maraming salamat po (that's thank you in Filipino)!
Joel P Basco |
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Finalist of Food Network Canada's
The Big Bake Halloween
Monsters on the Move Episode
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Featured on the Cooking Channel
Cake Hunters
Twice as Nice Episode
Watch
the episode here >>
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Other Accomplishments
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3rd Place in
the Marie Antoinette Inspired Wedding Cake Competition
NY CAKE CONVENTION
(January 2 to 5, 2010, Hotel Pennsylvania, NYC)
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Home Sweet Home Gingerbread House Display Exhibit sponsored by Sotheby's International
(December 16-31, 2005, NYC)
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This is a 3 feet high, sugar rendition of a Victorian-style dollhouse.
All house details, furniture and accessories are made of fondant and royal icing. |
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