• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

  • All
  • Family
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Decor
  • About Lena
  • Contact

Celebrations Made Remarkable!

October 22, 2016 By Lena

Note: The following contest is open to residents of the Greater Toronto Area only. 

‘Round here, we used to take celebrations very seriously.

I’m the daughter of a perfectionist. Growing up, my mother did not serve a single appetizer, meal or dessert to dinner guests unless she had made it, purchased it, perfected it ahead of the celebration. She believed in triple-testing her menu before it was presented to company, and her tenacity and unwillingness to settle for anything but the best earned her “entertainer extraordinaire” status among friends and family.
_dsc0375aToday, I’d like to say I follow her lead, but the truth is, I’m more willing to live on the edge. I don’t mind trying new meal ideas for guests, and if it doesn’t turn out the way I intended, there’s always wine in the cellar and a La Rocca cake waiting in the fridge. You see, to me, getting together with family and friends is more about spending time together and less about achieving culinary perfection. And while I’d like to be taken for a domestic goddess, I also want to be known for my humour, wit and willingness to welcome others into my home. 

However, because we still take celebrations (somewhat) seriously, only the best dessert will do. And for our celebrations, from birthdays to baptisms, girls night or just because, we trust La Rocca Creative Cakes.
_dsc0355aThe La Rocca tradition of dessert making began 60 years ago in Naples, Italy where the La Rocca family’s passion for the art of baking inspired the many original and unique recipes they offer today. In 1986, La Rocca Creative Cakes was established in Canada, and over the last 30 years, they have grown to become one of the most respected artisanal dessert manufacturers in North America.

Each La Rocca cake offers a unique combination of fresh and delicious ingredients, which they source locally and from around the world. Every member of my family has their own favourite: my husband has a weakness for La Rocca Milk Chocolate Caramel, my boys go crazy for La Rocca Truffle Royale (pictured top), and me? I can’t resist their Carrot Cake (pictured above, and below).

A perfect combination of carrots, raisins, toasted coconut, chopped walnuts, and spices – layered with homemade cream cheese icing – make this dessert sensational._dsc0340bBut the question is… what would I bring to my mom’s house? Which cake is worthy of the perfect party hostess? I daresay La Rocca Cherry Cheesecake passes the test. The classic cheesecake baked in a shortbread crust and topped with sour cherries is guaranteed to make you weak in the knees.

(Even better: it’s available in 6″, 8″ or 10″, so you can have cheesecake à deux or treat a crowd to an unforgettable dessert. And celebration calories don’t count, or so I’ve been told.)
_dsc0363aOf course, if you’re celebrating this season, you simply must try La Rocca Limited Edition Greatest Hits Cake. (Check out my previous post to learn all about it!) The cake will be available straight through the Christmas season, so stop by your favourite retailer of La Rocca Creative Cakes to reserve one now.

What’s your entertaining style? Do you strive for perfection, or go with the flow? Do you test and re-test your recipes, or leave it up to chance? However you decide to throw a party, La Rocca is the perfect ending for all your special occasions.
_dsc0378aOne lucky reader in the Greater Toronto Area will win his/her very own La Rocca 30th Anniversary Celebration! The Cake Party Pack includes La Rocca Greatest Hits Cake and party accessories such as plates, napkins, utensils, confetti and candles. To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck everybody!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: #cravelarocca, #LaRocca30, La Rocca Creative Cakes

Previous Post: « A Pantry-Inspired Refrigerator? Now that’s Smart!
Next Post: Now THIS is a #nextlevel Opportunity! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Genevieve

    October 22, 2016 at 9:49 pm

    Carrot cheese cake is always a hit! ????????

  2. Liz Howard

    October 22, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    I am more of go with the flow, howvwer I would never try something new on guests, I need to go with something that is tried and true and a fabulous dessert to end off a fabulous evening!!!

  3. michelle matta

    October 22, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    My entertaining style is low maintenance and easygoing. I try and provide a mix of fancy and grab n go easy foods so that everyone is satisfied. La Rocca Cakes would definetly suit my “fancy” side best. I like to serve such deluxe foods in small portions with the option of seconds.

  4. Sandra Tang

    October 22, 2016 at 10:31 pm

    Love their cakes!

  5. Ashley J

    October 22, 2016 at 10:39 pm

    I strive for perfection and love testing something new.

  6. Josie Tusa

    October 22, 2016 at 11:48 pm

    My entertaining style is elegant yet simple. I love to have everything looking and tasting wonderfully and at the same time, making my guests feel comfortable. A La Rocca cake and party supplies would be the perfect and delicious touch to my party.

  7. Fan R

    October 22, 2016 at 11:52 pm

    My entertaining style is pretty festive. La Rocca Creative Cakes can bring more excitement, taste and make the celebration to remember forever!

  8. Peter Tusa

    October 22, 2016 at 11:59 pm

    I like to keep everything low key but fun. A La Rocca cake would be make my celebration complete!

  9. Jenny Major

    October 23, 2016 at 11:07 am

    my entertaining style is festive!

  10. Mohammad anjum

    October 23, 2016 at 11:22 am

    LIKE TASTY CAKES

  11. Stephanie LaPlante

    October 23, 2016 at 11:24 am

    My entertaining style is fun, festive and happy. Cake would make it delicious.

  12. Linda Svarovsky

    October 23, 2016 at 11:58 am

    Carrot cheese cake

  13. Carla

    October 23, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    Love love love their cakes! We had their celebration cake last weekend it was to die for. We are casual entertainers but would love to have this for a family get together

  14. margo b

    October 23, 2016 at 12:44 pm

    I would love to get one of their cakes made for a Christmas party

  15. Stephanie

    October 23, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    My entertaining style is lots of food, music, and great guests! I think LaRocca cakes would provide our family with a delicious cake that everyone loves!

  16. Andrea

    October 23, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    My entertaining style is Festive!

  17. Jennifer Lo

    October 23, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    My style is casual and relax! Love their cheesecake

  18. Veronica Doncaster

    October 23, 2016 at 6:39 pm

    I like fun ethnic themes. I’d love to have a fabulous gourmet cake to incorporate with my next dinner party.

  19. Francine F.

    October 23, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    I like to use my guests as guinea pigs, I also prefer to bake my own dessert, but if I do buy, it’s always LaRocca – I haven’t found the Greatest Hits cake yet, but I am on the lookout!

  20. Suzi

    October 23, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    Mine is fun and casual! Lots of nibbles and great sweets – LaRocca cake would make a great centrepiece!

  21. Monique L.S.

    October 23, 2016 at 9:19 pm

    My birthday is next week. Would love to celebrate with LaRocca! My entertaining style is pretty casual yet with thoughtful touches. LaRocca would be a great finishing touch to any party.

  22. Fathima

    October 23, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    My style is casual with great tasting food! LaRocca cakes would be a great dessert for a family gathering and save me preparation time.

  23. Michelle k

    October 23, 2016 at 10:51 pm

    I like to take chances, I serve new foods to my guests. Always into cakes and cupcakes. Hubs and his friends are big sweet people, I love how food brings us all together.

  24. sarah alexis

    October 24, 2016 at 12:26 am

    I love trying new recipes and challenging myself – would totally benefit from this prize pack, my daughter loves baking and decorating cakes with me!

  25. KellyPC

    October 24, 2016 at 9:01 am

    We don’t usually do anything fancy for anything other than xmas or NYE.

  26. Rosanne Robinson

    October 24, 2016 at 9:47 am

    My entertaining style depends on the number of guests invited. We have a huge family, so have buffet style meals for them and informal for smaller gatherings. La Rocca cakes are perfect for all entertaining!

  27. Rachel E.

    October 24, 2016 at 9:49 am

    I entertaining style is usually casual and simple. La Rocca cakes are perfect for me. Easy, and tastes so good

  28. Anu Chopra

    October 24, 2016 at 9:54 am

    I plan as much as possible ahead of time and most food is ready before guests arrive. La Rocca desserts are a wonderful way to end the evening and I know everyone will love eating them!

  29. Sabrina Rahman

    October 24, 2016 at 9:59 am

    I don’t have an entertaining style… lol I guess mine would be casual. But I love their cakes for birthdays!!

  30. Susan Hanley

    October 24, 2016 at 10:02 am

    I love to serve family style, everyone serves themselves. I like to have a great dessert to finish off the meal. La Rocca desserts would make the perfect ending.

  31. lisa rumolo

    October 24, 2016 at 10:18 am

    My entertaining style is pretty relaxed and La Rocca fits right in because there would be no worries about dessert being delicious.

  32. Jenna D

    October 24, 2016 at 10:30 am

    I’m usually an anxious mess no matter how prepared I try to be, lol! I like to stick with more traditional far as my hosting is usually for family to celebrate our little girl’s birthday. We want everyone to feel comfortable and fill their bellies with things I know they like, so I often make several dishes, and serve everything buffet-style (and maybe one new dish snuck in there to try).
    I’d love help from La Rocca this time around – the cakes we’ve tried we INCREDIBLE!

  33. Marla

    October 24, 2016 at 10:39 am

    I love having a great dessert layout :)

  34. Christine Murray

    October 24, 2016 at 10:43 am

    I have not tried La Rocca cakes but would love to try. I think it would be a perfect treat to serve my friends on Knit night.

  35. Jan W

    October 24, 2016 at 11:09 am

    I am a casual entertainer. I just phone up some friends and have them come over for game night or a girls bonding session. Would love to feature a LaRocca cake at our next celebration.

  36. cherz

    October 24, 2016 at 11:12 am

    La Rocca cakes have become my go-to cakes recently. I remember my first taste of their cakes was during a work part last year. Since then I’m addicted and have let others know. My then fiancée/now husband told me how they were planning my surprise bridal shower. A guest asked him what they should to bring, all he said La Rocca. It (Truffle Royal) was a hit, it was hard to save any lol.

    Since October has been busy month, my wedding, Thanksgiving, my birthday – it would be great to now sit down and indulge.

  37. Janet P.

    October 24, 2016 at 11:23 am

    I am more go with the flow but I wouldn’t try a new recipe that I haven;t used before. I want to make sure everything is stress-free so a La Rocca cake would be the logical choice.

  38. Deborah C

    October 24, 2016 at 11:32 am

    I’m simple but La Rocca would add wonders to the party!

  39. September Dee

    October 24, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    I try to keep my entertaining style comfortable and as stress free as possible. Recipes I choose to use are flavourful and favourites with my guests. Sometimes I’ll try something new on my friends who are easy to please. Luckily La Rocca Cakes are so incredibly delicious, if the main course doesn’t go well it is quickly forgotten once everyone has had a fork full of any of their cakes. Thanks so much for the chance to win this super prize. The photos in the post have got my mouth watering!!!

  40. Oph3lia

    October 24, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    My entertaining style is easy, no hassle, but elegant at the same time. La Rocca cakes are a must at my parties!

  41. Steven Finnamore

    October 24, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    I always look forward to making desserts, especially cakes for special occasions like family birthdays and holidays.

  42. Margaret Imecs

    October 24, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    My entertaining style is elegant and festive.

  43. Allie f

    October 24, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    Their high quality cakes and beautiful artistic design would be the perfect ending to a home cooked meal! Thank you!

  44. Maria

    October 24, 2016 at 1:58 pm

    I love everything festive

  45. Sandra F

    October 24, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    They are truly delicious and no one ever complains, they just want to eat more.

  46. Ashley Pomery

    October 24, 2016 at 3:21 pm

    My entertaining style is casual & laid back. I’m sure my guest would think I was the best if I served LA Rocca!

  47. Robyn Bellefleur

    October 24, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    I would love to have any one of their cakes o celebrate one of my family members birthdays.

  48. Kristina Ziegler

    October 24, 2016 at 5:23 pm

    I love La Rocha cakes they make every birthday celebration better!

  49. Shona Harlow

    October 24, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    I’m a pretty casual entertainer…This could help me by spoiling my guests with delicious cake…after all…who doesn’t love cake?!

  50. Karen E. Hill

    October 24, 2016 at 6:16 pm

    We usually have family get togethers on high days and holidays. Potluck. One part of family will bring what they are good at. Desserts usually go to Mum and she is pushing 85 so to win this would give her a break,

  51. Linda Abrams

    October 24, 2016 at 6:25 pm

    My entertaining style is always serve the best.
    would love one of your cakes for my husbands upcoming birthday party

  52. Christine McGee

    October 24, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    Their cakes are always delish!!

  53. Marissa

    October 24, 2016 at 6:57 pm

    My entertaining style is very festive and I love impressing my guests with delicious food. My husband’s milestone birthday is coming up next month and a La Rocca cake for dessert would definitely add a great finishing touch to my party. Hope to win this prize and I’m already drooling looking at the amazing pictures in your post.

  54. Julie-Lynne McCann

    October 24, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    our style is fun, rich & love life. La Rocca cheesecakes would be the perfect style for us whether it’s chocolate or fruit …. we love all cheesecake

  55. Grieta Allison

    October 24, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    Its more of a casual and (trying to do it) stress free as juggling 2children in between aint too much fun :)) La Rocca cheesecakes would add more class and luxe to my parties and would go so well together with some delish wine :)

  56. my villa

    October 24, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    i usually just go with the flow but we love to throw wild & loud parties. gotta have lots of laughs and dance

  57. Melinda Jana

    October 24, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    I’m more casual and fun. Their desserts would be perfect way to end the party and for sure be on everyone’s minds.

  58. loucheryl

    October 24, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    I love to plan birthday parties for my family but intimate ones, like no more than 15 guests. I love to decorate for parties too!

  59. darci paice

    October 24, 2016 at 9:11 pm

    my style is casual – perfect dessert..chocolate cheesecake!!!

  60. Joanne Saunders

    October 24, 2016 at 9:17 pm

    I don’t really have an entertainment style but these cake mixes would be the beginning of one for me.

  61. Jackie M

    October 24, 2016 at 9:57 pm

    My style is feed them until they are full! I would love to present a cake to give them a sweet ending!

  62. Elyce boermans

    October 24, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    All cake is just so great! My entertaining style would probably be themes! Colour, food type, meal style etc

  63. Andrea Patel

    October 24, 2016 at 10:55 pm

    Easy going and cozy. Who doesnt love la rocca cakes

  64. Carol Denny

    October 25, 2016 at 7:12 am

    Their cakes would turn any meal into a celebration!

  65. Sasha

    October 25, 2016 at 7:33 am

    I go with the flow and it works fine! The caramel crunch is our favourite La Rocca cake and it’s my hubs’s birthday, and our local retailers were out and hadn’t ordered more of the anniversary cake :((

  66. Sasha

    October 25, 2016 at 8:16 am

    Also, my 30th birthday was just before this cake was announced and released, so we had to settle for a regular mediocre cake. Then we had a together-versary at the start of Oct. and now the second anniversary of our Disney wedding is coming in a week on Nov. 1. But I’m having the roughest time finding and getting this greatest hits cake in the Schomberg/Newmarket/Aurora area, so my husband on his birthday also has to settle today for something less. With so much hype, we really thought we’d be able to get it for at least one of our 4-5 occasions this fall.

  67. Angela September

    October 25, 2016 at 10:45 am

    My entertaining style is casual but well planned. I want people to be comfortable enough to kick their heels up but also feel a bit dazzled.
    Thank you La Rocca cakes are BY FAR the best tasting cakes on the market!

  68. Angela Massis

    October 25, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    I enjoy entertaining and having friends and family over for dinner and dessert. I love to bake and wow my guests with delicious cakes and trifles but sometimes there is just not enough hours in the day to do everything so that is why I turn to La Rocca. La Rocca has such an amazing selection of delicious desserts and I am guilty of trying many. My absolute favorite though is the Truffle Royale.

  69. charles wang

    October 25, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    I go with the flow

  70. SweetPanda

    October 25, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    My entertaining style is more on the casual side. We never tried their cakes so this would be great opportunity for us to try it out if we won! It may be a hit in our house!

  71. Christine M

    October 26, 2016 at 9:35 am

    I like to go all out for my guests! I plan my menu ahead of time and I always do a test run if it’s something new. Let’s just say I’ve learned the hard way ????

  72. Erin McSweeney

    October 26, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    I love to have casual party where I prep ahead of time, so I can relax and enjoy…having these beautiful cakes would take my party level up a notch while still keeping it relaxed

  73. Terri Baker

    October 26, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    I am a potluck type of entertainer. Everyone brings something and we all help ourselves. I am the one who usually has the dessert and La Rocca can and has been at many of my get-togethers.

  74. Donnas

    October 26, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    I enjoy entertaining because I love to cook and bake, but I also find it very stressful.

  75. Shane Smith

    October 26, 2016 at 9:12 pm

    I’m very laid back but i have to make sure everyone is well fed and having a fantastic time. Dessert always helps with that!

  76. sue frampton

    October 27, 2016 at 1:44 am

    I don’t really bake to often but when I do we make cake,or banana bread for people that come over

  77. naiddia p

    October 27, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    My entertaining style is casual and relaxed. I do like to make sure that I plan out the meal and make sure that everything goes smoothly.

  78. Lindsay Threlkeld

    October 27, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    We have a pretty easy going entertaining style, La Rocca cakes would help us step it up!

  79. Leslie Crosbie

    October 29, 2016 at 2:14 am

    This cake looks delicious, too bad I live so far away!

  80. Margaret Chen

    October 30, 2016 at 9:16 pm

    By having sweet desserts like Larocca Cakes!! :)

  81. jenny t

    October 30, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    My entertaining style is classy. Elegant looking cakes are my favorite.

  82. Danielle Rose

    October 30, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    La Rocca cakes are delicious! ! If I won I would celebrate my win by throwing myself a cake party with all of my winning goodies :)

  83. melanie dekoker

    October 30, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    I would love to try their cakes! Yummu.

  84. Hibbat

    October 30, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    When I entertain guests, I usually go all out when it comes to the food. From appetizers, mains and dessert. I actually really love the truffle royale cake from La Rocca. If you pick up a frozen one from the grocery store, wait maybe 1 hour and than eat it. It taste so good slightly frozen. I also love their plain cheesecake. Those two are always a hit st my house. I recently came across their banana chocolate chip and look forward to trying it at the next event.

  85. Vicki Ho

    October 30, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    I’m usually tired from making everything else, so like to have a dessert purchased.

  86. Shawna Friedberg

    October 30, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    My entertaining style is relaxed, but with variety. I like a little bit of a lot of things, so adding a La Rocca cake to my dessert table would be a great fit to my style :)

  87. M

    October 30, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    I try to keep things simple, casual and relaxed. La Rocca cake would bring things up a notch!

  88. Stefani

    October 30, 2016 at 11:08 pm

    My entertaining style is to make sure there is something for everyone to eat. There are certain things I cannot have and appreciate when there are options for me! Chocolate is Mt favourite thing, but having lots of dessert (cake) flavours is important to me. And always good to have lots to try, right?

  89. NT

    October 31, 2016 at 12:12 am

    I strive for perfection, get very stressed, then end up with a go with the flow attitude.

  90. Julie Hartwig

    January 31, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    Wow these all look so wonderful! Especially the carrot cake with the cute carrot decorating on top!

  91. Debbie White-Beattie

    November 23, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    OMG These desserts look so good that my mouth is watering

Primary Sidebar

Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

Connect with Lena

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Featured

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Virtual Queue Strategies

Five Cool Tips for a Backyard Ice Cream Bar

Beaches Turks & Caicos: Your FAQs Answered!