Friday
May232008
Cake Poll: Regional Specialties and a Giveaway!
Friday, May 23, 2008 
What's sweeter than a long weekend? How about Cakespy's Monthly Cake Poll and Giveaway?
This month, you're in for a treat: the kind folks at Yummr have donated a great book for our giveaway, Dorie Greenspan's Baking: From My Home to Yours (c/o Houghton-Mifflin Books). This tome of sweetness has recipes ranging from pinkies-out desserts like Coconut- Roasted Pineapple Dacquoise to simpler but no less delicious Brownie Buttons or mouthwatering pecan biscuits. Can we say delicious?
But wait, there's more: the lucky winner will also win a 2-pack of Cakespy Buttons and a jumbo magnet featuring the sweetest scene, like, in the world--a robot giving a cupcake a flower!
*Also, readers who don't win the cookbook also have other chances to win by visiting Yummr's "Cookbook a Day in the Month of May" Giveaway.
Of course, if you're bummed that you missed out on the buttons, they're for sale at jessieoleson.etsy.com!
How can you put your name in the running? It's easy! All you need to do is this:
- To satisfy our nosy tendencies (we are spies, after all), fill out the below Cake Poll! You can leave your responses in the comment section, or send your responses via email to jessieoleson@gmail.com.
- At 5pm PST on Monday, May 26, the Cake Poll will be closed. The winner will be chosen at random, not based on their responses. The prize(s) will then be shipped to the lucky winner within 48 hours, via the most economical method.
- As for our fine print: The results of this poll will be used for entertainment and Cake Gumshoeing purposes only; we may summarize the results of this poll in upcoming posts. Your private information will not be shared with any outside parties. Also, we've elected to leave the cake poll open to all US Territories, Canada and abroad--so even overseas cake enthusiasts can take part!
Cake Poll: Preferences and Regional Specialties!
- Where are you originally from?
- Where do you live now?
- *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
- What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
- What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
- What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
- Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Reader Comments (124)
No harm in trying.
Never know ones luck :-)
1.Where are you originally from?
Middlesex, England
2.Where do you live now?
Essex, England
3.*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
Deep fried jam doughnuts and white icing finger buns
4.What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Always a white iced finger bun – it made me the woman I am today i.e. fat.
5.What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
A really deep patisserie custard tart, or a raspberry friand
6.What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
When I tasted Caribbean rum cake for the first time. But then I’m quite easily wowed by cake – any cake I eat and love (i.e. most) becomes my new favourite
7.Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Anything flavoured coffee or lemon. No particular style of dessert or texture – it’s only the flavour that will offend
Please enter me in your fab draw!
1. Where are you originally from?
Akron, Ohio
2. Where do you live now?
Hudson, Ohio
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
Presti's, in Cleveland's Little Italy
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
It's really hard to say, but Russian teacakes were a sure thing -- little dough balls with nuts, rolled in powdered sugar.
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
Russian teacakes are still a favorite, along with Hello Dolly bars (chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, nuts and sweetened condensed milk on a graham-cracker crust).
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
Chocolate cake with a salty caramel sauce at an Italian restaurant in Toronto.
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Pudding. And anything with white chocolate.
Where are you originally from? Sandy, Utah
Where do you live now? Salt Lake City, Utah
*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
http://www.mini-cupcakes.com/
http://www.socupcake.com/
What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now? CUPCAKES!!!
What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
mini's Breakfast at Tiffany's cupcake!! YUM!!
Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
cheesecake and creampuffs (not a custard, cream filling kind of gal)
1.Where are you originally from?
Myrtle Beach, SC
2.Where do you live now?
Spartanburg, SC
3.*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
The original Krispy Kreme doughnut store. Well you can take a picture of the outside the original and get your hot and now glazed doughnuts at the huge new store across the street.
4.What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
The long yeast rolls with honey butter from Quincy's. Also the flat and chewy tollhouse recipe chocolate chip cookies my mom used to make.
5.What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
dark chocolate cake with chocolate ganache.
6.What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
lemon meringue pie. I made it for the daring bakers challenge and it was the first time I'd ever tried it. It was so delicious!
7.Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
I don't like things with walnuts. I don't really care for puddings.
1. Where are you originally from?
St. Louis, MO
2. Where do you live now?
San Diego, CA
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
The Gooey Butter Cakes in St. Louis are to die for. They're a STL specialty.
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Good ol' chocolate chip cookies. Warm, of course.
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
I love warm bread pudding and Boston Cream Pie.
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
A homemade mini angel food cake topped with strawberries from a local restaurant.
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
No! I love all desserts. If I had to pick a least favorite, I suppose I'd choose cheesecake. If you gave me some, I wouldn't turn it down :)
1. Where are you originally from?
-Montreal, Québec, Canada
2. Where do you live now?
-Lévis, Québec, Canada
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
-If you're in Montreal, you must try the bagels!
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
-Strawberry Cheesecake
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
-Still Strawberry Cheesecake!
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
-I have to say Dorie's Gooey Chocolate Cakes (made for Tuesdays with Dorie). Man, those are some delicious lava cakes!
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
-I'm not big on anything with peanut butter (except peanut butter cookies), or coconut.
This was fun! Thank you Cakespy crew! :)
Where are you originally from? Baltimore
Where do you live now? Baltimore
*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)? You'd have to try local favorite http://coconutlime.blogspot.com/2007/07/smearcase.html" REL="nofollow">smearcase
What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little? Hot milk cake or sour cream cake.
What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now? Cupcakes!
What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
A week or so ago, my http://coconutlime.blogspot.com/2008/05/strawberry-thyme-cupcakes.html" REL="nofollow">strawberry-thyme cupcakes were amazing!
Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Pumpkin Pie! I can't even be in the same room with it.
1. i am originally from ithaca, new york.
2. i now live in austin, texas.
3. if the cakespy crew came through austin, i would tell you to go to upper crust bakery and get a cinnamon roll. they are amazing!
4. my favorite baked good when i was little was my mom's peach upside down cake!
5. my favorite baked good now is hard to say. something that has both pastry and fruit. maybe cobbler-like.
6. the last dessert that wowed me was the vegan carrot cake at herbivore in sf. i liked it because it wasn't very sweet. i didnt realize just HOW much i liked it until later, when i couldn't stop thinking about it.
7. i cant think of any desserts i hate. i guess i'm not the biggest fan of dates. and i also don't like things that are ridiculously sweet.
ps: if i DO happen to win (wishful thinking) i will be out of town till june 2nd. hopefully that doesn't take me out of the running!
Where are you originally from? Fort Worth, TX
Where do you live now?
Virginia Beach, VA
*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
Sugar Plum Bakery, Virginia Beach (http://www.sugarplumbakery.org/)
Besides being a FABULOUS bakery, they also have an employment program for young adults with disabilities
What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Cake - any kind & doughnuts
What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
Cupcakes, cheesecake
What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
Peanut Butter Torte (Tuesdays with Dorie)
Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Pecan Pie. I know. I'm from Texas, but it is just nasty.
1. Where are you originally from? Pennsylvania (only born there)
2. Where do you live now? Virginia (also lived in Missouri, New Jersey, Germany and Belgium)
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)? Oh My... the Belgium and German bakeries were by FAR the best. Here in Virginia I don't have a good bakery... so sad...
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little? Rice Krispie Squares
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now? Cherry Pie with crust on top (not crumbs). Also carrot cake.. GOOD carrot cake
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you? ... a good piece of Cherry pie
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand? anything that is like pudding.. creme brulee.. custards... mushy stuff
pat@quiltershome.com
Cake Poll: Preferences and Regional Specialties!
Where are you originally from? Belle Vernon, PA. A suburb of Pittsburgh.
Where do you live now? about 5 minutes from the City of Pittsburgh.
*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
I dont go to bakeries very often. I never had a need for it because I've always baked. So I'd suggest going to my grandmas house. She'll whip you up a pie in no time.
What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
As a kid, probably pineapple upside down cake. Made from a box mix.
What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
My gram's blackberry pie. I've never had blackberry pie better than hers.
What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you? My chocolate cupcakes with chocolate chip cookie dough baked inside. They were exceptional.
Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
I'm not a fan of coffee flavored stuff, citrus or cream pies.
Here I go!
1. Where are you originally from?
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Where do you live now?
London, UK
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
Any of the Malaysian/Nyonya kuihs (cakes). Most are steamed but there are some that are baked, including my current favourite, kuih bingka ubi (made of tapioca).
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
I loved those Danish butter biscuits in the blue tins.
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
Butter biscuits (punitions) from Poilane!
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
I recently had Pierre Herme's Ispahan for the first time. That really was a wow pastry!
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Anything that's overly sweet. I had a gingerbread dessert once that was saturated with caramel - too much for me.
1.Where are you originally from?
Krakow, Poland
2.Where do you live now?
Krakow, Poland
3.*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
4.If you're in Krakow you should try krakow's famous pischinger, cheescake and pascha
5.What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Strawberry or rhubarb crumble with cass of cold milk
6.What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
Lemon tarte
7.What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
Andalusia cake for chocolate and lemon lovers :-)
8.Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
I don't think so :-)))
1.Where are you originally from?
Balteemore - the Land of Pleasant Living, Hon.
2.Where do you live now?
Balteemore - we Baltimorons never excape.
3.*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
CakeLove!! Patisserie Poupon!! Bonaparte Bakery and Cafe!! And if he lets you in, a special trip to Duff Goldman's Charm City Cakes!!
4.What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Hot milk cake (my mom's)
5.What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
Hot milk cake (mine), in general. But seasonally,in the summertime, fresh peach cake wins hands down, no contest.
6.What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
Mung bean ice cream, Chinatown, NYC.
7.Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Meringue or anything made with meringue; German chocolate cake; Black Forest cake; jellyroll (ewwwww...sliiiimyyyyy....); birthday cakes from the grocery store. Marshmallow anything.
Cake Poll: Preferences and Regional Specialties!
Where are you originally from? Spokane Washington
Where do you live now? Puyallup Washington
*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)? Induldge Cupcake In Puyallup Washington
What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?Ice Cream
What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?Cupcakes of course, hehe
What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you? my new class helped me to decorate cupcakes, so I have been cupcaking happy.
Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand? Chocolate Mint anything. Love chocolate, mint is ok, but together, icky, except for jrmints or york pepermint patties
1. Where are you originally from?
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
2. Where do you live now?
Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada (About 5-10 minutes outside of Edmonton, didn't move far haha)
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
The Cupcake Bakeshoppe and Cafe! Our first cupcake bakery! And Bon Ton Bakery is a MUST. Their cheesecake is phenomenal and they have amazing mini cinnamon buns.
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
My best friend's mom's chocolate chip cookies. They were just so cakey and chewy. I still feel a little guilty for preferring them over my own mothers!
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
So, so tough! Quite often a really great cupcake is amazing and satisfying. Sometimes there is nothing better than cheesecake though. So tough!
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
I made these incredible chocolate chip peanut butter cookies. As soon as I ate the first one I knew I was in trouble because I was going to end up eating them all. They're incredible and it's a rare occasion for cookies to really blow me away.
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Fruit salads, certain types of trifle. For some reason I've always had a problem with desserts with real fruit in them. I think back to the morning I had fruit salad at a bed and breakfast and it did not sit well in my stomach...that could be why...
1. Where are you originally from?
Fort Wayne, Indiana
2. Where do you live now? Dayton (area), Ohio
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
A yellow cake with mocha filling and buttercream frosting from Ele Cake Co.
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Hershey's chocolate cake with fluffy white icing
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
Graeters Buckeye Blitz sundae..that can change very easily like the direction of the wind.
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
White chocolate brownies with mocha frosting
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Key lime pie or fruit salad. Fruit salad is a BREAKFAST not dessert, don't even try to fool me. :-)
Where are you originally from?
Seattle, Washington
Where do you live now?
Seattle, Washington
*If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
Well, I think you've tried most of them, but you should for sure check out Chuck's doughnuts in Renton. By far the best doughnuts I've ever had.
What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Doughnuts!
What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
Doughnuts and cupcakes
What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
I had a really great peppermint brownie at the Whole Foods up in the Roosevelt area. It had an amazingly thick layer of dark, creamy, fudgy frosting.
Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
I'm not a fan of most nuts or anything coffee flavored, so anything like an Opera Torte or a Pecan Pie is not my thing.
1. Where are you originally from?
Camarillo, CA (45 miles NW of LA)
2. Where do you live now?
Lawrence, KS
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
The Bread Basket (http://www.breadbasketcake.com/)
I spent a lot of money here for my wedding cake and it was TOTALLY worth it! Yum.
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Strawberry Shortcake
Snickerdoodles
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
A really good sugar cookie
cheesecake
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
a knock off recipe of Great Harvest Bread's Brownies
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
anything with cherries. why would a person want to ruin a good cheesecake or something with cherries. yuck!
1. Where are you originally from? Diamond Bar, CA
2. Where do you live now? Riverview FL until May 31, then Boston, MA
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)? Anything from Chocolate Pi
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little? Peach Cobbler and Sock it to me cake!
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now? Molten Lava Cake
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you? A chocolate cake I made last month or the cheesecake I made
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand? Flan, yuck!
1. Where are you originally from?
O'Neill, NE
2. Where do you live now?
Berkeley, CA
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
In the St. Louis area, you should definitely try Gooey Butter Cake. Also, in the mid-west, jello poke-cake is darn tasty. Well, you guys just had someone in Berkeley, so I think you know all about that.
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Cherry-chip cookies. These were like chocolate chip cookies, but with cherry flavored chips. The Bakery/Diner where my grandma used to work used to make them and whenever I visited her there, she'd give me one. Unfortunately, it was one of those awesome small town diner's and has since closed.
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
Key Lime pie, or chocolate mousse.
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
Deep dark chocolate cake, with coffee cream cheese icing.
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
I don't really like coconut cream pie, or coconut macaroons. Mainly I just hate dried coconut, the texture is awful. I love the flavor of coconut.
1. Richmond, VA
2. Richmond, VA
3. Strawberry Pie, it's an "Old Richmond" thing and Rainbow Cookies from Ukrops
4. I was a weird kid who didn't like sweets, occassionally I would eat sugar wafers or shortbread
5. Tie between a fresh Apple Fritter and Zucchini Bread with LOTS of Lemon Curd
6. Dessert: Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee at Verbena in Richmond- perfect vanilla-y-ness, rich cream, nice sugary burnt topping flavor, and excellent crust to cream ratio...Baked Good: Had the most AMAZING Ginger Bars from Byrd House Farmer's Market, dense and moist with an intense spicy, peppery ginger flavor- best breakfast ever!!!
7. Angel Food Cake- What's the point? Total waste of perfectly good empty calories
Anything with Meringue- Don't like airy desserts, prefer substance behind my sweets
1. Where are you originally from?
Seattle, WA
2. Where do you live now?
San Diego, CA
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
I think you've covered most of the places in Seattle I liked before I moved. In San Diego I like Extraordinary Desserts and Heaven Sent Desserts, but I haven't been to many other places yet. Also, the bread pudding at Bud's Louisiana Food Shop is to die for.
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
My grandma made the best blueberry muffins every time I spent the night at her house.
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
I'm a cupcake fiend, but mostly I make my own - we only have one cupcake-exclusive place in San Diego, but I haven't been there yet...and I haven't seen many good reviews, so I haven't gone out of my way.
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
I got an ice cream maker for my birthday. I'm really surprised at how delicious homemade ice cream with whole milk (instead of cream) is.
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
I have a HUGE sweet tooth, so there aren't many, but I'm not a fan of nuts in baked goods (except peanuts). I don't like them in banana bread, brownies, cookies...anything. They just make me angry.
1. Where are you originally from?
Rhode Island, the biggest little state in the union. =)
2. Where do you live now? Chapel Hill, NC
3. *If* the Cakespy crew were taking a road trip across the nation, what baked goods or bakeries would be a must-try in your area (either the area you live now, or the area you're originally from)?
In RI De Fusco's Bakery, it's in Cranston off Park Ave.
In Chapel Hill well I make all my own baked goods so if you call first I could whip you up something. =)
4. What was your favorite baked good or dessert item when you were little?
Anything my grammy made. She made hot chocolate from scratch and a German Chocolate cake that would make your head explode.
5. What is your favorite baked good or dessert item now?
My carrot cake cupcakes.
6. What was the last dessert item or baked good that really "wowed" you?
I had the best banana pudding at a local BBQ place. They put peanut butter in it. It was the best ever!
7. Are there any desserts or baked goods that you just can't stand?
Monkey Ball Cake or Fruitcake