This week's cupcake project is coming early in light of Halloween. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share with you one of the recipes from Georgetown Cupcake's new cookbook, Sweet Celebrations. In this clip you will see the Kallinis sisters, star of TLC's DC Cupcakes, share their recipe for tie-dye and monster cupcakes. These cupcakes are super cool and fun to bake. My Halloween will be spent working on my next vlog about Election cupcakes (stay tuned...there will be a giveaway). The kids in my neighborhood will get a plastic pumpkin filled with caramels and a business card to my two of my good friends who are pediatric dentists. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Cupcake Project #39: Georgetown Cupcake's Spooky Cupcakes
This week's cupcake project is coming early in light of Halloween. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share with you one of the recipes from Georgetown Cupcake's new cookbook, Sweet Celebrations. In this clip you will see the Kallinis sisters, star of TLC's DC Cupcakes, share their recipe for tie-dye and monster cupcakes. These cupcakes are super cool and fun to bake. My Halloween will be spent working on my next vlog about Election cupcakes (stay tuned...there will be a giveaway). The kids in my neighborhood will get a plastic pumpkin filled with caramels and a business card to my two of my good friends who are pediatric dentists. Enjoy!
The Word on the Street Is...Sprinkles & Crumbs Bakeshop may Open in Atlanta!
Earlier this month I reported that Georgetown Cupcake is opening in Atlanta in Spring 2013. I was excited given the burgeoning cupcake scene happening in the peach state. Well, it seems that Sprinkles Cupcakes and Crumbs are following suit and are also making tracks to the gem of the South. Sprinkles is slated to open in Lenox Mall (and the Buckhead area in general; an upscale enclave of Atlanta) upon it's renovation while Crumbs is looking to open eight new shops in the Atlanta area. Although this is purely the scuttlebutt, I'm happy to see so much attention being focused on The Critic's hometown and the spread of Cupcake Love! ;-)
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Hello Kitty for President! With Georgetown Cupcake's Support!
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| Hello Kitty's Campaign Poster Courtesy of Hello Kitty's Tumblr |
Running on the Friendship Party's campaign ticket, Hello Kitty has thrown her hat into the proverbial ring and is running for President! President of what has yet to be determined (along with her gender) but she has set-up campaign headquarters in the Living Social building in Chinatown. Hello Kitty has got the support of Georgetown Cupcake who will be selling Hello Kitty for President cupcakes from November 1-6th to support the education charity, 826DC. You can stop by her campaign headquarters and enjoy an art display of revised American Arts with Hello Kitty as President, Sephora make-overs (I LOVE SEPHORA!), Hello Kitty silhouette paper cut-outs; a Hello Kitty photo booth, ballon art, and a claw machine. I'm digging the campaign already! Visit the Hello Kitty for President Tumblr here.
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Monday, October 29, 2012
Cool Cupcake Stuff: Cupcake Costume
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| Photo courtesy of Amazon.com |
Saturday kicked off the Halloween festivities and celebrations giving me the option of having multiple costumes! This year, I seriously thought about being a delectable cupcake, dressed in all pink with a white headdress to serve as frosting. Fortunately I found this little baby on Amazon! This pink polyester dress comes with armbands and a cupcake headdress to make the look complete. Although the tights are sold separately, the dress retails for $46 and is available for overnight shipping.
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Friday, October 26, 2012
Cupcake Project #38 : CakeLove's Italian Meringue Frosting
CakeLove, and its owner Warren Brown (a former attorney), have been a D.C. darling for sometime now. Brown pursued his passion of professional cake-baking over a decade ago and has gotten head-nods ranging from American Express to Oprah. His passion has ballooned into a gig on the Food Network, three books, and six stores located in the finest DMV locales. I recently happed upon his podcasts and I am hooked! He's like the Bob Ross of cake-baking! Check out his calm demeanor as he shows you how to make CakeLove's signature Italian meringue frosting. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Redskins' Win = Free Sprinkles
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| Photo provided by Sprinkles |
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Magnolia Bakery: Carrot Cake Cupcake
Magnolia Bakery (1000 3rd Avenue NY, NY)
Flavors: Carrot Cake
Cost: $3.50
Score: 3.9
Reviewed by: Stephanie
Magnolia Bakery has been attributed with kicking off the entire cupcake craze after HBO's Sex & The City character, Carrie Bradshaw (played by Sarah Jessica Parker), stopped by the famous shop for a cupcake. From that point on (coupled with a crippled economy where affordable luxury items would be in great demand) the cupcake craze has swept the country- and the world.
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| Magnolia Bakery's Shelf Life |
Given its history, what better way to taste Magnolia Bakery than in the middle of Bloomingdale's? Walking in to the small enclave of a shop I was greeted with numerous desserts like banana pudding, baby cheesecakes, and a small assortment of cupcakes ranging from vanilla, chocolate, carrot, and variations thereof. I had hoped to get my hands on the Swarovski crystal cupcake advertised days earlier in celebration of Fashion Week.
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| Magnolia Bakery's Carrot Cake Cupcake |
After waiting in a short line, I was eagerly greeted by the one of the employees who patiently waited while I lusted after the cool banana pudding and longed for their baby cheesecakes topped with luscious berries. Despite the amazing selection, I ordered the carrot cake cupcake after inquiring about the Swarovski crystal cupcake. My server assured me: "You aren't really missing anything...it's just a vanilla cupcake with a sugar crystal in the middle" I appreciated his honesty.
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| Magnolia Bakery Box |
Once I sunk my teeth into the carrot cake cupcake, I was surprised at the freshness considering that I ate it a day after purchase. The flavor was routine with no real stand-outs but the cream cheese frosting was rich with the perfect balance of texture and taste between the cake and frosting. The portion size was just right but I can't say that it was worth the $3.50 charged. Overall I'd like to visit Magnolia Bakery again (at one of their larger locations) and try some of their other cupcake flavors and desserts.
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Monday, October 22, 2012
Glee Cast Member Jane Lynch Spotted at Baked & Wired
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| Photo courtesy of Fox |
According to Washingtonian magazine Glee cast member, Jane Lynch, was spotted frequenting Baked and Wired in Georgetown earlier this week. Although it isn't confirmed whether she indulged in one of their signature sweets like strawberry fields or the blueberry and lemon-frosting Smurfette, what was confirmed was her love for their lattes. Read my review of Baked and Wired here.
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Georgetown Cupcakes Sophie & Katherine Visit CBN
Friday, October 19, 2012
Cupcake Project #37: Pumpkin Cupcakes
As Fall continues I'm craving seasonally appropriate foods like squash, pumpkin, nuts, and apples. I adore Laura Vitale and her videos. Imagine my excitement when I saw her recipe for pumpkin cupcakes! These gems are super simple and super sweet- I'm sure. Enjoy Cupcake Lovers!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Honey Boo Boo Loves Sprinkles
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| Photo courtesy of Just Jared |
Pageant purveyor and child star affectionately called, Honey Boo Boo, took a recent trip to the Sprinkles ATM machine. The 7-year old Honey Boo Boo is the realty-star of TLC's, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. The precocious Honey Boo Boo was originally seen on TLC's other child realty show, Toddlers and Tiaras. From the looks of this pic, the southern gal stayed true to her roots and ordered a red velvet cupcake to curb her sweet tooth.
The Word on the Street: The Cake Courtesan & Cakes By Cynthia are Merging!
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| Yummy Key-Lime and Vanilla cupcakes from The Cake Courtesan |
The word on the street is that Baltimore-based Cakes by Cynthia has merged with the The Cake Courtesan which recently moved from their Annapolis, MD location to Bowie, MD. Since both are known for their cupcake flavors and exquisite cake designs, the duo foresee the potential merger as an opportunity to share resources and pool their expansive fan bases. Sharon, head baker at The Cake Courtesan, envisions weekly cupcake happy hours with alcohol-infused cupcakes, increasing the wholesale business and competing in more wedding showcases which are her specialty. Hopefully this sweet deal will give Cupcake Lovers double-the-cupcake fun!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
We Take The Cake
We Take the Cake: 1021 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Flavors: Red Velvet, Chocolate, Vanilla, Coconut
Cost: $52 per 8 cupcakes
Score: 4.8
Reviewed by: Stephanie
In early August I was approached by We Take the Cake about reviewing their cupcakes. I agreed after seeing that their signature key-lime cream cheese bundt cakes were voted one of Oprah's Favorite Things. Looking to introduce their cupcakes to a broader market, they shipped a box to me and I couldn't have been happier*.
When I received my box, I was pleasantly surprised at how lovingly my package was shrink-wrapped, boxed with dry ice, and then delicately placed in a custom FedEx box. The packaging was marvelous in traditional Key-West colors of terracotta and lime.
The box of eight are over-sized cupcakes which means that they can comfortably feed about two people when shared. The cupcakes come in four traditional flavors: chocolate, vanilla, red velvet and coconut and retail for $52 plus shipping and handling. Given that they are located in Fort Lauderdale, shipping to the D.C. area hovers around $39 dollars however they ship fresh and the same day.
Cutting each cupcake into fours, I dished up my plate ready to critique. I tried the vanilla cupcake first and was pleasantly surprised at how moist and flavorful it was. It bordered on perfect while the frosting left the sweetest tingle on my tongue.
I tried the coconut cupcake next which would become my favorite. The moist coconut gave this cupcake the perfect flavor without being too sweet and the right balance of crunch with the moist cake. The actual cake was infused with subtle notes of fresh coconut denoting a coconut milk or paste used. No artificial flavors here.
The chocolate cupcake was smooth and reminded me of a nice French pastry only in cake form topped with a silky smooth mousse. The red velvet cake was moist beyond belief and although chocolate in flavor, it was more of what I've always felt that a (southern) red velvet cake should be- effortless.
Overall the price tag was justifiable as these cupcakes are beyond spectacular. These are the cupcakes that you expect to serve should Oprah come visit your home and you don't want to appear as if you've never met a billionaire before. Or they are the perfect Christmas present for the beloved relative, in-law, or Cupcake Lover in your life. Receiving a box from We Take the Cake would definitely brighten their day-and tummy.
*The cupcakes in this review were gifted however that did not sway the views of the reviewers. No compensation was received in connection with this review.
Flavors: Red Velvet, Chocolate, Vanilla, Coconut
Cost: $52 per 8 cupcakes
Score: 4.8
Reviewed by: Stephanie
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| Coconut and Chocolate Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercrem Frosting |
When I received my box, I was pleasantly surprised at how lovingly my package was shrink-wrapped, boxed with dry ice, and then delicately placed in a custom FedEx box. The packaging was marvelous in traditional Key-West colors of terracotta and lime.
The box of eight are over-sized cupcakes which means that they can comfortably feed about two people when shared. The cupcakes come in four traditional flavors: chocolate, vanilla, red velvet and coconut and retail for $52 plus shipping and handling. Given that they are located in Fort Lauderdale, shipping to the D.C. area hovers around $39 dollars however they ship fresh and the same day.
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| The FedEx guys love me! |
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| The We Take the Cake Box with Logo |
I tried the coconut cupcake next which would become my favorite. The moist coconut gave this cupcake the perfect flavor without being too sweet and the right balance of crunch with the moist cake. The actual cake was infused with subtle notes of fresh coconut denoting a coconut milk or paste used. No artificial flavors here.
The chocolate cupcake was smooth and reminded me of a nice French pastry only in cake form topped with a silky smooth mousse. The red velvet cake was moist beyond belief and although chocolate in flavor, it was more of what I've always felt that a (southern) red velvet cake should be- effortless.
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| Purple: Red Velvet Cupcakes Pink: Vanilla Cupcakes |
*The cupcakes in this review were gifted however that did not sway the views of the reviewers. No compensation was received in connection with this review.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Off the Record: Cupcake Freebies
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| My cupcake bounty from Georgetown Cupcake: L-R: Strawberry Lava Fudge & Pink Ribbon Vanilla cupcake |
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| Copyright of The Cupcake Critic |
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| Sprinkles Cherry Blossom, Praline and Strawberry Cupcakes Copyright of The Cupcake Critic |
Sprinkles offers up to 50 Cupcake Lovers per day, one FREE cupcake when you mention the word of the day. Follow them on Twitter @SprinklesDC or on Facebook to see the morning announcement. You can also download the Sprinkles app for more freebies or join the birthday club for a special b-day surprise. Also, look out for their daily BoGo deals and trivia questions to win a dozen cupcakes.
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| Delectable Cakery's Signature Sweet Potato Cupcakes |
Delectable Cakery in Landover, MD offer FREE cupcakes for birthdays. Simply walk-up, show your driver's license and get your freebies! Also, sign-up for their weekly newsletter and get their weekly buy one dozen get one dozen FREE cupcake deals. So easy...
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| Frosting Cupcakery in Chevy Chase Copyright: The Cupcake Critic |
Frosting Cupcakery offers daily freebies based upon your name. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter @FrostingDC to see a series of names and if yours is one of the names chosen, you can collect your freebies.
Sprinkles Ice cream Opening in Dallas
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| Red Velvet Ice Cream Sundae with Cupcake Crumbles Photo courtesy of Sprinkles Ice Cream |
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Cupcake Critic featured on Social Media TV
Imagine my surprise when I get a tweet from Splash Media TV stating that they did a feature on Veep Joe Biden and yours truly.
Surely, I thought, this was a joke. But it wasn't. While teaching folks about embedding a tweet, stood The Cupcake Critic's Twitter page. Not only was my page used it featured a tweet regarding my Black Weblog Award nomination. Yay! Hopefully it will garner more votes. If you haven't already, please vote The Cupcake Critic for Best Food blog! Fast forward to 3:00 to watch.Thanks Splash Media TV!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Cupcake Project #36: Apple-Pie Cupcakes
With the weather changing and leaves falling, it's safe to say that Fall is officially here. Aside from the taste of caramel apples and picking out my Halloween costume, I dig fall for the new flavors that it brings! Apple cinnamon, caramel apple, pumpkin, cranberry, etc. This recipe combines the sweet and comforting smell of apple pie with my beloved cupcakes! Created by inspired.net, this recipe allows for my cooking and baking skills to come together...and I like that. Enjoy Cupcake Lovers!
Want to find more recipes and cupcake projects? Pick-up a cookbook, or two from Amazon.com
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Make My Cake Harlem
Make My Cake: 121 Saint Nicholas Avenue New York, NY
Flavors: Strawberry, Strawberry Coconut and Red Velvet Walnut
Cost $2.50-$4.00
Score: 5
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| The Bounty: Large Strawberry Coconut & Red Velvet with walnuts |
I remember the first time I visited Make My Cake...it was heavenly. The perfectly pink shop located on 116th and Adam Clay Powell Blvd is about a 2-3 block walk from the 2 or 3 trains (although taking the 4 would be better). Walking into the shop you immediately feel at home. Their vast selection drew me in with their signature red velvet and strawberry cupcakes that are drool-worthy.
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| My favorites: strawberry cupcakes |
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| They serve pies, cobbler, cookies, donuts, danish, muffins, etc. |
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| I love their packaging...a happy baker |
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| The awning of Make My Cake in Harlem |
Before I could devour my goodies, I was knee-deep in cupcakes from my New York trip so I had to put these babies in the refrigerator for another day :-(. I was pleased to find that my strawberry coconut was as rich, smooth, and creamy as it was the day that I bought it. Fresh strawberries were bursting from the batter and the frosting wasn't too sweet but just right.
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| Make My Cake's German Chocolate cake went up against Bobby Flay on 'Throwdown' |
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| Make My Cake is also a 30 seat bakery and cafe internet lounge |
Make My Cake in Harlem was by far my favorite experience while in New York (out of 5 shops visited with Dylan's Candy Bar running a close second). I see why New York's elite (Jay-Z, Beyonce, and others) flock to the Harlem-based hideaway.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Sprinkles Celebrates D.C. Sports with BoGo Deal
| Support the Aces Foundation with Lorenzo Alexander Photo courtesy of Sprinkles Georgetown |
Sprinkles Georgetown is celebrating DC-area sports! Stop by Sprinkles-Georgetown with your favorite Nationals or Orioles apparel and receive a special buy one get one free deal! Also, don't forget to stop by Sprinkles Georgetown for Washington Redskin Lorenzo Alexander's vanilla cupcake, whereby 100% of the sales will go to his ACES Foundation. The foundations supports local youth enrichment and mentoring programs in the D.C. area. Alexander visited Sprinkles this past Saturday to meet-n-greet fans and kick off his initiative. Go Team!
| Washington Redskin Lorenzo Alexander / Photo courtesy of Sprinkles-Georgetown |
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Sprinkles Spooky Cupcakes & Boo Box
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| Photo courtesy of Sprinkles |
Pick up yours today...or call ahead and get curbside service (eligible for orders of one dozen or more).
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| Photo courtesy of Sprinkles |
Monday, October 8, 2012
The word on the street is...Katherine Kallinis is Preggers!!
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| Photo courtesy of TLC |
The word on the Cupcake Streets is that Katherine Kallinis Berman, one-half of the sisterhood behind Georgetown Cupcake, is pregnant!! Katherine and her husband Ben will announce the sex of the baby this November at their baby shower courtesy of sister Sophie Kallinis LaMontague. The announcement comes on the heels of Georgetown Cupcake's sixth store which is slated to open in Atlanta, GA in Spring 2013. Also, the sisters will be promoting their new book, Sweet Celebrations, throughout the month of October. Talk about sweet success! Much happiness to the Kallinis-Berman Family!
Pick up your copy of 'Sweet Celebration' and their previous cookbook, 'The Cupcake Diaries' on Amazon.com.
Watch the 'Wicked Good Showdown' on TLC's DC Cupcakes
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| Photo courtesy of TLC/ Georgetown Cupcake |
Also, pick up your copy of 'Sweet Celebration' which debuts on October 9th and their previous cookbook, 'The Cupcake Diaries' on Amazon.com.
Georgetown Cupcake's 'Sweet Celebrations' Book Tour
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| Photo courtesy of Amazon.com |
Sweet Celebrations Book Tour Schedule
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| October 9 | Tuesday | 7pm | Bookmark Shoppe | 8415 Third Avenue Brooklyn, NY |
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| October 10 | Wednesday | 7pm | Bookends | 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue Ridgewood, NJ |
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| October 12 | Friday | 3pm | Georgetown Cupcake SoHo | 111 Mercer Street New York, NY |
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| October 13 | Saturday | 3pm | Barnes & Noble | 7851 Tyson’s Corner Center McLean, VA |
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| October 14 | Sunday | 1pm | Georgetown Cupcake at Bethesda Row | 4834 Bethesda Ave Bethesda, MD |
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| October 15 | Monday | 7pm | Barnes & Noble | 555 12th Street NW Washington, DC |
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| October 17 | Wednesday | 7pm | Willow Books & Café | 279 Great Rd Acton, MA |
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| October 18 | Thursday | Evening | Lake Forest Books | 680 North Western Avenue Lake Forest, IL |
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| October 22 | Monday | 10:30am | Washington Hebrew Congregation | 3935 Macomb Street NW Washington, DC |
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Pick up your copy of 'Sweet Celebration' and their previous cookbook, 'The Cupcake Diaries' on Amazon.com.
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