by Mary DAWSON

I could go nuts in this store. Being one that “paints with merchandise,” I believe when serving food, presentation is almost equally important as taste. Jane’s Cake and Chocolate Supply carries everything you need for baking, cake decorating, and candy making. We’re not talking the ordinary stuff you find in the big chain stores. Jane’s goes way, way beyond that. Here you will find the things that will make your Halloween cupcakes the star of the party.

I was snapping pictures like crazy in this store. When you are done reading this article, go to the Montrose Shopping Park website at www.shopmontrose.com and click on our “blog” tab to see for yourself. You will be inspired and want to run to Jane’s and try some of these goodies.

Let’s talk Halloween cupcakes. Jane’s has a nice selection of really good cupcake liners. I like the solid, bright orange and the black & white check. Then there are all kinds of fun pics like professional bakeries use – orange pumpkin pics and Halloween sign pics. They also have these little bags of colored cupcake confetti.

Another totally irresistible thing is their “royal icing lay-ons.” I’m talking pumpkins, ghosts, spiders, and more, available in little cellophane packets of 12. They are so cute you will want to make dozens of cupcakes just so you can decorate them!

Jane’s owner Tom Samaha and his top associate Bobbie McFall are experts in all things baking and candy making, and are there to help with any questions you might have. As a matter of fact, this Saturday, Oct. 30, Jane’s will be hosting a Halloween Candy class from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $25 and you will make the chocolate spooky house, pictured here, to take home. If you hurry and call (818) 957-2511 they may still have a spot open. Did you know Jane’s has everything you need for caramel apples, too? They have the caramel, the sticks, and the bags and are happy to show you how to make them.  Jane’s is at 2331 Honolulu in the adorable Zwick Plaza courtyard. Make Jane’s Cake and Chocolate Supply a part of your Halloween tradition!

We hope to see all of you in the Montrose Shopping Park for Halloween. The day starts early at our weekly Harvest Market where you can pick up fresh pumpkins, squash, and Fall bouquets. Our many restaurants are ready to entertain you for Sunday Halloween brunch, lunch, dinner, and cozy late night snacks. At 5:00 p.m. our Spooktacular celebration begins. This is the place to bring your children to safely parade up and down Honolulu Avenue while the merchants hand out candy. It’s so fun to see all the costumes! I took lots of pics last year that I will post on our blog. Click on – perhaps you and your neighbors are there! Happy Halloween!

  Mary Dawson, montrose shopping park