Cool Cupcake Stuff: Dylan's Candy Bar

While looking up yummy cupcakes for my trip to NY, I stopped by the website of Dylan's Candy Bar. First-Dylan's is awesome! In fact, it's second generation awesome. Dylan's Candy Bar is helmed by Dylan Lauren: the daughter of Americana architect, Ralph Lauren. Dylan's Candy Bar serves classic candy treats with a swagged-out adult twist (yes, I said swag....) Perhaps I will try their Sunday brunch which offers waffles and mimosas for $12.95...or their Friday candy soirees complete with signature drinks, cupcakes, and of course, candy! In the meantime, here are a few of my non-food favs found on their site...Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Dylan's Candy Bar

Retailing for $20, this box set includes 4 resusable, food safe silicone baking cups perfect for baking cupcakes. Serve them to your guest on their adjoining saucers and you'll be the bell of the teacup ball.

Photo courtesy of Dylan's Candy Bar

We all have seen the cute quote: Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake. But who wouldn't want this cute carrying case wrapped around their beloved tablet? Well know you can, and for only $14.96!

Photo courtesy of Dylan's Candy Bar

It doesn't get any cuter than cupcake-shaped mints in a cupcake shaped tin. This perky pink poppers retail for $4.95 on Dylan's Candy Bar

               

Cupcake Project #31: Frog Cupcakes

Growing up, I was a huge fan of Jim Henson's Muppets. My favorite Muppets were Miss Piggy and her beau, Kermit. Their relationship dynamic was an interesting one that bordered between co-dependency and mutually beneficial. I appreciated Kermit's easy-going nature, general outlook on life and understated one-liners. This tutorial will have you feeling easy about being green. The tutorial is quick, easy and a fun project for kids as well as adults. Enjoy!

Sprinkles' Key Lime Cupcake Recipe

                           

On my first visit to Sprinkles in May 2011, I experienced their key-lime cupcakes. I say "experience" because, to quote myself, "It made me do the Dougie". Whenever a cupcake (or any food item) makes you want to dance spontaneously- that's an amazing cupcake. This morning on GMA, Cupcake Wars judge and Sprinkles owner, Candace Nelson, coughs up the recipe for Sprinkles' key-lime cupcakes and reveals a telling secret on how to make it pop. That started my morning off right! Thanks GMA!

                   

Review: Best Buns

Location: Best Buns Bread Company, 4010 Campbell Ave Arlington, VA

Flavors: Chocolate with Toffee Frosting and Triple Lemon

Cost: $3.00  

Score: 4

Reviewed by: Kristy Samone

I love the atmosphere of Shirlington and part of that is due to cute places like Best Buns. It's where I go to buy monkey bread to give to friends when I'm a dinner guest and the home of great dog biscuits. However, what Best Buns is really known for are its cupcakes. Now, they aren't super fancy cupcakes - quite the contrary - but they are good-basic-cupcakes. 

L-R: Choc/Toffee and Lemon

Known for large cupcakes, but not unique flavors you have the choice of: chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter, ganache, cream cheese, or coconut frosting. And other varieties such as: red velvet, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting or vanilla cupcakes with chocolate or vanilla frosting. 

The Triple Lemon was divine which is a must for lemon lovers. It tasted like I was biting into a sweet lemon. The chocolate cupcake with toffee frosting was super dense, like an uber thick chocolate cake, but the icing was quite light (made me think of Heath). Please note that side street and garage parking are plentiful. Enjoy!

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Ellen Celebrates her 1500th Episode with Sprinkles Cupcakes

Popular TV show host, Ellen DeGeneres, celebrated her 1500th television episode with cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes . Joined by celebrity guest, Mario Lopez, the audience received vegan red velvet cupcakes to celebrate. Ellen is a noted vegan who blogs about her experiences on her network's blog, Going Vegan with Ellen. Check out her blog for vegan recipes, vegan celebs and news.

                                             

D.C. Funky Fresh Foodie Fest

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When: Saturday, August 25, 2012

Where: D.C. Fairgrounds (Half & M ST SE) 

Time: 1-9PM

Cost: $52-$75 All-inclusive ticket or $15 General Admission

 

Some of DC's best food trucks are gathering on the D.C. Fairgrounds for the D.C. Funky Fresh Foodie Fest! Sponsored by Wonky Promotions, this is an all inclusive event including: Food tickets for 10 D.C. Food Trucks, 3 alcoholic beverages, 2 non-alcoholic beverages, 4 Live Bands, DC Karaoke Invitational, The DC Trucky Awards, a commemorative DC4 beer stein, FREE food samples, and much more! Grab your tickets for this don't miss event! Tickets are all-inclusive with a portion of all sales going to D.C. Central Kitchen to help fight hunger.  Purchase Tickets here. 

                    

Cool Cupcake Stuff: Cupcake Upholstered Chair

Found on Pinterest via TerenceandBecky.com/Javamama.com

Scouring Pinterest for my weekly cupcake fix, I came across this cupcake upholstered chair. This is SOOO cute on so many levels. If I walked into a cupcakes shop (or someone's home for that matter), and saw this chair, I would never leave! Following the Pinterest path led me to TerenceandBecky.com which routes to Javamama.com. Sadly, the buck stopped there so I can't tell you where to get it but the visual, for me, speaks volumes. Namaste. 
         

Cupcake Project #30: Cupcake Poppers

Cupcake Poppers! I get excited just typing it! They look like the ever popular French macarons but they taste like my beloved cuppies. They're really more like cupcake sandwiches which will make them a fast finger food favorite at any gala. I love the bright colors that they come in and the ease of use. Not one to waste good cuppies, this Betty Crocker recipe also provides cake pop tips for the leftovers. Tell me Cupcake Lovers, what flavors will you make?

Cupcake Blvd

Location: Cupcake Blvd, Food Truck (Montgomery & Anne Arundel County)

Flavors: Vanilla, Fuzzy Coconut, Cookies-n-Cream, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Squared, Snickerdoodle, Key-Lime, and Dulce de Leche

Price: $3 

Score: 3

L-R: Vanilla, Dulce de Leche, Fuzzy Coconut, Salted Caramel,
Snicker Doodle, Chocolate Squared and Cookies-N-Cream

Sweeping through Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties is Cupcake Blvd; a new food truck that opened in February of this year. After coordinating with its owner, Angelette Citron- Aviles, I picked up my cupcakes from their commercial kitchen in Crofton, MD where they will be opening a cupcake shop this fall. Retailing for $3 a cupcake I was given* 8 cupcakes in a wide assortment of flavors: Vanilla, Fuzzy Coconut, Cookies-n-Cream, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Squared, Snickerdoodle, Key-Lime, and Dulce de Leche.

Lauren, Editor of Haute off the Press

When I picked up my cupcakes, I was accompanied by fellow blogger, Lauren, of Haute off the Press. She tried the key-lime cupcake first, and when asked how it was she stated: “It's okay...”  Lauren is a consummate cupcake lover and legal eagle with a superb eye for fashion so I value her opinion. 

There's an Oreo on the bottom of the cookies'n'cream

My first cupcake was the vanilla. I bit into it a few times in an attempt to grasp the flavor. What I got was a very moist cupcake with gelatinous frosting but no real flavor to speak of. Next I tried the fuzzy coconut and found myself again grabbing for flavor despite a deeply moist texture. Thereafter I tried the cookies-n-cream cupcake which was also moist and provided a sweet surprise at the bottom- an Oreo ® cookie. Although it did have more flavor than its predecessors, it was moderate at best.

Filling inside the dulce de leche cupcake

My favorite cupcake of the bunch would be the Snickerdoodle cupcake. The flavor was there and reminded me of a cinnamon bun (which is my fav). Speaking of flavor, the chocolate squared cupcake provided a rich and fudge-like experience. Unfortunately though the dulce de leche cupcake was less stellar with an indistinguishable flavor despite a moist texture and a caramel surprise in the center. My final cupcake was the salted caramel which came off more salty than sweet. 

Overall Cupcake Blvd’s cupcakes were a treat to my eyes and extremely moist despite the indistinguishable flavor amongst the generous variety. Catch the Cupcake Blvd. truck rolling through your side of town or visit them in Crofton at Roundz Gourmet Market. 

           

*The cupcakes for this review were gifted but did affect opinion of the reviewer. 

Grandma says: "Happy Birthday Julia!"

My baking guru has, and always will be, my grandmother. Everything that she cooked or baked turned out immaculate, and there was nothing that she couldn't cook or bake. At a young age, she imparted all her baking wisdom into me. I learned how to roll out dough and cup biscuits; sift flour, measure liquids and cream butter. She made amazing corn pancakes with karo syrup and I still use her roasted lamb recipe for Easter.

Even with her extraordinary skill, she loved Julia Child and would stop whatever she was doing to watch her show. Because Grandma loved it, I loved it too. Mrs. Child's voice, stature, and calm demeanor always fascinated me; even into adulthood. Today we celebrate her birthday and her culinary contributions to kitchens worldwide. Julia Child, undoubtedly, is an American legend and icon. 

Cupcake Challenge for The Cure

                             

What: Cupcake Challenge for The Cure

Where: Freedom High School (15203 Neabsco Mills Rd Woodbridge, VA)

When: September 15, 2012

Time: 11-4PM

Cost: FREE

The walking team for the Susan G. Komen 3 day 60 mile event, Forever A Pear, is hosting a Cupcake Challenge for The Cure to raise money for breast cancer research in Northern Virginia. Bakers and Cupcake-Lovers alike will come together for this one day event featuring: free breast cancer screenings, a vendor mall with over 20 local and international vendors, in addition to motivational speaker and New England Patriots NFL star, Tony Collins.

Photo by Forever A Pear

I will be judging the event along with Maria Jose Ovalle of Very Busy Mama, and Sgt. Payne of the United States Army. There will be a raffle for a gift certificate from Silpada Jewelry valued at $150 and a 4 day 3 night stay at The Williamsburg Plantation resort in Williamsburg, VA. The event is FREE and will be held at Freedom High School in Woodbridge, Virginia.  For more info, visit http://www.foreverapear.com/FOREVER-A-CUPCAKE.html

Wedding Cupcake Toppers by Candy Galaxy

Wedding Candy & Party Favors

Recently, one of my brothers announced his engagement! I'm so excited for him and his fiance! After a series of congratulatory text messages, I suggested that she start a Pinterest board to map out ideas. Being a good bridesmaid, I began searching for wedding stuff which lead me to think about party favors and of course, cupcakes. 

My candy tree made from Jordan Almonds, Sixlets, and
White Chocolate malt balls

Enter Candy Galaxy. Candy Galaxy is an online candy store with a selection that is out of this world! They offer chocolate, chewy, cheap, nuts, and bulk candy in every color imaginable. Looking for something blue? Look no further.
Their site is easy to navigate and offers selections off the beaten path like pearlescent malt balls, gold sixlets, and Jordan almonds. Shipping is always $7.99 which is perfect for the blushing bride to stay within budget and color scheme. I hand-selected the following items; perfect for wedding favors, a candy buffet or as cupcake toppers. Enjoy!

 Gold & Silver Sixlets $4.99/lb. 

Gold Pearlescent Jordan Almonds with white Chocolate coating $10.49/lb

Almond Jewels Silver with Dark Chocolate cent $11.99/lb.

French Vanilla Malt Balls $7.79/ lb

Outer Ring: Gold Pearlescent Jordan Almonds $10.49/lb

Second Layer: French Vanilla Malt Balls $7.79/ lb

Third layer: Coconut Malt Balls $7.79/ lb

Middle: Gold & Silver Sixlets $4.99/lb.; Almond Jewels Silver with Dark Chocolate cent $11.99/lb.

Click below to take 10% off your purchase at Candy Galaxy.

                    

                                                   

*The candy mentioned in this product feature were gifted. Compensation was received for this feature. 

Cool Cupcake Stuff: Cupcake Guitar

Photo courtesy of Etsy Shop

Who wouldn't like to strum cool tunes on this cupcake guitar by Celentano Woodworks, an Etsy shop. The made to order guitar is composed of natural maple wood, measuring 36" in total length. This sweet cupcake crooner retails for $950 plus $30 shipping and can be purchased from their Etsy Shop here. 

Check out this video to see the guitar in action:

Cupcake Project #29: Mini Strawberry Cupcakes

Photo courtesy of Duncan Hines 

Strawberry cupcakes are my absolute favorite! And as the self-proclaimed Queen of the fake and bake (boxed cake mix with homemade frosting), this summertime recipe is just what I needed. The recipe is a Duncan Hines original; they also happen to me my preferred cake mix of choice. The recipe pays close attention to details by requiring woodstick for stems and sesame seeds for strawberry seeds- too cute. Expect to yield 48 of these strawberry minis. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 box (18.25) Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Strawberry Supreme Cake Mix
• 1 can plus 1 cup  Duncan Hines Creamy Home-Style Classic Vanilla Frosting
• Red paste food coloring
• 48 thin chocolate cookie crisps (100 calorie Oreo Crisps)
• 12 spearmint leaves
• 12 wheat stickes or thin pretzels (Pringles)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 48 mini muffin cups with red mini foil liners. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until cupcakes are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely.
Tint the vanilla frosting red with the red paste food coloring.

Spread a small dot of red frosting on top of the cupcakes and press a thin chocolate cookie, allowing cookie to overhang cupcake slightly at a point. 

Spread some of the remaining red frosting on top of the cookie and cupcake to mound slightly and make smooth. Sprinkle the top with the sesame seeds. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes and frosting.

Roll out the spearmint leaves in the sugar making sure to keep them covered with sugar to prevent sticking. Cut out green tops of strawberries using the template and some scissors. Cut the wheat sticks into 1 1/2 inch long pieces. Poke a hole in the center of the green top and insert the wheat stick. Press the other end of the wheat stick into the wide end of the top of the cupcake to finish the strawberry. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes.

The original recipe can be found here.

                                        

Review: Bittersweet Cafe

Red Velvet Cupcakes from Bittersweet Cafe

Review: Bittersweet Cafe, 823 King Street Alexandria, VA

Flavors: Red Velvet

Cost:  $1.50 (mini), $2.75 (Regular), $29.50 (Giant- serves 12 people) 

Score: 5

Review by Kristy Samone 

In my experience as a cupcake connoisseur, no matter how fancy the cupcake might look, you can't beat exceptional taste. That's what I've found at Bittersweet. They make a "basic" cupcake taste not-so-basic. With every bite of my moist red velvet cupcake, I tasted high quality ingredients like real butter and the icing...beyond yum...not too sweet but sweet enough. 

Pistachio Cupcakes & Carrot Cake Cupcakes 

Besides the chocolate and vanilla, Bittersweet has a long list of specialty cupcakes from Boston Cream Pie, Black Forest Brownie, Pistachio and PB&J. Plus, the customer service is a-mazing! It feels like that show Cheers where everybody knows your name. The owner, Jody Manor, told me part of Bittersweet's success is due to consistency like its retention of the same staff. Their philosophy is: Happy staff = Happy customers. 

Bittersweet is walking distance from the King St Metro and there is plenty of on-street parking. Another plus: Wifi-a must for bloggers like myself

                                                         

Hello Cupcake Serves Up Celebration Cakes

L-R: Toasted Coconut, Carrot & Vanilla Cake

Last Tuesday, at the Barracks Row location, notable bloggers and media members gathered for the unveiling and champagne toast tasting of Hello Cupcake's new project: Celebration Cakes. 

Celebration cakes are whole cakes available to celebrate any occasion in one's life. With three different sizes (6", 8", 12", or sheet cakes), these single to multi-layered cakes can either be frosted (when purchased within 72 hours notice) or feature fondant (with 2 weeks notice). There are 7 fondant designs that include: flower, zebra, gift, damask, petal, beach and duck.

 Fondant Damask  Celebration Cake

With a range of basic and premium cake flavors; and frosting, the combination of cake pairings are endless. Expect basic fare such as: chocolate, vanilla, lemon or strawberry. But not withstanding the premium pairings of: burnt sugar buttercream, chocolate ganache, banana, cookie n cream, chocolate hazelnut and lemon, vanilla or coconut cream cheese to name a few. 

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake and Strawberry Lemonade Cake 

While there, I tasted five of their numerous flavor choices: chocolate gluten-free, vanilla, carrot cake, toasted coconut and strawberry lemonade. All of which were wonderful however the strawberry lemonade was my favorite. The chocolate gluten-free cake reminded me of a rich chocolate fudge while the vanilla cake was far from basic with a flavor and texture reminiscent of southern pound cake. Both the toasted coconut and carrot cake were flavorful and moist, but nothing memorable (which is fair because there's only so many ways to make a coconut or carrot cake). 

Hello Cupcake owner, Penny Karas

Hello Cupcake's owner, Penny Karas, noted that this was a natural progression for the shop which exclusively features cupcakes, "People would come in and ask me if I did cakes because they wanted a cake for their wedding in addition to cupcakes." Cake prices start at $5-$6 per serving depending on the cake, frosting and fondant choices. Gluten-free and vegan cakes are also available. 

The Sweet Life Sugar Tour

Photo courtesy of The Sweet Life/ Claudia Johnson

Ending the recession one cupcake at a time, Pink Dot Concepts is hosting The Sweet Life Sugar Tour. The Sweet Life Sugar Tour is a collective pop-up shop of 10-12 local bakers sharing and selling their lovely cupcakes and other baked goods. Come out and nibble, sip, and enjoy! Hurry, space is limited. Check out my Facebook and Twitter pages for the ticket giveaway!

When: August 11th (Woodbridge,VA) & August 12th (Manassas,VA)

Time: 1-4PM

Where: The Country Inn & Suites (2621 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge, VA)

The Holiday Inn Express (10424 Balls Ford Rd, Manassas, VA)

Cost: $15

Cool Cupcake Stuff: Peace Love & Cupcake Book

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com

I have seen the cutest, and potentially the youngest, Cupcake Lover around. Her name is Carrie Berk and in conjunction with her mom, Sheryl Berk (co-author of 'The Cupcake Diaries' by Katherine & Sophie Kallinis of Georgetown Cupcake), she's written an awesome book entitled: Peace Love and Cupcakes The Cupcake Club. The story is about a young girl who starts a cupcake club in an effort to make friends and ward off bullies; perfect for the little Cupcake Lover in your house. Plus, cupcakes are the best way to make friends. Pick up your copy for $6.99 on Amazon. 

                                                              

Chicago Gets Sprinkles' Third Cupcake ATM

Chicago's 1st Cupcake ATM
(photo provided by Sprinkles)

While DC waits in cupcake wonderment, Chicago has its first cupcake ATM! Located at 50 East Walton St., the ATM will open at 11AM on Saturday, August 5, 2012. To celebrate, Sprinkles is giving away a dozen free cupcakes to the first 10 customers!  Also, certain cupcakes will be packaged with a golden ticket valid for up to one dozen free cupcakes! 

Cupcake Project #28: Rainbow Cupcakes

Who doesn't love a rainbow? Or a burst of color in their cakes? Rainbow cupcakes have fascinated me for a while. How do they get all the bright and beautiful goodness into one cake? Well this video dispelled all the mystery for me. It's super simple, fun and easy to follow. I also dig the British accent. Enjoy Cupcake Lovers!
     

Meet CakeLove's Warren Brown

Photo courtesy of Cake Love

Meet Warren Brown, owner of CakeLove and author of  Cakelove: How to Bake Cakes from Scratch, this Thursday, August 2, 2012 at their Shirlington location from 5PM-8PM. He will be signing copies of his new book, Cake Love in the Morning, which will be available for purchase while supplies last.