CupcakeCamp DC: baker spotlight

Friday, October 4, 2013

Baker Spotlight: Janvier from Sweet Treats Cupcakery

Sweet Treats is your solution to elegant indulgence. Since 2009, they have been satisfying the sweet tooth of the DMV area with the best homemade cupcakes, cakes, cookies, truffles and other treats. They use fresh and wholesome ingredients and everything is made from scratch. They cater weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers and many more. Or you can just treat yourself with the most scrumptious and delicious cupcakes ever made. Like your Grandma's cake with a touch of simple elegance.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in the kitchen with my Mom and my GrandMa. I've been cooking and baking ever since I was 4 years old. So it's in my nature. The kitchen is my special place where I make fabulous-ness happen. I love watching cooking channels and reading cookbooks. I am very creative and detail oriented. So every cupcake that I make has to be perfect for you.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

My favorite type of cupcake is my Grandmas Banana Spice cupcake that I top with cream cheese frosting and fill and drizzle with caramel. It's also delicious without the fixings. Either way, I love it.

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

If I were to describe myself as a cupcake, it would have to be my favorite Banana Spice cupcake. Warm and homey flavors. Caramel like myself and just so darn sweet and yummy! Yep. That's me.

What is your other favorite local cupcakery?

There's only one place where the cupcakes are delicious other than mine, and that's Sprinkles Cupcakery! They're good.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

I am bringing the Best RED VELVET cupcakes you'll ever taste! Topped elegantly with a Chocolate Ferrero Rocher candy. These are like none other. Just wait and see.

Baker Spotlight: Crunkcakes

Faith Alice is a bartender and the owner/Master Baker of Crunkcakes, the orignial booze infused cupcakes. Crunkcakes are DC's original booze infused cupcakes. Here to give you cavities and liver damage at the same time, these sweet treats pack a 21+ punch. The cupcakes are infused with alcohol after they are baked, making them far more bad ass than what is available to you in Georgetown. Crunkcakes are available at The Pug, The Star and Shamrock and Black Whiskey, and also through private order.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Boozy tres leches

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

nfused with booze, sweet but can knock you on your ass, just like a Crunkcake.

What is your other favorite local cupcakery?

I don't go to very many cupcake shops but I do recall liking everything I have tried at Hello Cupcake.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

A mix of booze infused flavors including Irish Car Bomb, Birthday Blackout and maybe a few more.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Baker Spotlight: The Happy Tart

The Happy Tart believes that gluten free and delicious belong in the same category. They have lovingly transformed Classic French Pastries into gluten free versions. All of their creations are made from scratch, in a gluten free kitchen, using eggs, butter, cream, premium chocolate, fruit, and unique blends of 100% gluten free flours. Imagine, delicate crisp cookies with a creamy filling, luscious layered mousse cakes, lofty meringues, dense fudgey brownies with an irresistible ganache glaze, and smooth custards nestled in a flaky, buttery, tart shell.

Tell us about yourself

We have all heard the phrase “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. I took this pithy wisdom to heart when I discovered I was gluten intolerant while attending the Professional Pastry Arts program at L’Academie de Cuisine. Like most people who discover they are gluten intolerant, my first thoughts were for all the pastry treats I would no longer be able to eat. This was doubly difficult while attending culinary school and preparing delectable French Pastries day in and day out. After a day or two of self pity, I became determined to convert the French Pastries I made at school into gluten free versions. I have spent the past year researching and baking and tasting and researching again, to come up with gluten free French pastries. My dream upon entering culinary school was to open a French Bakery. I am delighted therefore, to be the owner of The Happy Tart, a gluten-free Patisserie.

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

I am more of a tart...

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Spice Cupcake with Ginger Cream Cheese Frosting topped with Candied Ginger

Baker Spotlight: Sweet n Delicious

Sweet n Delicious offers freshly baked and heavenly handcrafted cake pops and mini cupcakes throughout the DMV. Each and every order is carefully put together because the most important thing to them is satisfaction. It’s not about how many orders they can complete but the quality of taste it consists of which is what keeps our clients happy and wanting more! Presentation is key but knowing that you will possibly be dreaming of their moist cake pops and mini cupcakes is pure satisfaction. After all, they just want to make sure you Live Life One Cake Pop at a Time!

Tell us about yourself

Sweet n Delicious was established in 2012 by Damara aka-Mara who later partnered up with her younger sister Lamara. Not only are our names extremely creative and rhythmic, Thanks Mom and Dad, but so is our work ethic. Although we are separated by a 9 year age gap, our bond is irreplaceable which makes working together a lot easier.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Chocolate Cupcake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting –Mara
Vanilla Cupcake with Chocolate Hazelnut Frosting –Lamara

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

We see ourselves as the modest cupcake that delicately sits on its own just waiting for somebody to give them a try and once they do they’re overcome with a burst of flavor and absolute bliss. You walk into a bakery and are just in awe of all of the selections available. You eventually go for the overly frosted and decorated item simply because it looks pretty and if its pretty it’s going to be delicious right? Unfortunately, that isn’t the case well most of the time. It’s always that one simply frosted cupcake that ends up being the most DELICIOUS piece of heaven (literally).

What is your other favorite local cupcakery?

We like Georgetown Cupcakes

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Mini Sweet Potato Cupcakes

Baker Spotlight: Joel (CupcakeCampDC's 2012 Winner!)

Joel has been baking cupcakes for 3 years now and has won a few competitions. Known for creating complex flavor profiles, Joel prides himself in turning the weirdest ingredients into a sweet delicacy. Joel loves food, and is a better cook than baker. Through years of practicing, Joel has perfected his baking skills and is a firm believer in "Scratch". The kitchen is his lab, and the consumer are his test subjects. Joel thinks outside of the box and is always thinking of new creations. Joel is known for his Chicken & Waffle Cupcakes. His goal is to take any ingredient and incorporate it in a cupcake.

Tell us about yourself

I am an IT Consultant for a medium sized consulting firm and a part-time graduate student at University of Maryland. I have a serious love for food which dates back to me as a child watching Julia Child on television. I got into baking only because I wanted to surprise his girlfriend with a Valentine's Day cake years ago. The cake was such a hit with her and her family that l looked into perfecting my baking
skills. I am also a cake artist, and design different cakes for various occasions.

When I'm not at work, school, or baking, I like to venture out and eat at restaurants as well as play video games. I enjoy reading Financial newspapers, and loves to talk business. I'm a thinker and I'm always figuring out how to create new flavor combinations. My cupcakes tend to be complex, building different layers of flavor. I'm a fierce competitor, and always looking for a challenge. I consider myself to be a food authority, and love to fatten up my friends with good food and tasty desserts.

Fun Fact: I go by the nickname "Buttercream" which was given to him by my friends Robin and Mimi because I purchased a substantial amount of extracts to flavor my buttercreams for all of my cupcakes.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

My favorite cupcake has to have different levels of flavor and complexity. I like a flavored cake with a complimentary filling, and a buttercream that brings it all together

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

I would be a complex cupcake with big and bold flavors that attacks the taste buds at first sight.

What is your other favorite local cupcakery?

My favorite would have to be Baked & Wired. The cupcakes are BIG and BOLD with a ton of flavor.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

I'm planning on bringing a cupcake that will turn heads and defy the odds. This cupcake will be infused with alcohol and it will taste like the drink itself. This cupcake will be for adults only, but I'll have some non-alcoholic versions of the same cupcake. This cupcake is the Capt & Coke Cupcake made with REAL 100% Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. You will taste the liquor...TRUST ME!

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Baker Spotlight: Pink Piggy Sweets

Pink Piggy Sweets® is an online bakery serving Loudoun County and the surrounding DC-MD-VA metropolitan area. The bakery uses organic ingredients in their made-from-scratch sweets! They bake cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cake pops and push pops customized for all occasions. They also offer nut-free, gluten-free and vegan sweets. Best of all, they deliver to your front door! Decorating classes are also available for the taking. It’s their first year participating in Cupcake Camp DC!

Tell us about yourself

LaTanya is no “new cookie” to the baking world. She comes from a long line of southern cooks. She spent many years making scratch cakes for her friends and co-workers. In 2009, she decided it was time to share the sweetness with others but this time--as a business. Pink Piggy Sweets® was officially opened in 2010. LaTanya was a systems engineer by day and the “trot” behind Pink Piggy Sweets at night. After 18 years as a Systems Engineer, LaTanya was recently laid off from work and now she can "trot" at full speed doing what she loves to do best--baking!

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

LaTanya’s favorite cupcake is a good plain ‘ole vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream.

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

A vanilla cupcake with a nice tart lemon filling and a smooth limoncello frosting.

What is your other favorite local cupcakery?

er favorite local cupcakery is Sprinkles! When she finds the time to go, she grabs a strawberry cupcake.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Our B-side Cupcake. A scrumptiously moist chocolate cupcake with a smooth whipped vanilla buttercream frosting topped with a special sugar decoration.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Baker Spotlight: Inayah

Tell us about yourself

I started baking a few years ago. Believe it or not, I was the type to burn everything but all of a sudden, something in my head clicked and I've been baking these little delicacies since!

I believe that food is a medium for us to share ourselves with others. Being able to express myself in my baking has become an important aspect of my life, as well as, seeing the joy in others when they experience something made with my own two hands. My family calls me Ini at home as a pet name and so I created "Ini Mini Cakes" as a hobby to share my sweet talent. I hope that my cupcake conveys the care and love that goes into each of my desserts.

"This is my story, now is my moment... I'll laugh, I'll sing and I'll BAKE!"

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

I love any cupcake that is creative and with a filling!

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

If you had to describe yourself as a cupcake, how would you? I think of my self as Small, Sweet and full of surprises so a Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake with a Jalapeño Jelly Cream Cheese Filling!

What is your other favorite local cupcakery?

It's not a cupcakery but Alexandria Cake Pop Company has the best tasting cake pops in the world!

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

French Vanilla Coffee Creme Brulee Cupcakes

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Baker Spotlight: Tess

Tess has baked for Cupcake Camp DC every year since its inauguration in 2010. After winning “crowd favorite” in 2010, she has been itching for a comeback. Based on the sheer histrionic enthusiasm from her sugar-addled friends and coworkers, this year seems promising.

Tell us about yourself

I am a do-gooder international type who loves food like most people love their family. I combine my two greatest passions – public service and baking – by testing all of my cupcake creations on my ravenous coworkers. After six years in DC, the demand for a sweet escape from government bureaucracy is only growing. Not to shortchange my family, I’m also an expert on long distance cupcake transportation (see: wedging a carrier on the floor of my 1994 Toyota Corolla for a cool 300 miles).

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Although as impossible to choose a favorite cupcake as a favorite child, it goes without saying that anything with sour cream or buttermilk in the batter is an integral part of any international peace process.

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

My peach, blueberry and thyme cupcakes: Interesting, sweet and just the right amount of weird.

What is your other favorite local cupcakery?

I’m very loyal to delicious, high quality cupcakes delivered with warmth and kindness by people who laugh at all my bad jokes. For that, you can’t beat Alexandria Cupcake or Buzz.

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Apparently, my coworkers are conducting a vote on the flavor. I think I give them too much agency.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Baker Spotlight: Bakehouse

BakeHouse is a bakery and coffee shop in the 14th and T NW neighborhood. Their products rotate seasonally, and they always look forward to developing new flavor combinations and revisiting familiar favorites in the form of brioches, cupcakes, scones, biscuits, cookies, tarts, macarons ... oh, my!
They also have breakfast rolls, quiches, vegan & gluten-free soups, freshly prepared lunch sandwiches, hot or cold-brewed coffees or an expertly crafted espresso drink made with ethically sourced, locally roasted beans as well as a wide selection of teas.

Tell us about yourself

BakeHouse is the brainchild of husband and wife team Niall Cooper and Lindsey Morse. Their dream of opening a bakery began back in 2007 when they moved to the secluded island of South Georgia, in the southern Atlantic Ocean, to work in a small museum catering to visiting Antarctic cruise ships. They were thousands of miles from anywhere selling anything and found themselves faced with the possibility of living without freshly baked goodies.

Unwilling to give up such luxuries, Lindsey took to the ovens and started developing the recipes that would evolve over time to become BakeHouse staples.

Lindsey is an art historian turned baker and entrepreneur, who brings an aesthetic eye to all of her creations, and believes that it’s a wonderful thing to serve beautiful food in stylish surroundings.

Originally from Britain, Niall worked in museum management before establishing BakeHouse. He is a trained barista, although, being from the UK, Niall will always have a place in his heart for proper cup of tea.

What is your favorite type of cupcake?

Lindsey's favorite cupcake is a root beer float - a sassafras cake with vanilla bean frosting - because it's fun and just a little nostalgic. Niall's favorite season is fall, so he'll go for a pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese frosting and just a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top.

What is your other favorite local cupcakery?

Other favorite bakery in DC? "We really like Baked + Wired. Their chai cupcake is super!"

What cupcakes do you plan to bring to CupcakeCampDC?

Caramel Apple

Friday, September 17, 2010

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: 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: 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

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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

Monday, September 13, 2010

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.

Friday, September 10, 2010

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

Thursday, September 9, 2010

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

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

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).

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

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

Friday, July 30, 2010

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)

Monday, July 26, 2010

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.