Real Housewife of NJ Kathy Wakile comes to Sparta
SPARTA — Sparta Books had a visit on Thursday from “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Kathy Wakile promoting her recently released cookbook “Indulge: Delicious Little Desserts That Keep Life Sweet.”
New cookbook
Wakile has been on the popular television series for four seasons but has yet to receive a call from the Bravo network on whether she will be returning for a fifth. In the interim, she is enjoying a national book tour and returned to New Jersey stopping at Sparta Books on Thursday evening, Dec. 11.
Renowned on the show for making her famous Italian cannolis, Wakile decided it was time to share her passion for baking by creating a seasonal cookbook focusing on bite-size desserts.
Although the cannoli recipe is not featured in “Indulge,” Wakile brought samples of the cannolis with her at the book signing.
“I love desserts and always have and started making them in minis,” said Wakile. “I still put everything they are supposed to have in them making them decadent and indulgent but in a smaller size, so you can enjoy them without eating too much.”
Wakile tested and created all the recipes in the book and was influenced by both her Italian heritage and American upbringing. The recipes are fun and reminiscent of her childhood, yet sophisticated and modern.
Wakile spoke specifically of The Almond Joy cheesecake and PB & J cake — two favorite childhood flavors. There is even a nod to Elvis Presley.
“I paid a tribute to Elvis who I love. It’s a banana cake with marshmallow.”
Meet and greet
Fans of the show and Sparta Books enjoyed meeting the celebrity who was accompanied by her husband Richie Wakile, also on the “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.”
Megan Brown, Catherine Kiff-Vozza and Andrea Grant of Byram planned the evening around a girls’ night out.
“She is very down to earth,” said Kiff-Vozza about Wakile. "And we are super jazzed that Richie is here. He is hilarious.”
“And we are even bringing cannolis home to our husbands who are watching our kids,” said Grant.
Local assemblywoman Alison McHose of Franklin was out Christmas shopping with her 9-year-old daughter Molly when she stumbled upon the book signing.
“We came in to buy something else, but I am big fan of the show and was excited to see Kathy here,” said McHose who purchased a signed copy.
The book released in September debuted as a best seller according to Richie Wakile. Sparta Books owner Donna Fell was pleased with the traffic of the evening.
"We are always thrilled when an author comes to Sparta Books. We enjoy the event as much as we enjoy being able to offer something fun for our customers, said Fell.
Autographed copies of “Indulge: Delicious Little Desserts That Keep Life Sweet” are available for $26.99 at Sparta Books, 29 Theatre Center. For more information call 973-729-6200.