The results of our sugar driven research trips led us to imaginative bakers and resourceful entrepreneurs. See inthekitchen on page 8 for baking beauties, the story of twin sisters, Jenna Hutchinson and Ashley Kosowan and founders of Jenna Rae Cakes. The desserts highlighted are representative of their recently published second cookbook, Jenna Rae Cakes At Home, where recipes for home bakers are given the duo’ s fanciful spin. Because the images Ashley shot for the book display exceptional artistry, they are featured too. These business savvy women behind the brand of our favourite treats exemplify entrepreneurial spirit at its finest. firstword a sweet city
Since the days of the Roman empire, humanity has been enamoured with bakeries. But today, in a golden age of modern baking, culinary artists are bending tradition to new heights of brilliance. From rich decadent treats to flaky pastries, this city’ s sweet scene promises a delightful experience worth celebrating on the pages of this specially themed issue.
From upscale patisseries to groundbreaking ice cream makers, Winnipeg is filled with talented people passionate about sharing what they love. Although discovering good eats and the food professionals who are creating them in Winnipeg is always a pleasure, exploring sweet shops citywide and overbuying desserts to taste“ for research” gives this issue a special status for its makers.
The results of our sugar driven research trips led us to imaginative bakers and resourceful entrepreneurs. See inthekitchen on page 8 for baking beauties, the story of twin sisters, Jenna Hutchinson and Ashley Kosowan and founders of Jenna Rae Cakes. The desserts highlighted are representative of their recently published second cookbook, Jenna Rae Cakes At Home, where recipes for home bakers are given the duo’ s fanciful spin. Because the images Ashley shot for the book display exceptional artistry, they are featured too. These business savvy women behind the brand of our favourite treats exemplify entrepreneurial spirit at its finest. firstword a sweet city
More industrious women are behind the sweet shops featured in ciao! cooks. Rachel Nedelec of Flour and Flower and Teri-Lynn Friesen of Fête Ice Cream joined us at the Ciao! kitchen to share a few pro tips and recipes for their exquisite cake, cookies and ice cream. See dreamy sweets on page 19.
This issue also launches our annual search for the best kitchen in the city with the Ciao! Kitchen Design Competition. Each year the entries continue to impress. They also reveal a high quality of excellence found in design and craftsmanship in this city. If you have a kitchen that has been recently renovated and you are excited about showing it off to Ciao! readers, now is your chance. The lucky winner will be hosted by chef Louie Lui of Aroma Bistro, cooking a dinner party for six in your new kitchen. The winning kitchen will also be photographed for a multipage feature in the October / November issue of this magazine. So, if you love your recent kitchen makeover, simply submit photos by visiting www. ciaowinnipeg. com to enter. The deadline for entries is July 15, 2025. It could mean learning a few tricks of the trade from a master of cuisine.
Lastcourse ends the issue with our tribute to a local artist contributing to this city’ s vibrant cultural scene. Jill Brooks’ work depicts her twin passion for painting and gardening with vivid colours. We love how her skilled brushwork accentuates the nuanced beauty of every petal and leaf on her canvasses.
Preparing this issue has given us the opportunity to enjoy many local spots and discover what is new along the way. We hope reading about enthusiastic Winnipeggers will inspire you too! Take a city tour of bakeries and sweet shops and ice cream cafes, stroll through neighbourhood art galleries and meet a few of these visionaries yourself. I can attest, getting to know your community is one of the best ways to brighten one’ s spirits and put a little extra pep in your step!
Photography by Steve Salnikowsky, chronic creative, Ian McCausland
Laurie Hughes, Publisher
2 ciao! / apr / may / two thousand twenty-five