The Cake Courtesan

The Cake Courtesan in Bowie, MD

Location: The Cake Courtesan 6926 Laurel-Bowie Rd Bowie, MD
Flavors: Vanilla, Key Lime, Split Decision and Monkey Business
Cost: $2.75
Score: 4


Outfitted in gold and silver filigree, The Cake Courtesan is a cake-lovers dream. Despite being inaccessible by metro, its Bowie, MD location is car friendly with abundant parking. Having opened its doors a few months ago after closing down in Annapolis as Nostolgia Bakery, owner Sharon White eagerly shows off her cake designs which, I would pit against master baker Ron Ben Israel any day. 

The Cake Courtesan display case and register

At only $2.75 a pop, I've found myself making 3 trips in less than two weeks. The first time, I went on a whim and walked out with the Monkey Business cupcake. The Monkey Business cupcake is a banana cake with a vanilla buttercream frosting topped with chocolate drizzle and nuts. I enjoyed the banana cake although I found it a bit stiff leaving the luscious and frothy frosting to balance it out.

The Cake Courtesan's Wedding Consultation Station

On my second visit, I arrived five minutes before closing and was stuck with a left-over vanilla on vanilla cupcake. It had great flavor and the vanilla buttercream frosting was flavorful but understandably, the texture was a bit dense as it was approaching expiration. I can't hold that against them.

On my last attempt, I got the yummy key-lime cupcake and, ironically, the Split Decision cupcake. I reference the irony because the clerk (whom I discovered was Myra Weston of Myra's Popcorn Palace in Annapolis) patiently waited as I combed through the wide selection of cupcakes finally arriving at the  Split Decision cupcake.

Key-Lime and Vanilla Cupcakes 

The Split Decision cupcake is a chocolate and vanilla marble cake with chocolate and vanilla swirled buttercream frosting. Think of it as your favorite chocolate and vanilla swirl ice cream cone in cupcake form-Yeah, that good! By the time I got home and ate the key-lime cupcake, I was pleasantly surprised at the genuine flavor and layer-cake like texture. I cut the cupcake in half to save it for later but later came within ten minutes. I wanted to get another but was too embarrassed to make two trips in one day. I'm now waiting for the weekend. 

The Monkey Business Cupcake

Overall The Cake Courtesan is a welcomed addition to the community and after many prayers and would-be-deals with God, I felt that he had heard my cry. With each visit the store clerks were more than patient and very efficient at getting me in and out. Further in each cake you could taste the diligent approach to baking and the craft itself. Despite having a heavy presence of chocolate on their menu, the variety is there and there is something for everybody. 

Bath & Body Works Summer Candle Giveaway

Tiki Beach Candle
(Photo courtesy of Bath & Body Works)

Summer is here and Bath & Body Works is kicking off the season with their summer candle collection. The collection includes the following scents: Ice Cream Shop, Root beer Float, Beach Cabana, Coco Loco, Tiki Beach and Summer Boardwalk. I love the Tiki Beach candle which smells like a tropical island with notes of vanilla musk, toasted coconut, purple orchids and sugared berries. I've been burning mine for 3 days! To celebrate their summer line, I'm giving one of my readers a large, three-wick Tiki Beach candle! Enter to win!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cool Cupcake Stuff: Frosted Cupcake Scentportable

Frosted Cupcake Scentportable $6.50
(Photo courtesy of Bath & Body Works)

A few months back 2 lucky Cupcake Lovers won Frosted Cupcake candles from  Bath and Body Works. I loved this candle with notes of vanilla bean, buttercream and sugar. Well, lo and behold Bath and Body Works also has the Frosted Cupcake flavor for their Scentportables. 

These on-the-go portables don't require plugs and with the built-in clip, they can be placed in your car, office or home. Wherever you need to smell best. They last for about 4-6 weeks and can be refilled.  Although they retail for $6.50 a pop, you can catch Bath and Body Works' mix and match deal and get 4 for $20 or 6 for $24. Refills retail for $5. Don't miss out!

Cookbooks for Critics

The Critic's Bacon Maple Pancake Cupcakes

It's no secret that The Critic isn't a baker. Primarily because I am culinary challenged despite being an awesome cook. Daily I scour the internet searching for products that will either make me better or mask my infamous fake and bake (homemade frosting on top of box-mix cakes). I'm thinking if I had the culinary prowess of the Georgetown Cupcake sisters or the ingenuity of Doron Petersan of Sticky Fingers Bakery, I could be better. Welp, ponder no further Cupcake Lovers- these culinary conquerors have books! Here are some of the books in The Critic's library that are helping her improve her *ahem* whip appeal. Enjoy!

Cupcake Project #19: Banana Split Cupcake

Banana Split Cupcakes (Photo Annies-Eats.com)

I'm still dreaming about Sprinkles Ice Cream shop which opened yesterday in LA. Where else can you get a cupcake-topped ice cream sandwich? Further where can you get a banana split in a red velvet waffle cone? This week's recipe is a banana split cupcake; a rare treat that is fairly simple to make. You may not be able to pop over to Beverly Hills but you can satisfy your craving with these banana split cupcakes. 

Banana Split Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix, divided
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup chopped drained maraschino cherries
• 1 1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 1 1/2 cups prepared vanilla frosting
• 1 cup marshmallow creme
• 1 teaspoon shortening
• 30 whole maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 30 standard (2-1/2-inch) muffin pan cups with paper baking cups.
2. Reserve 2 tablespoons cake mix. Combine remaining cake mix, water, bananas, and eggs in large bowl. Beat with electric mixer at low speed about 30 seconds or until moistened. Beat at medium speed 2 minutes. Combine chopped cherries and reserved cake mix in small bowl. Stir chopped cherry mixture and 1 cup chocolate chips into batter.
3. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling 2/3 full. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes to racks; cool completely.
4. Combine frosting and marshmallow creme in medium bowl until well blended. Frost cupcakes.
5. Combine remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips and shortening in small microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30 to 45 seconds, stirring after 30 seconds, or until smooth. Drizzle chocolate mixture over cupcakes. Place one whole cherry on each cupcake.

Note: If desired, omit chocolate drizzle and top cupcakes with colored sprinkles.

*Original recipe can be found here: http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/banana-split-cupcakes-recipe.htm

Sprinkles Ice Cream Shop Opens!

Sprinkles Ice Cream Shop (Photo: Sprinkles)

 

Today marks the opening of Sprinkles Ice Cream shop in Beverly Hills, CA. 

When I first heard that Sprinkles' was opening an ice cream shop, I marked it on my calendar and counted down the days like a kid waiting for summer. There is only one dessert that I love as much as cupcakes and that is ice cream! Although it's in LA, and I'm in DC,  there's a part of me that knows that someday, I will be in the lap of butterscotch luxury!!

Photo courtesy of Sprinkles Ice Cream 

Located at 9631 South Santa Monica Blvd (next door to the existing Beverly Hills cupcake shop), it will join Sprinkles' other novelty item the infamous Cupcake ATM. Sprinkles Ice Cream will feature house-churned and organic dairy ice cream with flavors like: malt chocolate, butter pecan and red velvet which can also be turned into a red velvet milk shake or served in a red velvet waffle cone.  

Sprinkles Red Velvet ice cream and cone:
(Photo courtesy of Sprinkles Ice Cream) 

Not one for letting a marketing opp pass, Sprinkles will also serve their own take of an ice cream sandwich by pressing ice cream between two cupcake tops. All in all, I willfully accept Sprinkles confectionery domination. 

Dragonfly Desserts

Clockwise: Peanut Butter Cup, Hummingbird, Turtle
 and Pineapple Right Side-Up

Location: Dragon Fly Desserts Waldorf, MD (Delivery)

Flavors: Sweet Potato, Peanut Butter Cup, Hummingbird, Turtle and Pineapple 

Cost: $20 per dozen 

Score: 4

Dragonfly Desserts is a delivery based cupcake shop based out of Waldorf, MD. Owned by Justin and Kim ( a DC police officer and a retired nurse), the husband and wife duo took their small cupcake business full scale after renovating their house to include an industrial kitchen and turning their garage into a complete work space. But that's what happens when you get over 18 dozen orders a day from the DC police force alone. 

Dragon Fly Dessets: Pineapple Surprise and Turtle Candy

On this chilly Friday morning, Justin delivered a half dozen of their best flavors: hummingbird, sweet potato, turtle, pineapple right-side up, and peanut butter cup. Although my cupcakes were gifted, a traditional dozen retails for $20 with no delivery fee. Their menu boasts 44 flavors with all flavors featuring their signature cream cheese frosting (although it can be substituted for buttercream upon request). 

Pineapple Right Side-Up cupcake with cherry center

The first cupcake that I tried was the pineapple right side-up cake. Not only are pineapple cupcakes my favorite but this cake offered a surprise maraschino cherry in the middle-Score! The Critic loves maraschino cherries! Next up was the sweet potato cupcake which was super moist and had a very homemade feel about it. My pineapple cupcake had hints of Betty Crocker (tsk,tsk) so I was pleased to see that this one was more authentic.

Dragonfly Desserts' Sweet Potato Cupcake
(Photo courtesy of Dragonfly Desserts)

The hummingbird cupcake was a real delight because I had never had one before. I was curios to try their flavor and see what all of the fuss was about. But the cupcake didn't disappoint. There was a perfect balance of flavor, texture and their signature cream cheese. I found myself wanting another one when finished. 


Thereafter was the Turtle cupcake which I found to be inventive. It was a chocolate cupcake with a cream cheese frosting and a caramel and pecan drizzle. Not bad for a very ambitious venture. It was moist and had a signature feel. 

L-R: Hummingbird Cupcake and a Turtle Cupcake

My final and favorite cupcake was the peanut butter cup cupcake. Traditionally I'm not prone to exotic flavors but this cupcake was so good I wanted another! The peanut butter frosting was smooth and not to husky. The chocolate cake was moist and had the perfect amount of peanut chips (which can be redundant unless you adore peanut butter). 

Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake
(Photo courtesy of  Dragonfly Desserts)

Overall I enjoyed my 6 pack and was happy that Justin assured me that if I ever found myself cupcake-less in Prince George's to give him a call. It's nice to know you've got 'people'. Happy Eating Cupcake Lovers!

Crunkcakes Debuts New Flavors

Join the ladies of Crunkcakes as they debut their new DC Brau inspired cupcakes! Come and enjoy samples of the Fat Cat which is a DC Brau Penn Quarter Porter chocolate infused cupcake with bourbon, filled with salted bourbon caramel sauce and bourbon caramel buttercream. Also enjoy the Brau Rickey which is a DC Brau Citizen lime cake infused with bourbon and bourbon lime buttercream. The first 24 people get a FREE full-sized cupcake!

When: Thursday, May 31st

Where: Little Miss Whiskey (1104 H St NE, DC)

Time: 7-9PM

Introducing the MacTop! By The Sweet Lobby

The MacTop

The Original MacTop: The Madagascar

What's the hottest dessert in town doing with the second hottest dessert? Making friends- I hope! Using the tagline, "You don't have to choose!" Cupcake Wars winner and DC's own, The Sweet Lobby, has introduced an ingenious product called- The MacTop. It's a macaron on top of a cupcake! 


The original MacTop (pictured top-right) is a fried plantain cupcake filled with a tamarind mousse, topped with coffee buttercream and coffee-plantain macaron. It debuted last night on Cupcake Champions and is officially called, The Madagascar. 


The Sweet Lobby's owner and creator of the MacTop is Winnette MacIntosh Ambrose . Do you think she's bias towards Macs? Maybe, but I'm loving the concept and can't wait to try. Way to go Sweet Lobby!

Cupcake Project #18: Buffalo Chicken Wing Cupcakes

Buffalo Chicken Wing Cupcake (Photo: CupcakeProject.com)

My Cupcake Abuse post has gotten alot of feedback on Twitter, Facebook and the blog itself (to see more examples of cupcake abuse, visit my Facebook page). Overall though it was the buffalo chicken wing cupcake with blue cheese dressing that seemed to be the most rousing. My guess is that Americans hold both chicken and cupcakes in such high regard that, to combine the two, would be sacrilege!

The creator of the infamous chicken wing cupcake is a fellow Stephanie (although hers is spelled with an 'F' but I won't hold it against her ;-) and her blog is called the Cupcake Project. In all fairness, the cupcakes were made for the Superbowl-another American pass time- and combining those two ingredients is really clever (note that hot sauce is one of the first ingredients). All in all I think that the recipe speaks for itself. Enjoy!

Photo: CupcakeProject.com

Buffalo Chicken Cupcake Recipe

Yield: 10 cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (I recommend a hot sauce that is typically used for Buffalo chicken.  Frank's is the classic choice.  I used Bella's Medium Wing Sauce.)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

For the blue cheese buttercream frosting:

• 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Steps 

To make the cupcakes: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan on medium-high heat, heat hot sauce and butter until butter is melted.
3. Add the blue cheese and mix periodically until blue cheese is melted.
4. Remove from heat and mix in the sugar.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and egg. 
6. Once the hot sauce mixture is cool enough to touch, mix the sour cream mixture into the hot sauce mixture.
7. In another small bowl, mix together the flour and baking soda.
8. Fold the flour mixture into the hot sauce mixture.
9. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.
10. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

To make the blue cheese buttercream frosting:

1. Mix blue cheese on high speed until smooth.
2. Add the unsalted butter and mix on high speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
3. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined.
4. Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.

The Buffalo Chicken Drummette on Top of the Buffalo Chicken Super Bowl Cupcakes 


Original Recipe can be found here:http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2012/01/buffalo-chicken-super-bowl-cupcakes.html#ixzz1vEzJZbrc

Georgetown Cupcake: Mother's Day box

Georgetown Cupcake's Four flavors

Location: Georgetown Cupcake 3301 M Street NW, DC 

Flavors: Lavender Earl Grey teacake, White Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Coconut, and Chocolate w/ Vanilla Buttercream

Cost: $29 per dozen

Score: 4.8

Oh Georgetown Cupcake! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...four new ways to be exact! The good folks over at Georgetown Cupcake delivered two of their Mother's Day Dozen cupcake boxes to me with four of their flavors; two of which were new.

 White Chocolate Raspberry & Lavender  Earl Grey 

The first box was filled with six vanilla buttercream & chocolate cupcakes and another six chocolate cupcakes with coconut frosting. The second box contained two new flavors: Lavender Earl Grey teacake and White Chocolate Raspberry. They were really great pairings considering that Georgetown Cupcake offers over 100 different cupcake flavors. 

Chocolate Mother's Day Dozen

I got the delivery on Thursday which gave me something to nosh on while I watched the new episode of DC Cupcakes on TLC that Friday. More importantly, my mother- a recent cupcake convert after tasting Georgetown Cupcake's Easter Egg Dozen- was there to share the cupcakes with me.  

'M' is for "More please!"

Where to begin? The chocolate with vanilla butter cream and chocolate coconut cupcakes were the safest and most routine flavors. However, because Georgetown Cupcake only uses the best ingredients, the chocolate was soft and just the right amount without being overbearing. The vanilla buttercream frosting was soft, sweet and tempting. The coconut frosting was fresh and complimentary but I'm always partial to coconut frosting on vanilla or coconut cake. 

Georgetown Cupcake's Chocolate Coconut Cupcake

The next box which contained the new flavors, would be the ones we all fought over. First, the Lavender Earl Grey tea cakes were excellent! The nuances of each bite left you with a different experience each time. The cake produced a purplish pop of color and the frosting was sweet but complimentary to the teacake. Both my mother and sister coveted these cupcakes and seeing that it was Mother’s Day, I conceded the bounty to Mom.  

Georgetown Cupcake's Lavender Earl Grey teacake

Personally, I enjoyed the white chocolate raspberry cupcake which had chunks of white chocolate chips and fresh raspberries baked inside. It was ultra-moist and the frosting, although a tad sweet, was so luscious. I looked forward to the crunch that biting into the fresh raspberry would bring. Even the fondant toppings which spelled ‘MOM’, were fresh and an anticipated treat at the end of my cupcakes.

This is how you spell Love: 'M-O-M'

Each cupcake dozen retails for $29 plus delivery. To avoid lines, order online or call your order in and pick-up at the Georgetown or Bethesda location (Bethesda is usually less crowded and has more parking options). Needless to say, my mom had an awesome Mother’s Day and I’d like to thank Georgetown Cupcake for that! 

*The cupcakes reviewed were gifted although it did not sway the reviewers opinion. 

Hello Cupcake's Barracks Row Birthday Party!

Photo courtesy of Hello Cupcake

Guess who's turning 1? Hello Cupcake's Barrack's Row location will be turning 1 years old and to celebrate, they have filled the weekend with awesome events such as:

• Cupcake Pinata 
• Face Painting
• Mini Cupcake Tasting
• Cupcake Decorating Mini Workshop
• illy Coffee Tasting: Try coffee, teas and espresso beverages

Yummy Hello Cupcakes 

When: May 18th-20th 

Where: 705 8th Street SE, DC

Time: 12PM-6PM

Also, Hello Cupcake will be donating $1 to Capitol Hill Arts Workshop on any cupcake order over a half-dozen. Don't forget to spin their prize wheel for free cupcakes, coffee and discounts! 

For more info visit www.HelloCupcakeOnline.com

Cool Cupcake Stuff: Cupcake Comforter Set

Photo courtesy of: Amazon.com

Do you dream of cupcakes? I know I do and this comforter set is just right for sweet sleep. This comforter set retails for $89.99 and includes a comforter and 2 pillowcases in full/queen or twin sizes.  Toss in some additional pillows, a few cupcake wall decals and a cupcake clock and you have your very own  cupcake fantasy! 


Advertisement:

Cupcake Project #17: Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Mother's Day is only days away and many people are scrambling for last minute gift options. What can you possibly give to the woman who carried you for nine months, wiped your boogies and acts as your biggest cheerleader? I've been blessed with a mother who only requires love, hugs, and stimulating conversation as gifts from her children. I've got that!

Me and my Mom at the 202 Studios in DC

Ironically, The Critic's mother doesn't like cupcakes *GASP* However, when I was younger, my mother adored cheesecake. I chose this recipe in honor of her. It's simple, tasty and looks like fun. I'm hoping that all of my Cupcake Lovers have a great Mother's Day and to those who may have lost their mothers; be encouraged...*HUGS*

Georgetown Cupcake is Opening in LA

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

Having conquered the nation's capitol, in Fall of 2012, Georgetown Cupcake is slated to conquer the cupcake capitol- Los Angeles, CA. Owners Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontague, will be opening their fifth store on LA's trendy Robertson Blvd. The new location will feature 2,600 square feet of space complete with Georgetown Cupcake's signature design and a concept kitchen whereby patrons can see their cupcakes being baked, frosted and decorated. This store joins their newly minted SoHo, NYC store and a fourth store slated to open in Boston this summer. 

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake 

In the meantime, stop by your local Georgetown Cupcake on Friday, May 11 for a FREE cupcake to celebrate their season premier of DC Cupcakes. Check out DC Cupcakes on TLC this Friday at 10PM as their third season premiers with a special mother's day episode. Also, pick up their book: The Cupcake Diaries: Recipes and Memories from the Sisters of Georgetown Cupcake. 

                                                                   

Cool Cupcake Stuff: Cupcake Sandals from Nair & Bjorn

Photo courtesy of Nair &Bjorn

I recently received a pair of customized cupcake sandals from Nair and Bjorn. Nair and Bjorn specializes in hand-made jewelry and have customized pieces for Sarah Jessica Parker and other Hollywood elite. Bling-ed out in pink rhinestones, cupcake bows and cupcake medallions, my feet will be feeling sweet. Retailing at $50 per pair, customers can have their own sandals customized with their favorite sports team, hobby or get a replica pair of my cupcake sandals!

Photo courtesy of Nair and Bjorn

The beautiful part about Nair and Bjorn is that 5% of your purchase goes towards no-kills shelters and the non-profit organization, Barks of Love. Barks of Love rescues shelter animals and places them in non-kill shelters while working to find permanent placement. Over the past three years, Barks of Love have been able to save over 500 dogs.  


Cupcake Critic readers will receive $5 for every $25 that they spend. Visit www.nairandbjorn.com to place your order today! Have a paw-some day fur-riends!


*This product was gifted however no compensation was involved nor did it sway the overall review of the Cupcake Critic. 

Buzz Bakery

Buzz Bakery's Arlington location (Photo courtesy of Shelby Alyse)

Location: Buzz Bakery (Ballston location) 818 N. Quincy St Arlington, VA
Flavors: Vanilla, Red Velvet and Chocolate Guinness
Cost: 
Score: 4.3
For the past 2 months my sister (and Critic-in-training) has heard me bemoaning the need to review Buzz Bakery. Seeing her sister engrossed in her everyday business and overall Cupcake Critic matters, she boarded a train between her classes at Marymount University and made a trip to Buzz Bakery! Bringing me back three lovely cupcakes, words can't express how much I love my sister Shelby!

Me and  my sister Shelby 

According to Shelby Buzz Bakery is Arlington's hot spot. Located about a block away from the Ballston metro station, the staff is uber-friendly and the decor is ultra-chic! Calling the store for more information, I got the chance to talk with head pastry chef, Tiffany MacIsaac. Tiffany notes that each store has its own personality and the Ballston store is a trendy spot that offers patrons free wi-fi; serves coffee, tea, beer, cocktails and wine giving customers a very upscale feeling. 

Sweet treat display at Buzz Bakery (Photo courtesy of Shelby Alyse)

My first cupcake treat was the vanilla on vanilla cupcake which is offered daily and priced at $2.50. Let me tell you now that this cupcake was a winner! The cake had the consistency and taste of a pound cake. Topped with a nice cream cheese frosting complete with gold and green sprinkles, I enjoyed it so much that I forgot to take a pic :(

Buzz Bakery's Red Velvet Cupcake 

Next up was the red velvet cupcake; a daily special priced at $3.00. My sister knows that I'm not a red velvet person but she also knows that many of my readers are. With that said, it wasn't my cup of tea but it wasn't bad either. The cake was a bit dense and the chocolate flavor could have been punched up a bit however, I enjoyed the cream cheese frosting and ample size.

Boston Cream Cupcake- Yum!

My final cupcake was the Boston Cream ($3.50). The cupcake had a vanilla base and chocolate butter cream frosting with a dollop of fudge on top! The frosting was rich and the soothing vanilla base balanced out the flavor. If you are a chocolate lover, this cupcake is for you.  

Eat Sweet, Repeat- I shall!

At the behest of Ms. McIsaac, I will definitely be by to see the location for myself and order some more of those yummy vanilla cupcakes. Besides any establishment that offers cupcakes and cocktails can count me in!