No One Puts Cupcake in a Corner | mkecupcakequeen: October 2009

Get Your Knit On!

The LATimes has a review of a great new book called Wacky Baby Knits: 20 Knitted Designs for the Fashion-Conscious Toddler. The book is filled with kooky projects like the Cupcake Hat above; as well as Mohawk hat, bear feet socks and the most insane colorful robot knitted suit ever seen, all for babies up to a year old. Check out the full review at the LATimes site.

Dia De Los Muertos Cuppies

Day of the Dead White Russian Cupcakes with Chocolate Kahlua Frosting, originally uploaded by cupcakequeen.

LOVE LOVE LOVE these creations by none other than the creator of 52 Cupcakes!

Cupcake report from the OC

Got a report from Julie this week, see below, but I had to do a double take when I saw that Babycakes had opened in CA. You know, I just love the one on the lower east side in NYC. I was already planning my trip south to visit one of my favorite bakeries over the holidays! But...as it turns out, it is another cupcakery running by the same name. Hmmm...will see how that pans out in the future. In the mean time, here is Julie's report:

Went to a new cuppie shop today - called "babycakes" in Mission Viejo mall. Not very inspired aesthetic (well, it is in the middle of a food court) but they had one unique feature that I appreciated: each of the $3 behemoth cupcakes could also be purchased in a $1 baby size. Meaning you can buy and try a bunch. Or buy a small one for a toddler child and not have to worry about a screaming sugar fit afterwards. Or buy a small one for a tired mom who need a sugar pick-me-up but without a million calories. It's also a very nice idea if you don't like the cuppie you bought - you're not wasting so much.

We tried two - baby got a double chocolate - cake was good but the frosting - bleh. Tooth achingly sweet. They had a very dark red velvet, but then they also had something I haven't seen before: a Black Velvet. Hello, cupcake world? Time to get on that train, right? All the chocolate flavor of a Red Velvet, but no Red Dye No. 40 to give us all brain damage. Even better - the Black Velvet was topped with cream cheese frosting. Too sweet but still - GREAT combination.

I'm interested to see if this business makes it in the mall setting. I saw a lot of people walk up and order one mini-cupcake, but did not see anyone take home a box of them, the way you see at Sprinkles and whatnot. I can't imagine they can sustain a business in a high-end mall by selling a few buck cupcakes each day.

One buck cuppies to go with your Two Buck Chuck? Now that's how we party in the OC my friend...

Sweet Meter Alert!

A plug for a local photographer, Traci Stier Johnson -- she is so talented. She recently shook the rug of life and left a lucrative business to follow a passion - photography. Above is a fantastic shot she did of my best friend Heather's kids and I just HAD to share -- Jack, Olivia and Elizabeth, I love those kidlets! If you are in Milwaukee and need family or wedding photography, give Traci a call! TSJ Photography // 414.232.2444

Set Clocks Back, Set DVR

I know you are all going to be tired from Halloween debauchery, but if you are in Milwaukee, be sure to set your DVR. This Sunday on Wisconsin Foodie, the feature story will be Milwaukee’s own Iron Cupcake Competition, profiling three cupcake bakers as they prepare for battle. Filmed earlier this summer - ON THE HOTTEST G-DAMN DAY OF THE YEAR - and showcasing many IronCupcake bakers!

Watch Wisconsin Foodie
Sundays | 10:30 am | CBS

Pinch of This, Dash of That

OK, for starters...um, WANT!!!! Mom sent me a photo from her phone the other day of these awesome little measuring spoons. Let me say that again...WANT! I googled them and this is what I found: Brand new from GANZ. Bring some fun into the kitchen or bar with this Adorable and Whimsical Set of 4 sturdy metal alloy antique-style GANZ Measuring Spoons. This is the perfect gift for the shopper, cook, or bartender who has everthing!

It's a Cake? It's a Cupcake?

cupcake cake, originally uploaded by The Bleeding Heart Bakery.

NO! It's a CAKE!

This incredible dreamy cake made by my most talented friend Michelle down at Bleeding Heart Bakery.

Be sure to visit her at:
The Bleeding Heart Bakery, 1955 W. Belmont ave., Chicago; or at her newest location, opening November 7th, 1010 North Blvd., Oak Park, IL

Scaring Up Some Awesome Cupcakes

DSCN7102, originally uploaded by katiskupcakes.

The fourth Iron Cupcake:Moorestown, NJ Challenge - PUMPKIN -- in costume, no less! The top three scorers, Left to right, Joanne DeWald, Angi Icard, (host, Kati Angelini-owner of Kati's Kupcakes) and grand prize winner and new Iron Cupcake Champ-Bonny Chezik, complete with pink cupcake crown!

Don't let New Jersey have all the fun, start an IronCupcake:Local in YOUR town!!

Ooo La La - Chez Cupcake!

Chez Cupcake is born!
Hooray for Emily who is now catering cupcakes in the S.E. Wisconsin area; not to mention the fact that she is a regular IronCupcake Competitor. Congratulations go out to Emily and her new adventure! Check out her website and be sure to check out all of the killer flavors!!!

Just The Right Outfit for Every Occassion

Bella Cupcake Couture has recently added mini-cupcake wrappers to their offerings. They are perfect for the holidays and can be used for more than just cupcakes. They are also perfect for cream puffs, brownies and recently even caramel popcorn balls. All that and fashionable, too!

Two More Knotches in My Wooden Spoon!

Marcus Samuelsson & Me - Kohler Food & Wine 2009

This weekend was the Kohler Food & Wine Festival. I had planned to go on Friday, but still fighting a miserable cold and the torrential downpour on Friday kept me home instead. Thankfully, on Saturday, the weather cleared and I dragged myself out of the house. I was able to secure a ticket to see Marcus Sameulsson's cooking demo and get his book signed, New American Table. The focus of the new book is how the melting pot of America dictates the ever-changing table of the American family. WHAT a terrific presentation Marcus made. Rather than just a little cooking, he actually managed to squeeze in a full Thanksgiving meal including appetizer and dessert. We were presented tastings of cheesy spiced popcorn, greens with bok choy, pumpkin and pear stuffing, herb cured turkey and a dessert of basil gel and pomegranate panna cotta! The food was delectable, I mean really delicious -- I am totally jazzed about the new ideas I brought home with me.

Jacque Pépin, Me, Claudine Pépin - Kohler Food & Wine 2009

If I had gotten up there the day before, I had hoped I could see and meet Lidia Bastianich, as well as Jacque Pepín. Lidia was not speaking on Saturday and I could not get tickets to Jacque's presentation. But...as with so many of my chef moments, I lucked out, big time! In the tent, following Marcus' presentation was none other than Jacque Pepín - famed French chef, dear friend Julia Child and co-anchor of Jacque & Julia on PBS. Wow, what an honor. He was so charming and soft-spoken. His daughter, Claudine, was with him as well -- they were presenting together.

Wall Candy

Halloween Pumpkin Cupcake Airbrushed copyright, originally uploaded by caholman1.

Halloween Pumpkin Cupcake

A Halloween Pumpkin Spice cupcake is decorated with cream cheese frosting and black and orange sprinkles. This Halloween theme continues with the polka dot paper liner and the smiling pumpkin on top. Check out the art of Catherine Holman on Etsy!

High Tea

This past weekend I was invited to a book reading and tea event at George Watts Tea Shop. The author, Laura Schaefer, is from Madison and has been following my blog for many months now. I was so honored to be invited and I had such a lovely time. The only way it would have been better would have been if my nasty sore throat wasn't starting its hard-core attack that has kept me out of work for the last 2 1/2 days.

Hidden upstairs at George Watts in Milwaukee is a 100+ year old space with a gallery of exquisite gifts for all tastes and a tea shop that I have always heard of, but have never been to. When I got inside, I was surrounded by lots of little girls in ruffly, velvety, sparkly dresses and their moms, aunts, or grandmas. Dressed for tea, you know.

Laura's book, The Teashop Girls, is geared toward older children and pre-teens. It has an in-depth history of tea integrated into the text and focuses around a group of young girls fighting for the life of their Grandmother's Tea Shop. Saving it from those corporate coffee monsters! Laura spoke so well to the group, engaging adults and yet, holding the attention of the girls as well. It was a pleasure to meet Laura. Thank you for having me! One lucky raffle winner at November's IronCupcake:Milwaukee will win an autographed copy of Laura's book - a perfect stocking stuffing for that little tea or bakery fan on your list!

As an added bonus to the visit, in the gift gallery was THE Steuben Crystal Cupcake. Live and IN PERSON! Cha-ching!

tweet tweet

sweet little tweet pink bird cake!, originally uploaded by *coco cake cupcakes* -- vancouver, bc.

sweet little tweet pink bird cake!

Coco Cake Blog!

Uploaded by *coco cake cupcakes* -- vancouver, bc on 19 Oct 09, 10.21PM CDT.

Silent Partner

An excellent article in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the most simple and yet most important ingredient in the cupcake...flour. It's a good read, and something the average baker may never have considered.

ICM:Literary - The Plot Thickens

After weeks of colder than usual weather, we really lucked out with a warm October night for our final outdoor challenge of 2009. Pages were flipping all over Milwaukee as bakers sifted through stacks of ideas to compete in our IronCupcake:Milwaukee LITERARY challenge; with local partner, BOSWELL BOOKS. The results were 19 delicious creations from every genre, something for every taste.

It was a close vote but the winner of our PRESENTATION prize, taking home a selection of baking supplies, was Danielle with her ode to Charlotte's Web. Her creation, above, entitled Zuckerman's Famous Cupcakes, were a combination of two cupcakes. One was a chocolate cupcakes with strawberry filling, chocolate frosting; the other, a white cake filled with cream cheese and topped with tutti-frutti frosting.

Coming in a very close second for the presentation prize, but scoring the win for TASTE was Erin. Her tribute to the Twilight Series was the You Brought a Snack cupcake. A caramel apple cupcake with vanilla buttercream, drizzled with Fleur de Sel sea salt caramel. She took home a $25 gift certificate from the Irish Pub for the win.

Daniel from Boswell Books was on hand this evening with a selection of cupcake cookbooks and paraphenelia available for purchase. Along with sharing the goodies available from Boswell Books, as our partner, he was asked to choose the PARTNER'S PICK. His choice? Jenna and her Joy of Sex Cupcake. Her description was so good, I have to share it with you verbatim... "Sometimes a cupcake is not enough to scratch that itch. Start with this lusciously moist black cherry cupcake with cream filling. Finish with page 87. That should do the trick!" Jenna wouldn't tell us what was on page 87, but I can say that her boyfriend had a big smile on his face all night. LOL.

Our friend Jenny sent a picture of the youngest IronCupcaker on record, her nephew, four week old Max. He is already acquiring the taste for cupcakes. Proof that good taste is born with you!

We would like to thank The Irish Pub for hosting IronCupcake:Milwaukee all summer. With the change in weather, and our growing popularity, it is time to move on once again. Next month's challenge, EXTREME CHOCOLATE will be held at our new home, MOCT Bar.

IronCupcake:Milwaukee
EXTREME CHOCOLATE Challenge
with Indulgence Chocolatiers
MONDAY, November 16 at 6 p.m.
MOCT Bar
240 E Pittsburgh Ave
Milwaukee's Fifth Ward

Once again, we were spoiled by the talents of Jim Conway from James Conway Photography, check out the slide show of the nights entries below.

About to Get My Yummy On!

Get piece from last night's Jay Leno, featuring comedian Owen Benjamin...last part is cupcakey good.

Night of the Living Cupcake

A little sweet with a dark center? This could be the cupcake T for you! A perched zombie/goth dreaming of a cupcake in the middle of the graveyard. Perfect for Halloween, or for some...all year round!

Available at Zazzle.com

ICM:EXTREME CHOCOLATE Challenge

Our last regular challenge for 2009; the NOVEMBER's IronCupcake:Milwaukee is EXTREME CHOCOLATE with our partner, Indulgence Chocolatiers.

The challenge? To pair up chocolate with the unexpected, something to tempt taste-buds and wow palettes!

$5 ticket gets you tons of awesome cupcakes, discounted drink specials and entry for a variety of raffle prizes. PLUS!!! One dollar from every ticket will go to this month's charity, GILDA'S CLUB in SHOREWOOD.

The November challenge will take place on MONDAY, November 16 at 6 p.m.

We are so pleased about our new space. It will enable us to take IronCupcake to the next level. More space, more fun. Many thanks to Karen Schoenung of MyPartyPlaces.com, who introducted me to Nebi and the gang at Moct. Let the fun begin!

NEW LOCATION: Moct Bar
More Space, No More Overcrowding!!
Debut of the IronCupcake:Milwaukee Video
Chocolate Tasting from Indulgence Chocolatiers
IronCupcake:Milwaukee T-Shirts and Buttons FINALLY available!*

As always, all bakers should pre-register at IronCupcakeMilwaukee@wi.rr.com.
Only the first 20 bakers will be allowed to register. First come, first served. After that, a waiting list will be created. Everyone is welcome!

IronCupcake:Milwaukee
EXTREME Challenge
with Indulgence Chocolatiers
MONDAY, November 16 at 6 p.m.
MOCT Bar
240 E Pittsburgh Ave
Milwaukee's Fifth Ward

*Scheduled to be ready

ICM:Literary - TONIGHT!!!!

Our theme for the OCTOBER IronCupcake:Milwaukee challenge is LITERARY cupcakes. Cupcakes based on a favorite book, character or plot; with our local business partner BOSWELL BOOK COMPANY.

$5 ticket gets you tons of awesome cupcakes, one beer ticket and an opportunity to win a variety of raffle prizes including tickets from The M.U.T.E.S., Mixing Bowl Set and Halloween Cupcake Kit. PLUS!!! One dollar from every ticket will go to this month's charity, COMMON HOPE BOO BOO DRIVE.

Tonight at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

IronCupcake:Milwaukee
LITERARY Challenge
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 at 6 p.m.
The Irish Pub
124 N. Water Street
Milwaukee's Third Ward

New Winter/Spring location to be announced plus other fun announcements as well!

Not the Sharpest Piping Tip in the Drawer???

Maybe you are falling in love with cupcakes but have not mastered the decorating skill just yet. I came across these whimsical cupcake picks at Terry's Village.

Halloween Character Cupcake Picks. Add some tricks to your treats with these plastic cupcake characters! With jack-o'-lantern, black cat, skeleton and spider designs, these cupcake accessories are perfect for your Halloween party. Set of twenty-four. 6 1/2L" x 4 3/8"W. - $6.99/24

If you visit the site, you will also find Christmas cupcakery popping up, along with the hard to find Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking chips...yum!

Baker's Dozen

The Seattle Times has taken a peek into several baker's pantries to develop the list of 13 must-have items for today's baking amateur or pro. You will have to visit their site for complete descriptions for each, but here is a teaser!