Celebrate the 57th Inauguration with Cupcakes

Photo credit: Chris Carlson/AP Photo

The 57th inauguration of the President of the United States is underway and, per usual, DC is soaking up all the fanfare and pandemonium. Cashing in on the celebration are cupcake shops across the DMV eager to satisfy residents and tourists alike with their sweet treats- and I'm elated! Below is a sampling of what to expect during the weekend....

Georgetown Cupcake's Inaugural Box

Cost: $29 a dozen 

Available until January 21, 2013

Photo credit: Georgetown Cupcake 

Never one to let a trend get past them, Georgetown Cupcake is capitalizing on the inauguration with their inaugural dozen featuring 3 red velvet cupcakes with gold fondant eagles; 3 vanilla and buttercream cupcakes with fondant US flags and 6 lava fudge cupcakes with a White House fondant topper. More than anything, I love that whatever Georgetown Cupcake does, they do well and have done well with an inaugural box fit for a two-term president. 

 Hello Cupcake's Very Berry Obama

Cost: $3.50 

Available on January 21, 2013

Hello Cupcake bi-partisan cupcakes /Photo credit: Hello Cupcake 

Hello Cupcake will cleverly feature the Very Berry Obama cupcake which is a vanilla cake with fresh berries and vanilla butter cream topped with patriotic sprinkles. This is one clever cupcake with a cute name. Hurry, it's only available on inauguration day. 

Curbside Cupcake's Inaugural Cupcake

Cost $3.50/cupcake

Available until January 22, 2013

Curbside Cupcake's inaugural cupcake/Photo: Curbside Cupcake

Curbside Cupcake recently debuted their inaugural cupcake which is a chocolate cake covered with a pineapple frosting and topped with a fondant Obama logo. I will assume that the pineapple frosting is a nod to his Hawaiian roots? I dig this and look forward to trying it!

Delectable Cakery's Inaugural Cupcakes

Cost $22 per dozen (with 25% off coupon)

Available until January 21, 2013

Photo credit: Delectable Cakery 

Delectable Cakery is throwing its hat into the inaugural ring with red, white and blue inauguration cupcakes or cupcakes topped with an official image of President Obama. Flavors range from vanilla, chocolate and their signature sweet potato. Cupcakes are available in packs of 12 and you can score a coupon for 25% off by visiting their site and joining their mailing list. 

Top 5 Favorite D.C. Cupcake Shops

I love the Best Friend's For Frosting (BFFF) blog! So imagine my glee when they asked me to write a guest post on the top 5 cupcake shops in D.C. Check out the full blog post here. 

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with Cupcake Vodkas!

Between the office parties, happy hours, and familial gatherings, planning a great drink menu is essential to get everyone into the holiday spirit! Cupcake-inspired liquors are a great way to express your cupcake love while celebrating the season.  Check out these cupcake-inspired drink recipes to put your guests in the holiday mood and satisfy holiday cupcake-cravings!

Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Cupcake Blog

The emerging Cupcake Vineyards brand, known more for their wines, has crossed over the aisle to vodkas. With flavors ranging from Red Velvet, Devil's Food, Vanilla, and Lemon Chiffon, adding these sweet liquors to your baked goods or holiday menu is a good move. Here's a recipe for a Ginger Frost Cake Cocktail!

Ginger Frost Cake with Cupcake Vodka Frosting

Ingredients
1.5 oz. Frosting Vodka
.5 oz. Cointreau
.5 oz. Lime Juice
.5 oz. Simple Syrup
.25 oz. Domaine de Canton

Preparation
Shake above ingredients and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with candied ginger.

Photo courtesy of Desiree Vodka

Desiree Vodka is a new contender for cupcake-flavored spirits supremacy. Their flavors range from Red Velvet, Brownie Batter, Creme Brulee and Straight Cake. Here is a red velvet recipe that puts a holiday twist on a classic martini. 

Desiree Red Velvet Martini

Ingredients

• 2 parts Desiree Red Velvet flavored vodka
• 1 part half and half cream

Preparation

Shake or stir well until chilled. Can be served 'up' in a martini glass (top whipped cream & red sugar crystals for the gourmet touch), or simply over ice in a rock glass. 

Pinnacle Vodka has made their mark as the flavorful go-to vodka. With flavors like vanilla cake, whipped cream, and Swedish fish vodka there's something there for everyone. Here's a recipe for a gooey butter cake martini; a southern cake classic in drink form. 

Pinnacle Gooey Butter Cake Martini

Ingredients

1 oz Cake flavored vodka

1 oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1/2 oz Frangelico

1/2 oz Amaretto

1/2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps

Preparation

In a shaker add ice and all of the ingredients above. Shake and strain your cocktail into a powder sugar rimmed martini glass.

Smirnoff Iced Cake by Smirnoff Vodka 

The recognizable Smirnoff brand has expanded their product line to include flavored vodkas. With flavors ranging from pumpkin pie to iced cake, the liquor   is reminiscent of vanilla cake with notes of sugar and vanilla. Below is a recipe for Iced Orange Cake. Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to spice it up and make it festive. Smirnoff Iced Orange Cake

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Smirnoff Iced Cake 
• 0.5 oz Lemon Juice
• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
• 1 Tablespoon Orange Marmalade

Preparation 
Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with slice of orange. 

Plain Janes: The Best Vanilla Cupcakes

1. Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake 2. Photo courtesy of Sweet Truths Blog 3. Photo courtesy of Sprinkles Cupcakes 4. Photo courtesy of Curbside Cupcake 5. Photo copyright of The Cupcake Critic.com

Vanilla cupcakes are often the most overlooked cupcakes and regarded as simply the Plain Janes of flavor. Despite being the basis for so many other flavors, the art of the vanilla cupcake is a special one. A dash of cinnamon or a zest of lemon can make the difference in a recipe. I have compiled a list of my favorite vanilla cupcakes from local bakeries and what makes them stand out. 

1. Georgetown Cupcake's Vanilla 2: This Madagascan bourbon vanilla cupcake with vanilla cream cheese is by far my favorite vanilla cupcake. The smooth texture of the frosting coupled with the simplicity of the soft vanilla cake makes it heaven in my mouth. 

2. Sprinkles Vanilla Cupcake: Sprinkles is generally awesome but their Madagascan vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting is like a fluffy cloud sprinkling white fairy confectionery sugar dust on your tongue. 

3. Buzz Bakery's Vanilla Cupcake: The Virginia based bakery is known for its elaborate treats but they have truly put their signature on their vanilla cupcakes topped with buttercream frosting. 

4. Cakes Plus' Vanilla Buttercream Cupcake: Cakes Plus' classic vanilla buttercream cupcakes can easily be termed as 'Ole Faithful'. Their vanilla buttercream is legendary with a homemade flavor that is anything but plain. 

5.  Curbside Cupcake's Vanilla Cupcake: Curbside's classic vanilla cupcake  brings the moist texture one would expect from a gourmet cupcake while giving you the homemade goodness reminiscent of mom's kitchen.

Tell me Cupcake Lovers, what's your favorite vanilla cupcake? 

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Off the Record: Cupcake Freebies

My cupcake bounty from Georgetown Cupcake:
L-R: Strawberry Lava Fudge & Pink Ribbon Vanilla cupcake

Who doesn't love sweet cupcake goodness? How much sweeter when the cupcake bounty is au gratis? Several area cupcake shops offer daily, weekly and monthly freebies with the cost of admission being a driver's license, a correct answer, or a Facebook account. I've compiled a list of where to get your cupcake-fix for FREE! 

Copyright of The Cupcake Critic

 Georgetown Cupcake offers one FREE specialty cupcake flavor per day, per person for the first 100 people to request it by name. To claim, follow them on Twitter @GtownCupcake or on Facebook where they usually announce the flavor of the day between 9-10 AM. This deal is open to all of their retail locations.

Sprinkles Cherry Blossom, Praline and Strawberry Cupcakes
Copyright of The Cupcake Critic

Sprinkles

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.

Delectable Cakery's Signature Sweet Potato Cupcakes

Delectable Cakery 
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...

Frosting Cupcakery in Chevy Chase
Copyright: The Cupcake Critic

Frosting Cupcakery 
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. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Photo courtesy of Georgetown Cupcake 

October is breast cancer awareness month. What better way to help raise money for breast cancer research than by eating cupcakes? For the month of October, Georgetown Cupcake and Sprinkles will be selling their special pink ribbon cupcakes with 100% of the proceeds going to breast cancer research. Georgetown Cupcake will donate 100% of their proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation while Sprinkles will donate 100% of their proceeds to Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund.

Sprinkles Strawberry Pink Ribbon Cupcakes 

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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!

                                                               

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 

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. 

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. 

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.