When my kids were little, I would try to give them a thematic birthday party based on something they were really into at the time. Then I’d *attempt* to bake a cake that included that theme, or make a banner, or at least have some kind of activity. Only, I could never execute these ideas the way they looked in my brain at the time. One year, Cal wanted his birthday to be “spiders and origami.” The octopus/weird starfish cake I ended up baking was quite the disappointment. Another year he wanted cupcakes with vanilla frosting and big red dot on the top of each one. In the heat of the day, those red dots melted and the cupcakes looked like a group of large, disgusting bloodshot eyeballs. Or the year Bree wanted a “pirate party.” One of the kids looked at the cake and asked, “Why is Charlie Brown wearing an eye patch?”

I wish I’d had the help of Syl’s Delights back then. From now on, when your kid asks you for something unique, unusual, or tricky, enlist Syl’s help. I mean, when her daughter wanted a llama-and-cactus-themed party, Syl didn’t bat an eye. JUST LOOK AT HOW CUTE THESE ARE!

You might notice that Syl’s treats look more sophisticated than what you’d usually get for a birthday party. They are. They are cleverly designed, baked, and decorated, and you won’t find anything quite like them anywhere else. They *almost* look too beautiful to eat, but don’t be intimidated. You deserve a beautiful cupcake or a perfect cake pop just as much as anyone.

Syl’s been selling her creations at the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market since December 2017. Her business started as a result of a birthday party she was planning for one of her six children. Guests loved her treats so much that she was asked to cater a wedding. Feeling like she might be onto something, she secured a spot at the Farmers’ Market. Customers of all ages are excited to see her on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.

On the day we visited, she had a lot to choose from. The Ferrero Rocher cupcakes with Nutella buttercream icing featured a hidden Ferrero Rocher candy baked inside! The Oreo Cookies & Cream cupcake contained a whole Oreo cookie as its base. She also had two adorable cake pops, an assortment of cakesicles (these are shaped like a popsicle), chocolate covered pretzels, coconut truffles, and a Caramel Macchiato cupcake.

In addition to her unique and whimsical sweet treats, she sells savory Surinamese delicacies, too, such as pastei (puff pastry with peas and carrots) goegerie (chickpeas in a spiced tomato paste), and a made-to-order gyro. Wash it down with two traditional drinks: orgeade (a sweet almond drink) or Dawet syrup drink, which contains coconut milk.

If you cannot get to the Farmers’ Market, you can visit Syl’s Etsy shop, where you’ll see many more of her adorable creations, including Wonder Woman pretzel sticks, Easter bunny/chick cake pops, and even Aladdin rice crispy treats! One way or another, visit her soon!

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