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