I FINALLY MADE IT - A CUPCAKE ATM

So - yeah. I think the video says it all. I will add one comment though. Why are strawberry cupcakes not more mainstream? I would go so far as to ask the same question about strawberry frosting as well. I mean, I truly remember being a 70's kid and always wanting that strawberry frosting from the can. DELISH!! One does not see that around much when entering cupcake shops. Believe me, I know! You have your peanut butter (yuk!), chocolate, vanilla - all the standards. However, strawberry frosting and cake is really not being given enough attention. It's a First World Problem, for sure, but one that I would love to see fixed. :)

This cupcake ATM is at Disney Springs in the Walt Disney World Resort. I carried the cupcake around for a while, planning to eat it back at the hotel - but, no, it never made it. I could not find Mike so I sat down in the area where they take photographs and went to town. It was absolutely amazing!! Video is from the summer of 2018.

The Cupcakes That Got Away and "Cupcake Wars" - Winner #4!

I will admit that I am not a "blogger." I believe that true bloggers most likely update their blog every day or week instead of once or twice a year. I also believe that most bloggers have followers. I am pretty sure that I have none. That is not to say that my friends don't read my random posts, but who has time to keep up with all of the fabulous cupcakes that are out in the world?  I wish I could, but alas, not even a cupcake lover, such as myself, has the time - which brings me to this post. 

This post is about amazing cupcakes that I just never had the time to report.  It is not as if they were any less amazing than some of the other ones I have had. It is just that I don't have much free time to blog. However, there has been one cupcake that I have been thinking about for over a year. I truly have.  And here it is..........

It was December of 2014 and I was caroling in Milford, CT.  We knew that we had "a three hour tour" for their annual "Lamplighter Stroll," but what we did not know is that one of the stops on this stroll would be a "Cupcake Wars" winner. When my husband received the list of stores and he broke the news to me, it just was a face that I wish you could have seen.

We had some free time before we started, so I insisted that we make it our first stop and check it out before we sang.  This proved to be a very intelligent decision as I had a Christmas cupcake that to this day, I often think about.  It was a chocolate cupcake with vanilla peppermint frosting, and it is the the vanilla bean / peppermint frosting that has made me want to go back to Milford ever since.  You see, I am all about a good vanilla - a true vanilla - one where the beans are personally scrapped off and used. Yes, this is what this cupcake had going for it and every bit was like heaven.

If you are ever in Milford, CT, you need to check out Sweet Cupcasions.  The store is gorgeous, the owner delightful, and the cupcakes, perfection.  If you go, you will be very happy that you did!!!  http://www.sweetcupcasions.com  

You could also check out our caroling group, www.thevillagecarolers.com  (shameless plug)!

Brenda Belohoubek (soprano) and I at Sweet Cupcasions in Milford, CT

The next cupcake place that "got away" (and by that, I mean, got away from me reporting about it), is Billy's in New York City (three locations)  http://billysbakerynyc.com  My first experience with Billy's was a slice of what might have been the best carrot cake I have ever tasted. It was my sister's 40th birthday and said carrot cake by Billy's was on the menu.  It is also a treat that I have often though about when wishing I had a fabulous dessert.

I do not remember what I got that day, but I do recall that they also said some gluten free choices if that is your thing.  I go to the one in Chelsea, but they have locations in Tribeca and at The Plaza Food Hall on West 59th as well.  It is my personal opinion that NYC could never have too many cupcake shops!




Lastly, I was in a production of "Faust" last summer with Berks Opera (shout out to this fabulous company!)  http://www.berksopera.org

Of course, I mentioned my cupcake addiction / obsessions / problem (well, is it really???) to everyone.  To my surprise, the lead, tenor, James Valenti, showed up to rehearsal one day with cupcakes for us.  I feel terrible that I have lost the name of this shop, but when I find it, will be sure to update my blog.  In the meantime, you can check out this fabulous singer at http://jamesvalenti.com/

Thanks for the treats James. You know that opera singers love food, and I admit, I had one after the show and one on my drive home. I had intended to wait, but there is nothing like a red velvet to keep someone company on the road. :)

That brings me to 2016.  I did have an amazing Vegan Chocolate Raspberry cupcake from Whole Foods a week or two ago. I did not take a picture. I just sat in enjoyment of the glory that it was. I have starred at it a few times since when I am food shopping, but as this obsession does not make my waist line any smaller, I try to be good. :)

I wish you all a wonderful spring and summer, and remember, you only live once, eat dessert first, and make sure it is a cupcake!!!

- Suzy :)

SIMPLY SWEET DOES IT AGAIN AKA WHITE CHOCOLATE CHERRY HEAVEN!!!

One of my favorite places from which to get cupcakes is  "Simply Sweet" in Egg Harbor City, NJ. Not only are they extremely creative, their cupcakes look as gorgeous and they taste!

This past June, I had the pleasure of taking a friend of mine there to celebrate her birthday. I knew she would love it, but really did not know what would be in store.

Due to the many calories involved in a cupcake, it really has to be something different in order for me to eat it. I walked in the door, scanned the edible glitter, and then stopped - because they had me at "White Chocolate Cherry!" Oh my goodness, it was to die for!!!

I have to say that I have always been a little bit vanilla when it comes to flavors. In other words, I LOVE IT! I remember being told as a child that always choosing vanilla was a little bit boring, but I knew what I liked, and I still do!

Let me explain to the sensuousness of this incredible creation!  There is a cherry on the top and cherry filling in the middle. The cupcake is a vanilla flavor with a white chocolate frosting!  DONE!!!

White Chocolate Cherry Heaven

My friend ordered these two and left with the ones you see below.
Please take note of their artistry. They are all about the edible glitter!!!

Lastly, although this was one that I got on a previous trip to Simply Sweet, I am now all about the Tuttie Fruitti as well!!!Oh man, just looking at that makes me want one right now! It's a good thing they are not close or my diet would go out the door!

I have said it before and I will say it again - are they simply sweet or simply outstanding?  Take a visit and you be the judge!

http://simplysweetcupcakesnj.com/

My college roomie and friend - and now, fellow "Simply Sweet" cupcake lover!!!

FROM DC TO OHIO - HAVE CUPCAKE, WILL TRAVEL!

During July of 2014, my husband and I had the opportunity to sing at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. We had a job as Staff Singers at a church in Chestnut Hill, PA and they were doing a three day residency there. One afternoon, we decided to go to Georgetown for lunch and sightseeing. Little did I know that cupcakes would be a part of the adventure as well.

As we were walking along, I happened upon a place called "Georgetown Cupcakes."

I was very exited to have this added surprise to our day! :)

There was quite a wait, but it gave me a chance to read the various choices for when it was my time to order. To be honest, I am doing my best to limit my cupcake intake, because it could easily get out of control. This just means that I like to try something that is totally unique and outside of the box.  When looking at the choices though, there seemed to be a ton of vanilla and chocolate that day, which I am sure are delicious, but not worth the calories to me. However, I was NOT leaving without a cupcake (or two) :).  It was then that I saw a cookies and cream cupcake with a mocha icing!

Yes, I will say it, "OMG!!!!" This cupcake was so amazingly delicious, that I am glad I only bought one, because I could have eaten a few!  Oh man, I am a sucker for a GOOD mocha frosting and this was outstanding. What made it PERFECTION though was that the cookies and cream cupcake was moist. Having a dry cupcake is like eating sand (well, I assume it is, as I never have done that - as far as I can remember.)

The one on the left is the Cookies and Cream with the mocha frosting.
It was so amazing that you could just die and go to heaven when done,
or think you were there while eating it!
In fact, it was so delicious that I don't even remember what the coconut situation on the right was.

They are located in a few major cities and...........they have mail delivery.  It should also be noted that they have Vegan and Gluten Free options! Score!!! http://georgetowncupcake.com/
If you are ever in that area, it is a must!

___________________________________________________________________________________

The winner for "CUPCAKE CREATIVITY" on this trip though goes to a little place that I happened upon in a GEM of a town called, Chagrin Falls.

You see, my husband and I are fans of the movie, "A Christmas Story" and part of our summer trip was to see the house they used in the movie, as it was beautifully redone, with a museum and gift shop across the street.This is in Cleveland: http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/

Well, my husband is also a fan of "Calvin and Hobbes" and on a random / rare day that he took off from work, we watched a documentary about the author, Bill Waterson.  It showed that he was from an incredibly beautiful town called Chagrin Falls:  http://chagrin-falls.org/ We learned that it was not far from Cleveland at all, and as the waterfalls looked completely gorgeous and the town so quaint and peaceful, I said, "Let's go there too!"

While there, we learned that Chagrin Falls is the ONLY town to have that name in all of the USA! We spent some time at the Historical Society and then walked around the town square. I just have to add a photo of the Popcorn Shop because it is just too cute!!!

My wonderful husband in Chagrin Falls :)

Well, while walking along in a town this "Americana" and cute, of course one would expect it to have a Main Street - and of course, one would expect to find a cupcake shop there as well - which I did!!!

PLEASE go to their website and check out the creative flavors they have.  THIS is what cupcakes, for me, are about. They are not generic, they are works of art. Main Street Cupcakes had flavors such as:  Champagne and Raspberries, Cherry Float, Bubble Gum, Hippie Cake, Cup of Java, and Gingerbread Latte (to name a few).  I really could not decide and as I like to be "seasonal" with my flavors, I chose ones that reminded me of summertime:  Shirley Temple and Champagne and Raspberries.

Shirley Temple on the left and Champagne and Raspberries on the right

Main Street Cupcakes, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA

I took them to the falls - and ate them BOTH! :)

..... and what a great day it was! :)



http://www.mainstreetcupcakes.com/

They ship nationwide!

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
A YEAR OF CUPCAKES
LOCKED OUT NO MORE!!!


I can barely believe that I have not posted in over a year, because I certainly have been eating!!! I mean, think about it. A year without cupcakes? I don't think so!!! In fact, I even happened upon my 4th (yes 4th) "Cupcake Wars" winner last December.  However, the long and short of it is this - I got busy!!!

I started a new church job as as an Alto Section Leader, I took on more voice students, I took on the position of manager of our Victorian caroling group, and I learned a new role and did an opera.  There really was not any time for a blog, but when I finally went back in last May to update it, I realized that I was locked out.

After many failed attempts and only being able to see the short lived blog from my running days (it lasted a year, but the Blue Snail lives on in infamy), I finally asked my IT expert of a husband to help! Of course, in less than five minutes, I was back in and, learned that gmail was Google mail. (Don't judge! I don't use gmail and had never put two and two together!)

At any rate, it is late and I don't have time to do proper posts, so I will just leave you with some pictures and tell you that I AM BACK!! In fact, I had a Lemon / Blueberry cake from Whole Foods tonight which inspired me to start this up again. It was so delicious and creative. They need to make a cupcake of it - oh wait, they did! :)

SEASONS OF CUPCAKES - AKA - SEASONS OF LOVE!

I admit it, I am a bit OCD. I like things to be clean and in order. I also like to live in the moment and not let life rush on by.  For me, this means that I like to enjoy the season / time that I am in and not be living in the next one, thus forgetting to enjoy the now. (ie:  I will NOT have a Pumpkin Spice latte until it is officially fall or, lower than 50 degrees in September.)

The same goes with the Christmas flavors. In fact, my husband and I have stopped going in any store that promotes Christmas too soon - because we love Thanksgiving and the fall. For us, the Christmas season does not begin until Santa rides in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (actually, it starts on 12/25 because we do concentrate on Advent, but I digress....)

I have been so busy since the fall that I did not properly give time to the many seasonal cupcakes I ate; and so, here it is - the year in review (well, the end of 2013 and beginning of 2014).

It started last fall with an amazing "Pumpkin Maple" from Whole Foods.  This was very light as the Whole Foods cupcakes usually are. I don't remember exactly what was going on with this, but I believe it was some type of pumpkin spice cake with a vanilla / maple frosting - oh my gosh, now I am hungry for it again!!!!!!!!  If you see it next year, just get it - just go - just do it!!!

December then came, and with it, the "Hot Toddy!" This is another one of those AMAZING cupcakes from a "Cupcake Wars" winner, "Simply Sweet" in Egg Harbor City, NJ.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Simply-Sweet-Cupcakes/121767197901245

To describe it in words will not even do it justice, but if I must, it is heaven in your mouth!  It consists of a spice cake with a buttered rum frosting - and yes, real rum - lots of real rum!!!  Everyone I gave one to went nuts for it. 

This is my very cute hubby humoring me :) I almost wish it were December so that I could have one now. I mean, they would make me one if I asked, but I will NOT eat things out of season :)  he he

So, if I can't have the Hot Toddy, what to do?  I guess it was time to try some spring flavors :)  From my recent post (description of cupcakes in post), I showed the "Irish Creme" and "Lemoncello"cupcakes from Bredenbeck's in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.  They were both so very nice and if interested, just go on back and read about them :)

http://www.bredenbecks.com/

Bredenbeck's "Irish Cream" and "Lemoncello"

What I have not shown you though are "Simply Sweet's" Pink Lemonade, Watermelon, or Creamsicle!!! (and ps, the word Creamsicle is not on my spellcheck - they better get with the program, 'cause it's awesome!) Actually, all of them were good, with my favorite being the Watermelon.

Here is the "Pink Lemonade." The cupcake part tasted exactly as it is called and it was just so light and sweet. I don't remember if the top was a butter cream or whipped typed cream, but regardless, look at that edible butterfly!!!  "Simply Sweet" does an outstanding job with their glitter :)  Their cupcakes are always so gorgeous. I am glad they added this one for the spring and summer.








The other two (that I sampled on a separate trip!) were the "Creamsicle and Watermelon." They are both incredibly clever - another thing I love about "Simply Sweet" - and while I am on that subject, I should say that it is a VERY good thing that they are an hour away from me because only God knows how heavy I just might be if they were closer :)

The "Watermelon" flavor was my favorite!! It reminded me of my childhood when we used to go to Friendly's. They had a Watermelon Roll and this tasted just like it!!!

The "Creamsicle" was wonderful as well. I mean, just look at how gorgeous and creative they are with it - making it look like the treats from Kohr Brother's on the Ocean City boardwalk.  This one had a cream cheese frosting, which is my fav (I admit it, I am NOT a buttercream fan....)



... which brings me to this - for someone who does not like butter cream, for some reason, I LOVE the butter cream frosting at Magnolia Bakery in New York City.  http://www.magnoliabakery.com/

When I lived on the Upper West Side, I had to really make sure that I was not always walking past it.  Sometimes, I would just stare in the window as I had a one cupcake per week limit.  After all those years though, I never went to the original one downtown in the village.  However, I was visiting a friend a few weeks ago and we happened upon it - so how could I not?  Let me tell you, it was one of the BEST cupcakes I ever had.  It was so incredibly moist that it melted in your mouth - and whatever they do to their butter cream frosting is out of this world!!! It is the ONLY butter cream that I like.  Needless to say, I was "home."










Lastly, here is a cupcake for all seasons - well, it was for my birthday - a gift from my friend, Sheri. A cupcake made from flowers. I could not think of anything better.... except, maybe, eating a cupcake!


















So, that is the latest my friends. I am sorry to have been away so long, but am looking forward to the summer and the interesting flavors it may bring.  Suzy Cupcake - signing out for now - and remember, I don't bake, I just eat!!!

Word!

BREDENBECK'S - A REAL OLD FASHIONED BAKERY WITH HEART - SINCE 1889!!!

 

Bredenbeck's Bailey's Irish Cream and Lemoncello (Limoncello)

I have spent the past "musical" year as a Staff Singer at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. This gave me the wonderful opportunity of traveling to that amazing area twice a week. If anyone reading this has ever been to Germantown Avenue, you know what an incredible place it is -  and one of the nicest places on that street is Bredenbeck's Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor.

Bredenbeck's is a small, quaint, and delightful bakery where you are greeted with a smile as you take in the inescapable sweet smell that surrounds you. As I like to try seasonal flavors, it was around March 2014 that I sampled their "Bailey's Irish Cream" and "Lemoncello" cupcakes. If you are someone who likes old-fashioned butter-cream frosting, then these are for you. They were both creative and light.

What I like most about Bredenbeck's though, besides their food and wonderful service, is the way they package the cupcakes. Most of my experiences with cupcakes are ones that come in plastic containers that will most likely get thrown into a landfill, taking hundreds of years to disintegrate. However, Brednebeck's puts their cupcakes in a nice box that is much better for the environment than plastic and, the box is tied with a string that can be used again.

If you want a day in an amazing town (Chestnut Hill - Philly) - and an experience at a true old fashioned bakery, then Bredenbeck's is a must.  Their brochure says the following, "Bredenbeck's Bakery is a family owned and operated Philadelphia tradition since 1889. For well over a century, we've been welcoming customers to our historic shop in the heart of Chestnut Hill. We keep them coming back with our friendly, attentive service and our delicious cakes, cookies, pastries, and pies." - everything is true! :)

http://www.bredenbecks.com/

 ....and ps -  my fav thing there is the Lemon Pound Cake - amazing!!!