Editor's Notebook: Be Your Own Cake Boss

Patch has gone west with the Cupcake Man, and told the story of Cake Fiction. Matters Magazine introduced us to "Frosted Ladies" Colette Peters and Rita Dadaian, and showed off Paulo Tosonotti's whimsical shopping cake. We've even sampled cupcakes from beyond the grave with Jefferson School fifth graders, thanks to a Maplewood doctor who provided the arms and legs. South Orange and Maplewood love cake and Patch is right there with you.

The creators of The Cake Boss, starring the Garden State's own Buddy Valastro, have announced a new show, and a search for its bake-happy star. TLC is looking for the next great cake artist, someone who can transform layer cake into luxury, and showcase the art in culinary arts. Ten hopefuls will compete, and Patch hopes that least one is local. Maybe we'll cheer for a SOMA chef who makes it – no, bakes it – big.

Sound impossible? Take inspiration from Orange Lawn Tennis Club's chef, Ariane Duarte. She's our South Orange Top Chef finalist, remember, who brings the dream to our hometowns.

If you're planning to take the TLC challenge, let us know so we can follow your journey from stove to stardom, from oven to Emmy.  Send us an email at: marciaw@patch.com