january 2009 newsletter

From the Original Smith Island Cake Company Test Kitchen

Our talented pastry and bakery staff are hard at work developing scrumptious flavors and innovative variations of the famous multi-layer Smith Island Cake. We will definitely have some remarkable renditions for you dessert connoisseurs out there!

Many of you may not be familiar with the "SMITH ISLAND CAKE." This decadent cake has been known as "Frosting with the Cake," containing anywhere from 6-12 pencil-thin yellow cake layers with rich chocolate fudge icing in between! Imagine... nine of the most delicate layers of spongy yellow cake separated by the thinnest layers of an old fashioned cooked chocolate icing that sets like fudge.

No one is quite sure who developed the concept of the "SMITH ISLAND CAKE." Some people believe it can be traced to an English torte, brought by Welsh settlers who came to the Smith Island in the late 1600s. Many residents of Smith Island say, "It has always been here." Frances Kitching, the late doyenne of island hospitality is often given credit. The recipe for the SMITH ISLAND CAKE was first published in a publication written by her in 1981 called Mrs. Kitching's Smith Island Cookbook.

Effective October 1, 2008, the "SMITH ISLAND CAKE" and its unique island received the recognition that it deserved. The Maryland State Legislation established the "SMITH ISLAND CAKE" as the "Official State Dessert of Maryland."

Gourmet Dessert and Coffee Cafe

The Original Smith Island Cake Company café will offer decadent slices of cake, whole cakes and designer cupcakes. We will feature fair trade coffee with a delicious variety of coffees, lattes, cappuccinos and espressos as well as our specialty iced coffee drinks. We are slated to open in Spring, 2009. Soon after the opening our store we will begin accepting orders on our website. Our website is being developed as we speak so keep checking the site for News & Grand Opening information. We will continue to send updates of our progress!

Construction update: Original Smith Island Cake Company

While you can't physically see it yet, there is quite a bit happening on the construction end of Original Smith Island Cake Company. It's going to be lovely, blue and silver, beautiful lighting, cozy setting that you will keep coming back for more. The café is going to be a place to come in and relax, enjoy coffee with your friends. We expect to open spring 2009! Keep an eye on our website as it's under construction as well. New information will be posted weekly & monthly. Look for the Welcome page and sign up... you'll get some great specials.