Wandering the aisles of Safeway, a shopper often finds himself or herself at the bakery. Cupcakes, cannolis and more flaunt buttercream flowers and swirly fonts from under the glass.These treats only give a glimpse of edible art, the next level of culinary art.

Although more common in the United Kingdom, this art has been spreading throughout the world. TLC and Food Network shows such as “Cake Boss” and “The Kitchen” show just how creative preparing food can be.

Why put so much effort into making food? Many Bellarmine students throw a Cup Noodles in the microwave and call it a great lunch, or pick up a muffin from the Lion’s Den as a quick breakfast. Little to no preparation goes into our meals as teenagers.

The effort of preparing meals counts, though. Not only does making your own meals, especially in an artistic way, allow you to know exactly what you are eating, but it motivates you to try new foods. Just as a beautiful painting catches your eye and draws you in, a well-presented urges you to try it.

Several students at Bellarmine understand the importance of edible art.

Sophomore Jennifer Nicole Pennypacker said, “I feel [preparing food in an artistic way] is very important. When I bake a cake or cupcakes, I strive to make every detail perfect, whether it be the buttercream piping or the fondant decorations.”

Pennypacker remembers when she used to help her grandma in the kitchen at age six, and her fascination with baking has only grown more. “I like to bake and cook because it’s calming for me and like art in a way,” she explains. “I try and see what new things I can ‘create’ in a sense, and it is a lot of fun in my opinion.”

Senior Cecil Perez has also applied art to baking and has made cupcake “bouquets” and brownie “pizzas,” treats disguised as other things. “I started cooking when I was 8 years old. I started baking when I got a little older, so around the age of 12,” Perez said. “I like to cook/bake because I like to explore new things. Things that inspired me were cooking shows. These shows enlightened me by showing new and creative ways of cooking and presenting food. This made me want to do exactly what they did.”

Edible art proves that creativity is not limited to mediums of paint and pencils. Anyone could create art on their plate simply by filling it with various colors of food, or going another step to create a masterpiece. Preparing a decadent plate that is easy on the eyes adds a splash of something interesting to an ordinary occasion. Put on your apron and toque and create a masterpiece.