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August 12, 2013

The Art, Cake & Whisky Contest

Originally posted on Western Horse Review

 

It took Alberta baker Kamla McGonigal four years to perfect her recipe. The fourth generation Calgary native wanted to use whisky, locally distilled from grain at nearby farms as one of the main ingredients in her delectable cakes. Finally after countless hours over an oven, McGonigal developed one of the best tasting and most unique baked-goods available to those with discerning palates – the Alberta Whisky Cake (AWC).

Which is exactly why we picked her as one of our Artisans of the West (in the food category) in theMarch issue.

But on June 20, disaster struck Alberta Whisky Cake when High River flooded.

This is a picture Kamla sent me on June 24. The shot is of 3rd Ave. The Cakery Bakery, which had been producing Kamla’s cakes, is located on the far left of the photo – it is completely ruined and will have to be refurbished, replaced with new equipment etc. Most of AWC’s  inventory of packaging/printing/labels were stored at the bakery and also destroyed. In addition, Highwood Distillery, which supplied the all-important whisky ingredient, also incurred flood damage.

At that time, Kamla didn’t know when she would be able to supply AWCs again. She had a few dozen in storage, most of which she later donated to a flood fundraising effort. It seemed Alberta was completely out of stock of the unique Alberta Whisky Cakes.

But Kamla is a passionate soul – and determined to get the cakes back into production.

On July 13th, she posted on Alberta Whisky Cakes Facebook page:

“Good morning. I’m headed to the Millarville Farmers Market for the last time this season, with the last of my inventory (until Cakery Bakery is back up & Highwood Distillers rye whisky available again). The kindest thing I can do right now is get AWC bigger & better than ever before – people REALLY want JOBS, not handouts.” ~ Kam

Her farm, west of High River, has a healthy beautiful crop of canola (an important ingredient in the cake) nearly ready to be harvested, and it turns out the Cakery Bakery was covered by insurance, and a rebuilding is in process. It will take 2 to 3 months, and in the meantime, Kamla is using the time to tweak the current product and invent new versions of it. Look for perhaps a fruitcake version, or even, gluten-free in the future of AWC.

One of the unique aspects of the Alberta Whisky Cake is that each comes with an exclusive AWC Unbridled Spirits certificate. This certificate can be presented directly to a select list of AWC artists to receive $35 off of your purchase price, on an individual piece of art valued at $100 or more. These artists are local people who are involved heavily in the arts, and have not yet become renowned or rewarded for their exceptional dedication to their creative work.

Past recipients have included such artists such as Whitney Wilkie – Whittie Girl Leathers (www.whittiegirlleathers.com)

Or, Jane Romanishko – Jane Romanishko (www.janeromanishko.com)

And Neville Palmer – Reflective Eye Photography (www.reflectiveeye.com)

Now the Whisky Baker and Western Horse Review have knotted their tendrils of love for western art and culture together to come up with the Art, Whisky and Cake Contest.

Kamla needs an emerging western artist to showcase when her new set of post-flood AWC’s begin rolling off the production line in a few months and she’s inviting Screen Doors & Saddles and Western Horse Review readers to put forth nominations of your choice.

In the comment section below simply state your nomination of a Canadian emerging western artist. Include the name and if possible, website url, of the artist and a simple line or two detailing why you’d like to nominate this individual. From all of the nominations, Kamla will make a selection of three finalists. These three finalists will be profiled here on Screen Doors & Saddles and onWestern Horse Review Facebook and viewers will have the opportunity to vote and ultimately, choose the next AWC Artist!

In addition, we’ll do a random draw from all of the nominations, and the winner will receive an Alberta Whisky Cake, compliments of Kam. I’m sure it will be one of the first cakes to be pulled from the Cakery Bakery’s ovens once they are up and running again.

It’s possible we might be dubbing the first few as “celebration cakes.” For in a small way, we hope this contest symbolizes the hope we extend toward the people of High River and surrounding areas, many of whom have lost so much and are still struggling, and foster feelings of a brighter future!

As Kamla says, “out of hope comes clarity, energy, focus & optimism!” So, go ahead and nominate your favorite up-and-coming western artist in the comment section below. We’re counting on your support and feedback for this contest.

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Made In Alberta Awards

Made In Alberta - Runner Up

Kam is the most energetic & passionate person I have ever known – and with everything she does.

Cindy MontgomeryCFP Investors Group

Yumm . decadently delicious!  Kamla, you’re fabulous … we love your creations.

Barbara Patching Retired Lawyer

Kam,

Your cakes are second to none.  We sampled them with the Maverick’s group and everyone was absolutely thrilled with the product.  They especially liked the boxes

Darren ExnerPresident & General Manager - X-TREME Packaging Services Inc

I was impressed with the creativity and thought that went into your cakes when we first met at the Food & Beverage Canada seminar and think that they bring a lot to the table so to speak. The cake itself is fabulous and won’t have any problems finding repeat purchase customers. I really think that this Alberta made and hand crafted product should also be presented in a high end manner. I love your idea of supporting local artists and I think each box or package should represent a piece of an … Read more

Allan Levy

The Whisky Pioneer – What else can you call the visionary who combines fine Alberta ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, canola oil and let’s not forget the Whisky from Highwood Distillers. It’s brilliant! A completely Albertan product down to the packaging which includes the promotion of aspiring local artists.

Mona BartsoffB. Comn.

 Admittedly the Best Cake You’ll Ever Taste!

As a non-regular whiskey drinker, my initial approach to the idea of a ‘whisky cake’ was optimistically guarded. However, cake itself always carries the promise of a sweet return. After the first bite of Alberta Whisky Cake two years ago, I’ll gladly eat my initial thoughts every time I taste the rich, melody of taste that wraps you in a warm and mellow whisky-flavoured blanket. The reaction to AWC is consistent – it is the best cake you’ll ever eat… Read more

Mona BartsoffB. Comn.

Thanks to Kamla, and her generosity, I had the pleasure of sampling both the maple and chocolate whiskey cakes.  They are absolutely delicious.  These cakes are unique and I have never tasted anything like them before.  What makes the product so special is not just the amazing flavour but the fact that it is a true Alberta product, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Alberta and to Kamla herself.  I have given the cakes to friend and families and we are all in agreement…not only is it d… Read more

Wendy IrwinCHRP

The Alberta Whisky Cake has become a Christmas tradition for both my family and my company. The cake makes an impressive Christmas or New Year’s Day dessert and the beautiful packaging makes it the perfectly unique corporate gift for my staff and clients. The inclusion of artist profiles with the cake and the support artists receive from this company make it a great tie in to Routes, that also works hard to give local artists their moment to shine. Well done and thank you for showing the world h… Read more

Sandra Wiebe Founder & CEO - Routes Media Inc.

Kamla Hari and AWC have it all figured out.
The first thing that struck me was the moist texture coupled with a rich flavor containing subtle yet distinct hints of whiskey. Either of these qualities alone would make for a wonderful cake; together they make magic. Combine all this with Kamla and AWC’s efforts to support local artists and farming and you’re doing yourself and the world a favor by enjoying an AWC.

Stefan and Vanessa Siveski

The Afterglow: Like the mellow feeling you get after enjoying a fine whisky cocktail, you reflect on the experience of Alberta Whisky Cake and you can’t help but realize that you’ve done more than simply enjoy a piece of cake. You’ve helped support and promote Alberta’s growing arts and culture movement. You are left in the afterglow of being a part of something important — something that makes you proud to be connected to Alberta and her world-renowned natural resources, including Alberta Whisk… Read more

Mona BartsoffB. Comn.

My favourite is the maple flavour…so delicious!  I love giving a maple or chocolate cake as a gift to clients, friends and family who live outside of Alberta.  A classy and unique way to showcase our province.  I also order several cakes over the holidays to bring to parties – always the hit of the party

 Lise Lalonde (Remediation Consulting Group Inc)

AWC –  This cake is the absolute best cake ever!!
Kam – Intelligent, thoughtful , vibrant. A thoroughly delightful person, she inspires us to be our best because of her zest for life!!

Fran Williams & Jack ThompsonP K Printing Services

I was so pleased to have the opportunity to visit with you.  You are an amazing girl with such a great personality and charisma.  My mother and I would love to compliment you on your wonderful Whisky Cake.  The flavor and texture was fantastic.  We are positive that you will be able to market your cakes with great success.  Please let us know when we will be able to purchase your cakes because we want to be able to help promote them for you.

Joyce Jewell, OwnerManager - Just Travel Inc.

I feel I have a unique perspective on the Alberta Whisky Cake phenomenon as I was a very willing guinea pig through the testing phase of the process. I have first hand experience in viewing the commitment of Kam in putting together a fantastic product. I have taken her cakes to many staff pot luck functions and have received rave reviews. Combine this with her commitment to her dream of helping young people through a music program funded through the proceeds of this endeavour.
The hard work and … Read more

Glenn HurstAccountant & Musician

The Alberta Whisky Cake product has been a huge hit with many of my corporate clients!  Not only is the product kept to a high standard but interacting with Kam is always a great experience

Chelsie Deschamps, OwnerVaVa Custom Gift Designs

Alberta Whisky Cake and it’s creator Kam are the perfect ambassadors for Alberta and the Millarville Farmers’ Market. Delicious. 

Carmen DitzlerMillarville Farmers' Market Manager

Thank you Kam for connecting Artists and Collectors in a unique way. I admire your appreciation of beauty and passion for sharing it with the world

Jane Romanishko

Unique, of the highest quality, completely Albertan, just the right amount of sweet and sauce, full-bodied richness, fantastic with coffee, a treat in beautiful packaging, and I LOVE the Alberta Whisky Cake too! In Maple, of course.

Kamla McGonigal is one of the most intelligent, business-savvy, hardest working, compassionate and philanthropic woman I know. AWC effectively epitomizes Alberta through high-quality local ingredients from a unique, Albertan concept.

Pamela Malec

This is my idea for a consummate celebration, sharing my 65th birthday with family & friends, two of your cakes “stuffed” with silver dollars & in Galt Ontario (my birthplace that no longer exists).  The joy is we get to consumer the cakes also….And, they LOVE these AWC cakes in Ontario.

Ron Payneretiree

I for one never go for cake but had the opportunity when Kam gave me one of her Alberta Whisky Cake’s. If I wasn’t a cake lover I surely am know ! 3 days later I had eaten the whole thing. Fabulous !! Should be a part of the Alberta Heritage.

John Alberta Mac

My family has been enjoying these fabulous cakes since before there was a set recipe for them. They are delicious and each flavor so unique. My favorite is and always will be the chocolate. We have had one for Christmas every year and are starting to incorporate it as a tradition. However, I believe the biggest impact this cake made was when Kamla (Owner of AWC) offered two cakes to our fundraiser for my daughters school playground program. The cakes were used as a silent auction prize and went … Read more

Claudia Scheffler-Egely Oak Shelter Rv and Vehicle storage Ltd
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