BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A Basking Ridge student is mixing things up for charity.
Misha Mondal, a rising junior at Ridge High School, launched Patisserie of Art, which combines her two passions for baking and helping others.
She launched her initiative in November after planning the project for about a year and a half.
"I sell baked goods to friends, family, and community members, with each of these orders benefiting a cause," Mondal told Patch.
Monday donates 25 percent of profits from each order to Nourish NJ, St. Hubert's Animal Shelter and the Jane Goodall Institute.
She said she posts donation receipts on her website at the first of each month so customers can track where the money goes.
"The two main goals for my baking initiative are to channel my passion for baking, which I have been growing for the last eight years, and to fulfill a truly personal goal: supporting three different charities that I care about," Mondal said.
She also said she hopes to expand the list of organizations supported in the future.
Mondal said her interest in baking began around 2018 after watching baking competition shows and reading recipe books.
She said her commitment deepened in 2020 during the pandemic, when she spent more time learning to make items ranging from brownies to macarons.
"I have always been incredibly passionate about baking because it allows room for creativity in multiple aspects such as flavor and texture," Mondal said. "I also love sharing baked goods because I really believe that food can connect communities in a simple way. I also enjoy the sense of order and precision in the process."
Cookies are among her favorite items to bake because of their flexibility in flavor, size, shape and texture.
She also highlighted King's Gallette, which she described as a French dessert, as one of her favorite pastries to make because of its history and long preparation process.
"I love the history behind this pastry as well as the process of making it. It is a very long and time-consuming process, but I enjoy seeing the elements come together and the rewarding feeling when seeing and tasting the final product," said Mondal.
Misha said the project grew from a desire to share her baking with the community while supporting causes important to her and her customers.
"It is honestly very rewarding because I am able to use my passion of baking for good and support charities throughout my community," she said. "Even if my impact feels relatively small right now, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help at least a few people and animals."
She said she chose the Jane Goodall Institute and St. Hubert's Animal Shelter because she has cared deeply about animals from a young age.
She said she selected Nourish NJ to support people facing food insecurity in the local community.
What sets Mondal apart from other bakers is that she prides herself on the versatility of her products.
"Offering an array of baked goods that range from simple and nostalgic to new and complex. I treat baking as both an art and a science, ensuring every single item has the perfect flavor and texture before it goes to a customer," said Mondal.
"But what truly sets my goods apart is the mission behind them," said Mondal. "When someone buys a pastry from me, they aren't just getting a high-quality, homemade pastry, but directly helping and supporting our community."
For more information on Patisserie of Art or to see a menu, visit patisserieandart.com, email patisserieandart@gmail.com, or call 732-887-6340.
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