Flashback 15 years and ask Jenna Perette what she wants to be when she grows up. She already knows it has something to do with the oven.

Her parents were in the restaurant business, and she was always there with them; helping in the kitchen, serving food, and eventually managing the staff. But when it came time to choose a career, she knew she wanted to do something just a little bit different. Something she's a bit more passionate about. Because, she says, she likes to cook, but she loves to bake.

Call it skill, talent, or instinct, with no formal culinary schooling--other than watching and learning on the job-- this 24 year-old has the knack to turn flour, butter, and eggs into something completely phenomenal: Mouthwatering.

                                 (s'mores)

You've never tasted an Oreo or peanut butter cup cupcake until you've tasted Jenna's creations.  She has spent years researching and refining how to make the perfect "little cake" before launching her business,  jennaCAKES, earlier this year. Now, she has a handful of signature creations, including 'cheeseburgers', 'flowers', and the 'sundae'.

                                                                                                   (cheeseburgers)

She continues to expand her product line based on the needs of her customers. From a birthday to a wedding to an everyday treat, Jenna can come up with a fun cake to match the situation. Specify taste, texture, frosting, and whether you want fat-free or even vegan versions (no dairy)....She can do it all.

Visually, her designs are as tasteful as the treats themselves. From an extreme color to a soft cover of frosting dotted with what appear to be pearls-that you can eat.  "I like the cupcakes to be festive, but everything is edible," she said in an interview with South Shore Woman.

(flowers)

And, everything is affordable. Pricing by the dozen includes mini cupcakes for $12, regular cupcakes for $24, and large little cakes for $36. Just give her 48 hours notice to turn it all around.

While Jenna can whip up any kind of dessert, she'll keep focused on the cupcakes for the time being, she said. They are fun and practical, too. After all, put a big cake in front of you--- yes, you-and you'll probably devour a good portion...two pieces, or 1,500 calories, at least. Put a little cake in your path and you'll experience the same euphoria with 1,000 less calories. So sweet!

Contact information:                                                 (oreos)

Jenna Perette

jennaCAKES

617-799-4929

jenna.perette@yahoo.com

By Stephanie Neil

Stephanie Neil is a journalist. Her business, technology, and human interest stories have appeared in a variety of print and online newspapers and magazines including eWeek, Managing Automation, The Harvard Alumni Bulletin, Huggies Baby Network, South Shore Woman, and The Boston Globe.  She lives on the South Shore with her two kids, two cats, and a dog. Contact info: stephanieneil@comcast.net  or 781-378-1652. Follow her on Twitter @StephanieNeil