Now Casting: Food Network Seeks Next Star in DC

Are you Food Network's New Star? Do you have a passion for food and cooking? Do you have what it takes to host your own show? Then the Food Network wants you! Casting for The Next Food Network Star Season 9 will be in DC on December 10th from 10AM until 2PM at The Doubletree (1515 Rhode Island Avenue, DC). Bring your resume and two photos of yourself labeled with your name and contact information. Good Luck! 

For more info visit www.FoodNetworkStarCasting.com. 

Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcake Recipe

Photo courtesy of Duncan Hines

During the holiday season, I'm learning to be grateful for my friends, family, experiences, and love. With that gratefulness comes the need to share, and for me sharing means cupcakes. This holiday season share not only presents but your presence- and make yummy gingerbread cheesecake cupcakes together. This recipe combines spice cake, cheesecake filling, and a gingersnap crust. It's perfect for a holiday party or a quick pick me up for loved ones. Enjoy Cupcake Lovers!

For the original recipe, click here.

Gingersnap Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• pinch of salt

Cupcakes:

• 1 box Duncan Hines Spice Cake mix
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of homemade or store bought cheesecake filling
• 2 cans Duncan Hines Frosting Creations Frosting Starter
• 2 packets Duncan Hines Frosting Creations Gingerbread Flavor Mix

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cupcake liners in muffin pans.
2. Crush gingersnap cookies into crumbs (using a food processor or a rolling pin) until you have 1 1/2 cups.
3. Combine gingersnap crumbs, butter and salt and mix with a fork until combined.
4. By rounded teaspoons spoon the gingersnap mixture into the cupcake liners. Use the bottom of a glass to flatten and pack the crumbs.
5. Bake gingersnap crusts for 5-7 minutes until golden. Let cool.
6. Prepare cake batter as directed on package.
7. Pour batter into cupcake liners, on top of crust, filling the liners no more than 2/3 full.
8. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cupcakes comes out clean.
9. Let cupcakes cool for 5 minutes, then turn out of pans to finish cooling.
10. Cut a cone-shaped piece from middle of cupcake. Do not cut through gingersnap layer.
11. Put cheesecake filling in a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner cut off and squeeze filling into hollow of cupcake.
12. Pour 1 packet of Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Gingerbread Flavor Mix into 1 can of Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Frosting Starter. Stir until evenly blended. Repeat with second can and packet.
13. 12. Frost cupcakes with the Gingerbread frosting you just created.

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Toys for Tots = Free Cupcakes from Sprinkles

Sprinkles-Georgetown has partnered with Toys for Tots  to be a drop off center  this holiday season. Between now and December 14th bring in an unwrapped toy to Sprinkles-Georgetown and receive a free cupcake! Feel free to bring in as many toys as you like but there's only one cupcake per customer...check out toy ideas below :-)

                                 

Bad Prank: Urine-Infused Cupcakes

WFSB 3 Connecticut

According to the Huffington Post, two teen-aged girls at a Connecticut high school made urine-infused cupcakes and proceeded to pass them out to their enemies in a cruel (and dangerous) prank. Several students became ill while others were simply repulsed. This takes the term 'mean girls' to a new level. Really? Why must cupcakes be used to commit such heinous crimes? Where were brownies or cupcakes? 

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Cupcake Project #42: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Cupcakes

My favorite Christmas carol was and still is Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer! I always got emotional that the other reindeer wouldn't play with Rudolph (meanies) and appreciate that he embraced his uniqueness (in real life Rudolph would have been in therapy by 8). Nonetheless it is safe to say that Rudolph Cupcakes are a perfect treat for Cupcake Lovers of all ages. This particular video makes the project fun and easy! Enjoy Cupcake Lovers! 

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Alexandria Cupcake

Review: Alexandria Cupcake 1022 King Street, Old Town Alexandria

Flavors:  Pumpkin & Red Velvet

Cost: Single $3.00-$3.50,  Mini $1.50/each (when available)

Score: 4

Reviewed by: Ariana Graham of Shopaholic Undercover

Situated in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, in a historic boutique style townhouse, is Alexandria Cupcake. Looking at the architecture, I immediately felt at home. The inside was warm; the walls were covered in chocolate colored paint and there was a bricked fire place. The best part was this huge white lantern hanging from the ceiling overlooking a cute modern style bar table and chairs near this picturesque window. Upon walking in I expected to have a warmer welcome but sadly I did not. The staff seemed unhappy to be there, which was surprising.  

The displays of cupcakes were overwhelming; too amazing to choose just one. I counted about seven different flavors: two types of dark chocolate and vanilla bean, coconut, strawberry and red velvet. They even have specials like rosewater; Alexandria Cupcake’s signature cupcake. It’s made with a rose water glaze topped with fresh raspberry.  Other specials include PB&J, gluten-free and vegan chocolate. When asked, the staff member recommended the pumpkin cupcake; I also tried the red velvet.

While sitting at the table, I was treated to delicious cupcakes and an amazing view of Old Town. Each cupcake was moist and the icing was creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. I gave both cupcakes two thumbs up for taste! 

Overall, I was impressed with Alexandria Cupcake! The inside is charming and they play jazz music in the background.  I give it a four; I would have given it a five if the staff were more inviting.  Also, they only have one table and two chairs which is not ideal for groups. It’s a short ride from King Street Metro on the King Street Trolley (which is free by the way!). I highly recommend Alexandria Cupcake on your next trip to Old Town! 

About Ariana: Ariana is the founder and editor of Shopaholic Undercover; a blog for the budget fashionista! She has a passion for fashion and absolutely loves shopping. Her blog is an outlet where she discusses personal shopping experiences to help others who want to look great but not overspend. Her goal is to show readers how to get the great looks seen in the magazines while getting a great wardrobe on a budgets. Follow her on Facebook  or Twitter @Arishopaholic. 

Georgetown Cupcake's LA Opening

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

TV show? Check! Rapid and welcomed expansion? Check! Celebrity endorsements? Check! Who says cupcakes are still a fad? The opening of DC's own Georgetown Cupcake in the Cupcake Capital of LA proved otherwise. With lines wrapped around the corner, the sister's Kallinis (Berman/LaMontagne) proved that cupcakes are alive and kicking. 

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake 

The LA store opened on Saturday, November 17th and is located on LA's trendy Robertson Blvd. Although not in direct competition with Sprinkles, it is safe to say that Georgetown Cupcake are coming for the crown with their LA store. Contrary to popular belief D.C. is not the Cupcake Capital (despite my best efforts ;-) NYC is the birthplace of the craze and holds the crown with  Los Angeles holding down the west coast. DC is rapidly climbing the cupcake ranks at third and in short, alot of that is due to the tireless efforts of the team behind Georgetown Cupcake. 

Sisters Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne & Katherine Kallinis Berman
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

LA Store Premier Party
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

Celebs love cupcakes!
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

Party-goers at the party premier
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

With lines stretched around the corner and patrons waiting in the rain, Los Angeles is typically regarded as Sprinkles' turf. In 2010, Candace Nelson opened Sprinkles Cupcake shop in Georgetown, merely two blocks from Georgetown Cupcake's flagship. This could be interpreted as a savvy business move and/or throwing down the proverbial gauntlet **Flashbacks to Rudy Huxtable's tap dance teacher, Sandman Sims saying "CHALLENGE!"**

Pressed noses against glass in anticipation
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

Lines around the corner...LA isn't ready!
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

When people stand in the rain for your cupcakes...you've got 'it'!
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

"Reservation for 1?"
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

But Georgetown Cupcake continues to swim in waters all its own while carving our their own lane-which they dominate. With their popular TLC show DC Cupcakes; two cookbooks on shelves, clever merchandise and the undying support of fans nationally and internationally, Georgetown Cupcake is well, doing it big! Congrats Guys!! DC loves you! 

LA Loves Georgetown Cupcake!
Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake

Katherine Kallinis Berman is Having a Girl!

Photo courtesy of Life & Style Magazine

According to Life & Style Magazine, Katherine Kallinis Berman (one-half of the Georgetown Cupcake duo) and her husband Ben are expecting a baby girl. At her recent baby shower hosted by sister and business partner, Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, the gender reveal cupcakes were filled with pink buttercream. I wonder what juicy tidbits will be included in their TLC show DC Cupcakes for next season? Will Kallinis-Berman pen a new baby and me book? Stay tuned Cupcake Lovers! 

                          

Cool Cupcake Stuff: Cupcake Rattle

Photo courtesy of Fisher Price Toys

Baby stuff never gets old and seeing that I'm a the last of the Mahicans among my friends (all happily married with bambinos), I find myself doing a lot of "Auntie" shopping. This cupcake rattle by Fisher Price was too cute to pass up especially with the baby shower of a college chum in a few weeks. I also found some other cool cupcake shower gifts like a cupcake cri set and blankets. Who wouldn't swoon! Don't forget the gender reveal cupcakes in their own 'Baby' cupcake holders! Enjoy Cupcake Lovers! 

                         

Sprinkles' Thanksgiving Box

Celebrate your Thanksgiving with cupcakes! Pick up one of Sprinkles' Thanksgiving Boxes complete with orange cranberry, pumpkin, red velvet and dark chocolate cupcakes adorned with turkey and maple leaf sugar decorations sealed with an EAT Turkey and Cupcakes sticker! Available from today until November 25th!

*Please note that Sprinkles will be closed on November 22nd. 

Cupcake Project #41: Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Tom the Turkey cupcakes are a must! This Betty Crocker kitchen recipe is super-easy and fun to do with the little-ones. I'm already the 'Queen of Fake & Bake' cupcakes so this recipe (coupled with my left-over candy corn from Halloween) should be a snap! Enjoy Cupcake Lovers! 

Divinely Decadent Desserts

Location: 2701 12th Street, NE 

FLAVORS: Chocolate w/ Vanilla icing

COST: $2.70 (tax included)

SCORE: 3

Reviewed by: Brea Ellis of What I Wore, Tip to Toe

Chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting

A fashion blogger’s diet consists of three things: cupcakes, champagne and clothes so naturally I felt up to the challenge when Stephanie asked me to review my favorite cupcakery.

I eat a lot of free cupcakes at fashion events, but when I’m spending my own money I hit up Divinely Decadent Desserts in Brookland, NE where for $2.70 you can choose from a variety of “outside the cupcake box” flavors. They have banana, key lime (my favorite) and sweet potato. They also bake staples like vanilla, chocolate, and of course the flavor de rigueur, red velvet. 

Divinely Decadent Desserts Awning

On the day I visited, I found suitable street parking. There were two super-friendly and totally hip shop girls; one in an oversized oxblood cardigan that I'm dying to find out the origin of. They ran down a list of all of the day’s flavors then bagged up my selection; a chocolate flavored cupcake with vanilla frosting. 

I decided to save it for a midnight snack and when I finally bit into it, the cake was solidly tasty even though the edges had hardened slightly from sitting out for so many hours. The icing however maintained a meringue like lightness that was both plentiful and sugary sweet. (Side-Note: I noticed that most of the cupcakes were actually un-iced and wondered if that meant custom icing flavors were available like cream cheese or strawberry?)

Lounge area...perfect for Sunday reading

 What I found most unique about the store itself were the exposed baking tools, the oven used to make the cupcakes is visible from the cash register and the flour, sugar, etc are shelved on a far wall in the store. D3 boasts several couches and comfy chairs not to mention lots of natural light so you could certainly pop in for a treat and stay awhile with your laptop or the Sunday paper.

D3 Sign...super cute!

The bakery is located near the end of the strip of businesses on 12th street, in a mainly residential block, so it seems like mostly those in walking distance are enjoying it for now, but with a fancy Neapolitan pizza joint next door and plenty of meter-free parking this place won't be just a local favorite for long.

About Brea Ellis:

WHAT I WORE: tip to toe! is a glimpse inside the life (and closet) of Social Media professional and "girl about town" Brea Ellis. Posts include her daily outfits, which serve to encourage women to shop their closets, rethink they way they style themselves and to live their ordinary lives in extraordinary clothing! 

Follow Brea on twitter at www.twitter.com/breaellis on facebook at www.facebook.com/whatiworetiptotoe and read the blog at http://whatiworetiptotoe.blogspot.com

Contest: "I Love You More than Cake" Boxed Set from Tabibi Designs

Photo courtesy of Tabibi Designs

Hey Cupcake Lovers! Tina Tabibi of Tabibi Design (a full-service graphic design studio located in Arlington, Virginia), has created a new line of cards sold on their Etsy shop! The shop features letterpress boxed sets of cards for the special occasions in your life. The cards are printed on 118 lb. savoy brilliant white cotton and includes white envelopes. 

Photo courtesy of Tabibi Designs

To celebrate I'm giving two lucky subscribers a 6-pack of Tabibi Design's "I Love You More Than Cake" Letterpress Boxed Set. To sweeten the deal Tabibi Designs has partnered with Simply Cakes by Alison, LLC, to give readers a half dozen cupcakes for each box of cards!! Sweet! 

Maryland Crab Cupcakes by Simply Cakes by Alison, LLC

Princess Cupcakes by Simply Cakes by Alison, LLC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pete Cashmore of Mashable a Cupcake Lover?

Pete Cashmore caressing a chocolate cupcake/ Photo courtesy of Gawker

I've been in geek-love with Pete Cashmore since I first laid eyes on his baby blues; couple that with the overall geek factor that he created the uber-successful blog, Mashable, and you have my dream man. This tell-tell photo provided by Gawker reveals not only Cashmore's love for chocolate but a budding romance as a Cupcake-Lover. Way to go Pete!



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Cupcake Project #40: White House Holiday Honey Cupcakes

Photo courtesy of Obama Foodorama

First, I have to congratulate President Barack Obama on his second term! Keeping up with the FLOTUS's initiative on healthier eating, the White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses created a healthier holiday honey cupcake to help satisfy the sweet-tooth(s) at the White House (although the POTUS has made it clear that he's a pie man himself with the exception of Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes in Chicago). This recipe reduces processed sugar and replaces it with honey from the White House's own beehive. Sweet!

White House Holiday Honey Cupcakes by Chef Bill Yosses

Photo courtesy of Obama Foodorama

Ingredients
1/4 cup softened butter

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup honey

2 eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

For the Icing
2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup honey

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake papers.

2. In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, on high speed. Mix in honey, eggs, buttermilk and vanilla until blended, on medium speed.

3. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt, then mix into the batter until just blended. Scoop the batter into the cupcake cups evenly.

4. Bake for about 20 minutes; cupcakes are done when tops spring back lightly to the touch.

To prepare icing
In a small sauce pan, whisk ingredients over medium heat until sugars dissolve together; keep whisking to avoid clumps. Using a spoon, drizzle over the tops of cupcakes, or carefully pour over cupcakes.
Makes one dozen cupcakes.

Original recipe found here

                                    

Sprinkles Opens in Kuwait (Winter 2013)

Photo provided by Sprinkles Facebook Page

In July I reported that Sprinkles will be opening 34 new locations in the Middle East after striking a lucrative deal with M.H. Alshaya Co. Their first Middle Eastern store will open in Kuwait in February 2013 (a few months shy of their original December 2012 date). The store will be located in The Avenues Mall and there is already a Facebook page for it. Congrats to Candace Nelson and the team at Sprinkles!

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Sprinkles & The American Red Cross

American Red Cross Red Velvet Cupcake
Photo courtesy of Sprinkles

Victims of Hurricane Sandy can expect some sweet relief in the form of donations from Sprinkles Cupcakes. On Monday, November 12, 2012, Sprinkles will donate 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of their Red Cross Red Velvet cupcakes to the American Red Cross. My heart and hugs go out to all of those affected. 

CakeLove and Hurricakes Raise Money for Hurricane Relief

Toffee Crunch Cupcakes from CakeLove
 Photo courtesy of Cake Love

DC-based bakery Cakelove and the Louisiana-based charity,Hurricakes,are teaming up to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. For the month of November a portion of the sales from every toffee crunch cupcake purchased at Cakelove's Shirlington location will be donated to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. 

Make your very own Hurricake/ Photo courtesy of Hurricakes

Hurricakes is a non-profit organization that partners with bakeries across the country to raise money for Hurricane relief efforts. They also sell mixes, paraphernalia, and their own signature Hurricakes (a hurricane shaped pastry similar to funnel cake) to support relief efforts.

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SweetBuds Bakery

Sweet Buds Bakery: Food Truck servicing DC/MD/VA
Flavors: Black Forest Cake, Lemon, Raspberry Red Velvet, Spine Apple Chill
Cost: $3.00*
Score:3.8

Sweet Buds Bakery is full-service food truck and bakery serving DC, Maryland and Virginia. I first heard about them through my sister who happened upon them in Arlington, VA. She told me that the owners were really sweet people who always had her order ready and that I had to try these cupcakes! My sister is a tough sell so if she liked them, they had to be good.

Through their Facebook page, I discovered that Sweet Buds Bakery would be a vendor at the Olde Town Bowie Fall Festival; I had to jump on it. After a sizable hike through Olde Town Bowie, I found their colorful truck and a sizable line. I was immediately greeted by daughter Bianka and her mother, Pamela. Their menu was extensive with over 10 flavors on hand and priced well at $3.00 per cupcake. 

When I asked which flavors I should try Pamela said, "Honey, all my flavors are good!" You can't beat that! After a lengthy discussion with Bianka and her mom, I was given a tidy bag of cupcakes in a cup with the following flavors: black forest cake, lemon, raspberry red velvet, and spine-apple chill. She also gave me her fantastic monkey bread with rum-soaked raisins and nuts. (Side-Note: That monkey bread was amazing!! Like, I may have to start cyber-stalking their location to get more amazing! Really...)

Lemon, Red velvet and Spine-apple chill

My first treat was the black forest cake. The cake was lined with chocolate syrup to enhance the flavor and keep it moist. The flavor was rich and had me wanting more. Next up was the lemon which was pretty good. It was a typical lemon flavor but the cake was smooth and the Bavarian creme topping rounded it out. 

Wedding Cupcake Tower
Photo by Sweet Buds Bakery

The raspberry red velvet was really inventive. It was a red velvet cake, rimmed with raspberry jam and topped with Bavarian creme. The raspberry jam offset the chocolate in the red velvet creating a great flavor sensation. My final cake was the spine-apple chill which would remind me of an apple cupcake- perfect for Fall. I enjoyed the apple fruit compote mixed with the spiced apple cake although it was a tad sweet but still good.

Currently you can find the Sweet Buds Bakery truck at Fells Point in Baltimore, Arlington, VA and certain stops in D.C.