Oct 24, 2016 >> Who You Gunna Call? Ghostbakers! [VIDEO]
What would Halloween be without the treat? For our Totally ‘80s Glossed & Found Halloween special we’re paying homage to the 1984 classic Ghostbusters with baking extraordinaire Emily Nejad of BON VIVANT CAKES. We’re creating a paranormal-themed cake with all sort of goodies, including green slime ganache and ghostly-looking meringue. With proton packs in tow, Emily gives us some great kitchen tips on baking techniques to elevate our own baking chops—but sometimes you just have to call in the professionals! Watch along as we gear up for some ghostbustin’ bakin’ fun, and we even get a surprise visit from Chicago’s own Parapsychologists.
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Emily Nejad is known for her eclectic cake designs—many have that electric ‘80s flair!—and her vibrant approach to creating these custom edibles. Emily explains, when you order a cake from her, she wants to know your hobbies, your passions, and your favorite band so she can blast it in my kitchen while baking for you. Her vivacious attitude makes us want to bake all day with her. Get into to Halloween spirit as Emily dishes on the magic of Fall’s favorite holiday, and even gives us a quick DIY for those googly-eyed chocolate pieces on our Ghostbusters cake.
Your cakes are serious works of art! Where do you get your best cake-spiration from?
My instagram feed is a constant stream of inspiration for me. I follow lots of nail artists, florists, funky jewelry and fashion designers, textile artists (like Kilim rug designers and fiber artists), and of course, a ton of food accounts.
Your aesthetic brings to life the more is more is more philosophy—any Halloween or fall-themed accoutrements you’re playing with?
I’m baking lots of pumpkin pie cakes and carrot cakes, which is basically heaven for me. I’m working on one for this weekend that’s inspired by “The Great Pumpkin” and I’m thrilled that I get to use those silly “pumpkins-on-a-stick” that start appearing in the floral departments of the grocery stores at this time of year. They’re so corny but I absolutely love them.
Describe your favorite halloween costume EVER.
Oh man. I’ve gone as Prince for the last 4 years because I love Prince and I love drawing on that tiny mustache and just slinking around the party making those little Prince squeals. I’m imagining there will be a lot of Princes this year so I’ll be in good company.
In the spirit of the Ghostbusters, have any spooky ghost stories?
I do NOT mess around with ghosts. I did a Ouija board once and it was creepy as hell. I met a rude ghost that night named Frank who let me know that he does not like me but thinks my little sister is hot. After that I swore that I’d never mess with the spirit world again, but when things are going well for me I’ll occasionally raise a middle finger to the sky like “Screw you, Frank—I’m thriving!”
The googly-eyed chocolate bark pieces are an easy way to transform a treat into a Halloween-themed look–can you give us a quick step-by-step?
There’s an easy way and a hard way to make chocolate bark. The easy way: Simply get a bag of candy melts (or another type of compound chocolate) melt in the microwave in 30 second bursts. Then spread melted chocolate on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silpat mat. Sprinkle your favorite toppings—crushed cookies, sprinkles, nuts or candy all work—and allow it to set either at room temp or in the refrigerator.
See more of Emily’s work at BonVivantCakes.com and be sure to follow @BonVivantCakes for your daily dose of sweet. Want more G&F Halloween? See all our Totally 80’s Halloween fun here.