Baker Spotlight: Kristen’s Creations

*Baker: Kristen Caballero
*Bakery Name: Kristen’s Creations
*Contact information: kcaba006@yahoo.com

1. Meaning behind bakery name. Kristen’s Creations is based off of my first name and the creations I choose to make!

2. How did you get started in cupcakes? I’ve loved baking ever since I was child and after realizing I can take my love for baking and make it into a career I decided on setting a goal to open up a bakery and what does every bakery need? Cupcakes!

3. What is your signature cupcake? My PBJ&M (Peanut Butter, Jelly and Milk). I love taking classics and making them unique.

4. What is your personal favorite cupcake? My favorite always depends on the mood I’m in and right now I’m really feeling chocolate!

5. What inspires you when it comes to your cupcake creations? My favorite foods and drinks inspire me to make a cupcake to taste just like them!

6. One reason why cupcakes are awesome. They’re cute, small and perfect for any sweet craving

7. What do you think is the future of cupcakes? I think cupcakes are a classic treat that will never go away

8. What do you think is ‪funkiest cupcake creation? My Fruity Pebble Cupcake

9. What has been your biggest cupcake disaster? When I cut a recipe in half and forgot to cut the amount of oil in half I ended up having cupcakes so dense that the oil seeped through the liner and into the bottom of the cupcake pan.

10. Share one cupcake making tip. You can make any flavor cupcake by adding an ingredient to your vanilla batter.

Donor Spotlight: Hamington House Counsel

The lovely ladies over at Hamington House Counsel have donated a $100 gift certificate good toward any purchase (spa, restaurant, etc) at the Biltmore Hotel.

Thank you Alessandra and the rest of the staff!

Donor Spotlight: Tiano Salon Spa

 

Joseph and Tiano of Tiano Salon Spa have donated a great gift certificate full of pampering.

Tiano Salon Spa is located at 2840 Oak Avenue, Coconut Grove, Miami, FL.

Here are the donation details (Retail $128):
*Certificate good for manicure, pedicure, and Hylunia's sensitive skin facial.

Donor Spotlight: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Here's another great item from one of Miami's most gorgeous locations, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

Here are the donation details (Retail $85):
*One (1) annual Associate Plus membership.
*Includes benefits for two (2) adults at the same address and free admission for members' children (or grandchildren) under 18.
*Expires Nov. 30, 2011.

Donor Spotlight: Zoo Miami

Here's a great item for all you animals lovers from Zoo Miami!

Here are the donation details (Retail $68.28)
*Four (4) passes good for one admission per pass.
*Not valid on special events or with any other discount offer.
*Expires April 30, 2011.

Quick Note

Cupcake Camp Miami is coming together beautifully. I can't believe it's only a few days away! I am still accepting donations for the silent auction, but unfortunately, I am no longer accepting bakers. There is more planning involved in getting the bakers organized and ready than there is in organizing the silent auction.

Note: There are still two more Baker Spotlights to go up but they are not "new" bakers. 

Baker Spotlight: Klassy Kakes

*Baker: Monica and Jenny of Klassy Kakes
*Contact Information: klassykakes@bellsouth.net, and http://www.flickr.com/photos/klassykakes/
*Flavors and Fillings: Double Vanilla, Double Chocolate, Key Lime, Coconut, Guava Cream Cheese, Raspberry, Nutella, Pumpkin Dulce De Leche, Peanut Butter Cup, Red Velvet, Lemon White Chocolate, and many more.
*Pricing: $2 each. Customized decoration and Tower pricing upon request

1. Meaning behind bakery name? Klassy Kakes is an homage to the classic, sinfully delicious, white trash sweets such as Krispy Kreme (RIP), and Tasty Kakes- particularly Kandy Kakes.

2. How did you get started in cupcakes? After baking for friends and family for many years, I saw the 3 girls from Cupcakes Take The Cake on the Martha Stewart Show. I immediately signed up for the Cupcakes Take The Cake Blog and was flooded ( and still am) with inspiration from all of the cupcake bakers all over the world. Every day I see something on that blog that inspires me!!!!

3.What is your signature cupcake? Our signature cupcakes are the Key Lime and the Double Chocolate.

4. What is your personal favorite cupcake? Mine changes all the time- right now it's Coconut, and Peanut Butter Cup. Jenny's is the Chocolate Oreo.

5. What inspires you in your cupcake creations? Flavors from our childhood, and experimenting with different flavor combinations. We always love to experiment with new ingredients and decorating techniques to see which create the best cupcakes. We are constantly having cupcake throwdowns and making everyone around us vote on the best ones!

6. One reason cupcakes are awesome. Cupcakes are universal. They always put a smile on someone's face. Young, old- everyone loves a cupcake. I recently made a cupcake tower for a 90th birthday party. They just make you happy!

7. What do you think is the future of cupcakes? Now that cupcakes are more mainstream and very popular I hope to see more flavor innovations, more cupcakeries, and more cupcake trucks. It's a cupcake revolution!

8. What do you think is the funkiest cupcake creation? The tobacco cupcakes on Cupcake Wars for Duff's 100 show anniversary. YUCK!

9. What was your biggest cupcake disaster? I over-zested the key limes for a big order and discovered after I had baked and frosted them all that they were discustingly bitter. It turned into an all night key lime zesting and baking marathon! Have you ever zested a key lime- they're so tiny!

10. Share one cupcake making tip. Definitely never over-zest the any citrus! And also, don't drown your cupcake in frosting, it will overwhelm the cake that you took so much time to bake!

Donor Spotlight: Cupcake Sisters

Unfortunately, the Cupcake Sisters will not be at the event but they have done the next best thing and donated a gift certificate.

Here are the donation details (Retail $27):
*Certificate good for one order of a dozen cupcakes.
*Excludes "21+ to Party" cupcakes and fondant.
*Expires Jan. 31, 2011

Donor Spotlight: Baez Party Productions

Here is a great item donated by Rebecca and David Baez of Baez Party Productions, Inc. It's perfect for anyone planning a special party.

Here the donation details (Retail $160)

*$100.00 off DJ services- DJ services include lights and fog machine

*Free concession machine with approximately 70 servings (popcorn, cotton candy, or snow cone) Retail $60.00.
*Expires 11/3/2011.

 

Donor Spotlight: Simon Gourmet Foods

Up for auction is a great item donated by Sarah of Simon Gourmet Foods. This item is for all you cookie lovers out there!

Here are the donation details (Retail $45 plus shipping):

*3 month subscription to Simon Gourmet Foods' cookie of the month club.

*You receive over a pound of fresh baked cookies at your door each month. 

Baker Spotlight: Simon Gourmet Foods

*Baker: Sarah of Simon Gourmet Foods
*Contact information: email@simongourmetfoods.com, www.simongourmetfoods.com, (305) 735-1486
*Flavors & Fillings: vanilla, chocolate, coffee, lemon, key lime, guava, raspberry, cinnamon, red velvet, coconut, peanut butter, chocolate chip, and more
*Pricing: $1.00 for mini and $2.00 for traditional

Meaning behind bakery name. The reason we are called Simon Gourmet Foods is because we make all sorts of treats besides cupcakes. In all of our products we use all natural high quality ingredients and classical mixing methods.(The Simon part is my last name, and I'm proud to represent my family through my culinary creations)

 How did you get started in cupcakes? I got started in cupcakes during college, making treats with my friends, which inspired me to go to Culinary School to study Baking and Pastry. 

What is your signature cupcake? My signature cupcake is double chocolate fudge. I come from a family of chocolate lovers, no... chocolate fanatics, and this is one of my first and most frequent flavors. 

What is your personal favorite cupcake? My favorite cupcake is a mini double chocolate fudge. You just pop it in your mouth and savor the decadence of all the chocolatey goodness.   

What inspires you when it comes to your cupcake creations? What inspires me is my experiences as a pastry chef, different flavors, textures, and my customers, friends, and family.

One reason why cupcakes are awesome. Cupcakes are so awesome because they make people happy. If they are mini, they are one quick bite of sweet pleasure, and if they are larger, you can make that pleasure linger a little bit longer.

What do you think is the future of cupcakes? The future of cupcakes is more creativity through flavors, textures, and decorations. 

What do you think is ‪funkiest cupcake creation‬? You'll have to wait and see what we bring to cupcake camp!

Share one cupcake making tip. Have fun!

Baker Spotlight: Cupcake Sisters

*Bakers: Alexa and Kayla
*Contact information: cupcakesistersmiami.com, a.ferra@umiami.edu
*Flavors and Fillings: Flavors include chocolate, amaretto, champagne, and Whoppers. For full selection go HERE.
*Pricing: Mini $ 1.25 Regular $ 2.25

1. Meaning behind bakery name? We call ourselves the "Cupcake Sisters" because our cupcakes are solely made by Alexa and Kayla Ferra - sisters that are 11 years apart.

2. How did you get started in cupcakes? Kayla and Alexa started baking for fun over the years and after getting so many compliments about their treats, they decided to start selling cupcakes in the community.

3. What is your signature cupcake? It is a tough competition between our Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cupcake or our Oreo Surprise cupcake. Both have surprise treats baked into the center of the cupcake, which makes anyone with a sweet tooth beg for more.

4. What is your personal favorite cupcake?I love our Guava Cream Cheese cupcake. It is a perfect side to a cafe con leche. Kayla loves plain vanilla cupcakes or the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cupcake.

5. What inspires you when it comes to your cupcake creations? We love trying new things, whether it be a new recipe or a new way of decorating. We love watching cupcake shows and reading different cupcake blogs for inspiration as well.

6. One reason why cupcakes are awesome. Because they are the perfect bite-size treat that you don't have to share with anyone.

7. What do you think is the future of cupcakes? We think cupcakes will continue to evolve and take over the baking world. They are becoming works of art instead of just yummy birthday party treats.

8. What do you think is ‪funkiest cupcake creation‬? We once saw a salmon cupcake on Cupcake Wars that supposedly tasted good. Kayla and I wanted to gag. I don't think we'll be mixing fish and sweets anytime soon.

9. What has been your biggest cupcake disaster? One day we made about 130 mini cupcakes for my student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America, and we left them in a sealed box in a humid room. The liners started peeling off the cupcakes and we freaked out. We had to try to salvage what we could with new liners. Luckily it was a client disaster.

10. Share one cupcake making tip. Make recipes your own! Try crazy flavors and decorate elaborately. Pretty much, let your imagination run wild and don't limit yourself.

Donor Spotlight: Happy Cakes by Chanda

You get the chance to go home with a gift certificate good toward Happy Cakes by Chanda cupcakes. Thank you Chanda for the donation!

Here are the donation details (Retail $60):
*Party Package of 24 decorated cupcakes certificate.
*Expires 11/3/11

Baker Spotlight: Happy Cakes by Chanda

*Baker: Happy Cakes by Chanda
*Contact information: (305) 318.4562 - www.happycakesbychanda.com and www.facebook.com/happycakesbychanda
*Flavors and Fillings: Red Velvet, Marble, Chocolate, Lemon, Vanilla, Strawberry, and endless fillings options like: Brigadeiro, Dulce de Leche (with fruits), Prestigio, Beijinho and much more!
*Pricing: from $1.50 each and up.

Meaning behind bakery name. I always bake when I'm happy! So the happiness I was feeling when I starting baking more more and a business was born - generated the name.

How did you get started in cupcakes? Happy Cakes was born out of my love for kids and sweets! Right after I had my second child, I wanted to do something that fulfilled me and at the same time, allowed me to stay at home- so I started baking for my family and friends! The feedback was so good that instead of going back to the corporate world, I decided to start...Happy Cakes. place where home made, best ingredients, design and love meet to create always a unique sweet!

What is your signature cupcake? Chocolate with Brigadeiro (a brazilian type of dulce de leche)

What is your personal favorite cupcake? Red velvet

What inspires you when it comes to your cupcake creations? My kids

One reason why cupcakes are awesome. You can never say no to one!

What do you think is the future of cupcakes? They are here to stay.

What has been your biggest cupcake disaster? Well, I had a couple.

Share one cupcake making tip. Add love to it. I bake every single one as if I was baking to my own family.

Baker Spotlight: Love Bites

This is a special Baker Spotlight feature. It's not a baker specializing in cupcakes but a baker specializing in Cake Pops. I won't tell you much about Niki other than the following:

Love Bites was created (a week ago) by people who share a love of everything food.  Inspired by all of the goods we'd make throughout the year for the regular 9-5, we've decided to put something together and see where it takes us.  Good food, good people, good fun =0).

Contact Information: lovebitesmiami@gmail.com, 786-253-8057 or 305-962-6819, Facebook page

Now you are tasked with getting to know her better when you see her next week!

Donor Spotlight: Baez Party Productions

This isn't an item for the silent auction but it just may be something better. David and Rebecca Baez, owners of Baez Party Productions, Inc. have agreed to donate the use of tables for the event. Now all the bakers will have tables and you will be able to sample their cupcakes and actually get to know the bakers. How great is that?

To fully understand the Baez's donation, here's what they are donating:

*Item Donated: Tables, Chairs, Plastic Tablecloths and Cupcakes

*Retail Value:  $232.00

The generosity of people astounds me. I am so thankful for everyone who has played a part in helping this event become a success.

Baker Spotlight: Baez Party Productions

*Baker: Rebecca Baez
*Contact information: (305) 457.5077 or (786) 303.8282
rebecca@baezpartyproductions.com or david@baezpartyproductions.com
http://www.baezpartyproductions.com
*Flavors and Fillings: Vanilla, chocolate, yellow cake, marble, cinnamon bun, carrot, pumpkin spice, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, orange, banana, cookies n cream, chocolate chip, flan, guava, tres leche, dulce de leche, key lime, strawberry cheesecake, red velvet, rum, coconut rum
*Pricing: $0.75 for mini cupcakes (add $0.50 for specialty flavors); $1.75 for standard cupcakes (add $0.50 for specialty flavors)

Meaning behind bakery/company name. Baez Party Productions is a full service Wedding and Event design and planning firm. We offer a wide variety of services from the beginning to the end of the entire event planning process. The company has our family last name.

How did you get started in cupcakes? The catering aspect has always been a division of our corporation. Cupcakes are taking a sudden rise as favorites in our clientel base and are very much in demand. They are also fun to bake!

What is your signature cupcake? Strawberry cheese cake with cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with graham cracker crumbs, garnished with fresh strawberries.

What is your personal favorite cupcake? The Strawberry Cheesecake and our Daisy Cakes Lemon Zest Cupcake.

What inspires you when it comes to your cupcake creations? We listen to our clients. We get a feel for what they are looking for. After understanding what their vision is, we begin to suggest ideas, styles and flavors that suit their liking and personality.

One reason why cupcakes are awesome? The perfect size to satisfy that sweet craving. 

What do you think is the future of cupcakes? Due to the sudden rise of cupcakes, being the exposure of new television series, cupcake shops opening, and a definate demand with our clients, cupcakes are definately taking the cake! We are seeing that more brides are ordering cupcake tree cakes, instead of the classical fondant tiered cake. No slicing required, no mess, and guests enjoy the sweet treat in the palm of their hands.

Share one cupcake making tip. Make sure all ingredients are measured accordingly. A little more of one ingredient, might throw the taste off.

Round Up

Here's a quick update of everyone involved in helping make Cupcake Camp Miami a success.

Silent auction donors:
*A Cake in a Cup
*Bikram Hot Yoga Miami
*Breathtaking Memories
*by.Ivonne Cake.Love.Couture
*Contenti Cupcakes
*Cookies by Design
*Dharma Studio
*In Focus Studios
*Joanna's Marketplace
*Miami Children's Museum
*Simply Captivating
*Victoria's Design 

Bakers:
*2 Girls and a Cupcake
*A Cake in a Cup
*by.Ivonne Cake.Love.Couture
*Clarabelle's Cupcakes
*Contenti Cupcakes
*Cupcakes by Hilda
*Klassy Kakes
*Love Bites
*Sweetness Bakeshop & Cafe
*Sweet P Cupcakes
*The Cupcake Diva

Donor Spotlight: Miami Children's Museum

Miami Children's Museum was generous enough to donate passes. Miami Children's Museum is described as "a non-profit educational institution that meets the needs of all children in our multicultural community." Make sure to go to the Museum's site to read all about their events and exhibits.

Miami Children’s Museum is located at 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, Florida 33132.

Here are the donation details (Retail $60):
*Four (4) Play Passes.
*Each pass is good for one admission.
*Expires February 2011.

Donor Spotlight: Dharma Studio

Loree and Natalie were kind enough to donate a gift certificate for yoga classes at Dharma Studio. Dharma Studio offers classes for everyone so go to their site and check out their class schedule and descriptions.

Dharma Studio is located at 3170 Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.

Here are the donation details (Retail $130):
*Ten (10) class gift certificate.
*Expires Nov. 3, 2011.

Donor Spotlight: In Focus Studios

Manolo Doreste of In Focus Studios has donated a gift certificate for the silent auction. The silent auction is turning out to be something spectacular! He photographs everything from weddings to babies so make sure to head over to his site and blog to see all of his work.

Here are the donation details (Retail $300):
*Gift certificate good for $300 worth of photography services.
*May not be combined with other promotions.