cupcakes and bake shop treats

you had me at hello, or, how i almost fingerprinted somebody

~ jama



Now then. Where were we?

Oh yes. When last we spoke, I was licking the last bits of chocolate ganache and vanilla cream off my fingers after leaving Buzz Bakery in Alexandria. Since our first foray into cupcake madness began at a place that carried a variety of baked goods, I decided it was time to zero in on a few upscale cupcakeries.

THE HUNT

On a rainy Saturday, we headed over to Dupont Circle in D.C., to check out Hello Cupcake and Red Velvet. Never mind that it was almost impossible to find a parking space on the crowded streets of this area, that it was rainy and windy and we had to walk blocks and blocks to reach these places — no, never you mind. We did this all for YOU, after all, and you’re so worth it, right? Besides, it never hurts to burn a few calories before pigging out delicately tasting cupcake finery.☺

Continue reading →

the new and improved pantaloon!

~ jama ~ 1 Comment

Look what just came out this week!

A brand new, updated edition of the 1951 Golden Books classic, Pantaloon, written by Kathryn Jackson. Did you read it when you were little? Somehow I missed this one, even though I had a pretty large collection of Golden Books. It really is a charming story — I find it impossible to say the word, “pantaloon,” and not smile. Knowing it’s the name of a pastry-loving French poodle tickles me to no end. Pantaloon, pantaloon, pantaloon! Isn’t that a great word?

Original version published by Simon & Schuster, illos by Leonard Weisgard.

The story itself has been revised a little in this new Random House edition — a few words changed, an extra bathtub scene added. To refresh your memory, Pantaloon loves loves loves pastry and cookies, and wants to be the baker’s helper. Unfortunately, the baker rejects him, thinking Pantaloon will eat more than he’d bake. Undaunted, Pantaloon disguises himself as an old lady who claims to be a good cook who never eats between meals. The overworked baker is so overjoyed, he dances with the old lady around the shop. Oops! She accidentally loses her shawl and bonnet, and Pantaloon gets thrown out of the bakery again.

Continue reading →

a little cupcake chat with charise mericle harper

~ jama ~ 2 Comments

Are you in the mood for a deliciously plain vanilla cupcake with buttercream frosting right about now?

Certainly hope so, because Charise Mericle Harper has stopped by to chat about Cupcake: A Journey to Special (Disney-Hyperion, 2010)! Seems everyone is crazy about this scrumptious, sparkly story that attempts to answer the question: Can a plain vanilla cupcake find happiness in a razzle dazzle world?

Continue reading →

soup of the day (and a giveaway): it’s raining cupcakes by lisa schroeder!

~ jama ~ 4 Comments

Weather Forecast for alphabet soup and vicinity: Mostly sunny with periods of heavy cupcake rain. Sugar highs astronomical with cheers blowing in from all directions. Frosting and sprinkles overnight north and west of town.

Grab your umbrellas, everyone — it’s cupcake weather!

I am sooooooo excited that It’s Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder (S&S/Aladdin, 2010) is officially out today! Truly, this middle grade novel has my name written all over it, and I’m here to shout its praises from the highest rooftops.

Will you just look at that cover? *lick lick* Scrumptious and then some. If it’s got you anticipating a deliciously fun, uplifting story that will leave you comforted, inspired, and totally satisfied, you will not be disappointed. Just wait till you begin reading — each chapter is named after a different cupcake flavor: Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes, Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes, Coconut Mango Cupcakes, and my personal favorite, Hawaiian Sky Cupcakes! ☺

Continue reading →

get your buzz on: buzz bakery!

~ jama

 


I first heard about Buzz Bakery in Alexandria from Sara Lewis Holmes, whose New Year’s resolution this year is, “to eat more cupcakes.” I know, right? A brilliant poet and author who’s definitely got her priorities straight. ☺

This past weekend was the perfect time for a cupcake caper — temps in the 60’s, bright sunshine and clear blue skies. Since Buzz has been on my foodie field trip list for quite some time now, it was the perfect place to begin my research. My ultimate quest: to find the best Chocolate Cupcake in the DC area, and to reacquaint myself with its cousins — Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, Vanilla, Lemon, Strawberry, Champagne, Banana, et. al. If brownies, cookies, or cute little pies call my name, I will answer.

Continue reading →