Cake Byte: CakeSpy Quoted in the New York Times!

It's true: my thoughts on cake mix (and butter) officially matter. The New York Times says so!

That's right: an article appearing in the New York Times, on the subject of Duncan Hines' new advertising campaign geared toward foodies, brought up some big questions about whether or not cake mix can be taken seriously; naturally they hit me up for a comment. Here's the bit that mentions me--and a big thanks to the great writer, Andrew Adam Newman, who gave my book a plug! Yeah!

Jessie Oleson, publisher of CakeSpy.com and author of the book CakeSpy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life; which will be published in October, said the book does call for cake mixes in some more complex recipes.

While she herself has trouble telling the difference between cakes made from scratch or a mix, Ms. Oleson said the fact that the new Duncan Hines recipes call for the brand’s own line of canned frosting rather than homemade may deter the serious bakers it seeks.

“I would be much more likely to tell if a canned frosting was used than a cake mix,” Ms. Oleson said. “The quote about food in general is that the secret ingredient is butter and lots of it, and with frostings that holds true.”

For the article, visit the NY Times website!

Cake Byte: Sneak Peek of the Rampage Toys Art Show at CakeSpy Shop

So, if you're in Seattle, you're probably already planning on coming to CakeSpy Shop this thursday, May 12, for the Capitol Hill Art Walk featuring artwork by another awesome Seattle cupcake artist (no, I'm not the only one): Jon of Rampage Toys!

And we've been baking up some magic at the store--not only has Jon done a full installation of paintings, vinyl toys, and prints, but we've also done a few collaborative pieces, AND he did a wall painting as part of the installation!

Here's a peek at how it happened.

Hour 1: beginning with a pencil sketch, and starting to paint in the cupcakes.

Hour 2: Cupcakes become more realized.

Hour 3: Cupcakes get frosted!

Hour 4: Finishing touches!

...meanwhile, downstairs, I was busy at work on our large (24x30 inch) collaborative piece (see picture, top). It's kind of a cupcake meets Sta-Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters scene! Yes!

You can see this magic and more for yourself--there will be an artist reception at CakeSpy Shop, 415 E Pine, Seattle WA on Thursday, May 12 from 5-8 pm; the show will be up all May long. For more of Jon's work, click here.

Cake Byte: New CakeSpy Baby-themed Stamp Designs for Taylored Expressions

Buy these!It's time for some seriously coo-inducing cuteness: CakeSpy has done a new batch of designs for Taylored Expressions rubber stamps!

This time, the theme is babycakes, and this sweet set of stamps features all sorts of new baby themes--in cupcake form, natch!

These rubber stamps are perfect for choosing your own greeting card adventure or a variety of other crafts!

They can be purchased on the Taylored Expressions website!

Cake Byte: Dozen Bake Shop and Burgatory Bar Collaborate on Cupcake Shakes

In Pittsburgh, a small miracle has taken place.

A deep, dark, secret love between a cupcake shop (Dozen Bake Shop) and a burger bar (Burgatory Bar) has resulted in the sweetest baby you'll ever meet: the Cupcake Shake!

Now, the cake shake isn't necessarily a new thing. The CupShake in Utah inspired CakeSpy's own CupShake recipe on Serious Eats a while back. But this is not to take away from the awesomeness of another CupShake entering the world of sweet treats. In fact, this is news to be celebrated.

And with flavor combinations like the Chocolate Stout Cupcake Shake, it is strong motivation to get your sweet self to Pittsburgh, STAT!

Cupcake Milkshakes, available at Burgatory Bar, Pittsburgh.

Cake Byte: Full Sweetness ahead at Trophy Cupcakes in May

Talk about a totally sweet lineup! Seattle's Trophy Cupcakes has plenty of delicious to offer this month:

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcake (one day only, on Cinco de Mayo!): Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, our Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcake is back for its third year! The perfect blend of cinnamon and cayenne pepper warms up this bittersweet Chocolate on Chocolate Cupcake. Available May 5th. 

Margarita Cupcakes: By popular demand, we will be featuring Margarita Cupcakes every day through the month of May! Our Fresh Lime Cupcake is full of tangy lime zest, fresh lime juice and delicious lime oil topped with Tequila and Lime Buttercream…of course it is finished with candied lime zest and sea salt! Oh my, it is good (if we do say so ourselves!). Available everyday in May.

Lemon Raspberry (one day only, on Mother's Day!): Especially for Mother's day we are featuring Lemon Raspberry…our Fresh Lemon Cupcake is topped with our luscious Raspberry Buttercream and a fresh raspberry. So yummy and so pretty and definitely mom approved! Please order by Friday at 3pm for Sunday pick up.

Available at all three Trophy Cupcakes locations; for availability, directions and hours, visit their website.

Cake Byte: Brandi Carlile to Play at Cupcake Royale in Capitol Hill Tomorrow

When cupcakes and music meet, let's just say the outcome is totally sweet!

Here's a bit of breaking cake news in Seattle: Brandi Carlile is going to play live, tomorrow, at Cupcake Royale's Capitol Hill location! Here's the 411 from Cupcake Royale owner Jody Hall:

Just a note to let you know that Brandi Carlile is doing an in-store performance here at Capitol Hill Cupcake Royale on Tuesday, May 3 (tomorrow!) at 4pm.

We’ll be selling her new CD - “Brandi Carlile – Live at Benaroya Hall with the Seattle Symphony” for $12.  She’ll play a few songs, sign some CDs and be off like the ether!

of course, that's not the only sweet news from the Royale front: there are also new flavors on the horizon. As Jody goes on:

(Also – our new Tequila Limone is available thru Cinco de Mayo.  After that, we feature a pistachio lemon cupcake – just in time for Mother’s day).

For location, visit Cupcake Royale's website; follow them on Twitter for up-to-the-moment happenings.

Cake Byte: Bakesale for the South at CakeSpy Shop on May 14

Have your cake and donate too!

That's right: we're going to have another delicious fundraiser at CakeSpy Shop in Capitol Hill! This time, the proceeds will all go toward the Red Cross to aid relief efforts for the tornadoes which have recently ravaged the deep South.

If you'd like to Volunteer as a baker, please click here.

If you'd like to buy baked goods, your job is easy: simply come to CakeSpy Shop and buy stuff on Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. till we inevitably sell out!

To reiterate: deliciousness, good cause. May 14, 11 am til ? at CakeSpy Shop, 415 E. Pine Street (near Summit), Seattle WA 98122.

Cake Byte: Bakesale with Jen Seaman at CakeSpy Shop Tomorrow!

This isn't one of Jen's cupcakes, but it is a sweet indication of awesome to come.Guess what, Capitol Hill? You've got a great opportunity to carb-o-load in a most delicious way tomorrow.

That's right: it's time for another Bakesale at CakeSpy Shop!

Here's the 411:

Jen Seaman, who is a comic by night, amazing baker by day, is going to be hosting a bake sale at CakeSpy Shop! Come on by and pick up amazing goodies like maple cupcakes with bacon and mini apple butterscotch pies, and I hear a rumor about creamsicle cupcakes, too!

If you can't make it (so sad) you don't need to despair, though. She also sells her baked goods at People's Republic of Koffee in Seattle.

Come by tomorrow, Saturday, April 30, 2011, 12 noon til we inevitably sell out! The location is CakeSpy Shop, 415 East Pine Street, Seattle WA.

Cake Byte: CakeSpy Coming to Portland for Crafty Wonderland on May 7th

Brace yourself, Portland--you're about to get a lot sweeter.

That's right: CakeSpy is coming to Portland, OR, to sell art at the incredibly awesome Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Spring Sale! And I'll be set up right next to my friends Sunday Drive Designs.

Come on by and enjoy all manner of DIY delights and pick up some sweet artwork! Here are the details:

Saturday, May 7th from 11am-6pm
 at the Oregon Convention Center - Hall D
777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd in Portland 

*All Ages*
*Free Admission*
*Free Goodie Bags to the First 200 Shoppers*

For more information, directions, and other details, visit craftywonderland.com.

Cake Byte: Rampage Toys Art Show at CakeSpy Shop in May

Like, OMG. CakeSpy Shop is already sweet, but Capitol Hill's sweetest little spot is about to get a heaping dose of awesome overload.

That's right: Jon Malmstedt (you may know him as the evil genius behind Rampage Toys) is having an art show at the store in May!

Entitled 'Monsters, Cupcakes and Monster Cupcakes', here's the 411 from Jon:

This show will showcase paintings and toys from Seattle based character designer Jon Malmstedt - RAMPAGE TOYS!  Jon's work focuses on fun and colorful creatures that just so happen to be monsters.  Expect scenes of urban destruction a' la the classic films 'Godzilla' and 'Mothra', but with a bent in the direction of silly - instead of Godzilla think 'giant cupcake that has no arms.'  The show will include paintings, custom vinyl toys, handcast resin figures and a couple collaborative pieces done with the Cakespy herself - something for anyone who loves monsters, cupcakes, monster cupcakes or all of the above! 

Oh, and need we mention that actual, real, edible and delicious CUPCAKES will be in attendance?  YUMMY!!!

The reception will be on Thursday, May 12, 5-8 p.m. at CakeSpy Shop, 415 E. Pine St., Seattle WA 98122. Shop for Jon's work in advance here.