Meet Lorenzo Alexander of the Washington Redskins at Sprinkles

Photo courtesy of Sprinkles

When: October 6, 2012

Where: Sprinkles in Georgetown: 3015 M Street Northwest Washington, DC 20007

Time: 2-3PM

Cost: FREE however purchasing vanilla cupcakes is encouraged

Sprinkles  and Lorenzo Alexander of the Washington Redskins have teamed up to support  Alexander's Aces Foundation. With the creation of a vanilla cupcake in Alexander's name and number, Sprinkles will donate all of the proceeds from the vanilla cupcakes to the Aces Foundation from October 6-12th. To kick things off, Alexander will be at Sprinkles in Georgetown on Saturday, October 6th from 2-3PM to meet-n-greet his fans. Stop by and purchase your Aces vanilla cupcake to support a great cause. 

                                                       

Jack Bauer Makes Cupcakes

If you haven't seen the recent commercial for Acer computers, then you've missed a real treat. Actor Keifer Sutherland reprises his role as the stoic, Jack Bauer, from Fox's, 24. After highjacking a cupcake food truck, Bauer  decides to start a cupcake company called 'Dynamite Cupcakes'. Oddly enough, I think I'd like to try a Dynamite Cupcakes...wonder if they make strawberry?

                      

Cupcake Project #34: Cupcakes Benedict by The Cupcake Project

Cupcakes Benedict by CupcakeProject.com
(photo courtesy of Cupcake Project)

I have become a major fan of the blog, The Cupcake Project  by a fellow Stef. I was first introduced to the site with their provocative cupcakewurst recipe. I love how Stef pushes the envelope even though she is a blatant perpetrator of cupcake abuse. Nonetheless, I appreciate her creative flair and can excuse the abuse because it appears to be for blogging purposes only and she isn't requiring commercial consumption of her goods or in exchange for money. Further, Stef is the bomb!

(photo courtesy of Cupcake Project)

This recipe for Cupcakes Benedict (a spin on one of my favorite breakfast treats, Eggs Benedict) is supremely creative! The use of bacon and a maple syrup Hollandaise sauce is genius. Go forth and create Cupcakes Lovers!

Start with maple cupcakes:

Maple Cupcake Recipe

Yield: 6 jumbo cupcakes

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup real maple syrup
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperautre
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon maple extract (optional for a stronger maple flavor)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix in the sugar and maple syrup until fully combined.
4. Add the butter and mix on medium-low speed for three minutes.  
5. Mix in the eggs and vanilla until just combined.
6. Mix in the milk and maple extract until just combined.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until cupcakes bounce back when lightly touched.

Maple Hollandaise Sauce Recipe

I created this maple Hollandaise sauce recipe by slightly modifying Tyler Florence's Hollandaise sauce recipe. Note that Hollandaise sauce should not be made in advance. For best results, it should be served within one hour of preparing it.

• 4 egg yolks (Because the eggs won't be fully cooked, I highly recommend Safest Choice pasteurized eggs to those concerned about food safety. You can eat Safest Choice eggs completely raw with no worries.)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1. Whisk the egg yolks, lemon juice, and maple syrup together in a stainless steel bowl (or any bowl that you won't melt when you put it on top of a hot saucepan) until the mixture is thickened and doubled in volume. 
2. Place the bowl over a saucepan containing barely simmering water (or use a double boiler). The water should not touch the bottom of the bowl.
3. Continue to whisk rapidly. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter and continue to whisk until the sauce is thickened and doubled in volume. Be careful to not let the eggs get too hot or they will scramble.
4. Remove from heat, cover, and place in a warm spot until ready to use. 
5. If the sauce gets too thick, whisk in a few drops of warm water before serving.

Next, top the cupcake with the sweetest bacon you can find. 

(photo courtesy of Cupcake Project)

Top the bacon with a poached egg.  

(photo courtesy of Cupcake Project)

Top the poached egg with maple Hollandaise sauce. 

(photo courtesy of Cupcake Project)

 Find the original recipe here

       

Dylan's Candy Bar (NYC)

Dylan’s Candy Bar

Location: 1101 Third Avenue, NY,NY

Flavors: Gummy Bear Vanilla Butter Crème with Vanilla Cake and edible glitter

Cost: $3.50

Score: 5

By: Stephanie

Candy Confetti cupcake made from Nerds Candies

I’ve been dreaming about Dylan’s Candy Bar since it first opened over a decade ago. The brainchild of Dylan Lauren, daughter of fashion icon Ralph Lauren, I knew that the idea of classic candy favorites with an adult twist would be epic. Several locations later, the Dylan’s Candy Bar brand encompasses a line of home goods, accessories, clothing, bed & bath, a website, a new book and five retail locations in New York, LA, East Hampton, Miami and Houston. 

Chocolate fondue fountain

Walking into the main level where swarms of children are frothing at the mouth over the endless selection of candy, I am greeted by a large fondue station selling chocolate-dipped goodies for a buck.  The 4-level department store boasts home goods on the ground floor with the top level reserved for  party room and bar complete with candy-themed drinks like: a Gummy Bear martini. I set up shop on the second floor which was home to their cupcakes, candy sundaes, gourmet PB & J sandwiches and other yummy comfort foods.

Candy-themed cupcakes

The cupcake selection was stellar! The variety was amazing although most of the cakes were standard chocolate or vanilla with candy thrown in. Nonetheless, I chose the gummy bear butter crème with edible glitter (who doesn’t love edible glitter) which retails for $4.00. The young lady waiting on me made sure to place it in the box right-side up to not damage the work of art.

Dylan Lauren in Candy

The entire staff was super-friendly. After asking an employee about the nearest subway stop, the employee personally escorted me to the subway station which sits directly outside of DCB's doors. While walking out, I saw a strategically placed picture of Dylan Lauren made entirely out of candy. It was both creepy and inventive. 

Yummy Gummy Bear Cupcakes

A day later when I indulged into my gummy bear treat- magic erupted. One bite into this moist vanilla cupcake was all the proof that I needed to declare DCB a surefire hit! The creamy buttercream frosting was just right with the precious gummy bears adding flavor and distinction. The cupcake was also huge! So large in fact that I had to cut it in half and save the rest for later.

Left: Prince Cupcakes with Sixlets
Right: Chocolate malt ball cupcakes

I must be honest, my expectations for DCB were low. How can you be good at candy and cupcakes? But I should have known that DCB would specialize in all things delectable and good. Besides, that place looks like Willy Wonka's factory on acid...and that's a good thing!

                                           

Google likes Cupcakes!

The Cupcake Critic loves Google!

On Monday, I got the chance to visit the Google DC office for a discussion on entrepreneurship. Whenever I am at the Google DC office I never want to leave. It's like Disney for adults! Walking in, you're greeted by a giant Google phone that allows you to take pics, surf the web, capture video and send e-mails as if you were using your own phone. 

Slava Rubin of Indiegogo.com and The Cupcake Critic 

The series had a panel of experts that included: Slava Rubin, founder of Indiegogo.com; Antwayne Ford, President of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce; and Mary Grove, President of Google Entrepreneurs. The panel discussed the future of entrepreneurship and gave their expertise on matters ranging from growth, funding, and strategic partnerships. The panel inspired me and the networking component afterwards allowed me to catch up with old and new acquaintances. 

Candy bar Cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes

The event was from 6-9 PM and I was super hungry. I was happy to munch on lovely crudites, yummy appetizers (the macaroni and cheese puffs, which I initially thought were cupcakes, were amazing!), and partake in a wide selection of beer and wine. But the headliner for me were the trays of cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake that were brought out.

Choco-coconut cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake

The cupcake assortment included: chocolate ganache, vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting, candy bar, choco-coconut (which I devoured in front of Rubin with no regard), chocolate & vanilla, and the yummy pumpkin spice cupcake which was perfect for Fall. Needless to say, I was a happy girl. Although I was there in a business capacity other attendants understood that I am the Cupcake Critic and allowed me first dibs on all the lovely treats! Thanks Google DC!

                                                               

Vote for The Cupcake Critic for 'Best Food Blog'

                                                   

Hey Cupcake Lovers! Coming off the high of winning two Black Street Awards for 'Best Blog' and 'Best Website', I am happy to announce that I am a nominee for 'Best Food Blog' in the Black Weblog Awards! When you have a moment please visit the link below and vote for The Cupcake Critic for 'Best Food Blog'

         To vote visit: http://www.blackweblogawards.com/vote-here/. 

Also, please support the Curvy CEO for 'Best Plus-Sized Fashion'. She is one of my cupcake contributors and an awesome blogger who deserves recognition. Thank you so much and I look forward to throwing another happy hour to celebrate! Check out this video mash-up from the DC to NYC Happy Hour!

Cool Cupcake Stuff: Cupcake Stencils by William & Sonoma

Photo courtesy of William & Sonoma

In an effort to prepare for Fall, I've come across some really awesome cupcake stencils from Williams and Sonoma. The stencils come in four shapes: cornucopia, acorn, turkey, and autumn leaf. The cute stencils will add some pizazz to your caramel apple or pumpkin spice cupcakes. Prices sweetly at $9.95 for all four, you can pick-up yours directly from there website.

                      

2012 Election Cupcakes

Photo courtesy of AllPosters.com

Election season is here and adding a sweet touch to the political melee are the election boxes from Georgetown Cupcake, Hello Cupcake, Sprinkles, and The Sweet Lobby! Endorse your favorite candidate by purchasing their box or remain neutral with a simple 'Vote 2012' stamp. Either way, your vote should be for cupcakes!

Georgetown Cupcake 

GC is offering non-partisan and political mascots as fondant toppers. Pick-up a box in chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet. 

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

Hello Cupcake 
Hello Cupcake offers political mascots on their cupcakes. 

Photo courtesy of Hello Cupcake 

Sprinkles 
Purchase the Obama or Romney box or get your box with political mascots. You can also get a non-partisan box with 'Vote 2012' toppers. All three will be available until November 11th. 

Courtesy of Sprinkles 

The Sweet Lobby
The Sweet Lobby is endorsing cupcakes and macarons in their campaign. Pick your political candidate or a simple non-partisan 'Vote 2012'.  

Photo courtesy of  The Sweet Lobby 

           Or make your own election cupcakes with these edible image toppers

Are you registered to vote?

Speaking of voting, are you registered to vote? If not please visit the bottom left panel of The Cupcake Critic blog where you can register to vote in your state courtesy of Rock the Vote! 

The Black Street Awards: I'm from D.C.!

                               

Produced by BlackStreet.com, the Black Street Celebration Awards brings awareness and recognition to greatness within the African-American community. Helmed by BlackStreet.com founder and editor, Judith Jacques, the event was stellar from beginning to end. 

The awards ceremony was packed from the floor to the rafters

The awards ceremony was held on Monday, September 17th at the Millesime in the Carlton Hotel in New York. The evening was filled with glamour, grace, and of course celebration. I was excited to have been nominated by BlackStreet.com's food editor, Nadege Williams, and even happier to represent  D.C.

(L-R) Actor Isaiah Washington,
Jennifer Williams, Model & Host Bobby Roache'

Yummy bites served throughout the evening

The evening started with red carpet fanfare and press. Honorees and guests munched on  hors d'oeuvres while enjoying the open bar. Hosts for the event were model Bobby Roache' and the 2010 Miss Black USA, Osas Ighodaro. Being surrounded by so many talented people I felt overwhelmed however the atmosphere was filled with love and celebration. 

Fellow honoree Brandon Frame and myself

Being nominated for 'Best Blog' and 'Best Website' meant that I had some stiff competition. For the best blog category, I was up against veteran blogger Slim Jackson of Single Black Male and The Real Slim Jackson. Months prior Jackson had been featured in  Black Enterprise magazine as a blogger to note. I was also competing against Brandon Frame of TheBlackManCan.org for the best website category. Both are established speakers, bloggers, and genuinely awesome people. 

Isaiah Washington signing his new book:
A Man from Another Land

Actor Isaiah Washington and myself

Actor Isaiah Washington was presented with the 'Humanitarian' award for his work in the country of Sierra Leone. He also signed copies of his new book, 'A Man from Another Land' which were a part of the lovely gift bags. 

Essence Magazine's Mikki Taylor 

Fashion legend and Essence magazine's editor-at-large, Mikki Taylor, was honored with the 'Lifetime of Greatness' Award. I love Mikki Taylor and had to sneak a picture with her right after she won her award. Seated in the balcony with Mr. Washington, her 1000 watt smile and sheer radiance beamed across the room. Miss Taylor was introduced by Shandra Freeman,  a personality and wife of DJ Fat Man Scoop.

Accessories provided by Shannon Burgwald of Stella & Dot

Other honored guests included entrepreneur Jean Alerte, owner of Julius Casimir Jewelry and Alerte, Carter & Associates; a public relations firm. Television producer, President of WEEN, and a former contestant on Survivor Season 24, Sabrina Thompson, was honored with the Empowerment award for her work with young women. 

My first award of the night for 'Best Blog'

I walked into the hall for the awards ceremony and everything felt surreal. The blogger category was one of the first to be presented and when the envelope was opened, my name was called and my mouth dropped. I was so nervous that I walked on stage wearing my shoulder wrap and without logic or thought, I blurted out (in my best Tabbi Bonney voice)  "I'm from D.C.! I never thought that I would be in New York and standing here with all of you...but I'm happy to be here!"

Steph Folling:
Two-time winner of the Black Street Awards

The last category of the night was best website. I'll be honest...in my mind I thought: what was the probability of lightening striking twice? Finalist Brandon Frame had already won an award in the education category and winning this award would make one of us a two-time winner; the only honorees to do so. Roache' signaled towards Frame as if to say he had it in the bag. I braced myself for my best Susan Lucci performance only to hear "Stephanie Folling" and I screamed! 

(L-R) Brandon Frame (Education/Website),
Judith Mills (Non-Profit),
Jennifer LaRoche of NBC's Smash (Dance),
Stephanie Folling (Blogger/Website)
Orane  Williams (Finance)

Running up onto the stage I was prepared. I took off my shrug, pushed my shoulders back and said, "I gotta thank my Momma! And Jesus...and all of D.C." At that moment I recognized that I was representing for my city and I couldn't be happier. I took home 2 awards and was the only nominee to do so out of 25 categories ranging from law, government, politics, education, finance and philanthropy. We did it D.C.!!

My Black Street Awards 

Cupcake Project #33: Caramel Apple Cupcakes

photo courtesy of RachelRay.com

Now that Fall is officially here, I'm in the mood for caramel apples. My favorite treat can only be found during this time of year when changing leaves, going back to school, and dusting off leather boots is apropos. In the spirit of Fall, I wanted a fun recipe that would get everyone in the mood. What's better than caramel apple cupcakes? Further this easy-peasy recipe is by one of my favs, Rachel Ray! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 rome apples (about 1 pound), peeled and shredded
• 1 1/2 cups chewy caramel candies
• 1 tablespoon heavy crea
  m

Directions

1. Arrange a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees . Line a cupcake pan with baking liners. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Whisk in the oil and vanilla. Stir into the flour mixture until just combined; stir in the apples. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan until almost full. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out dry, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
3. In a small, microwavable bowl, combine the caramels and cream. Microwave for 1 minute at medium power, then stir; repeat in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Let cool. Spread the frosting generously on the cooled cupcakes.

Find the original recipe here.

                                                            

Baked by Melissa

Baked by Melissa (1585 Broadway; between 47th & 8th) 
Flavors: S'mores, Double Cookie, Cookies n Cream, Tie-dye, Red Velvet, PB& J
Cost: $5 for 6 minis 
Score: 4

Bag by Melissa

 Strolling through Times Square, I remembered that there was a Baked by Melissa's in the area. On a random side street, a few blocks from the metro, sits a small shop with enough room for you and perhaps 2 other adults. The stainless steel and glass store deviates from the tradition pink and whimsy fluff that you see at other shops (for the record, I like pink...whimsy...and fluff).  The tiny cupcakes sat on the glass wall like make-up at the M.A.C. counter and with as many flavors/colors to choose from. 

I was immediately greeted by one of the two staff members. It was difficult to tell if she recognized me as the Cupcake Critic or was genuinely greeting me as a customer. Nonetheless, she patiently waited as I mulled through their menu and chose 6 of their 20 exotic flavors for the day. She eloquently described every flavor and lovingly placed them in the box. 

My total for 6 minis was $5.50 which isn't so bad but the tiny two-bite treat probably totals 1 whole cupcake when put together. Because I had so many treats, I thought I'd break down each flavor as follows:

Double Cookie: This was September's flavor of the month and I loved it. Although not a chocolate person, I loved tasting the chocolate goodness within the first bite. The double cookie in the middle made this moist treat even better. 

S'mores: When compared to other cupcakes it's standard fare. I've never been a s'mores person but for those who are the cupcake doesn't disappoint. 

Cookies-n-cream: I love the winter white cake part of the cupcakes with the black and white speckled frosting. Reminiscent of a chocolate sandwich cookie in cupcake form, the delectable 2-bite treat serves the appetite and hits the spot. 

PB & J: Can't say that I'm a huge fan. The texture was kind of bread-y and with coupled with sticky peanut butter and a smear of jam, it stuck to the roof of my mouth prior to going down kind of dry. 

Red Velvet: A decent red velvet cupcake. Fairly moist with a great cream cheese frosting. Although not a red velvet cupcake-eater, I appreciate the gentle notes of chocolate found in this colorful mini-cupcake. 

Tie Dye: A bit too sweet for my taste with no real flavor to speak of but not a bad treat either. Consider it a box filler. 

Overall I enjoyed Baked by Melissa's and think that the mini-treats are perfect for a quick snack without breaking the bank or your diet. The service is friendly with locations 8 accessible locations and awesome packaging.