Itching to Bake - and missing my Apron

So I'm on a bit of a cupcake break while my husband Tours through Texas. Been keeping pretty busy with ticket sales and Merchandise but I still wake up in a sweat, calling out to my apron. I'm a baker... its in my blood to want to feel the heat of the oven on a daily basis.
MUST....
BAKE....
SOMEHOW!

Put together some fun recipes (non cupcake...ohhhh look whose stepping out of her comfort zone!) and am excited to try them out this week!!!  First off....

Yummy Honey/lemon baked Bananas...and then some fun Spicy Chocolate cookies! Yes... I do more than cupcakes! hahaha

Stay tuned Yall!!!!
Sweet Dreams!

What Inspires me?

I've been asked so many times how I got into cupcakes. It's a fair question. It all started with a little TV Show called "Ace of Cakes" and my  personal hero Duff! It absolutely amazed me these "works of art" he created. But what shocked me most was how he put his heart and soul into something that was gobbled up in just a few bites! I thought "This guys GOTTA be nuts!!". My nieces birthday was coming up and although I have never been known as a family member who shows up with yummy food, I decided to bake cupcakes. I made a dozen Elmos and a dozen cookie monsters.....

 

I was amazed at how impressed people were and I was even asked "how much do you charge?". " You mean I can get PAID for this?!?!" What didn't shock me was how hard it was to watch my little monsters disappear in just a bite or two. I'm learning to get better at that...or just leave before I see it! lol

It wasn't until this past year that I started exploring with Flavors. up until then my main focus was design. What I learned was that, although presentation was important, it would be the taste that set me apart from everyone else. I love me some sweets, so when I start craving something i write it down and before I know it, I've created a new recipe!

Now, when it comes time to bake, my environment is incredibly crucial to the process of my creations. First, I completely clean my entire kitchen. Then I slip into my most favorite apron. Then comes the most important....turning on one of my "Peggy Lee" records on the record player. i just cannot create without her. She has inspired me since i was a little girl.

I have had many people write me and tell me that they have started their own cupcake business because of watching me. The greatest compliment one can receive is to know they have in some way inspired others. The thing is, every person I come in contact with inspires me! so thank you and keep your eyes open for my next inspiration!

SWEET DREAMS CUPCAKERS!

Love,

Cassie



Cupcake Honor Roll

     Good Evening my sweet cupcakers! I thought I'd take some time to introduce you to the "Cupcake honor Students" ( AKA my menu flavors). Believe it or not, there IS a process to becoming an honor student. I get a flavor Craving, find a way to make it a reality, put it to the test with a group of knowledgeable cupcaker tastebuds (mainly my hubby's coworkers at Legends in concert) and level out baking and financial pros and cons. Some rise to the occasion (no pun intended) and others fail miserably. I don't keep the "drop-outs" a secret so you'll hear all about their sad stories later. For now, let's focus on the "straight A's" !

   You may notice that all the cupcakes are decorated very simply. I DO do fun creative designs but for these honor students i keep it simple and let the flavors speak for themselves. So without further adoo here we go: first up, my baby, my first, the moment I realized I ain't too shabby at this buttercream thing! My "Party Time" cupcake.



A Chocolate fudgy cake, topped with my special buttercream and some "party flakes"

Second, my lil' cookie Monster (the boys sure do love this one), my "Cookies N Cream" Cupcake!


A Cookie encrusted cake topped with a cookies N Cream icing and an Oreo!

Next, is one of my personal favorites, the crowd pleasing "Smore Cupcake"!

A chocolate cake with hints of Graham Cracker, topped with my special buttercream infused with marshmallow, crumbled graham cracker and a Chocolate bar!

Another HUGE crowd pleaser is the "PB & C " cupcake!

A Chocolate peanut butter cake topped with a cocoa peanut butter buttercream and a Reeses cup!

And finally, "The Kahuna"! For those looking for a little break from the chocolate madness!!

A french Vanilla cake with chunks of juicy pineapple baked in and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting!

And That's it!.... for now...... My brain runs a mile a minute and I have a whole notebook full of possible cupcakes!! So keep your eyes out to see if they graduate...or Fail.

So for now.... Good night Cupcakers and SWEET DREAMS!

Love,

Cassie





Once upon a Cupcake (An introduction)

     Once upon a cupcake, there lived a girl  named Cassie (ME!). And in this cupcakery world, I dared to dream. I dreamt of being able to live and breathe in my apron, that my oven would always be on, and a piping bag would permanently be attached to the palm of my hand. I looked into all forms of the baking realm and landed on....CUPCAKES! Why? well, they're just so darn cute and ,lets face it, we all feel a little less guilty indulging in these little mini cakes in a cup. So, I experimented. First with design and then with creative flavors. And that's where I am now!
     I currently run an at home cupcake business called "Cassie's Cupcakes". I practically live in my kitchen and use anyone I can (mostly Legends in Concert performers lol) to be my taste dummies. I've finally got enough flavors to have my very own menu! Right now it is all basically word of mouth which is so difficult, but I'll get there! I never stop dreaming!
     This blog is for anyone that wants to follow me on this journey of making my dream a reality! Lets be honest, it won't be easy and I'm sure having my mishaps on viral paper will be hilarious to look back on when I'm opening my first bakery! (insert sarcastic laugh) I appreciate all comments and really look forward to sharing my ups and downs with y'all!
Love,

Cassie