Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

'Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry...right?  Put calorie-counting aside, and check out the most fabulous of festive desserts, courtesy of a Valley culinary extraordinaire. 

They’re the Valley’s very own cake bosses: Ted Scutti and Adam Starkey.  The two are self-proclaimed “sugar artists,” so the name of their boutique bakery is quite fitting: Sugar Sugar Cake Studio.

They guys specialize in one-of-a-kind specialty cakes, making your most creative dessert dreams a reality.  Every artisanal cake is crafted with the highest level TLC, and every bite is delectable to perfection. 

“We use only the freshest and most wholesome ingredients, and most every ounce of décor is eatable,” said Ted Scutti, Sugar Sugar Cake Studio co-owner.

Like the most amazing butter-cream you’ve ever had.

Scutti fell in love with sweets in high school, working part-time at Baskin-Robbins, but his cake-creating career path didn’t begin right away.  He went to college and graduate school, and after that, was reintroduced to his passion after baking a Red Velvet Cake for a dinner party.  That’s when he joined forces with Adam Starkey to open up shop.  And their partnership was a match made in delectable heaven, as Starkey came from a background of cooking, baking, chocolate, and candy. 

This year, the dynamic duo are helping Valley dessert-lovers ring in the new year with a sweet twist.  They’re giving us the scoop on festive treats for the holidays.

“Cake pops are totally in.  They can be made in a variety of flavors, and their small size is great for guests who don’t want a large dessert,” he said.

They also suggest stocking up on peppermint, both as a flavor and design inspiration.  You can incorporate the Christmas treat with a rich chocolate cake—consider a peppermint butter-cream rather than your usual vanilla frosting.  Peppermint ice cream is also refreshing, or you can simply utilize candy canes as garnish.