DINING
The Art of Cake
Decorating By Graham House, Clubhouse and Lodging Manager Photography by Kelsey Grudle
Yliana E. Cadena has been creating showstopping confectionary centerpieces for many members’ celebrations at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch since 2018. From lovely tiered wedding and birthday cakes to party treats in a variety of themes, she is a talented and dedicated pastry artist who made the bold leap from cake decorating as a hobby to a career. Diligent about pushing herself to learn more, her hard work paid off earlier this year when she was asked to participate in the Food Network Halloween Wars. Anyone who has watched a baking competition like this is well aware of the skill level required. But it takes a lot of mental and physical preparation as well. On September 19, everyone will be rooting for her as the show airs for the first time. Until then, let’s see what led up to that honorable moment. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND FAMILY. I am a native of Laredo, Texas and now call San Antonio my home. I have been married to my incredibly supportive husband, Christopher Paul, for almost 14 years. We have our three K9’s (Eat Mor, Luna and McKenzie), a daughter, Miranda, son-inlaw, Adrian, and a GrandK9 named Mary. In December of 2012, I graduated from The Art Institute of San Antonio and turned something that was once a hobby into a career. For about 12 years, my passion has been for cake and sugar/chocolate. Recently I have been more involved in attending cake shows and participating in cake competitions as well as taking sugar/chocolate classes to increase my knowledge and the techniques that are so valuable in my career.
true one day. Then in March of 2021, I had the most unique opportunity come up via Facebook. I’ll admit, I belong to many groups that involve cakes, cookies, chocolate and sugar, and I often post my work on social media. But, out of nowhere, Food Network sent me a private message stating that they had seen my work and asked if I would be interested in participating in an upcoming holiday show. Of course, I was in total shock! I have multiple friends and sugar buddies that have been on Food Network shows, but I have never thought that my skills would ever be at that point.
DID YOU JUMP AT THE CHANCE? The time commitment required to be a competitor was approximately 30 days, so I had to make sure that I had approval from Chef Isaac. It was nerve-wracking asking for a leave that long as our bake shop had been getting many cake orders and, of course, this would be nonpaid time off. However, I was pleasantly surprised when he approved my leave!
WHAT WAS THE NEXT STEP? WHAT LED TO THE FOOD NETWORK OPPORTUNITY? For 2020, I challenged myself to grow in technique and product knowledge, with so many online opportunities being offered to learn from instructors from around the globe. I spent many days and many long hours in classes and work, but I knew that knowledge and practice do make dreams come
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I sent in my full application and resume along with a slew of pictures of my work. Then came multiple levels of the interview process that took about four months to complete. In between, I kept Chef informed… one step closer... one step closer. The final call came in while I was at work and I had to interrupt Chef in a meeting to triple check that I could leave
