As I began to pack my bags for the PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn this morning, I pulled out my holiday gift list to see how many more presents I must buy before Christmas vacation begins.

Just as I was about to head back to The Rugged Elegance World Marketplace, I happened to receive a heaven-sent message from Pamela Fishman Cianci.

First there was Posh Spice (aka Victoria Beckham). And Ginger Spice (aka Geri Halliwell), etc.

Now, there is Sugar & Spike (aka Pamela Cianci).

While there is talk about the original Spice Girls planning a 10-year reunion sometime in 2006, don't hold your breath. Since Geri Halliwell announced in October that she is expecting her first child, a Greatest Hits album release in 2006 is more likely than seeing the most successful girl group live in concert. But that's beside the point, anyway.

No, Pamela is not a British pop music star.

Nor is she is a wannabe Spice Girl.

Pamela is an East Coast-bred American who moved west, i.e. Tahoe and then San Francisco, to pursue her passions. In addition to good skiing and fine wine, Pamela loves to cook.

After a two-year stint in Tahoe, followed by almost five years with the PlumpJack Group, she turned from skiing to wine to baking. Today, she has created an art combining heavenly cakes with devilish "punch".

Pamela calls them Sugar & Spike concoctions.

Each creation comes with either Malibu rum, Kahlua or Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream.

Now, the big challenge is deciding who gets which cake.

Perhaps a Ridiculous Rum Cake for Robin Williams, not that he needs any help being ridiculous.

And a Kahlua Conniption Cake for Antonio Banderas, who is Spanish but attempted to be Mexican in Zoro. Perhaps a little Conniption would help.

And what further comfort does Jennifer Aniston need than a nice Malibu Macaroons cake?

Pamela, I'll take three of each.

For those of you who don't have the time to cook but love the idea of presenting a holiday gift that tastes homemade, try Sugar & Spike.

Thanks to UPS and FedEx, Sugar & Spike can deliver cakes from their kitchen in San Francisco's North Beach to nearly anywhere in the U.S.

Sugar & Spike's Fan Club Speaks

Here's what some of the members of Pamela's Fan Club are saying about her artistry:

Francesca Vietor said:

Thank you for the absolutely yumalicious rum cake.

It is the perfect pregnancy food and I think you would have a huge market with pregnant moms if you ever decide to go that route!

Brooke Harlow said, "I can't stop thinking about your Rum Cake, I need to order more to have on hand!"

Kimberly Bakker said, "I have been having dreams about your Rum Cake again."

Pamela Fishman Cianci's Initial Inspiration

Pamela got her initial inspiration from her great grandmother, Nana Bert.

Evidently, Nana was an amazing baker. She also loved the good life.

Pamela takes after her great grandma in more ways than one.

Thanks to the use of Tante Marie's Cooking School, Pamela has been cooking up concoctions that only Nana Bert could rival.

Sugar & Spike's cakes are created bundt style with a sugar glaze. The full-size ($40) will serve 15-20. The mini-size ($12) offers 2-4 slices.

Her Buzzed Brownies - spiked with Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream - go for $24 a dozen, as do a dozen of her Malibu Macaroons.

For an additional $7.50, she'll put the cake, brownies or macaroons on a gold or silver charger covered in vintage foil.

Place your order today by calling 415.846.2364.

And don't forget to tell Pamela that Rugged Elegance sent you! She'll throw in a 4oz. bag of Wild Walnuts with spiced rum, if you do.

For those lucky enough to live in San Francisco, you can pick up your order and meet the Spike Girl in person. At least, until she gets as famous as those British girls.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "sugar 'n spike & everything nice" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC