Happy New Year!

Happy New Year Cupcake Lovers! 2012 was a year for cupcakes and to commemorate such an awesome year, I've compiled a wrap-up of the highlights from 2012.

Buzz Bakery's Arlington Location
 Copyright of The Cupcake Critic

Treats from Cupcake Blvd in Crofton, MD

The Virginia based Buzz Bakery announces a new location in Southeast D.C.'s Yard development while food trucks like Curbside Cupcake and Cupcake Blvd. set-up brick and mortar shops in Pentagon City Mall, Union Market, and Crofton, MD. 

Warren Brown's Cakelove: How to Bake Cakes from Scratch

Cakelove's Toffee Crunch Cupcakes aka My Boo!

After closing Love Cafe (a U-street staple), Cakelove's Warren Brown pens another book entitled, Cakelove in the Morning and gives a portion of their toffee crunch cupcake sales (aka, My Boo!) to Hurricakes for Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts. 

Crunkcakes display table at Treat Yo' Self
Copyright of TheCupcakeCritic.com

Olivia's Cupcake Shop
Photo courtesy of Olivia's Cupakes

L-R: Raychel and Faith, the Ladies of Crunkcakes
Copyright The Cupcake Critic

Crunkcakes (last year's winner for Best Overall) held their first 'Treat Yo Self' pop-up shop featuring several artisans and other sweet-treat makers where they introduced two new flavors featuring DC Brau Craft Beer: the Brau Rickey and the Fat Cat.  Meanwhile Olivia's Cupcakes (last year's winner for 'Best Red Velvet Cupcakes') tinkers with getting a new food truck and introduces their now famous Ciroc cupcakes.  

The Kallinis Sisters at the LA Opening of Georgetown Cupcake
Copyright of Georgetown Cupcake

The sisters behind Georgetown Cupcake are on Season three of TLC's DC Cupcakes, have a new book called Sweet Celebrations, three new stores in L.A., New York, and Boston; and a baby on the way.

Penny Karas (owner of Hello Cupcake) holding the DC Lovechild
Copyright TheCupcakeCritic.com

The Winning MacTop by The Sweet Lobby

Hello Cupcake debuted their new line of Celebration Cakes as well as an alcohol-inspired new flavor called The DC LoveChild. Not to mention that their second location in Barrack's Row turned one! Neighboring cupcake shop, The Sweet Lobby, won Cupcake Wars and introduced a new cupcake called the MacTop which combines their famous macarons on top of a cupcake. 

SweetBuds Bakery Food Truck at the Bowie Fest

Pretty Girl Cupcakery opens in Hyattsville, MD

Meanwhile new shops like The Cake Courtesan and Pretty Girl Cupcakery are welcomed in cupcake deserts like Prince George's County, MD; no longer leaving shops like The Sweet Tooth and Cakes Plus to hold down the fort. 

Sprinkles Kuwait Storefront is under wraps/ Copyright of Sprinkles

Sprinkles' Cupcake ATM/ Copyright The Huffington Post

Revolutionizing how food is served Sprinkles has been leading the pack with not one but three new Cupcake ATM's in Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston...but still no word on Georgetown's phantom ATM. Adding to the empire, Sprinkles  opened two new ice cream stores with cupcake-themed flavors and they're also set to open a chain of Sprinkles Cupcakes in the Middle East with Kuwait being the first location.

Copyright of Penguin Publishing

Doron Petersan and The Cupcake Critic
Copyright The Cupcake Critic

Doron Petersan, owner of Sticky Fingers Bakery made another appearance on Cupcake Wars defending her crown after releasing her new book,  Sticky Fingers Sweets: 100 Super Secret Recipes. I gave away two signed copies earlier this year much to the delight of my readers. 

Election 2012 Cupcakes from Frosting Cupcakery
Photo courtesy of Frosting Cupcakery 

Hello Kitty and The Cupcake Critic

The Cupcake Critic in Hello Kitty Swag

This year was also an election year causing several stores like Frosting, Sprinkles, Georgetown Cupcakes and The Sweet Lobby to create Election 2012 and partisan cupcakes. Three of my lucky readers won a dozen election cupcake boxes courtesy of Sprinkles Georgetown. Getting in on the action was Hello Kitty who ran from president and set-up headquarters at the 918 F Street building. Georgetown Cupcake provided the presidential themed cupcakes for Candidate Kitty who ran on the friendship party. I shot a vlog after my own attendance at the event; and

  Slava Rubin, Founder of Indiegogo
pictured with The Cupcake Critic

The Sweet Life Tour featured local bakers like Tweets Sweets!
Copyright of TheCupcakeCritic.com

The Cupcake Critic visits Old Fashioned Radio/
Copyright of  The Cupcake Critic

On a personal note, I got to talk to K Street Kate on her show The District Dish and later visited Listen Vision studios twice for Across the Fader and Old Fashioned Radio bearing treats from Delectable Cakery- yum! The blog got a great nod from TheRoot.com and Social Media TV while I was profiled on Google+Local, HuffPost Live, DMV CEO and City Life Deals. 

Actor Isaiah Washington and The Cupcake Critic

The DC to NYC Cucpake Happy Hour

Good times at the Cupcake Happy Hour!

The highlight of the year came from my awesome Cupcake Lovers! Due to their awesome love and support I brought home not one but two Black Street Awards for 'Best Blog' and 'Best Website'. While in New York for the awards ceremony, I got to visit Baked by Melissa, Crumbs (Times Square), Dylan's Candy Bar, Magnolia Bakery (Hail Mary) and Make My Cake. Somewhere in there and threw a pretty cool Cupcake Happy Hour sponsored by Sweet Themez Bakery and hosted the Sweet Life Tour showcasing various DMV Bakers. Overall 2012 has been a great year for beloved cuppies. 

Tell me Cupcake Lovers, what predictions do you make for 2013? 

You Be The Critic: Vote for the 2012 Year in Review

Hey Cupcake Lovers! The Critic is still on vacation but...you can vote for your favorite cupcake shops for the 2012 Year in Review! Candidates are reviewed shops in DC, Maryland and Virginia. You can vote once a day, everyday! Polls close December 31, 2012 at midnight. Winners will be announced on January 2nd!

*The surveys have been updated and previous votes transferred to the new interface. Thank you!

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Happy Holidays Cupcake Lovers!

Hey Cupcake Lovers! I wanted to wish all of you Seasons Greetings! I'm taking this week off from posting but you can still get cupcake pics, reviews, news, articles and events on my Facebook, Twitter and Youtube pages. Be Safe Cupcake Lovers and Enjoy Yourselves! 

~ Stephanie

The Cupcake Critic

Sticky Fingers Bakery's Chocolate Peppermint Vegan Cupcakes

Chocolate peppermint vegan cupcakes

I'm always looking for yummy recipes for my Cupcake Lovers and these chocolate peppermint cupcakes celebrate the holidays and satisfy your sweet-tooth. The recipe comes from Doron Petersan of Sticky Fingers Bakery in Columbia Heights, DC.  Get this and other recipes from Petersan's new book, Sticky Fingers Sweets: 100 Super Secret Recipes. You can also pick up your own box of chocolate peppermint cupcakes from Sticky Fingers Bakery  for $39. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/2 cup brewed and cooled coffee
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons vinegar

FROSTING INGREDIENTS BELOW:

• 1 (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) Earth Balance Natural Shortening
• 1 (1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) Earth Balance Buttery Spread
• 4 1/2 cups 10x powdered sugar
• 3 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 tablespoons (2 to 4 tablespoons) Earth Balance Soy Milk, as needed
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup crushed candy-canes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Line two 9 inch round cake pans with parchment. Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt into a medium-size bowl. Set the bowl aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the water, coffee, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just incorporated. Add vinegar and incorporate. Do not over mix the batter.
3. Fill the 12 standard cupcake cups 3/4-full and bake for 19 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into each cupcake comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes completely.
4. To make frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip Earth Balance shortening and Buttery Spread with the paddle attachment until completely combined. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure that all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. On low speed, slowly add sugar a little at a time. Once the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla, peppermint extract and soymilk, and mix on low until the liquids are incorporated. Scrape the bottom of the bowl, and mix on medium-high speed until all ingredients are combined and frosting is fluffy, about 2 minutes.
5. Pipe frosting onto cupcake with a pastry bag, or spread with a spatula. Sprinkle with candy cane pieces and enjoy. Store any extra frosting in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.

Original recipe found here

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December Giveaway: Custom Cupcake Carriers by 24-K Packaging

Custom Cupcake Boxes by 24 K Packages are probably one of the hottest products that I've featured. I've been playing with my box samples non-stop since receiving them and to be fair (kind and generous) two of my lucky readers will receive a 12-pack of their own custom cupcake boxes (retail value $36). 

To enter complete the following using the Rafflecopter link below:

1. Subscribe to the Cupcake Critic's Blog OR Sign-up for the Cupcake Critic's 

    Newsletter  AND

2. Follow 24 K Packaging on Twitter (@24KPKG) AND

3. Follow 24 K Packaging on Facebook AND

4. Follow the Cupcake Critic on Twitter (@DCCupcakeCritic) AND

5. Follow the Cupcake Critic on Facebook 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cool Cupcake Stuff: Cupcake Handbags

Photo courtesy of Card Cuts

Photo courtesy of Card Cuts

A few weeks back I got an email from Card Cuts; a UK based company who  makes cupcake carriers, cupcake handbags, and postable cupcake boxes. These cutie-pie bags come in several styles and colors including my beloved pink. A pack of 10 cupcake handbags/ carriers costs $8.86 which is a steal. Each bag holds one regular sized cupcake or 4 minis. Although the company is currently selling in the UK, they are looking to move operations here in the US. I couldn't be happier! Learn more here: http://www.cardcuts.co.uk/.

Photo courtesy of Card Cuts

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with Cupcake Vodkas!

Between the office parties, happy hours, and familial gatherings, planning a great drink menu is essential to get everyone into the holiday spirit! Cupcake-inspired liquors are a great way to express your cupcake love while celebrating the season.  Check out these cupcake-inspired drink recipes to put your guests in the holiday mood and satisfy holiday cupcake-cravings!

Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Cupcake Blog

The emerging Cupcake Vineyards brand, known more for their wines, has crossed over the aisle to vodkas. With flavors ranging from Red Velvet, Devil's Food, Vanilla, and Lemon Chiffon, adding these sweet liquors to your baked goods or holiday menu is a good move. Here's a recipe for a Ginger Frost Cake Cocktail!

Ginger Frost Cake with Cupcake Vodka Frosting

Ingredients
1.5 oz. Frosting Vodka
.5 oz. Cointreau
.5 oz. Lime Juice
.5 oz. Simple Syrup
.25 oz. Domaine de Canton

Preparation
Shake above ingredients and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with candied ginger.

Photo courtesy of Desiree Vodka

Desiree Vodka is a new contender for cupcake-flavored spirits supremacy. Their flavors range from Red Velvet, Brownie Batter, Creme Brulee and Straight Cake. Here is a red velvet recipe that puts a holiday twist on a classic martini. 

Desiree Red Velvet Martini

Ingredients

• 2 parts Desiree Red Velvet flavored vodka
• 1 part half and half cream

Preparation

Shake or stir well until chilled. Can be served 'up' in a martini glass (top whipped cream & red sugar crystals for the gourmet touch), or simply over ice in a rock glass. 

Pinnacle Vodka has made their mark as the flavorful go-to vodka. With flavors like vanilla cake, whipped cream, and Swedish fish vodka there's something there for everyone. Here's a recipe for a gooey butter cake martini; a southern cake classic in drink form. 

Pinnacle Gooey Butter Cake Martini

Ingredients

1 oz Cake flavored vodka

1 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1/2 oz Frangelico

1/2 oz Amaretto

1/2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps

Preparation

In a shaker add ice and all of the ingredients above. Shake and strain your cocktail into a powder sugar rimmed martini glass.

Smirnoff Iced Cake by Smirnoff Vodka 

The recognizable Smirnoff brand has expanded their product line to include flavored vodkas. With flavors ranging from pumpkin pie to iced cake, the liquor   is reminiscent of vanilla cake with notes of sugar and vanilla. Below is a recipe for Iced Orange Cake. Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to spice it up and make it festive. Smirnoff Iced Orange Cake

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Smirnoff Iced Cake 
• 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
• 1 Tablespoon Orange Marmalade

Preparation 
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with slice of orange. 

Buddy Valastro's Christmas Tree Cupcakes

This week's cupcake project comes courtesy of two of my favorite people: Rachel Ray and Buddy Valastro, aka The Cake Boss. Buddy is the coolest baker and these Christmas Tree Cupcakes really show off his skills as a third-generation baker and owner of Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, NJ.  Check him out on Season 1 of TLC's The Cake Boss, also a part of my holiday gift guide. Perfect for the Cupcake Lover in your life! 

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Cakelove (Silver Spring)

Cakelove (8512 Fenton Street Silver Spring, MD 20910)

Flavors: Toffee Crunch and Strawberry Lemonade
Cost: $3.35
Score: 4.5

Toffee Crunch Cupcakes 

I have to be honest...I've been avoiding a visit and subsequent review of Cakelove for some time now. My previous experiences with their cakes were less than stellar. Whether fresh out the box, fresh from the fridge or thawed, eating a slice of their cake reminded me of eating raw sticks of butter from the refrigerator. Nonetheless I've always enjoyed the success story of Cakelove owner and former attorney, Warren Brown.  

Over the past decade Brown has authored 3 cookbooks, hosted a show on The Food Network, and gotten nods from Oprah Winfrey, CNN, MSNBC, American Express and numerous others. Not to mention that Cakelove has grown to six locations throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. On this day, I would be visiting their Downtown Silver Spring location; only minutes from Silver Spring's red line station. If you can manage the chaotic downtown traffic, there is a parking lot within walking distance that is free after 7PM. 

When I walked into the bakery I was greeted by two ladies who were a sheer and utter delight. One young lady wore a Wu Tang Clan shirt listing every member of the group in alphabetical order- gotta love that. In addition, their knowledge of each cupcake flavor (about 12-13 in total with flavors ranging from salted caramel, s'more, and lemon coconut) was impressive. After a long deliberation on my part, I ordered one toffee crunch and one strawberry lemonade cupcake for a total of $6.70+tax. Little did I know that I'd be meeting my destiny.

L-R: Toffee Crunch and Strawberry Lemonade

After some shopping and a quick train ride home, I reached into my box and  pulled out the strawberry lemonade cupcake first. The cupcake's frosting was heaven in a cloud! It reminded me of a light and fluffy strawberry milkshake. The cake was a bit dense but complemented the frosting nonetheless. I kept licking the frosting in amazement like, "This is so flavorful! Give me more!"

I held my future in my hands: Cakelove's packaging

Eager, I reached into the box again and pulled out the toffee crunch cupcake  only to find myself in love! Topped with chunks of caramel-brown toffee, I couldn't keep my hands off of the chocolate delight with its fresh and fluffy cake coupled with a lightly whipped vanilla frosting and drizzled in salted caramel. Afterwards I affectionately nicknamed this cupcake 'My Boo' and seriously contemplated if cupcake marriage should be legalized...then I realized that it was the sugar talking. 

                                                       

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Holiday Happy Hour @ Sprinkles Georgetown

Sprinkles Holiday Joy Box

Visit Sprinkles Georgetown on December 10th,12th,17th and 19th from 4-9 PM for their holiday happy hour! Buy one cupcake and receive another one FREE with one cupcake per person. Also check out their new holidays flavors including eggnog spice, chocolate peppermint, and vanilla peppermint. Get all 3 holiday flavors in the Sprinkles Joy box for only $39. Seasons Greetings! 

Plain Janes: The Best Vanilla Cupcakes

1. Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake 2. Photo courtesy of Sweet Truths Blog 3. Photo courtesy of Sprinkles Cupcakes 4. Photo courtesy of Curbside Cupcake 5. Photo copyright of The Cupcake Critic.com

Vanilla cupcakes are often the most overlooked cupcakes and regarded as simply the Plain Janes of flavor. Despite being the basis for so many other flavors, the art of the vanilla cupcake is a special one. A dash of cinnamon or a zest of lemon can make the difference in a recipe. I have compiled a list of my favorite vanilla cupcakes from local bakeries and what makes them stand out. 

1. Georgetown Cupcake's Vanilla 2: This Madagascan bourbon vanilla cupcake with vanilla cream cheese is by far my favorite vanilla cupcake. The smooth texture of the frosting coupled with the simplicity of the soft vanilla cake makes it heaven in my mouth. 

2. Sprinkles Vanilla Cupcake: Sprinkles is generally awesome but their Madagascan vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting is like a fluffy cloud sprinkling white fairy confectionery sugar dust on your tongue. 

3. Buzz Bakery's Vanilla Cupcake: The Virginia based bakery is known for its elaborate treats but they have truly put their signature on their vanilla cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting. 

4. Cakes Plus' Vanilla Buttercream Cupcake: Cakes Plus' classic vanilla buttercream cupcakes can easily be termed as 'Ole Faithful'. Their vanilla buttercream is legendary with a homemade flavor that is anything but plain. 

5.  Curbside Cupcake's Vanilla Cupcake: Curbside's classic vanilla cupcake  brings the moist texture one would expect from a gourmet cupcake while giving you the homemade goodness reminiscent of mom's kitchen.

Tell me Cupcake Lovers, what's your favorite vanilla cupcake? 

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