My Cricut Cake arrived!

After much thought and heavy consideration I purchased the Cricut Cake. I'm really excited. Though it looks really difficult to get a handle on. It has a ton of buttons. I purchased the cake bundle from HSN.com so mine came with two cartridges, cake basics and fabulous cakes. I quickly tried to make a small flower but the fondant wasn't hard enough. (seems I have to put the fondant in the freezer for 15 minutes prior to cutting images.) I am going to wake up bright and early tomorrow and try my hands at some New Years cupcakes. I will post my success or disasters on here shortly.

Cupcake Bouquet

I've been really busy with the holidays but I still have a lot of nice ideas to put together. I just put together a cupcake bouquet an think it came out quite nicely. I will add it to the online shop soon enough. I think it's perfect for Valentines day, Mother's Day or any day you want to say "I Love You."

Giant girlie bday cupcake!

It took over five hours to make this beautiful cupcake but it was worth it. Everything is edible. yum! I hope Tyler had a great bday.

Whipped cream for adults only!

It's official, I've fallen in love with a new whipped cream...WHIPPED LIGHTING! After seeing a special on television about this new whipped cream I was astonished. It claimed to have 16.75% alcohol and be 33.5 proof. So I went out and bought three different flavors, Vanilla, chocolate and Caramel. All three flavors were delicious. The caramel definitely had more of an acohol kick to it while the chocolate had the most delicious intense flavor. The vanilla was also tasty and I think it'll be my first choice when trying to come up with a cupcake to try it with. yummm!

Happy Holidays!

I've been a real busy bee these last few weeks. New Kitchen, new ideas and lots of fun!  One of my new favorite dozen is the Christmas Dozen. These mini cupcakes are half vanilla, half chocolate with buttercream frosting all dressed up and ready to celebrate! yumm!

A blessing or a curse?

I've asked myself this question since the first day after the Groupon event. Although I am grateful that Cupcake Jubilee! has received positive and continuous feedback, orders has quadrupled and I am soon opening up the Cupcake Jubilee! store, I am left to wonder if I should have taken things a little slower. Not because I'm not grateful or excited..but mostly because I did not give myself ample time to get used to the fact that I would have to deal with a lot of eccentric people.

I mean who orders a dozen cupcakes from a catering company located over 30 miles from where they live and not only impolitely ask for the order to be delivered under my 48 hour minimum order policy but DEMAND it? (not to mention they purchased my cupcakes at more than 50% off AND I lowered my minimum order of three dozen to one dozen for the Groupon event.)

Are there no cupcake stores outside of Orange County? If this is so, its valuable information for me as I look forward to expanding the business in the future. But geez, I could never be rude to people who handle my food.

Perhaps its a disservice we have done to ourselves as Americans by expecting everything to be owed to us. We want everything faster, healthier and cheaper and stomp our feet like spoiled little brats when things don't happen according to plan. Reality is, that's not reality.

Food is not 100% calorie free or carb free, cupcakes have fat in it, life isn't perfect and you simply cannot have everything "Your way" (unless you're in Burger King) At the end of the day, I'm grateful that I run a business I love and that I get the opportunity to serve nice, respectful customers who appreciate my desserts and my service all the while understanding that Cupcake Jubilee! is being run 100% by little ol' me.

Yes, at the end of the day I am grateful, even for the eccentricities of others.

Practicing my sugar skills

In the mist of renovating the lounge I've somehow managed to teach myself how to make sugar art for the minis. I read one how-to article and saw a few pics to familiarize myself with the do's and don'ts. With no thermometer on hand I kept a real close eye as I waited... and waited for the sugar concoction to turn that magical caramel color and then viola! I got the caramelized consistency I was waiting for.

So then I made cute curlies and broke off some of that funky drizzle and topped some mini cupcakes with them. Not bad for my first time. Darn, now what am I going to teach myself next?

Calling all writers, musicians and poets.

Cupcake Jubilee! is currently looking for the above said people. I'm first to admit (Seems like seldom are those who are willing to admit anything, especially in Florida) that Florida just does not compare to New York. In an attempt to revamp Florida I will start with Maitland. Especially since that is where our Lounge will be located. We will still be offering our catering services so don't you fret. But, our yummy cupcakes will also be available retail! woohoo!

Alas, the atmosphere at the Cupcake Lounge just would not be complete without the right atmosphere!! So there you have it. That's what we need, atmosphere..and I'm not talking about the gassy or full of yourself type. I'm talking ambiance people! So if you are one of the said above or know someone who is please email our events coordinator Diana at events@cupcakejubilee.com

And maybe, if I get some down time I will be able to re-edit my published novel and have a book signing event at the lounge. (That's a whole different blog. Yes, I'm a published writer.)

Well, toodles for now! Stay cool, calm and collected! xoxo

Cupcake Jubilee! at the food and wine festival of Baldwin Park March 5th 2011

I was pleasantly surprised that Cupcake Jubilee! received a personal invite to be part of the Food and Wine festival of Baldwin Park on March 5th 2011. The event benefits Cystic Fibrosis and we are so happy to help. More than 1,000 guests are expected and there will be festive tasting stations, a silent auction and entertainment. I think we will be auctioning a catering event. You'll have to check back with us again to find out!

xoxo

Join us November 18th!

Cupcake Jubilee! has partnered up with Florida Barter and we will be showcasing our cupcakes on November 18th at The Florida Barter Trade Show.

Location: The Bahia Shrine Center
Time: 6pm - 9pm

There will be hundreds of other companies showcasing their products and also FOOD! mmmm Cupcake Jubilee! will be sharing samples with everyone and we will also have cupcakes for sell in case you can't resist eating just one.

See you there!

Cupake Jubilee! finds a new home!!

First I'd like to say that I am overly excited to be leaving the commercial kitchen rental. We are moving on to bigger and better things. You will soon be able to drop on in to our cupcake lounge and enjoy free wifi, delicious seattles best coffee, fresh oven baked cupcakes and our weekly entertainment. (I'm thinking live jazz and a saxophone.)

I will apologize to all of you who tried to drop on in at our commercial kitchen rental to pick up your cupcakes. Though it clearly did say on your Groupon coupon how to redeem your coupon, most of you just simply did not read it. Tsk-tsk.

Don't worry, things weren't too good on our end either since the first day we started our business.  We've been extorted and bullied by plenty of people. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And as we New Yorker's say, "Keep it moving!" I'm a huge believer in karma and with wide opened eyes I can see the universe opening up paths for Cupcake Jubilee! that I never dreamed possible.



Also, we will be having a grand opening day celebration with fun things for the kids and stuff for the big kid in all of us. Stay tuned and please, stay out of the sun.

xoxo

P.S. Since we are currently not baking cakes of any style we are considering showcasing another baker who specializes in cakes so that he or she can use our store to promote their beautiful edible artwork. If you know of anyone please email us at info@cupcakejubilee.com

P.P.S. We are not charging for this. You keep all your profit on the sales.

Day at Calle Orange Festival

A few days ago I was able to spend the day at the Calle Orange Festival in Downtown Orlando. It was blistering hot and a friend helped me out by getting me bags of ice to pack with the boxed cupcakes so that the frosting would not melt. Here is a pic of out 10x10 spot.

We were the only cupcake vendor that day and will admit it was fun. Can't wait to see which event we go to next.

The Groupon Madness!!

This is the first chance I get to blog after being hit with the Groupon Madness. A few days ago Cupcake Jubilee! partnered up with Groupon to offer the deal of the day and we received 719 dozen cupcake orders. Now, for those of you that don't know, Cupcake Jubilee! is a one woman show. I bake, take orders, do deliveries, etc. Everything and anything that gets the show going, I do it all. However, I was grateful when a few friends stopped by to help with taking orders and deliveries. Alas, friends have lives outside of my little cupcake world and had to go back to their own madness. So I am left now with four hour night naps and the smell of cupcakes in the air.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Cupcake Jubilee! @ Tory Burch in Millenia Mall

I've been so busy I keep forgetting to write this blog. Last week I had the pleasure of working with Tory Burch at Millenia Mall. It was fashion week and a few stores were having themed events. There was also a fashion show on the main floor of the mall that was being hosted by Guliana Rancic from E! News.

Cupcake Jubilee! was asked to bake 100 cupcakes with orange frosting for Tory Burch's Cupcakes and Mimosa event.

Here are some pictures. (of course we used the Penguin Tower.)

You can't see the beautiful handbags that are in the background but trust me, they were there and they were beautiful!!

Here's a close up of the design we chose for the cupcakes. Aren't they pretty. :)

We are grateful to always be part of someone's "oooh" moment, especially when it taste so good!

Thank you to Tory Burch and all their employees.

Penguin Tower saves penguins

I searched for weeks for the perfect cupcake tower. I wanted something that was sturdy, easy to put together, resuable and affordable. I found it when I found the Penguin Tower. It's currogated plastic with pop-in grooves, four levels that you can customize to fit your cupcakes. So if you only need three levels for a hundred cupcakes, then all you have to do is remove one of the levels. I used my penguin cupcake tower for an event at Tory and Burch this week. Below is the picture of the tower. I only needed to use three levels. For $65, the cupcake tower was a smart purchase and all proceeds go towards saving the penguins.

Metal Cupcake Tower

Last month I purchased a metal cupcake tower from Walmart. It was only ten dollars and holds thirteen cupcakes. I like having variety when it comes to merchandise because all catering needs are different. I just opened it today and was very surprised at how small it was. It is the perfect size for minis so I lucked out. But if you are looking for a cupcake tower that will hold regular sized cupcakes, I would look elsewhere.

Cutest cupcake makers

Christmas is almost here. Yes, I know its three months away. But if you're like me and hate shopping during the bussiest time of the year then you're probably browsing gifts on online websites. (I hate standing on lines at stores.) So, being the cupcake lover that I am and Google lover, I googled cupcake maker and found two cute cupcake makers for my daughter who is twelve. I know, she could learn how to bake in a real oven, but I'm also an overprotective mommie. (That and the oven is my domain!)

The first cupcake maker I found was at walmart. It's by Girl Gourmet and is featured online as a bundle package because it comes with a ice cream sandwich maker also. And it's listed for only $30 for both. (Currently its sold out online. But I am sure you may find it on another website or store.

I also found an electric mini cupcake maker. Its manufactured by Smart Planet and claims to make six cupcakes in just five minutes! Not bad. It's listed for $17 on some websites on line. If you take a few minutes and google it you can probably find it for less. Target and Walmart don't have this one. But I hope they get them soon. I want one!

Cupcakes for a cause toppers!

I'm so over joyed! I thought that maybe they were lost in the mail or maybe I was never going to receive them at all. But they did arrive! and they look beautiful. I just hope that I can find a spot to hold the event as I do not have a store yet. :(

Either way, delivery is available and free in orange county! Pre-order your minis and help this great cause!

Grand opening of Gay night at Aqua Lounge

Last night, I had the pleasure of creating and donating cupcakes for the grand opening of gay night at Aqua Lounge at Metrowest. It took four hours to make a hundred and fifty mini cupcakes because it was actually alot of work. I had to make the batter, then divide the batter into six bowls and then tint each batter the appropriate color. Then I had to layer the colored batter to match the gay flag's pattern. My biggest problem was deciding on the frosting design. I baked extra mini cupcakes just to practice my ideas and I ended up with two different designs. The greatest result was the design I am officially using as my signiature cupcake design. It's a cross between the shape of petals and butterfly wings. Over all the minis came out great and the party was even better.

Whipped cream flavored vodka

Oh the endless possibilities with such a tasty flavor. I just saw an advertisement for a grape flavored vodka as well. Can't wait to try this vodka in one of my grown up cupcakes. mmmmm.

Patriotic Cupcakes

Today is a day of rememberance and also a day to eat cupakes! With so many different ways to decorate a cupcake I'm right there with you in having the difficult task of choosing just the right cupcake design. My advice is to keep it simple. Don't overload your cupcake with too many different designs, one will do perfectly. Also, keep your color scheme to a minimum. Red, white and blue is the perfect color scheme. If you're making a lot of cupcakes don't give every single cupcake a different design. Pick your top three favorite and stick with that. Too many designs is overwhelming to the baker and to your guests.

Here are some good websites that have cute patriotic cupcake ideas.
http://www.countryliving.com/
http://www.marthastewart.com/
http://www.cdkitchen.com/
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/4th-of-july-cupcake-flag-recipe.htm

Cutest Mini cake Pan

I've been on a search all month for the perfect mini tier cake pan. Mostly because my passion in baking is with miniature desserts. A mini cake looks fabulous on top of a cupcake tower. Though I came across a few websites that offered the same style pan I didn't feel as if I had found, "The One." That was, until I landed on cheftools.com! I finally found the cutest mini tier cake pan and it had a really nice price tag, only $12

Visit cheftools.com and order your mini cake pan.

Halloween Cupcakes

To me, Halloween is the best holiday to create fun and imaginatory cupcakes. There are so many things you can use to make the cupcakes that the possibilities are really endless. For example, I was in Cracker Barrel, eating their meatloaf dinner special, which was tassssttyyyy and on the way out of the store a bag of pumpkin shaped candy caught my eye. Quickly, I thought, wow! wouldn't this look great on a cupcake. So now I have officially purchased my first halloween cupcake candy. I can't wait to make hallooween cupcakes.

Some websites with halloween cupcake ideas:

http://www.halloweencupcakes.org/

http://www.halloween-cupcakes.com/

http://www.nickjr.com/recipes/mummy-halloween-cupcakes.jhtml

The perfect ice cream scooper.

I was reading the July 2010 issue of Instyle and came across their article on new ways to serve ice cream. I fell in love with an ice cream scooper that stacks ice cream scopos in cylinder shapes. It's made by Cuisipro and its only $15 on Amazon. Best idea yet is that I can scoop some ice cream on freshly baked cupcakes. yumm!

Never too old to learn new things.

A few days ago I went to a training class to get a food manager certification. It is a necessary certification for any food business in the state of Florida. It guarantees the public that the the food is made in a safe and sanitary way. I will admit it was a long six hour class but I learned more than I thought I would. I will be posting my certificate number on my website soon.

xoxo
enjoy life one bite at a time.

Baby's first b'day!

Last week I had lots of fun creating mini cupcakes for a first bday party...for twins! My favorite fondant creating was the baby rattle. Although, the ABC fondant blocks were too cute not to love.

The "Not too sugary" Cupcakes

I had the wonderful opportunity to create a "Not too sugary" vanilla cupcakes for a client whose mother was celebrating her birthday at an Orlando Night Club. It was a little difficult at first to create a cupcake that was not too sugary and still rich in flavor and texture. In the end, I created a vanilla wedding cake with a lighter version of vanilla cream cheese frosting. It came out fluffy and very tasty. It was so tasty in fact, that I had to stop my boyfriend from eating the left overs. I can see now why Cupcake Jubilee! is sure to become Orlando's Gourmet Cupcake shop.

xoxo "Enjoy life one bite at a time."