Sweet Times: Snapshots from Pie Stand with Kate Lebo

Photos: Kate LeboIf you've never been to one of the bake sale events that are held at CakeSpy Shop every month or so, you are missing out. Don't believe me? Well, luckily I have cold, hard, delicious photographic proof from the latest event, Pie Stand featuring a plethora of delicious pies by Kate Lebo.

Check out the slideshow here, and after viewing it, make sure to save the date for the next upcoming bakesale, on August 20th, featuring sweets by Megan of Bake it in a Cake! To stay updated about future events, be sure to "like" CakeSpy on Facebook; that is the best place to stay updated!

Sweet Success: Seattle's First Pie Slam At CakeSpy Shop Was Awesome

Every baked good tastes better with a backstory.

And there could be no sweeter illustration of this than at a totally sweet event held at CakeSpy Shop this week for Pi(e) Day on March 14: Seattle's first Pie Slam!

What is a Pie Slam, you ask? Think: Poetry Slam Meets Pie, and you're getting the idea. In this case, we opened it up to stories in addition to poems, but the basic idea was that each entrant would bake a pie, write a story about it, and present it to a crew of expert judges, who would then rate them on their story and pie, and ultimately come up with a winner.

The judges were like a who's who of the Seattle arts and food scene, including (from left to right) Dani Cone of High 5 Pie (and yes, her shirt says "Butter"), Kate Lebo of Good Egg, Nancy Guppy of ArtZone, Wendy Sykes of Four and 20 Blackbirds, and yours truly (not pictured).

As a judge, I had to try every pie.

I took this job very seriously.

The nine entries, which will be individually profiled on this site in the coming week (with recipes in some cases!), were very eclectic, but all very delicious, including a chocolate cream pie with macadamia brittle, a Shaker Lemon pie, a pumpkin pie in a graham crust, a Pake (pie in a cake), a "Lunchbox Pie" which included peanut butter, banana, and chocolate covered potato chips, a fig-apple-walnut pie, a blueberry pie, and two delicious apple pies.

The stories were equally eclectic, ranging from heartfelt elegies to love stories to college dorm memories to humorous anecdotes about pie versus cake battles.

Happy organizers, Wendy Sykes and CakeSpy-JessieIt was a tough competition: when the scores were tallied, it literally came to several half-point differences in score--it was that close!

But ultimately Kate McDermott's tale and Shaker Lemon Pie took the cake (er, pie?) and she won a totally sweet ribbon as well as an original CakeSpy painting; Alexander's Pake and humorous pie-versus-cake story took second prize, and he received a handmade mitt made by Wendy!

Of course, everybody else won because they got to eat all of the rest of the pie.

Stay tuned for individual entries on each of the entrants, including tales and pie recipes! In the meantime, check out the photo gallery here!

Cake Byte: CupcakeCamp Seattle 2011 Coming on April 17

Hey, sweeties. Remember what an awesome time CupcakeCamp 2010 was? Well, forget about that, because CupcakeCamp 2011 is coming, and it promises to be bigger, badder, and buttercreamier.

Here are the details. I know I'm announcing it early, but I'm excited because I did the artwork for the poster again (pictured above) and I really, really want you to see it; and, you know, it's always nice to have something to look forward to, isn't it?

Date:  Sunday April 17, 2011. 
Time: 12PM- 4pm
Location: The Canal, a Jewel Hospitality property in Ballard
5300 34th Avenue NW Seattle, WA 98107
Why: Because who doesn’t love cupcakes? Plus we will have some fun competitions and all proceeds go to a good cause!

HOW:Purchase tickets HERE for $8 or $10 at the door.

Ticket valid for 6 mini cupcake tastings or 3 standard size on the day of the event only. No refunds available.

For a preview of the awesomeness that awaits you, check out this epic post on last year's event.

PieStalking: Pie Slam Coming Up on March 14 at CakeSpy Shop!

Did you miss National Pie Day on January 23rd? Aww, poor thing. But don't despair, because in the effort to keep you fat and happy all winter long, CakeSpy and Four and 20 Blackbirds are teaming up to host Seattle's first Pie Slam on March 14 (the "other" pie day...Pi Day!), at CakeSpy Shop, 415 E. Pine Street in Capitol Hill. Here are the details:

Cake and Pie Peace Talks Result in Seattle’s First Pie Slam

Seattle, WA – While the media has been heralding the demise of the cupcake and the ascension of pie – two Seattle bakers have come together in peace to hold Seattle’s first writing and baking contest – the Seattle Pie Slam.

Jessie Oleson, artist and blogger of CakeSpy fame, and Wendy Sykes, owner of the baking business Four and 20 Blackbirds decided there was no room for malice in the world of dessert and came up with the concept of a Pie Slam.

“It’s a writing contest and a pie contest, all baked into one,” said Sykes. “The concept is loosely based on a poetry slam, but in this contest the plot must contain pie. And the writer/baker is judged not only on the content and quality of the story -– but also on the quality of the pie.”

The Details

While entry is free, space is LIMITED! So whether you'd like to perform or just attend, be sure to RSVP via email to jessieoleson@gmail.com.

When: Monday, March 14th, 6:30pm
Where: CakeSpy, 415 E Pine St., Seattle WA 98122 (space is limited)

What: Be prepared to eat their words! 
It’s Seattle’s first Pie Slam, where judges decide who has the best story, and the best recipe – all baked into one contest.

Pie Slam Rules, based on rules from Poetryslam.com
Each story must be of the writer's own construction;
Each writer gets three minutes (plus a ten-second grace period) to read one
story. If the writer goes over time, points will be deducted from the total score. 
Of the scores the writer received from the five judges, the high and low scores
are dropped and the middle three are added together, giving the writer a total
score of 0-30.

Recipes: 
Recipe does not have to original, but must be made from scratch.

Contest Rules
Pie must be mentioned in a way that is intrinsic to the story, not peripheral (as in, “…and then he had a piece of pie.”
Writing submissions must be acceptable for a mixed-age, family event. Keep it clean folks!
Submissions must be entered in digital form, including recipe, by 5pm Monday, March 7th, or will not be considered.
Pies/desserts must be dropped off at CakeSpy on Monday, March 14th between 4pm to 6pm
Plates/desserts must be clearly marked with entrants name and phone number. 
Please bring knife/serving tools if needed.

For more details on entry rules, prizes and judges, email jessieoleson@gmail.com! 

Save the Date: Cupcake Party and Bake Sale with Bake It In A Cake at CakeSpy Shop

Um, OMG. The two awesomest blogs on the internet (hey, modesty is not my strong suit) are teaming up for a super sweet bake sale at CakeSpy Shop!

That's right. CakeSpy and Bake It In A Cake are having a bake sale on March 26!

There will be dozens and dozens (and dozens!) of cupcakes! Filled with delicious things! Available for your purchase (bring cash, sweeties!) and eating! At a shop full of adorable cards, art and gifts! What other information could you possibly need?

Oh, ok, dates and times.

Date/Time: Saturday, March 26, 12pm - 5pm

Location: CakeSpy Shop, 415 E Pine Street, Seattle WA

Learn more about Bake It in a Cake here; shop for awesome art in advance at cakespyshop.com.

Save The Date: Pie Slam at CakeSpy Shop on March 14!

Did you miss National Pie Day on January 23rd? Aww, poor thing. But don't despair, because in the effort to keep you fat and happy all winter long, CakeSpy and Four and 20 Blackbirds are teaming up to host Seattle's first Pie Slam on March 14 (the "other" pie day...Pi Day!), at CakeSpy Shop, 415 E. Pine Street in Capitol Hill. Here are the details:

Cake and Pie Peace Talks Result in Seattle’s First Pie Slam

Seattle, WA – While the media has been heralding the demise of the cupcake and the ascension of pie – two Seattle bakers have come together in peace to hold Seattle’s first writing and baking contest – the Seattle Pie Slam.

Jessie Oleson, artist and blogger of CakeSpy fame, and Wendy Sykes, owner of the baking business Four and 20 Blackbirds decided there was no room for malice in the world of dessert and came up with the concept of a Pie Slam.

“It’s a writing contest and a pie contest, all baked into one,” said Sykes. “The concept is loosely based on a poetry slam, but in this contest the plot must contain pie. And the writer/baker is judged not only on the content and quality of the story -– but also on the quality of the pie.”

“It’s not just pie in the sky,” said CakeSpy Jessie Oleson.  “this crusty confection has inspired many a taste memory, and we’re ready to celebrate these stories at the Pie Slam!”

The event will be held at Oleson’s Capitol Hill gallery on Monday, March 14th at 6:30pm. True, while National Pie Day already happened in January, for those of you who missed it, “Pi Day” is just another chance to celebrate pie!

For more details on entry rules, prizes and judges, email jessieoleson@gmail.com! 

Crispy, Creamy, Gooey: Caramel Pudding Pie in a Rice Krispie Treat Crust

Guess what? Today is National Pie Day. Why today? I don't have a good answer for that, but when I have given you a perfectly good reason to eat pie, your follow-up question shouldn't be "why", but "why not?" and the only thing you should really be concerned with is how you'll celebrate.

Happily, in Seattle, there's an annual Pie Day Party in the Ballard neighborhood; however, even if you're nowhere near Seattle, you can still enjoy this extremely easy and incredibly delicious recipe for Pudding Pie in a Rice Krispie Treat Crust (which, incidentally, is what I will be bringing to the party). Though I used caramel pudding, you could use any flavor you like (vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, or even pistachio sound good to me) -- either way, the resulting treat, which has a satisfying mix of crunchy, gooey, and creamy textures and flavors, is good to the last bite.

Pudding Pie in a Rice Krispie Treat Crust

Serves about 8

 Ingredients

• 1 batch Rice Krispie Treat Batter
• 1 batch instant pudding (3.3 ounce size box)
• optional: mix-ins for your pudding (chocolate chips, caramel sauce, coconut flakes, etc)

 Procedure

1. Prepare your pie plate by buttering it generously (the slices can be hard to remove if you don't).
2. Make Rice Krispie treats as you usually would, in the microwave or on the stovetop; however, instead of pressing the mixture into a square pan as usual, press it into your pie plate, pressing the mixture down on the bottom and up the sides, holding a piece of waxed paper to press so the mixture doesn't stick to your hands. You might not use all of the treat batter; if not, press the remaining mixture into small ramekins or form into Krispie balls to enjoy later.
3. Let the crust cool completely.
4. Prepare your instant pudding (typically by whisking the pudding and 2 cups cold milk together until it starts to thicken); if desired, add a handful of chocolate chips, a swirl of caramel, or whatever mix-ins you'd like. Spoon the pudding into your pie crust and keep refrigerated until you're ready to serve it. Ideally, let the pie set for about an hour before serving so the pudding can completely thicken.
5. Use a very sharp knife to slice, to ensure that you cut through the krispie treat crust; serve using a cake server.

Not Just Pie in the Sky: Pie Day Celebration on January 23rd in Seattle

Put on your fat pants: National Pie Day is coming up on January 23rd. And you know what that means--the annual Pie Day Celebration is going on in Seattle! Of course, not that you needed to be told twice, since Pie is so hot this year--no need to campaign to make it cooler any more.

This is the biggest, baddest, awesomest Pie celebration you're going to find in Seattle--if you want a preview, check out this coverage of one of the past events.

But here are the details on this year's event:

Sunday, January 23rd, 2011

Pie Party 2011 in Ballard, Seattle: This annual pie eating event and fundraiser is in its 8th year in Seattle! Here's the blurb from their Facebook invitation:

The 8th Annual Pie Party at the Salmon Bay Eagles ballroom in Ballard is certain to thrill and amaze! Witness a wonderland of consumption from sweet to savory to piefectly experimental.  Come for the tasty pie and stay for the sizzling entertainment featuring readings by Seattle Poet Kate Lebo from her book The Commonplace of Pie, MC Chef Razzle Dazzle aka Fred Northup and Pie Song covers from musical luminaries including Jake London, John Ramburg, Fredd Luongo, Kim Virant, Johnny Sangster, Steph Turner & more! All proceeds benefit The Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research.  Admission is free with a pie in hand or baked-in with a $10 donation. T-shirts!  Raffles! Pie-pharnalia!  Deck yourself out in your bedazzled Pie Best and COME ON DOWN! CHILDREN WELCOME!

The details: Sunday, January 23, 6:00PM to 9:00PM. Location: Salmon Bay Eagles, 5216 20th Ave NW, 2nd Floor, Seattle, Wa, 98107.

Cake Byte: October Sweetness at CakeSpy Shop!

Dudes. Dudettes. Don't, like, freak out, but there are some very awesome things on the horizon at CakeSpy Shop (415 E. Pine St, Capitol Hill, Seattle) this month.

October 9, 5-8 p.m. Witch Craft Book Tour Halloween Party

Trick or Sweet? There will be plenty of both at this Halloween party with guest of honor Alicia Kachmar, co-author of Witch Craft: Wicked Accessories, Creepy-Cute Toys, Magical Treats, and More!, a collection of totally sweet Halloween crafts and recipes (and whose totally adorable crocheted candy corn and other sweet characters can be purchased at CakeSpy Shop!). Get your book signed, enjoy crafty activities from the book, engage in Halloween games, and indulge in Halloween cupcakes!

Oh, and there will be prizes! WIN sweet treats or perhaps even a copy of Witch Craft!

October 14, 6-8 p.m. Artist Reception: Jill Labieniec

Let's face it: the walls of your house look lame. Why not remedy the situation by buying a gorgeous print by Seattle-based artist and CakeSpy buddy Jill Labieniec? She'll be showing artwork in the upstairs gallery at the shop for October, and we'll be hosting an artist reception on Thursday, October 14th, so you can meet the super sweet artist yourself!

Update on Monday, October 18, 2010 by Cakespy

Sorry for the inconvenience buddies, but the event for Tuesday, 10/19 has been cancelled. We'll reschedule soon, ok?

Battle in Seattle: A Cake Vs. Pie Party Roundup

The writeup on SLOG is better.It happened the other night at CakeSpy Shop: Cake Versus Pie. The ultimate showdown. Planned along with the food-smartypants powers of Jenise Silva and Edible Seattle, and judged by experts including pie mavens Kate and Brittany. How'd it go?

Well, that begs the question: do you want the short answer or the long answer?

I'll give you both.

Short answer: a Pie won best in show.

The long answer: as a cake devotee, I am willing to admit the pie was stellar...but I am not admitting defeat. After tasting ten of the most delicious cakes of my life, and seeing how fast the leftovers disappeared, I don't think it's quite time to throw in the towel. And I'm willing to bet that there are many others who would be willing to take part in a delicious rematch.

Now, I could get all in-depth about it and tell you about the trials and tribulations, the whos, hows, and whys.

But you know what? A bunch of other talented writers and photographers have, ah, already done it for me. For the full review, I suggest that you click over to the SLOG, where the lovely and amazing Megan Seling delivers a play by play.

You can also find a great roundup here by Alana!

Here's another roundup by Irina Vodonos!

And--most deliciously--you can find some of the recipes for the treats we enjoyed in these places (perhaps more to come?):

• Best in Show Pie: Peach Ginger by Kate Lebo
• Italian Cream Cake (and a roundup of the event) by Purple House Dirt
• Almond Cake with Chocolate Ganache (undoubtedly one of the prettiest desserts of the evening!)

Oh, and you can follow the Twitter feed from the event here.