the co-worker cupcakes

Flavor: Red velvet/cream cheese (mine), chocolate/chocolate (deana), vanilla/vanilla (amy)

Cost: $3.75

Location: Tart & Tufo in Morristown, NJ

Yesterday, my boss Amy made a comment about how good the cupcakes were at Tart & Tufo. Today, I brought her and my other boss Deana one each to have a 10 minute cupcake break during work. They were both very grateful.

The funny thing about Deanna and Amy is that they both enjoy polar opposite cupcakes: one vanilla and one chocolate.

I opted to treat myself to red velvet because it's been a while since I indulged in one of those tasty treats... and it was as delicious as I remember them to be.

We all shared pieces of our cupcakes with Amy's baby, who was on a sugar high every 10 minutes. Sweet day.

Nom nom,

Kelly

the british cupcake

Cost: £12.00

Location: The Design Museum in London, England

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted two things:

1. To eat cupcakes for the rest of my life

2. To go to England

This past January, I accomplished the latter goal on that list.

I went with my college to study Graphic Design, and without going into too much detail I very much enjoyed the trip.

One of our tourist stops abroad was the Design Museum. This particular museum featured graphic, industrial and architectural design. The exhibits themselves, in my opinion, were average... but the gift shop was awwwwesome.

I couldn't decide what I wanted to spend my money on because I pretty much wanted to buy everything. I settled on this coffee mug because a. I love coffee, b. I love cupcakes c. I love typography.

What does typography have to do with this mug? Simple. It's called "and cupcake mug" by design anonymous and on the opposite side of the cupcake, an ampersand is printed. Genius.

Anyway, it's made out of something called 'Bone China' which I soon realized means VERY fragile.

I haven't used the mug yet. I think I'm afraid to break it, and because I got in London it would be hard to replace.

When my mother saw me looking at it today she smiled and said, "There's that cherry again."

Nom nom,

Kelly

the cupcake I should have written about Sunday

Flavor: Chocolate Covered Strawberry

Cost: $2.00

Location: C'Mere Cupcakes in Hackettstown, NJ

As the title describes, this is a cupcake from Sunday.

I went to visit my best friend who lives in Budd Lake, and she told me about a cupcake place near by. I'm always excited to visit places that specialize in cupcakes.

After a ten minute drive, we found ourselves in the parking lot of C'Mere Cupcakes. The interior of the shop was welcoming, with tables and chairs and a cupcake pillow. Behind a display case, over 20 different varieties of cupcakes were showcased.

Chrissy quickly opted to go for the carrot cake, but I took a little longer to decide.

The girl working seemed less then thrilled (as most bakery shop employees are) with my internal conflict of deciding which flavor to go with. Perhaps also contributing to her sour mood was the fact that the shop was closing in the next 30 minutes.

Eventually, I settled on chocolate cake with chocolate icing topped with a strawberry.

We went back to Chrissy's apartment and indulged.

Surprisingly, the strawberry tasted fresh. The icing however, was a bit flaky and had that

'I've been sitting on a shelf for a few hours' texture.

The cake however, was moist and delicious. I would recommend this place to people in the area, but suggest you go an hour or so before closing.

Nom nom,

Kelly

the cupcake(s) for mark's birthday

Flavor: Chocolate/Chocolate

Cost: Free (homemade by my roommate Brittany)

Location: Mi Casa en Morristown, NJ

First, you may or may not have noticed there is no post from yesterday. This is because I have a new found interest in my life: Beer. I'm 23, and since recently I never really cared much for the taste of 'cold brewski.' However, lately I've grown quite fond enjoying a nice chilled Heineken Light, and yesterday my roommates and I decided to celebrate the beginning of summer... Needless to say I had two beers too many and my head hit the pillow before I remembered to blog...

But this is not a beer blog, this is a cupcake blog... so onto the desserts!

Today we celebrated yet again (this times sans the beer). It was my roommate Mark's birthday, so Brittany and I opted on homemaking some celebratory cupcakes for the occasion. Whilst the boys were all out at band practice, Britt and I decorated and baked in honor of our roommate.

He was very surprised, and happy.

We put M&M's as decorations on the treats because they were in Britt's Car (we told Mark, however, they were strategically picked out because his name starts with M).

The reason why the cupcakes in the title of this blog is plural (as opposed to my singular earlier formats) is because I had three.

1. Right of the oven, melted icing and all.

2. With the group (because everyone else was doing it).

3. After they had been sitting out for 30 minutes.

Each was just as tasty as the last, but I think, especially with swimsuit season coming up, I should just stick to one a day.

Nom nom (nom),

Kelly

the ice cream cupcake

Flavor: Chocolate

Cost: $2.99

Location: Camille's Cafe in Morristown, NJ

"What's that?"

I asked, directing my view to a tasty looking treat in a refrigerator. I was ordering a sandwich on my lunch break at a cafe across the street, and my attention was caught by something I noticed in a cupcake wrapper.

"That is a chocolate dessert, for the children," said the foreign man taking my order.

After I checked the perimeter for any nearby children who might also be interested in the sweet treat, I was fortunate enough to realize it was meant to be mine.

"I'd like it, please," I said.

The store employee laughed, and put it in a to-go container and a bag for me.

Once I was back across the street at work, I pulled my what I then thought was 'cake' out of the bag.

It was cold. Not just cold, frozen.

It then made sense. The man never did call it a cupcake....

After closer examination, I realized that it was a scoop of ice cream molded into a semi-circle. But the strange thing was that it was covered in a layer of what tasted-like, looked-like and shared the similar texture of cake.

Whatever it was, it was pretty amazing.

The eyes and ears of this little guy was made out of white and dark semi-sweet chocolate.

Nom nom,

Kelly

the postponed cupcake

Flavor: Vanilla/ Cream

Cost: $3.99

Location: Whole Foods in Madison, NJ (gift from Cristofer)

Last week, Cristofer had a big smile on his face. "I got you a surprise!"

The funny thing is, I somewhat assumed it would be a cupcake, and I smiled too. It was in fact, a cupcake.

The upsetting news: it was from Whole Foods, and it was seemingly sans chocolate.

There was, however, a pretty pink flower on top, but the dessert didn't look too tasty (to me).

With risk of sounding like a snob, I was avoiding eating it.

Everyday since, Cristofer would ask me "Have you eaten your flower cupcake yet?" or remind me "Don't forget you have that cupcake in the fridge at home to eat!"

Well tonight, I finally faced it, while he was out with his friends.

And to no surprise to me, I was less then thrilled with the taste. I debated on tossing the evidence and just leaving the empty wrapper on the counter, but I couldn't. I didn't want to lie to him. Therefore, I stood over the sink and continued to eat.

He came home while I was mid-bite, and asked me how it was.

I couldn't lie anymore.

"I don't like it," I admitted.

Cristofer smiled. "Then don't eat it," he joked, still smiling.

I gave him a big hug and thanked him for the gift, but explained to him I was less then impressed with Whole Foods baked goods.

Needless to say, he was very understanding.

Moral: Honesty ='s Good.

Nom nom,

Kelly

the purgatory cupcake

Flavor: Chocolate/Whipped Frosting

Cost: $2.50

Location: Swiss Chalet Bakery in Morristown, NJ

This cupcake wasn't bad. It wasn't good either, it just... was.

Nom nom,

Kelly

the end of the semester cupcake

Flavor: Espresso

Cost: $3.25

Location: Tart & Tufo in Morristown, NJ

A few things:

1. Today's cupcake was very special! My best friend called me on her way home and said "Would you like to get a cupcake with me?" So sweet! I haven't seen her in a while,

so it was really nice to meet up.

2. TODAY WAS THE LAST DAY OF THE SPRING 2010 SEMESTER! I took my French final and wrote my Art History paper, so naturally I wanted to go out and celebrate! I'm not a big drinker, so this was really my ideal way to unwind.

3. I know I've written about Tart & Tufo A LOT. But I can honestly say I think they have amazing cupcakes, and meeting up with my best friend deserved the best!

4. I've been totally wrong on the price! The employee there laughed, because he noticed on my blog I've been claiming they were cheaper then they are... oops! Trust me guys, the extra $0.75 they cost is TOTALLY worth it!

So, the whole lot of us (Chrissy, Cristofer and my two roommates John Paul and Mark) ventured into town for some late night sweet treats. Only Cristofer, Chrissy and myself got cupcakes, and Cristofer was kind enough to purchase all 3. They both decided Oreo was a good choice... I on the other hand, having written about Tart & Tufo about 4 times now, wanted to go for something unique and different. So I chose: Espresso.

It was fantastic (no surprise there). The chocolate cake, as always, was moist and delicious. The Espresso frosting was very sweet, but had such a unique flavor it really complimented the cake well. Also, an espresso cream filling was a nice surprise.

Even if you don't like coffee, I recommend this cupcake because it didn't taste like your average 'caffeinated flavored' dessert.

When we left, the kind employee treated me (pun intended =P ) to a complimentary cupcake! With risk of then having a bias on this shop (which I kinda sorta already do!), I decided to give my free treat to Chrissy to take home to her boyfriend, Sean. Sean, I hope you like it!

Nom nom,

Kelly

p.s. Thanks to Chrissy for helping me get this shot in focus! It's a great one, right?

the black cupcakes

Cost: $4.00

Location: Some sample sale shop in Englewood, NJ (that is no longer in business).

My stomach doesn't feel very well tonight. So despite the fact that there is a delicious cupcake in the fridge awaiting me to devourer it, I'll have to decline.

Instead however, I will share a story with you about last summer, me, and cupcakes.

Talking about the shop I used to work at in Englewood again, there was a sample sale store around the corner from the boutique I worked it. Every Thursday, they would receive new shipments of fashion accessories (mostly jewelry) and my co-workers and I would take extra long lunch breaks to go check out the stock.

It wasn't long before I came across these earrings.

Perfect, I thought. They were only $4.00 and the cupcakes were black! Now mind you, I've never eaten a black cupcake... but 50% of my wardrobe is black, so they'd pretty much go with anything.

Anyway, they look pretty silly on. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the fact that they are black cupcakes? Maybe they just look cheap?

But even though I rarely ever wear them, I kept them. And look, they came in handy tonight... when I had a tummy ache.

Nom nom,

Kelly

the cupcake my sister made

Flavor: Red Velvet/Vanilla

Cost: Free!

Location: My sister's house in Morristown, NJ

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms that read my blog!

Cristofer and I attended a dinner party at my sister Kathy's house to celebrate with my mother, her husband, Kathy's boyfriend and his parents.

She made steak for the meat eaters (I brought my own veggie burger... yum!)

My mother had never tried red velvet cake, and ever since I started this blog she's been on a mission to indulge in the delicious dessert. With that being said, I made it my mission to get her that particular flavor cupcake.

Upon learning this, my sister decided she would bake cupcakes courtesy of Duncan Hines so everyone at the party could enjoy them.

The funny thing is, everyone there knew about my blog, and I felt seven pairs of eyes watching me as I took my first bite.

"It's good," I let them know.

Cake mixes are always a classic, and I very much enjoy baked goods from friends and family. The thing is, the red velvet mix didn't taste like the cake I was used to at local bakeries. It was good, don't get me wrong, but not what I expected.

The cake itself tasted like typical chocolate, and the vanilla icing was a good match.

I opted not to take any extra home (though it was challenging to decline the week's supply I could now own) because I want a little variety to my blog.

After all, at this point, how could I eat a cupcake and not write about it?

Nom nom,

Kelly

the surprisingly good cupcake

Flavor: Chocolate/Oreo

Cost: $1.99

Location: Quick Chek in Madison, NJ

When I was little, I rarely ever had a home-cooked meal. With no disrespect to my mother, there were a many a nights where my sister and I had to microwave kid cuisine dinners for supper. That being said, I don't exactly have a very 'refined' palate.

Case and point: dinner tonight. Cristofer and I were both working intently on papers for school when after hours of sitting in front of our computers we realized- we're hungry.

"Let's get sushi!" Cristofer suggested. I was less then thrilled with the idea, so we opted to both get takeout and eat together at home.

With all of the endless cuisine choices I had for dinner tonight you want to know what I chose? A sandwich. From Quick Chek. A sandwich from Quick Chek... yup.

Whilst I was in the convenience store waiting for my 'made to order' dinner, I noticed a rack of 'fresh baked goods.' Sure enough, a row of cupcakes sat on top.

Now mind you, do you really think any Mrs. Fields-type employees are in the back freshly baking desserts? My guess is most likely not. But with my blog in mind, I felt compelled to try one.

I opted for the oreo because it had chocolate cake, and I have learned that if you think it's going to be crappy... it's safer to go with chocolate.

Well, I'm not sure if it was my chocolate theory or what, but the cake was pretty good! The best part was the icing... it actually tasted like the cream in the middle of Oreo cookies... yum!

I wonder if it was actually the cream or just Oreo cream flavoring? I only ask because with two known brand names, Quick Chek and Oreo, does the store need permission to use the cookie's name/flavors in it's products? Hmmm, any thoughts?

Nom nom,

Kelly

p.s. the background is a chair we have in the living room... in my opinion, it belongs on VH1's I love the '80s.

the 180 cupcake

Flavor: Cannoli/ Cream Cheese

Cost: $2.50

Location: Tart and Tufo in Morristown, NJ

So when I wrote the line 'I don't eat a cupcake everyday' in my bio, I clearly didn't know what I was getting myself into.

I've been eating at least 5 cupcakes a week.

Lately, those treats have been sub par. But luckily, today's lunch time treat was the complete opposite.

Because I was tiring of being somewhat disappointed in my most recent cupcake purchases, I decided to go with a sure fire delicious dessert- one of my favorite bakeries... Tart and Tufo.

I opted for the Cannoli flavored cake with cream cheese icing. The chocolate chips were a perfect compliment to the creamy filling.

If you're in Morristown, I absolutely recommend checking this place out.

Nom nom,

Kelly

the beachy cupcake

Flavor: Vanilla

Cost: $2.00 (approximately)

Location: Swiss Chalet Bakery in Morristown, NJ

Hola friends! Today was probably one of my favorite days of the year! Why, you ask? Well because it's the day AFTER the busiest day of the year (for me).

I went to my newest job today (at the wedding invitation shop) and couldn't wait to start designing again.

When my co-worker mentioned a trip to the local bakery, I casually requested that she please bring me back a cupcake.

She asked me what kind, but I told her I didn't care and anything (not peanut butter) would be great. To be honest, I was just curious as to see what kind of treat she'd bring back for me.

Well, she brought back this festive dessert that is a small reminder of what's coming up real soon: summer.

If it isn't already summer (I'm pretty bad with the official start dates of seasons), it's right around the corner.

This semester is coming to an end, and I'll be able to dedicate more time to work! (yes you read that correctly, I'm actually happiest when I'm busy and at work... real work, not school work).

Also, Cristofer's family lives down in South Jersey, so I can't wait to go spend sporadic days lounging by his pool and going to beach. Maybe I'll make a second attempt at surfing? (Last year's operation get Kelly up on a board ended with two very bruised knees).

Does anyone have any interesting summer plans?

As for the cupcake, although my co-worker had rave reviews about the bakery, I was somewhat unimpressed. The cake was a bit dry and the icing tasted like that fake 'whip cream' that was just too 'fluffy' and not enough flavor.

Since I'll be working across the street from it all summer, I'll most likely give it another try later on. Maybe it's just one of those dessert shops that taste better in chocolate!

Nom nom,

Kelly

the factory cupcake

Flavor: Chocolate w/ Cream

Cost: $0.50

Location: Nameless Convenience Store in Bloomfield, NJ

Irony- Some of the best novels in literature history use a dose of the dramatic element, and Alanis Morissette wrote a whole song about it. But when it happens to you it can sometimes just be unfortunate. Case and point: today's cupcake (if you can call it that)

No more then 24 hours ago (!!!) was I blogging about my appreciation for bakers to put TLC into their delicious cupcake desserts... when what happens? I get one that sat on a shelf for months, I'm sure.

Today was the single busiest day of the year for the marketing company I work for. I remember specifically thinking

"whatever happens, make sure you get a cupcake SOMEWHERE today. No matter what!"

Well, I arrived to Bloomfield today for my work a half hour early, so I went across the street to a convenience store that looked straight out of the '90s. I think it was the faded posters in the front window and the fact that they were so proudly advertising an 'atm' that gave it that 'vintage' feel.

Obviously I wasn't going to come across some homemade gourmet treat, so I settled for what I could find: A Little Debbies chocolate cupcake with the white swirl design and cream filling. YUK.

I really didn't like those things as a child, and quite frankly I'm not sure why I thought I'd like it now... but to no surprise, I didn't enjoy it.

I took two bites, and couldn't even give the rest away to my roommates. I think it's the fake whipped cream in the middle.

I don't know how they even consider these things cupcakes! (According to the wrapper, they are labeled as so).

Sorry for anyone who likes these... they just aren't my bag, baby. And sorry for the drab entry... it's been a long day.

Nom nom,

Kelly

the cupcake that contributes to my reputation

Flavor: Chocolate and Cheesecake w/ Chocolate Chips

Cost: $4.99/6

Location: Farmers Market in Allendale, PA

This past weekend, my sister Kathy went to a farmer's market in PA. When I saw her, she had a big smile on her face.

"I got you a cupcake!"

At that point, I smiled too. For the second time this week, someone brought me a cupcake because of this blog! I really enjoy writing it, but getting cupcakes from friends and family... well that takes the cake =) (ok ok, the puns are getting out of hand I know)

Anyway, she told me how when she saw the 3 bakery tables she felt compelled to find a treat to take home for me. However, most of the tables looked like they were closing up, so she bought a 6 pack of pre-packaged cakes.

They were actually pretty amazing! Cheesecake is always tasty, and the chocolate chips were a nice bonus.

The pack was labeled with the brand Kiffle Kitchen, and after doing research on the web I read they create all of their baked goods from scratch. Although I have no confirmation this is absolutely true, I love how so many bakeries create cupcakes with TLC :)

Since my sister gave me 5 cupcakes (she gave one to her boyfriend), I came home and shared 4 with my friends. They too enjoyed the dessert.

If getting free cupcakes isn't great enough, my friend Lisa called me this weekend and upon hanging up she ended the conversation with "talk to you later cupcake!"

Having a reputation as a cupcake lover is sweet...

(pun again, sorry :x )

Nom nom,

Kelly

the r&r cupcake

Flavor: Pink Sugar (scented)

Cost: $2.50

Location: Luxe Face and Body in Hoboken, NJ

Have I mentioned yet my living arrangements? Well they are as followed: I currently share a room with my boyfriend in Morristown. We have two male roommates and one female roommate. Between the five of us, there is one bathroom.

Believe it or not, it's really not that big of a problem. Rarely is there ever a 'line' for use of the lavatory.

The problem resides in the cleanliness of the room.... (I do what I can, but it's not a little hard when it's not my personal toothpaste stains in the sink... eww!)

Any who, on First Street in Hoboken (where as I'm sure you're coming to find I spend a lot of my time) there is a small cosmetic boutique (that, truth be told, I spend a lot of my Hoboken time in).

The girls that work there are absolutely adorable, and they too are now aware of my cupcake addiction.

Upon my most recent visit to the shop, I came across this 'mini cupcake bath bomb'. This non-edible homemade treat by Feeling Smitten fizzles and dissolves in a hot bath releasing a sweet scent. (I highly recommend checking out the website! Some of them are just too cute for words!)

Also, I heard that the ingredients are great for moisturizing skin! Perfect for the hot summer months to come B) <~ me in sunglasses

So therefore, the point to my intro- Although I purchased it and CAN'T WAIT to use it... I'm going to have too. Because this is certainly not the bathtub for such a luxurious experience.

Nom nom,

Kelly

the free cupcake

Flavor: Banana Bread Chocolate Chip/ Chocolate

Cost: Free! (it was a gift)

Location: Sweet Freedom Bakery in Philadelphia, PA

I've been working at the same fitness center for over 9 years. Ironically, I generally don't work out. Even more ironic, the owner's daughter, Becky, is a baker.

Becky, however, is no ordinary baker.

She is a vegan who works at a bakery in Phillie that caters to the unique diet.

After following my blog, she was kind enough to bring me a delicious treat from her job when she came up to North Jersey this weekend.

"It kind of got messed up in the car because the frosting is very sensitive," said Becky.

Oh, I thought. I'll be careful not to tell any sarcastic jokes? Curious, I asked her what exactly sensitive frosting was.

"It's made with coconut milk," she informed me.

After further educating me about the dessert, I found that all of the baked goods from Sweet Freedom are free of:

• dairy products

• casein

• eggs

• gluten

• corn

• wheat

• peanuts

• soy

As a vegetarian myself, I wasn't overwhelmed with the restricted ingredients... but then what the heck are they made of?

Besides love (aww), the baked goods are created with organic coconut oil, agave nectar, and other natural ingredients.

(For more info, visit Sweet Freedom's website.)

In addition to being good for you, these treats are perfect for children and adults alike with dietary restrictions.

"Seeing the faces of kids who can't eat certain foods... like watching them get their first cupcake, it's amazing," said Becky.

(I imagine it looks somewhat like mine every time I sit down in front of one myself.)

When I came home today, Cristofer's band mate/vegan friend Rhett was over, and I couldn't wait to share my new 'animal friendly' dessert with him.

Well, we both loved them. Delicious and sweet... and with the exception of the texture of the cake itself, you really can't tell the difference in taste.

I'm not even a big fan of bananas... but it was a perfect blend of chocolate frosting and chocolate chips with a hint of banana bread flavor that didn't overwhelm the palate.

Nom nom,

Kelly

p.s. Thank you Becky for donating the cupcakes for today's entry... you are a fantastic baker!

the nostalgic cupcake

Flavor: Red Velvet/ Cream Cheese

Cost: $2.25

Location: La Dolce Diva in Englewood, NJ

First, let me start off by saying

I had the best.cupcake.ever.tonight. period.

It came as no surprise my dessert was so amazing, as I purchased it from a bakery that I had previously visited.

I found myself in Englewood this evening, a town in North Jersey I used to work in. During my visit, I made a stop into the local cupcake shop across the street from my previous employer (that is now out of business... can we say '*sweet victory'?)

This was the bakery I had gotten my first red velvet treat from, so naturally I opted for the one I knew I would enjoy. I think the saying is: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I also purchased a cupcake for my best friend, Chrissy.

Oddly enough, Chrissy now lives in an apartment complex I lived in for a year with my mother. So obviously, there was a sense of Deja Vu driving out there as well.

Before Chrissy enjoyed the chocolate one I bought for her, I gave her her first taste of red velvet cake. Needless to say, she was quite impressed.

"I think the icing was my favorite part... I was not expecting [it to be] cheesy, even though you said cream cheese."

Success! Another red velvet neophyte who loved the cake.

Maybe that will be my mission? To share the joy of red velvet cake with EVERYONE. Hear that? Go try the cake. TRY THE CAKE. It's delicious. ;)

Nom nom,

Kelly

p.s. thanks to Chrissy for taking the photo of tonight's cupcake. She's a professional photographer, so I feel honored to feature her work

*jar