Business & Tech

Papa Ganache of Matawan Competes in 'Cupcake Wars'

The Food Network reality show competition challenged four participating bakeries to make the best cupcake for the People's Choice Awards.

Life sure is sweet for vegan bakery Papa Ganache on Main Street in Matawan. 

The popular baked good and lunch spot was invited to compete on The Food Network's "Cupcake Wars" and challenged to face off against three other bakeries from around the country.

Papa Ganache owner Lisa Siroti was first contacted by the show last summer when she was asked to submit an audition tape. 

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"We sent it in and the producers loved us. They invited us to go to war," she said with a laugh.

Although they knew the show was interested, they didn't know when or which challenge they would be asked to participate in. In early November, however, Papa Ganache got the call to battle.

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"It was all in the middle of Hurricane Sandy," Siroti said, noting that the two competing chefs had to drive to Ohio just to catch a plane to Los Angeles. 

With a series of seemingly odd ingredients like brussel sprouts, the chefs went to work trying to bake better Peoples'-Choice-Award-themed cupcakes than 21 Cakes of Arizona, Sweet Magnolia Bakery of Minnesota and Sweet Dreamery Desserts of Los Angeles.

Papa Ganache lovers will have to watch to find out who wins, however. The show will air on Food Network at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 21.


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