CupcakeCampDC 2010 Winning Recipes: First Place (#1)

Photo Courtesy of Yida L.

These cupcakes were not only one of the most beautiful cupcakes we saw at CupcakeCampDC, but the delicious flavors with surprise ganache filling, and over-the top chocolate dipped strawberry decoration made these an instant crowd favorite! Recipe courtesy of Rene K.

Chocolate Cupcakes

• 1/2 cup coffee
• 1 stick butter
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon + a pinch salt
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees convection. Bring coffee and butter to a simmer in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and whisk until mixture is smooth. Cool Slightly.

Whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Using electric mixture, beat eggs and sour cream in another bowl to blend. Add stout mixture to egg mixture and beat until combined. Add flour mixture and beat briefly on slow speed.

Fill liners 2/3 full. Bake about 17 minutes. Cool cupcakes on wire rack completely.

Ganache Filling

• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter

Place chopped chocolate in a heat proof bowl. Heat the cream until simmering and pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for one minute and then stir until smooth. Add the butter.

Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting
Makes enough for 36-48 cupcakes (depending on how much frosting you like)

• 6 egg whites (room temperature)
• 1 and 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 pounds room temperature butter (cut into one inch pieces)
• 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste (more if you want a stronger vanilla taste)
• Pint of fresh strawberries (washed and dried thoroughly)

In your (kitchen aid) bowl whisk together the egg whites and sugar. Place your bowl over simmering water and continue to whisk making sure the egg white mixture does not harden on the sides of the bowl. Insert a candy thermometer and continue whisking making sure the temperature of your mixture reaches 140 degrees F. After the mixture reaches 140 degrees, move the bowl to your stand mixer with the whisk attachment.Whip hot mixture on high until cool. Egg white should start to look lighter in color. Add your butter in small pieces on low to medium speed. Once all the butter is added, bring the mixture back up to a high speed. Turn off mixer and add your flavoring. Continue to whisk until incorporated.

Puree or chop your strawberries. Wait until you are ready to use your frosting before adding fresh fruit. When adding the fruit, add in small batches. You may or may not need all the strawberries your pureed - the frosting will let you know when it has had enough. If you add too much, you may "break" the frosting and it will become runny.

Top with a chocolate dipped strawberry!

CupcakeCampDC 2010 Winning Recipes: First Place (#2)

Photo Courtesy of Rick F.

These cupcakes were one of the crowd's favorites as well as many of the judges. The ultra moist spicy cake complements the tangy, sweet frosting which is topped with a purple sugar flower. Recipe courtesy of Beth F.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 3 cups finely shredded carrots
• 1 cup Mazola oil
• 4 extra-large eggs

In mixing bowl, sift together dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients, beating with electric mixer until combined. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.  Fill cupcake paper liners 3/4 full. Bake at 325 degrees for 25-28 minutes.  Makes about 26 cupcakes. Cool, then frost with Cream Cheese Frosting (below).

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 3-oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Combine cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla. Add powdered sugar and beat until light and creamy.

CupcakeCampDC 2010 Features

Here are some great sites that have written about or featured CupcakeCampDC 2010! If you've written about CupcakeCampDC 2010, send us the link via e-mail, twitter, or comment here.

Photos:

• Samer Salama Photography
• CupcakeCampDC 2010 Flickr Group <-- add your pictures here!

Posts:

• Hey Love Designs (Judge)
• Omnomnivores (Attendee)
• Rene Takes the Cake (1st Place Winner)
• Care Lee Cupcakes and Cake (Baker)
• Hanacakes (Baker)
• Gimme Dem Cupcakes (Baker & Donor)
• Honeybee Bakeshop (Baker & Donor)

Looking Back at CupcakeCampDC 2010

DC's first annual CupcakeCamp was held this past Saturday at FunXion. Many of you showed up and ate some delicious cupcakes, won great raffle prizes, and donated to a good cause. We gathered up your feedback/voting slips and got your entries for "Crowd Favorite" award winner and your thoughts about CupcakeCampDC.

Feedback

Venue: Many of you thought that the venue was too small. When we changed venues at the last moment due to the original location canceling on us, we were pressed to find a space that could house us on the same date & time a mere 1.5 weeks away! Luckily FunXion came through and offered up a beautiful space they said could hold 220 people. Our original RSVP list was 120 people and 100 more people got to come to CupcakeCampDC because of FunXion! I think they underestimated CupcakeCamp fans because many of you came out and filled up FunXion! Attendees started spilling in before 3pm and we didn't have the opportunity to greet you all with a speech of what CupcakeCamp was all about before the cupcakes came out.

Organization: We also had planned to have the cupcakes out already before you came, but you all were quick onto our plan and spotted the cupcakes coming down the stairs and swarmed. There was also a bit of confusion behind the scenes because when it came time for Round 1 cupcakes, no one from Round 1 was there! With other rounds (2-8) 1-2 of the bakers were there, but many were missing. Thank goodness many attendees (and even judges and volunteers) came through and brought more cupcakes. But, we had an un-countable number of cupcakes and no idea how to label them and nowhere to put them now that the place was packed. Thankfully everyone kept in good spirits and stayed till the end of CupcakeCampDC.

Cupcakes: Many of you said that you wish all the cupcakes were minis or cut into portions. Yes, we did see a lot of wastefulness at CupcakeCampDC. Going around and collecting trash, there were whole cupcakes strewn and smushed everywhere! But, I don't think it's possible to ask bakers to make all mini cupcakes, and cutting a cupcake into portions requires time, resources, and ruins presentation. To solve this problem, I think we'll limit the number of cupcakes people can taste next year (of course you can share with friends!).

Charity: We also, sadly, did not collect that much money for charity. We raised $150 for GSCNC and most of those funds came from raffle tickets. Next year, to stress the importance of the charity we're benefiting, tickets will come with a certain dollar donation. While processing these donations online results in the loss of some proceeds through fees, it is the easiest and most efficient way to raise money for a good cause.

This year & next: We are in the process of looking for a venue for CupcakeCampDC 2011. Depending on the venue and occupancy load, we will probably change the format of CupcakeCampDC to something more similar to tasting events (which is what CupcakeCamp is actually) like Taste of Georgetown.

Thank you everyone for coming out and we really appreciate your feedback. We know there were some first time kinks, as there always are when so many people are involved. We read every feedback slip and heard every word you wrote.

Please stay tuned here for updates on CupcakeCampDC 2010, 2011, and other CupcakeCamp related going-ons. If you are interested in being a judge or volunteering for next year, contact us at dc.cupcakecamp@gmail.com.

Award Results

The judge panel chose the winners for best tasting cupcakes and you, the attendees, wrote your favorite cupcakes in to vote for the crowd favorite. There were five judges and they tallied up their scores and averaged them out to determine the winners. Can you believe that there were two cupcakes that had exactly the same score? Since we only had three certificates, one of the 1st place winners got bumped down to second, which bumped 2nd to 3rd and 3rd off of the award blocks! Don't worry 3rd place, you'll get your recognition here!

First Place #1: Rene K. with her Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

First Place #2: Beth F. with her Carrot Cake Cupcakes


Second Place: Cheryle O. with her Tropical Cupcakes


Third Place: Dan O. with his Strawberry Cupcakes


Crowd Favorite: Tess with her Peach, Blueberry, and Thyme Cupcakes

Individual Judge Favorites

• Orange Dreamsicle (Rene K.) tied with Tropical Cupcake (Cheryle O.)
  
• Chocolate Dipped Banana Split (Amber)
  
• Strawberry (Dan O.) tied with Margarita (Mary H.) tied with Pumpkin Cupcake (Lauryn) tied with Chocolate Covered Strawberry (Rene K.) tied with Carrot Cake (Beth F.) tied with CupcakeCamp-Fire S'Mores (Melissa H.)
• Banana mini cupcake (Amy F.) tied with Carrot Cake (Beth F.)
• Tropical Cupcake (& the one and only that got a 10) - (Cheryle O.)

Other Crowd Favorites

• Waldorf (I think this means "Tropical" by Cheryle O.)
  
• Mini-Ginger Citrus (Cara H.)
• Margarita (Mary H.)
• Wine & Cheese (Melissa W.)
  
• CupcakeCamp-Fire S'mores (Melissa H.)
• Pumpkin with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Strawberry (Dan O.)

Photos

There were some great shots taken at CupcakeCampDC! Please add any photos you might have to the Flickr Group and the slideshow below will be automatically updated.

Baker Spotlight: Dayna

Dayna Marie is a 25 year old Advertising Student at the Art Institute of Washington. She loves sweets and loves making people smile. Being able to combine the two is a true blessing to her.

Tell us about yourself

My Mother is my best friend and I am a total "Daddy's Girl." I am the proud owner of an adorable parakeet named Kisses, and the most lively chihuahua you'll ever meet, Desi. I love shopping, reading, cosmetics, shoes, animals, my blackberry, making people happy, trying new things, and traveling. I have loved baking and cooking since I was a little girl, but my passion has become stronger since my college years. I realize that with just a few ingredients and a lot of love, you can truly make someone's day with a sweet little pastry.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Lemon with Strawberry Icing...YUM.

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

I would be a rose-infused vanilla cupcake topped with rich lemony cream cheese frosting, and kissed with gold dragees.

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

This is so unfair! I love so many! HOWEVER, my favorite would have to be Cupcakes Actually in Fairfax, Virginia

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Mini White Cupcakes with strawberries, strawberry frosting, chocolate, and silver dragees

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

Baker Spotlight: Stacey

Tell us about yourself

I'm a twenty-something transplant of the ... world - I've been living in DC for 3 years now. I love to travel, eat, bake, laugh, and love. My mind explodes from sheer awesomeness when I get to do all 3 at once.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Devils food cupcake with vanilla buttercream

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

The cutest little vanilla cupcake with pink vanilla frosting and a kelly green fondant bow. Seriously.

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

Cupcakes Actually in Fairfax VA is my favourite - but Baked & Wired is a close second.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Cookies-and-cream cupcake with vanilla cookie frosting

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

Baker Spotlight: Katie of Gimmie Dem Cupcakes

Katie of Gimme Dem Cupcakes bakes up 100% vegan, 100% delicious cupcakes with 100% love. She also has believes she has the cutest dog ever.

Tell us about yourself

I live and work in one of Northern Virginia's best communities, Falls Church. I toil at a non-profit as a trainer and admin support by day and I wait tables most evenings. Working so much, it's hard to slow down, so when I come home, it's hard to turn off my worker-bee instincts. If I try to read or do anything that doesn't require using my hands, I usually fall asleep . When I'm not buzzing around the DC metro area, I frequently spend time in my kitchen concocting things to share with my friends and family. Cooking and baking are the best way for me to have alone time. Food satisfies people on so many levels, and it's a wonderful way to share my love. Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone's face change as the let something delicious take over their senses.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

the kind that make new friends

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

I'd be fruit filled and gushing with fresh flavors, probably a touch nutty

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

i love my friend's treats

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Vegan Dreamsicle, Vegan Chocomint, Vegan Tiramisu

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

Baker Spotlight: Dan

Dan moved to the DC area from Massachusetts in 1990. All of his family (both sides) still live in the area. He now lives in Arlington with his partner and their 5-year-old Boston Terrier, Bandit.

Tell us about yourself

I have an I.T. consulting business that focuses on helping small businesses run their networks and implement Open Source tools to help them manage their businesses.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Chocolate w/ cream cheese frosting

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

Ummm... no.

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

Best Buns

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

White buttermilk cupcake with strawberry Italian buttercream

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

Baker Spotlight: Melissa of Honeybee Bakeshop

Melissa loves to bake for friends and family because it slows people down to savor the moments of life that are worth celebrating and savoring.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a 30-something financial analyst with a baking hobby that spun out of control. Then the Honeybee Bakeshop was born to give the DC area the sugar buzz it needs. Now I split my time between spreadsheets and sheet cakes, but my passion is helping people celebrate their happiest days! I also volunteer with the National Capital Area Cake Show which challenges me to grow as a baker and cake decorator.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

I love a good baked-from-scratch vanilla buttermilk cake. This should be topped with a swirl of fruity buttercream like strawberry or peach, and a drizzle of good chocolate.

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

Let’s see… vanilla-honey-lavender cake with whipped vanilla frosting and a chocolate rose – many different flavors uniting to make one big sugar buzz.

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

Aside from my own, I love Lavender Moon in Alexandria because of their flavor variety and local ingredients. I also drool over the Italian Stallion at Cupcakes Actually in Fairfax.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Wine and cheese: Dark chocolate and red wine cupcake with goat cheese frosting and pine nuts.

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

Baker Spotlight: Corinne

Corinne has actually become enamored of baking scones and breads in the last few months. Scones are satisfyingly messy to make, and if you've got the right recipe, some breads can be just as delicious as a cupcake!

Tell us about yourself

I just got out of three years at Georgetown Law, where I stayed sane by riding bikes and baking cakes. I'm currently doing a fellowship with the Institute of Museum and Library Services for three months, and searching desperately for further excuses to avoid going back to New Hampshire.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Funfetti with chocolate frosting.

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

Cookie dough filling and rainbow sugar on top!

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

Charm City Cupcakes.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Chocolate High-hat with marshmallow filling & Vanilla cake with a vanilla and peach top

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

CupcakeCampDC: New Location!

Hi All,
Guess what! We were able to find a great space in a great location for the original time and date of CupcakeCampDC! Please join us at FunXion (1309 F St NW by Metro Center) from 3-530 on Saturday September 18th! (2:30 if you're a baker).

They'll have water for everyone to drink, but you can buy drinks and even food so you don't go into sugar coma!
Even better news, we can let those from the waitlist attend!
Look forward to seeing you all there~

xoxo,
CupcakeCampDC
(p.s. if you can no longer come to CupcakeCamp, please let us know or cancel your ticket)

Baker Spotlight: Melissa of CupcakesOMG!!

Melissa of CupcakesOMG!! believes that cupcakes are ALWAYS better when made from scratch, cupcakes are NOT a passing trend, and that she's going to crush the competition the day of judging.

Tell us about yourself

I'm 26 and have been living in the DC area for 4 years. I love to cook, bake, eat, and the more of that I can do with friends and family, the better. My cupcake blog (www.cupcakesomg.blogspot.com) turned 1-year-old this summer. I'm also competing in the Miss Virginia USA pageant this year! I've been known to play guitar, but not recently. To keep my girlish figure, I do Crossfit a couple times a week. I love the rachel zoe project, little dogs, and painting my nails.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Homemade! I generally love a good vanilla cupcake because the simplicity of a vanilla cupcake allows you to pick out all the faults, so when done well, it can be magical. But I also love the really unusual, like a filled cupcake or a savory cupcake (the BLT cupcake at More in Chicago is ah-mazing!!!)

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

The "Melissa": A little bit sassy and a lot sweet, this pink tinted vanilla cupcake isn't as innocent as she looks. Filled with white chocolate, there are surprises at every corner. Topped off with a milk chocolate buttercream and lots of pink sprinkles, the Melissa is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

Locally, I love Hello Cupcake (highly recommend the PB Blossom). I like Georgetown Cupcake, but refuse to stand in line with tourists. Alternatively, in your in Georgetown, Baked and Wired is fantastic. As for NoVa, I LOVE Lavendar Moon. It's tucked away but worth the excursion. As far as not locally, More in Chicago is probably my all-time favorite.

After the Miss Virginia USA pageant, my focus will be on my own cupcake business. I will be doing a friends wedding in the spring, but will be taking orders for all kinds of events, so if you're interested drop me a line by visiting my blog, CupcakesOMG!!

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Cupcake Camp-fire S'mores Cupcakes (chocolate graham-cracker crusted cupcake topped with marshmallow frosting) & Funfetti Cupcakes from scratch

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

Baker Spotlight: Rene

Rene bakes cupcakes as a hobby and loves personalizing every dozen she makes for the people she knows. She blogs at "Rene Takes the Cake!", where she chronicles and shows samples of her work which includes cakes, cupcakes, event planning, catering, and decorating. 

Tell us about yourself

I moved to the DC area in 2005 and am employed at American University, specifically the Kogod School of Business where I manage all aspects of building facilities and events.  When I am not at work I love to help others plan events, take cake classes, and do anything that is creative and crafty!  Some day I hope to own a "farmette" where I can raise goats as well as have the commercial kitchen of my dreams.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Dulce de Leche

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

I would be your "traditional" cupcake - a flavor that isn't really out there and adventurous but one you can count on for being consistently good!

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

Hello Cupcake DC

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Orange Dreamsicle (vanilla cupcake with a hint of orange, filled with fresh orange cream and topped with a vanilla orange swiss meringue buttercream frosting) and Chocolate Covered Strawberry (chocolate cupcake filled with a chocolate ganache topped with fresh strawberry swiss meringue buttercream frosting and a chocolate covered strawberry).

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

Baker Spotlight: Lauryn

Lauryn is a recent Virginia Tech graduate with a B.S. in Management and Marketing. She works full time as a Marketing specialist at a medical billing company and is in the process of creating a website for her "on the side" online cupcakery, Zucca Bakery. You can follow her @Zuccabakes on Twitter!

Tell us about yourself

I am currently building my online cupcakery Zucca Bakery. The website will be up and running soon. It is online based so I do all of the deliveries, the order form is placed online with a date you would like them dropped off...and I do just that! The mission is to bring happiness and delight to the community around me. I want to provide those with relief by supplying them at any event they need help with.
We are still in the process so no ""most popular"" flavor, but to my testers (you know who you are) I think cookies n' cream takes the cake!"

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese!

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

When I hear the word cupcake I immediately think "short" and that's exactly what I am! Also, I think of a cupcake being a friendly and inviting idea which i like to think of my personality being just that.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Vanilla cupcake filled with white chocolate frosting topped with raspberry buttercream and Pumpkin cupcake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

New Artwork for CupcakeCampDC 2010!

Jessie of CakeSpy donated this lovely artwork for CupcakeCampDC! I adapted it into a poster and added text. Let us know what you think!

CupcakeCamp2010 Poster

Baker Spotlight: Cara

You may have seen some of Cara's work, she won the Design Your DC cupcake challenge at Hello Cupcake in June with her Lo Mien Chinatown cupcake. She blogs about her cupcakes and cake at http://caralee83.blogspot.com/.

Tell us about yourself

I'm currently in grad school to become a teacher. I love to travel and try new foods wherever I go.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Do i have to choose just one?

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

Simple, sweet and fun!

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

Hello Cupcake and Georgetown Cupcake

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Bailey's Chocolate Stout (Chocolate stout cupcake made with a home brewed stout topped with Bailey's Irish Cream frosting) and Mini Citrus Ginger Cupcakes (Ginger cupcake with a citrus cream cheese frosting)

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

Baker Spotlight: Amy of Pretty Please Cupcake

Amy owns Pretty Please Cupcake, a mini cupcake delivery service bringing sweet goodness right to your door in the DC area. They are committed to being eco-friendly and using local products as much as possible. They sell at the UDC Farmers Market every Saturday from 7:30am-1:30pm. 

Tell us about yourself

Mad scientist/marketer turned baker:
I moved to DC about 3 years ago with high hopes of entering the corporate world and later found that I am not destined to be a 9-5er with a desk job.  Thus came the idea for Pretty Please Cupcake.  DC has a ton of cupcake places, but no minis that I had seen.  Plus, what could be better than getting them delivered to your door step?  Now, how about top it off with local and organic ingredients

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Anything with peanut butter! [At Pretty Please Cupcake] our biggest sellers are chocolate and vanilla- who knew?  But I like to spice it up with one flavor a week.  The banana mini topped with honey cinnamon frosting and walnuts was a hit, and another favorite of mine is the raspberry cake topped with chocolate raspberry frosting

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

Just your average cupcake from the outside, but filled with delicious goodness inside, like my lemonade cupcakes filled with lemon curd!  Always full of surprises, and hey- when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade!

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Chocolate mini cupcakes with mint buttercream frosting, banana mini cupcakes with honey cinnamon buttercream frosting, and coconut mini cupcakes with coconut buttercream frosting and coconut shreds.

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.

New T-Shirt Design~

Click for full-size

So we took your advice and added a date! Whatcha think? This will be printed on the t-shirt colors mentioned in the previous post.

Meet the Judges: Robin

One of the Judges for CupcakeCampDC 2010 is Robin. She's an avid SCUBA diver and at home with the sea, sun, and sand. You can find her on twitter as @FrostinaDC.

Tell us a little about yourself

I work as Defense Policy Analyst, which is my passion and my paycheck. I enjoy attending local events and leveraging social media tools to connect and educate people.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

My favorite cupcakes are almond cake with butter cream frosting. I've always loved the smell and taste of sweet almond oil and over the years I have found a few cupcake shops which sell this delicious little treat.

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

I'd say coconut cream. I'm an avid SCUBA diver and try to make it down to the Caribbean a few times a year. So my flavor palette always enjoys coconut.

What is your favorite local cupcake place?

Bake Shop VA (@Bakeshopva) is my favorite cupcake place. For many reasons including they sell may favorite type of cupcake and the owner Justin is always around to greet guests and discuss his scrumptious
cupcakes.

What is it about cupcakes that you like?

I have always had a slight addiction to cake, or more realistically frosting. Over the years I realized that I was able, without the control to stop myself, to eat whole cake myself. Therefore, I have found that cupcakes allow me to have just a taste of heaven, that is when I can refrain from buying a dozen.

Baker Spotlight: Megan

Megan comes from a family of bakers. Her mom makes awesome gourmet cookies, her sister is handy with making pies, and her grandmother made some awesome cake in her day!

Tell us about yourself

I work in government consulting and my true love is cooking. I am a Top Chef wannabe, and I cook dinner pretty regularly for someone who lives in DC. I realize that baking can technically be considered cooking. Other than that, I run, read the latest cooking magazines, and mark up the pages of things I want from cooking catalogs.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

I have never met a cupcake that I didn't like.

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you?

Strawberry, because it was my grandmother's favorite, and I am of course her favorite grandchild, just kidding.  I just think it describes a lot of my past and who I am. 

What is your favorite local cupcakery?

Frosting in Friendship Heights...one word: Snowflake.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Breakfast cupcakes (cinnamon swirl, maple syrup icing, and bacon) and Lemon poppyseed cupcakes with lavendar honey icing

"Baker Spotlight" is an online featurette of bakers or bakeries that are participating in CupcakeCampDC.