Charleston’s Own Ashley Cardona Takes Center Stage on “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking”
Hey there, Charleston! Are you ready to whip up some excitement? Local baker Ashley Cardona is stirring the pot on the national stage in Food Network’s magical new show, “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking.” Set to air on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m., Ashley is among nine talented pastry chefs creating mouth-watering desserts inspired by the beloved Harry Potter series. And guess what? The show is hosted by none other than James and Oliver Phelps, who you might remember as Fred and George Weasley!
Feeling Like a Star
Having called Charleston home for three years, Ashley couldn’t be more thrilled about representing the city she loves. “It feels incredible to showcase the southern charm and the unique flavors of Charleston on a national platform,” she beamed. Coming from the South originally, Ashley hopes to bring a taste of her roots to an audience eager for some delicious magic.
A Surreal Experience
When asked about her experience on the show, Ashley described it as “surreal.” From interacting with the Weasley twins to enjoying meals in settings that once graced the Harry Potter films, Ashley shared that the days were long but exhilarating. “All of the contestants pushed ourselves to create some truly incredible pieces,” she said, adding that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was simply unforgettable.
Lessons Learned
But what did Ashley take away from this once-in-a-lifetime experience? “I feel truly blessed to showcase my talents and passion for my art on such a big stage,” she shared. Besides honing her skills, Ashley met fellow pastry chefs with whom she formed genuine friendships through the competition’s intensity.
A Different Kind of Cake Competition
Now, hold on! Don’t assume this is just another cake-off. Ashley insisted that this show takes competition to a whole new level. “There are some serious magicians in the world of pastry, and they all are coming together to create enchanting, jaw-dropping pieces,” she explained.
About Ashley’s Baking Style
So, what makes Ashley’s baking style unique? She has training in modern French techniques fused with Southern flavors. This blend lets her create artful desserts that awaken memories of home while also pushing culinary boundaries. And what’s her favorite thing to bake at home? Brownies with her two daughters when she’s not dazzling on national television.
Harry Potter Fan Alert!
If you’re wondering who Ashley’s favorite Harry Potter character is, prepare yourself. It’s Luna Lovegood! Ashley admires Luna for her authenticity and courage to be herself—qualities she aspires to embody more each day.
Pantry Essentials and Fall Flavors
Every baker has their secret ingredients, and Ashley is no different. She swears by high-quality chocolate like Valrhona and reliable flour like King Arthur. As for her favorite fall flavor, she’s currently crushing on maple. “Maple has definitely stolen my heart this season,” she confessed with a smile.
Charleston Dining Delights
Finally, we just had to ask about her favorite local restaurant. Ashley and her husband are currently enjoying date nights at Muse, where Mediterranean flavors ignite their taste buds and the ambiance echoes Charleston’s historic charm. “It feels quintessentially Charleston to me,” she added.
Don’t Miss Ashley on TV!
As we gear up to witness Ashley’s baking magic unfold on “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking,” mark your calendars for Nov. 14. Who knows, you might just be inspired to see Charleston’s flavors brought to life through the lens of one of your favorite childhood stories!
