CupcakeCamp Boston

FAQ

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:32:00 +0000

Below are responses to some questions we've received about CupcakeCamp.

Can I take cupcakes with me when I leave the event?
NO. Cupcakes are meant to be eaten inside the venue at the event. Anyone attempting to take cupcakes outside the event will have those cupcakes confiscated.

How does General Admission work?
General Admission is purchased at the door. You MUST bring cash if you did not purchase a VIP ticket (No bills over $20). We cannot accept any other form of payment. General Admission is first come-first served. The line forms quickly.

Will there be gluten-free/vegan cupcakes at CupcakeCamp?
Bakers have registered to bring gluten-free and vegan cupcakes. We have asked them to label these clearly, but we personally cannot vouch for the ingredients.

What else will be available at the event?
Milk will be for sale at the Armory bar. Beer and wine will be for sale for guests 21+.

Parking?
Parking is available on the street or in lots located at 112 Central Street and 75 Belmont Street (after 6pm).

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Jade from Wicked Sweet Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:04:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
I began to enjoy baking at a young age. I loved the anticipation of my sweet creations and making a big mess in my parent’s kitchen. However only in the last few years after being inspired by a friend did I begin to really focus on baking and cake decorating.

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Cupcakes. They can be spur of the moment magic or very detailed little works of art. I love creating new cupcake flavors inspired by someone’s favorite candy bar, gourmet dessert and my absolute favorite is making cocktail inspired cupcakes. Best of Both Worlds!

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
A multi tiered fondant covered birthday cake that I made last weekend. It was my first attempt at a multi tiered fondant covered cake and I was literally exhausted when dropping it off to the party on Sunday morning. I had wonderful reviews of the cake – design and taste which eased my tired arms.

What is your favorite ingredient?
My favorite ingredient is Honey. It is such a delicate yet wonderful taste.

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
I pull recipes together from multiple locations but my favorites are from by old Betty Crocker cookbook and epicurious.com. I usually take the cake section from one recipe and the frosting recipe from another and then add a little bit extra to really push the envelope of the recipe.

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Wicked Sweet Creations

How long have you been blogging?
Not very long and the blog is under a total redesign.

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
My cupcakes – My Pink Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream!

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Pink Strawberry Champagne Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream and Carrot Cake Cupcakes with White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.

Feel free to include any additional information about yourself, your baking, your favorite baking story, etc
My name is Jade Giacoppo resident of Somerville (Union Square area). I love baking, face painting, and party planning. I love being able to create a sense of magic and awe to a child or adult. I can take an idea and make it come to life. My blog that is under construction will be for party planning, cupcakes and face painting services for both child and adult parties, private and corporate events.

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Christina from All's Fare Food Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 18 May 2012 01:53:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
Umm, since I was a teenager. It’s always been my stress relief. During exam times in high school and college, I would always make cookies or brownies. Now, when I have a stressful day at the office, I come home and make a couple dozen cupcakes to feed my co-workers or my wonderful husband!

What is your favorite thing to bake?
What else? Cupcakes!

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
A caramel apple cheesecake. It was my first cheesecake ever. My husband and I had just moved into a new apartment and I was learning the stove and oven. First, my cheesecake rose really high in the oven – nearly touching the heating element – and it freaked me out. Then, when I was trying to make the caramel topping, I learned the lesson that “butter burns.” I soon found out we have a very good smoke alarm system in our apartment!

What is your favorite ingredient?
I love using weird ingredients – like vegetables in desserts and then people don’t know they’re good for them. For instance, the other day I made cookie dough dip that was dairy-free, sugar-free and made with cannellini beans. But, it tasted wicked amazing! I’ve also had great luck with beet cupcakes. I just think people need more veggies in their lives.

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
I LOVE my America’s Test Kitchen cookbook. I’m a kinda big nerd so I love all the science behind why things work in the kitchen or the different chemical reactions in foods. Whenever, I’m looking for a good starting point, I pull out that cookbook. Recently, I’ve found tons of great recipes through Pinterest. It’s a food lover’s paradise!

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
All's Fare Food Blog

How long have you been blogging?
Oh wow, a trip down memory lane! It will be two years in July. It came in quite handy when I lost my job in Aug. 2010. Now, that I’m fully employed again and, unfortunately, dealing with some health issues, I haven’t been able to give it as much attention to as I’ve hoped in the past six months.

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
I would probably have to say my Chocolate Zucchini Cuppies with Peanut Butter Frosting. It was the only time I’ve seen people hoard my baked goods! I guess once I get zucchini in this year’s CSA crops, I’ll be making that one a few times.

Are you on Twitter? If so, what is your Twitter name?
@crelacion - It’s full of random food links and Disney love. I’m a huge Disney fan! (Some would say freakishly so). But, there’s a lot of Disney food porn on my blog, too.

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Going along with my theme of weird ingredients – I’m making Chocolate Mashed Potato cupcakes with a chocolate buttercream and topped with chocolate-dipped potato chips. I made them last week for my co-workers and they exclaimed it was the best frosting they’ve ever tasted and that the cake was super moist. I hope people will like them as much as the folks I work with!

Feel free to include any additional information about yourself, your baking, your favorite baking story, etc
I’m really excited to be a part of Cupcake Camp again this year. I was a bit intimidated last year – as I had just moved back to Massachusetts and didn’t feel that my baking was that good. But, I’ve taken the past year for tons of ideas and I hope it pays off. I can’t wait to connect with more bloggers and cupcake lovers out there. So, I hope you stop by and see me!

CupcakeCamp in the Boston Herald!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:01:00 +0000

Check out the piece on CupcakeCamp in the Boston Herald today! Many thanks to Kerry Byrne. Full article here.

Meet the Bakers: JannaBee's

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Another cupcake that I distinctly remember blowing me away at CupcakeCamp 2011 was the Banana Nut mini cupcake with cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with honey brittle dust from JannaBee's. Even if you think you don't like banana cake, you should try this. The cake was moist and caramel-y with tangy cream cheese frosting and a delightfully sweet honey brittle. Their signature bee decoration completes the presentation of these adorable mini cupcakes.

JannaBee's, founded in April of 2011, is a bake-to-order business co-owned by sisters Jannine Fisk and Bridget Collins. Jannine is an award-winning baker and Bridget is a professional pastry chef with twenty-five years of food service experience. This year, JannaBee's is bringing to CupcakeCamp their Chocolate Honey Mini Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Buttercream, above, and Raspberry Lime Rickey Mini Cupcakes.

In addition to cupcakes, JannaBee's does makes some fabulous cakes, brownies, cookies, pies and more. One of their most popular items is their Chocolate Peanut Butter Hullabaloo Bar, above. You can view their full offerings on their website and don't forget to check them out at CupcakeCamp 2012!

JannaBee's
Malden, MA

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Laurie from Food is Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:24:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
As long as I can remember! When I was little, I would stand on a chair at the counter and watch my mother. I always loved helping to decorate the sugar cookies for Chanukah.

What is your favorite thing to bake?
I love baking cakes with rich fillings and frostings.

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
I’d have to say the guitar birthday cake I made for my daughter’s six year old birthday party.

What is your favorite ingredient?
Butter! But bacon runs a close second.

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
Currently it’s Dorie Greenspan’s “Around my French Table”. I’ve been making my way through it with the other members of French Fridays with Dorie blog

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Food is Beautiful

How long have you been blogging?
I started blogging about motherhood almost nine years ago.

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
I suppose it would be my cakes

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Chocolate Nutella Cupcakes with Banana Buttercream

Feel free to include any additional information about yourself, your baking, your favorite baking story, etc
Here are pictures of a couple of my birthday cakes

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Jess from Cupcake Daydreams

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:33:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
I was always the smallest helper in both my Mother and Grandmother’s kitchens, so forever ever? Well, my passion for sweets was piqued a few years ago when started bringing gifts from the heart to holiday parties and such. I just didn’t want to bring another bottle of wine... The blog kicked off shortly after that when Cathy and I started an annual Halloween Cupcake Bar tradition at our office. The rest is history...

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Cheesecake. It’s one of first things my Mom taught me how to bake and continues to be one of the few things that I can make without measuring a single ingredient. Also, who doesn’t love something that needs a special pan?

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
A two tiered (three layers in each tier), two flavored, hibiscus flower-themed bridal shower cake (since then, cakes are only reserved for my four year old nephew’s birthday parties - that’s it). The baking part was fine, the fondant parts were painstaking and unforgiving and ended up not tasting as good as I wanted them to, but at least it was pretty...Seriously, I’m sticking to cupcakes from here on out.

What is your favorite ingredient?
Almonds, coconut and ginger. I like the sneaky ingredients that don’t punch you in the face with flavor, instead they leave you wondering “hmm - what was that amazing flavor?” Oh, and also any sort of alcohol - Stout makes chocolate cake pop. It’s just a fact.

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
I use Epicurious and Martha Stewart for recipe starters, then usually add my own twist. I also love Pinterest for decorating ideas!

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Cupcake Daydreams

How long have you been blogging?
April was our 1 year anniversary...aww - such a pup.

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
I’m not sure there’s one specific flavor, but I’d like to be known for having more personal (and delicious) touches in my cupcakes. I like to incorporate the recipient’s favorite flavors, beers, ingredients and superheros.

Are you on Twitter? If so, what is your Twitter name?
@cupcakedaydream

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Banana’s Foster Cupcakes and Chocolate Mocha Cupcakes. Yum!

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Jessica

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:29:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
I’ve been baking since I was a little girl, using boxed cake mixes and frozen cookie dough to make sweets for my mom’s church meetings. As I grew older, I started baking from scratch and it’s been a hobby ever since!

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Hmm, tough – cheesecake with cinnamon crust or my red velvet cupcakes

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
I took a pastry class and the chef taught us how to bake crème puffs. Since then, I’ve tried to make them on my own – not as good as I did in class!

What is your favorite ingredient?
I LOVE Mexican Vanilla Extract – I received it as a gift and hoped it would never run empty!

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
PINTEREST, lol. The pictures, oh my!

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
My signature goodies are my red velvet cupcakes.

Are you on Twitter? If so, what is your Twitter name?
@Jeska1109

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Those red velvet cupcakes.

Feel free to include any additional information about yourself, your baking, your favorite baking story, etc
My little sister Janice and I are ready to be a part of this baking world and are excited about what’s in store!

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Melinda from Sugar High Baking

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:58:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
In the past few years, my baking has reached a new high. I started baking back in elementary school but really got the “itch” after I settled into my first home.

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Without a doubt, my favorite things to bake are cupcakes. I love experimenting with new recipes, flavor combinations and decorations.

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
The most challenging thing I’ve tried to bake to date – soufflé. I can’t seem to nail the timing and my soufflés tend to fall after cooling. I’m going to keep trying though!

What is your favorite ingredient?
I love citrus flavors. Citrus taste clean and refreshing! I love incorporating those flavors into my frostings for a little “kick.”

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
Though I still adore the Hello, Cupcake and What’s New Cupcake books, my recent trend has been following David Lebovitz’s blogs and reading his cookbooks. His chocolate recipes alone are worth the trip to Google.

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Sugar High Baking

How long have you been blogging?
I started blogging in March 2011. I wish I had time to make it a full-time obsession, but unfortunately, I have a day job!

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
My Key Lime Cupcakes are a big hit with family and friends right now. I’ve been told they are “the best [I’ve] ever made” so perhaps that will be my new sensational hit!

Are you on Twitter? If so, what is your Twitter name?
@Melinda_Lynne

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
I am going to be testing out some of my citrus cupcake recipes on the crowd. I am bringing my Key Lime Cupcakes, Lemon Zest Cupcakes and if I can find some in-season blood oranges at the grocer, an Orange Chocolate Cupcake.

Feel free to include any additional information about yourself, your baking, your favorite baking story, etc

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Jack

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:52:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
All my life. I started cooking and baking with my Mother over 40 years ago.

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Chocolate Chip Cookies. I have many variations with “secret ingredients” as my family calls them.

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
Anything from my Mother’s recipes. I’ve never been able to match her cooking.

What is your favorite ingredient?
Vanilla… I almost always use more than a recipe calls for.

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
The internet... Blogs have been my greatest source of recipes and inspiration.

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Not yet... Haven’t had the time that it takes to really blog.

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
We’re back to my cookies... My own recipe for chocolate chip cookies… it’s a secret… but I share it... LOL

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting… and Vanilla cupcakes with vanilla buttercream... It is my first time at camp so I thought I would stay classic.

Feel free to include any additional information about yourself, your baking, your favorite baking story, etc
I am a 50 yo father of 3 grown boys, I have always cooked and baked for my family. I am also a professional Firefighter and enjoy cooking for my guys at the station.

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Sara from Chompzone

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:47:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
I’ve been baking for more than a decade.

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Cupcakes – of course!

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
I recently had to give up gluten for health reasons. Gluten free baking is challenging but with persistence and practice, I’ve learned to master the different flours.

What is your favorite ingredient?
High quality vanilla and chocolate – it makes a huge difference!

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
I love anything written by Julia Child and Erin McKenna (author of Baby Cake cookbooks and owner of the bakery by the same name). I’m also a huge fan of the blogosphere and Epicurious.

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
www.chompzone.com

How long have you been blogging?
I’ve been food blogging for about 4.5 years.

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
Definitely cupcakes.

Are you on Twitter? If so, what is your Twitter name?
@saranoonan

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Gluten Free Shirley Temple cupcakes. When I was growing up, my grandmother used to take my brother and I to a restaurant that served Shirley Temples. We’d always order them with extra maraschino cherries. When I discovered they could be made in cupcake form (and gluten free to boot!) I was ecstatic. The best part is you can’t even tell they’re gluten free!

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Liz from EatingPlaces

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:15:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
I’ve been baking with my mom and sister since I was very young

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies are my favorite. I love to eat half the batter before I bake them and they’re easy to share.

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
Sourdough bread using my own starter. I tried to make it work for so many days, but in the end I had a terrible hard clump of “bread”

What is your favorite ingredient?
I love coconut and vanilla for baking.

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
Nigella Lawson has the best baking recipes. When I cook I rarely use a recipe – I open my fridge and use what I see!

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
EatingPlaces

How long have you been blogging?
A little over four years (some as a travel blogger, others as a food blogger)

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
My aunt’s banana bread (I add chocolate chips) – but it’s her recipe, so I’d rather she be known for it!

Are you on Twitter? If so, what is your Twitter name?
@EatingPlaces

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
I will be baking tres leches cupcakes

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Colleen from What's Baking in the Barbershop?

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 12 May 2012 01:09:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
Since I was little! I loved to bake in the kitchen with my mom and sister when I was young. And now I’m nearing 30…

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Cookies or cupcakes! That’s a tough one.

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
The most challenging thing I’ve baked wasn’t really a thing, but an experience! I was making three different kinds of cupcakes and baking/decorating several dozen sugar cookies for a friend’s bridal shower. The recipes themselves weren’t difficult to make, but I took on quite a lot for just one person to do in my tiny little kitchen in one day!

What is your favorite ingredient?
For baking, it’s chocolate chips.

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
I love Cooking Light – the magazine and website.

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
What's Baking in the Barbershop?

How long have you been blogging?
2.5 years

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
I have become “known” for my cake mix cookies. Every baker needs a go-to, shortcut recipe, and cake mix cookies are mine!

Are you on Twitter? If so, what is your Twitter name?
@BarbershopBakes

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Oreo-stuffed chocolate stout cupcakes with kahlua cream cheese frosting.

Meet the Bakers: The Frosted Cupcake Bakery

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 11 May 2012 09:30:00 +0000

Today we're giving you a look at The Frosted Cupcake Bakery who will be participating in CupcakeCamp for their second time. Based out of Mendon, MA, Tracey McGrath started The Frosted Cupcake after receiving rave reviews for the cupcakes she made for her daughter's first birthday. She started making them for friends and family events, and in December 2010, officially opened as The Frosted Cupcake Bakery.

In setting up her own baking business, Tracey tried out 20-30 recipe variations to find the one that produced a cupcake that stayed moist. She wanted to be sure that her cupcakes looked good, and of course tasted good too. Her hard work has paid off. This, she won best dessert at the Taste of Metrowest. Tracey hopes to open up a storefront soon in the Framingham/Natick area. Below, a look at some of Tracey's cupcakes.

Fluffernutter- Vanilla cake with marshmallow fluff center and peanut butter buttercream. This is a peanut butter lover's dream, with a hefty dose of frosting and an airy fluff filling.

Red Velvet- red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. I usually only like red velvet for the cream cheese frosting, but this cake is fabulous. The flavor is delightful, more chocolatey than red velvet tends to be, with a nicely sweet cream cheese frosting.

Key Lime Pie- key lime cupcake topped with vanilla buttercream and crushed graham cracker crust

Chocolate Strawberry- Chocolate cupcake topped with strawberry buttercream and a milk chocolate drizzle.

Tracey is expanding her meny offerings to nearly 60 flavors, some year round and some seasonal. Check out The Frosted Cupcake at CupcakeCamp!

The Frosted Cupcake Bakery
Mendon, MA

Meet the Bakers: Well Baked Goods

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:00 +0000

Today, we introduce to you a baker who, since the last CupcakeCamp, has made the transition from amateur to professional baker. There are thousands of cupcakes at CupcakeCamp, so a cupcake has to be really good to stand out from the crowd. Days after CupcakeCamp 2011, I still remembered a certain Bananas Foster cupcake made by an amateur baker. That baker was Adam Ross, and he recently started up his own baking business, Well Baked Goods. Below, a sneak peek at what Well Baked Goods has in store for CupcakeCamp this year.

The infamous Bananas Foster- Banana cake with caramelized banana filling and cinnamon mascarpone buttercream. The caramelized banana is definitely my favorite part of this cupcake.

S'more- Graham cracker cupcake with a dark chocolate ganache center and marshmallow frosting. The cake here is buttery, with a rich graham flavor. Dark is an understatement when it comes to the filling. It is intensely dark and is the perfect contrast to the light and smooth marshmallow frosting. The three components together truly taste like a s'more, albeit, probably the best one you've ever had.

Southern Apple Pie- Vanilla bean cake, apple cheddar filling, whipped cream and candied bacon bits. The cake is soft in texture and flecked with real vanilla bean. It's a mix of savory and sweet and a far cry from your traditional cupcake.

You can see more of Well Baked's offerings here and don't forget to check them out at CupcakeCamp! May 21st at Arts at the Armory.

Well Baked Goods
http://www.wellbakedgoods.com
Somerville, MA

Purchase VIP Tickets to CupcakeCamp and support Lovin' Spoonfuls!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:28:00 +0000

Purchase your VIP Tickets here! In past years, if you wanted first pick at the cupcakes, you had to arrive extra early and wait in line. This year, we're doing things differently. Purchasing a VIP ticket ahead of time will allow you early entry, and the awesome privilege of skipping the line. You'll have exclusive access to the cupcakes plus some sweet swag from our awesome sponsors, Whole Foods Market and The Great Boston Cupcake Crawl . Proceeds from ticket sales benefit local hunger relief organization, Lovin' Spoonfuls. Come eat cupcakes and support a great cause!

Learn more and purchase your tickets at http://cupcakecampbos.eventbrite.com

CupcakeCamp 2012!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

SAVE THE DATE!! CupcakeCamp Boston 2012 is May 21st at Arts at the Armory. We are thrilled to welcome Whole Foods as our event sponsor this year. As always, the event will feature thousands of cupcakes from both professional and amateur bakers. If you plan to bring cupcakes, you must register in advance.

Professional bakers and bakeries can register here.

Amateur bakers can register here.

Questions? Feel free to email us at cupcakecampboston@gmail.com

CupcakeCamp 2011 in the Somerville Patch

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:01:00 +0000

Hundreds of Locals Attend Cupcake Expo in Somerville Wednesday Night

By Clara Ciminelli

On Wednesday night over 770 cupcake lovers flocked to the Center of the Arts at the Armory in Somerville for the second annual CupcakeCamp Boston. Twenty local bakeries and fifty amateur bakers from around the Greater Boston area came out to peddle their delicious wares.

Event founder Elizabeth Ginsburg put it simply: “CupcakeCamp Boston is a free and open gathering of cupcake enthusiasts,” she said. A blogger for FreeFoodBoston, Ginsburg first experienced CupcakeCamp in New York City in 2009 and decided she wanted to bring the event to Boston. Camps are held in various cities across the country, and anyone can volunteer to organize one for their community.

Click to read the full article

It's Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:16:00 +0000

Are you ready? The fun starts at 7pm tonight.

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Jen @ BeantownBaker.com

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:34:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
10 years

What is your favorite thing to bake?
That's a tough one. I definitely go through phases. Right now I'm on a big layer cake phase, because they're complicated and "special" but I love a great brownie recipe any day of the week!

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
Hard to say... Maybe my first yeast bread just because yeast used to scare the crap out of me.

What is your favorite ingredient?
My homemade vanilla extract

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
Cooks Illustrated

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Beantown Baker

How long have you been blogging?
Almost 4 years

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
I think I'm known for my cupcakes (and the snapware container that I carry them in!)

Are you on Twitter? If so, what is your Twitter name?
@beantownbaker

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes

Feel free to include any additional information about yourself, your baking, your favorite baking story, etc
My Hubby recently took a new job. I ran into his old boss the other day. His old boss said he thinks the group misses my baked goods more than they miss Hubby. I promised not to tell Hubby that story!

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Mindy Langweiler

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 04:08:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
About 10 years

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Anything sweet!

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
Baklava...don't think I'll ever get the hang of it!

What is your favorite ingredient?
Sugar!

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
Hello, Cupcake!

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Sugar High

How long have you been blogging?
2 months

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
Fun cakes and cupcakes

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Cookies and Cream Cupcakes

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Joyce (aka BCAllegra)

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:08:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
Since 5th grade

What is your favorite thing to bake?
It changes from month to month - I'm currently into scones! For April, I'll obviously be trying some new cupcake recipes and I'm thinking about desserts for Easter, perhaps even a coconut cream pie?

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
I've been on a mission to conquer cheesecake in the past couple of years - an ancient oven in the past resulted in scorched exteriors and undercooked centers. Recent attempts have resulted in more of a mousse-y texture - I vow to make the firm, silken cheesecake of my dreams this year!

What is your favorite ingredient?
I love almond flavoring as a special ingredient for cookies and glazes

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
Google! It helps me discover other baking blogs . Obviously, Smitten Kitchen and The Pioneer Woman are also favorites, and locally, Beantown Baker!

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Boston Chomper

How long have you been blogging?
2.5 years

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
As boring as it sounds, I think I'm really known for my cookies. I like to say I have the repertoire of a really good bake sale mom - my most requested cookies are oatmeal cranberry cookies; cranberry, pistachio and white chocolate chip cookies; ginger hermits; and chocolate chip blondies.

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Chocolate Black Bottom Cupcakes (old favorite)
Brown Sugar Praline Cupcakes (new recipe)

Feel free to include any additional information about yourself, your baking, your favorite baking story, etc
I've been called the half-Asian Martha Stewart by friends and family.

Actually, it's because of my Korean mother that I was inspired to bake -Simply because she is incredibly bad at it! I say this with love and without blame, realizing that she didn't grow up with American sweets.

I started baking in the fifth grade for class projects. Imagine cupcakes with pyramids on top (in actuality, red hots forming a triangle) to accompany a report on Egypt. Pitiful, I know. Despite this unauspicious start, I did progress to making Swedish nut wafer cookies (from the Fannie Farmer cookbook) for a report on - you guessed it - Sweden!

Fast forward to the present. Baking is such a big part of my life that my then-boyfriend, now-husband proposed with a cake, decorated to match my blog and with the words "Will You Marry Me?" across the top.

So that's me in a nutshell - half-Korean, avid baker, newlywed and blogger!

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Kat Keenan

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:08:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
3 Years

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Any type of cake with fondant- I make homemade fondant from a recipe that I found online, which uses a bag of marshmallows instead of the gelatin... so the fondant tastes as good as the cake!

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
Baklava- a Mediterranean pastry made of layers of filo pastry dough filled with chocolate, butter, and chopped nuts, or syrup and honey. This recipe was tricky because you had to make sure none of the layer of filo dough ripped... but it ended up turning out great

What is your favorite ingredient?
banana

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
Hello Cupcakes!

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Kat Eats Cake

How long have you been blogging?
only 3 weeks

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
Cake pops!!!
Little bit size cake balls rolled up, covered in chocolate, and placed on a stick YUM

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
Chocolate Oreo cupcakes- filled with a creamy marshmallow filling
Decorated with Oreo sunflowers

Feel free to include any additional information about yourself, your baking, your favorite baking story, etc
Im a 16 year old amateur baker:
Here is another one of my creations- "Cookie Dough Filled Cupcakes"
Chocolate chip cookie dough cake, filled with egg-free cookie dough, topped with brown sugar frosting, and a giant chocolate chip cookie

Meet the Amateur Bakers - Nina Colon

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:08:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
1 Year

What is your favorite thing to bake?
Apple Crisp, It's so delicious and comforting and makes the entire house smell absolutely amazing.

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
Crusts, something about the delicate nature of the butter and flour and trying not to have everything stick but also not too dry is a bit challenging but so amazingly worth it when you get it right.

What is your favorite ingredient?
Butter!

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
I love The Silver palate cookbook.

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
Kitty Cupcakes

How long have you been blogging?
About three months or so.

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
Chocolate Croissants. Once I've mastered them, that is. ;)

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
I'm bringing traditional cucpakes, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Vanilla Bean Cupcakes, and Chocolate Peanutbutter Cupcakes.

Meet the Amateur Bakers - josiebean

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:44:00 +0000

How long have you been baking?
all my life :)

What is your favorite thing to bake?
cupcakes! of course. but also regular cakes, cookies, brownies, and the occasional pie.

What is the most challenging thing you've ever baked?
homemade apple pie. not the actual filling, but just that damn crust. when i finally put it all together it came out amazing, though. hard work does pay off!

What is your favorite ingredient?
alcohol!

What is your favorite cookbook or recipe resource?
Google is a wonderful haven of new recipes

Do you have a blog? If so what is the URL?
what's on the scene, josiebean?

How long have you been blogging?
on and off for like, 3 years?

What is the one baked good you're know for or would like to be known for?
i'm honestly not the best baker, and to be truthful i wouldn't even call myself the biggest cupcake fan (i know, huge gasp). however i do love the way cupcakes look and all the creative spins you can put in making them. thus, my love for making baked goods and trying out new recipes for cupcakes would probably be my forte.

Are you on Twitter? If so, what is your Twitter name?
@josieboston

What will you be baking for Cupcake Camp?
probably my Kahlua cupcakes with a Kahlua infused chocolate ganache and/or my devil's food cupcakes with a hidden Reese's pb cup inside and homemade pb frosting.