Order Up: Celebration Unknown!!

The order:
1 Dozen Strawberries and Champagne
1 Dozen Oreo-Oh-Oh

Confession: This order came 2 days ago and I never even got the occassion - how terrible am I? I received the call from Lohanny and since we've been prepping all week, it was nice to have a mid-week break make a cupcake order :)

This order came as a reference from Christins who has placed quite a few orders with us - we love love love orders that come through referrals! So into the kitchen we went.

First up, Oreo Oh Oh. Another cool thing about this order, the cupcake base for both is made from the same batter, so I didn't have to cut it in half or make a ton of extras to fatten up my co-workers! Into the oven they went and came out smelling delicious!

Bright and early this morning, I was up and making the frosting (I'm sure the neighbors love the mixer going before the sun is even up :) Crushing up the oreos, adding to the buttercream then piling high onto the cupcakes makes for one adorable looking cupcake, don't you think?


Next up, Strawberries and Champagne...I made the chocolate covered strawberries and into the fridge to set. As they set, the frosting was made and cupcakes were frosted.

Why hello there leading lady!!

After that, it was time for the good little boys and girls to be boxed up and taken to their new home.

Nom. Nom. Nom - I hope Lohanny and her crew enjoy devouring them!

Event Time: Scratch Weddings Happy Hour!

Finally! A few minutes to write about the wedding showcase that we attended last week.


Here are the list of vendors that participated in the event, along with their contact details for anyone who is interested:


Power Plant Productions


This space was amazing. It has all of these great features and "cool" walls/accents - and little details to make any event you had here very unique! Here's a pic that Steph took of the decorations that were left over from a wedding there that weekend!






JPM Catering

I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer and her assistant Beth. Wow they were so awesome and their food was absolutely delicious! It was so nice to actually talk with people who started the same way I did - from the kitchen of their homes. We wish them many many many years of success and hopefully I'll be able to have their food at an event in the near future!



Avi Loren Fox Photography

Avi was adorable! Her pictures were beautiful and the sample shots and weddings the she had in her portfolio were awesome!! Amazing work and the videos make you need some tissues!

Scratch Weddings

Here was the setup of scratch weddings - they did an amazing job of keeping the music going while the couples mingled and their staff were some of the sweetest people I've ever met! The crew that hosted/attended this were so kind and so open to ideas and just discussing all different kinds of things! Definitely looking forward to being a part of their events in the future!
And last but not least *ahem* Klicious Cupcakes Bakery!

Here is the photo of the display we created. We used different heights of candle sticks, along with cake platters and plain white trays to display the various cupcakes that we made for tasting. Oh and of course, we had to have the iPad scrolling of the pictures of orders we have created, along with our banner (LOVE IT!) and marketing materials (all produced by Michelle B.)
Here were the Cookie Dough cupcakes, along with chocolate topped with cream cheese icing:
Vanilla with buttercream and cream cheese icing, topped with various colored sprinkles:
Oreo Oh Oh:
The Reese's Love. And how amazing is this picture? Seriously I want to bite my monitor.
More Reese's Love...I love the way the light in the background makes it look like little twinkle lights :)

During the course of the night we were able to meet with a few different couples and let them sample our cupcakes, plus talk about the different types of parties they are having and how so many people told us that they prefer cupcakes to cakes. Completely made me smile a lot!

It was also nice to talk and network with other vendors as well - see what they have, how they operate - and it was inspiring!

Now, onto finishing up the details for the tasting party!

Order Up: Happy 2nd Birthday Lil Monkey!

The order:
2 dozen vanilla cupcakes with vanilla buttercream
1 dozen Weezy's Carrot Cake

Last week, I got a call from one of my mom's co-workers Kim who was having her daughter's 2nd birthday party and wanted to order some cupcakes; no problem at all. After playing a bit of phone tag, we were finally able to talk and confirm the order. While we were talking, I asked if there was a theme and she told me it was going to be monkey's, but the cake place called her (2 days before the party mind you!!!) that she needed to pick a new theme because they couldn't do monkeys. Lame-O.

Saturday morning, it was up early and right into the kitchen to get started on the baking. The first batch we made were the vanilla cupcakes. I found a trick to help keep the cakes moist and fresh longer...instead of using all the milk the recipe calls for, substitute a 1/4 cup with buttermilk. Yummmmmmy.

Once they were done, they were frosted with vanilla frosting and topped with rainbow circle sprinkles. I think they turned out adorable!
I was so annoyed that the place told Kim that they couldn't do a monkey cake, that I decided we were going to make cupcake toppers with monkey's on them.

Hi from our new friend!(notice that the sprinkles match the polka dots on the outside rim :)
And of course we had to have a little girl monkey! How adorable!
When I dropped them off at Kim's house - the little birthday girl was sleeping, but her two older daughters were so nice and excited about the tasting party! Made me excited too!

Happy 2nd Birthday little monkey - hope you liked your cupcakes!

Order Up: Suprise Birthday Delivery!

The order:

1 Dozen Premium Cupcakes - 6 Carrot Cake, 6 Death by Chocolate

I know I know, before you ask, no, typically we do not split dozens into multiple flavors. However this order was special.


Theresa contacted me about 5 months ago after she heard about the cupcakes and wanted to place an order to suprise her sister for her birthday in September. How could I say no to that - i think it's adorable that she sent something to her sister since she couldn't be there with her to celebrate - being that she lives alllllllll the way across the US in Portland!

Well the weekend was finally here! Since I had a busy weekend, it was up early and heading home from NY, arriving right into my kitchen. The chocolate cupcake batter was prepared and the cupcakes went into the oven and were set out to cool.

While cooling, the chocolate mousse for the filling was made and put in the fridge to set. Next on was preparing the chocolate buttercream. Once cooled, I cored the cupcakes and piped sweet chocolate mousse into the center of each cupcake:

Then topped each with chocolate buttercream swirls. Doesn't that frosting look like a chocolate staircase to heaven? I should have brought her a little carton of milk to go along with the cupcakes! (P.S. I love love LOVE my new tipping tip -I think the swirls turned out beautiful and really helping with my technique!)

Once the frosting was done, they were topped with dark chocolate crunch and shaved chocolate. What do you think?

It was an efficient weekend! An order on Saturday called for carrot cake cupcakes as well, so I was able to make them on Saturday, store them for freshness - they stay VERY fresh for about 3-4 days - and I was able to frost those right up, add some fall colored sprinkles and away we go!

Once it was almost suprise time, these little badboys were boxed up and getting ready for their suprise appearance!

Happy birthday and we hope you enjoyed your suprise from across the miles!

Order up: Girl's Night + Birthdays!

The order:

1 Dozen Strawberries and Champagne
1 Dozen Oreo Oh Oh


Know what I love? Repeat customers!


This order was placed a little more than a month ago which makes me smile that we can have something on the calendar that far in advance!


Christine emailed me shortly after we made the cupcakes for her daughter's first birthday (remember the adorable Dr. Suess cupcakes? Originally featured here?) to place an order to celebrate birthdays and for a girl's night. After confirming the order, into the kitchen we go!

First up, I tackled making chocolate covered strawberries. I'm not going to lie, I hate making these. Why you ask? Because I don't have a microwave to easily melt the chocolate, so I have to temper it on the stove and let's be honest...the microwave makes it so much easier. But this time, the chocolate melted just right, the strawberries were the perfect size, and voila - chocolate covered strawberries.

Next up was making the batter for the cupcakes. Into the oven they went, filling my house with the sweet smell of vanilla cupcakes! After they were done, I set them to cool and onto making the frostings!

First up, Oreo. The base of the frosting was made (how cool that both frostings start with the same base ;) - then I crushed up some Oreos, mixed them in, and got to frosting. Lesson learned from last time not to try to use a piping bag - so we piled the frosting on, topped with crumbles and an oreo. Away they went into their little box for safe keeping.

Next up, Strawberries and Champagne. I love this frosting - it smells so fresh and so delicious. I pureed the fresh strawberries and mixed with the frosting to create this beautiful girlie frosting. Added a splash of Champagne and piped right on! Topped them with the chocolate covered strawberry and placed in their home.

Once both were done, we sealed the boxes with our beautiful labeling - thanks Michelle B for the amazing logo - attached the ribbon and away they went!

Happy Belated Birthday Christine - hope you enjoy your sweet treats and birthday celebrations!

(Side note: If you counted, you are correct, there are more than one dozen of each cupcakes...that's because the 3rd order is a charm - and had a few left over so why not give the birthday girl a little extra?)

Order Up: Baby Shower for Team Blue!

The order:
1 dozen chocolate with light blue buttercream
1 dozen vanilla with light blue buttercream
1 dozen chocolate with light green buttercream
1 dozen vanilla with light blue buttercream

Last week I received a call from a new customer Erin wanting to place an order for a baby shower she was having for one of her co-workers. She wasn't exactly sure what she wanted, or how she wanted them decorated - so we got to talking and went with keeping it simple - tinting the icing light blue and green and topping each with a chocolate "bootie".


Since the shower was being held during lunch on Thursday, we agreed to a Wednesday night pick-up. Wednesday morning, before work it was into the kitchen to make the chocolate cupcakes and buttercreams.

The night before, Steph took the white chocolate and the mold to make the little booties...yeah, it sucks when you only have one mold that makes 4 and not enough white chocolate. So I had to cheat. On the way home from work, I stopped at Lore's candy and picked up some of their chocolate baby booties...worked out well since 1/2 were white chocolate and 1/2 were milk chocolate. And let's be honest, Lore's chocolate is delicious.

Once we got home, it was onto the vanilla cupcakes. It's funny looking back and realizing how quickly I can make a batter and bake the cupcakes compared to when I first started - the recipes that we tweaked become second nature now and whipping up a batch doesn't take much time at all (as long as I remember to let the products get to room temperature ;)

Since the chocolate were cooled from the morning bake session, I frosted those first after tinting the frostings. I love the way the swirls turned out and the little booties tied them all together! So here's the little chocolate monsters:

Close-up of the baby bootie Steph made - gotta give her props!!


Once the vanilla were cooled, I frosted the remaining cupcakes with the green and added the chocolate booties to them.

Next up was packaging time so they could be transported home to await making their debut at the baby shower!

I absolutely loved them - mgiht be time to start experimenting with some chocolate toppers as well!

Best wishes Mom-to-Be on the soon arrival of your little bundle of blue!

FAQ: Tasting Party

Ok, so let's get the W's out of the way:

Who: Klicious Cupcakes Bakery!
What: Tasting Party
When: Sunday, October 2nd, 2011 from 2-6 PM
Where:
Mayfair Athletic Club
7374 Edmund Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19136


This is right off of 95 at Cottman Avenue, across the street from Saint Hubert's, the big blue building in the park! There is plenty of street parking available.


What is a tasting party?
The tasting party is designed to be an event open that allows you to taste samples of a selection of cupcakes while socializing with others who love our cupcakes as well! You will be able to see table displays created for various occassions, along with special decorations for the fall season and upcoming holidays!


Who can attend?
Anyone and everyone who loves cupcakes! Everyone is welcome...as long as you RSVP appropriately via our Facebook event:http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=152849138128716 or email: kelli@kliciouscupcakes.com


How can I get tickets?
Tickets are available now! Prior to the event if you are definitely attending, please send an email to kelli@kliciouscupcakes.com with the number of tickets you would like to reserve. Upon receipt of your email, you will be assigned ticket numbers.


You can also mail a check or cash to the following address. Credit Cards will also be accepted the day of the event for a $1 transaction fee.

Kelli Ulrich
9566 James Street, Unit B
Philadelphia, PA 19114


Please be sure to include a return mailing address so that tickets can be mailed to you prior to the event.
REMINDER: You must present your ticket at the door or the email that contains your ticket numbers so they can be verified at the door. Each person attending is required to have a ticket (yes, children as well).


How much are tickets?
Adult tickets are $10.
Couples tickets are $15.
Family tickets are $25.
Children under 2 are free!


How can I pay for my tickets?
Cash, Check or Credit Card payment is acceptable. If you wish to pay with cash or check, this can be mailed to:
Kelli Ulrich
9566 James Street, Unit B
Philadelphia, PA 19114


Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, we will have a limited number of tickets available at the door. It is best to reserve your tickets in advance so we will have accurate accounting and be able to prepare the correct number of cupcakes for tasting!


What cupcakes will we be able to taste?
The following are the cupcakes flavors that will be available for sampling. These will be mini-sizes so you'll have room to taste as many flavors as your little heart desires!

• Vanilla with Vanilla Buttercream


• Vanilla with Chocolate Buttercream


• Chocolate with Vanilla Buttercream


• Chocolate with Chocolate Buttercream


• Reese's Love


• Smitten Snickers


• Strawberries and Champagne


• Weezy's Carrot Cake


• Fluffy Elvis


• Cookie Dough


• Minty Girl Scout


• Red Velvet


• Chub Rub


• Bacon Pancake
  

We will also be showcasing new fall flavors as well...something pumpkin and caramel apple, maybe some eggnog, peppermint, snickerdoodle, gingerbread or whatever else we can dream up...these are still in the testing phase, but we'll make sure they are perfected in time for the tasting party!

What are my choices for cupcakes I can take home?

The following are the full-size cupcake choices that will be available to take home:

• Vanilla with Vanilla Buttercream


• Vanilla with Chocolate Buttercream


• Chocolate with Vanilla Buttercream


• Chocolate with Chocolate Buttercream


• Reese's Love


• Smitten Snickers


• Weezy's Carrot Cake


• Fluffy Elvis


• Red Velvet

Can adults take part in the decorating station?
Yes the big kids can decorate cupcakes if they wish! However, aprons will only be provided for the youngsters ;)

Will cupcakes be the only food?
No. We will have light refreshments such as a veggie platter, fruit and cheese platter.


What if I need a glass of milk to wash it down?
Don't worry, we will have plenty of options to wash it down! We will have milk, water, coffee, maybe a little beer and wine. But definitely milk!

Order up: Family Reunion!

The order:
1 Dozen Reese's Love
1 Dozen Cookie Dough

Before we get into the details of this order, can I just say how much I love blogging about every order? Well I do. I honestly love being able to reflect on each order, be real with how it happens and provide a little bit of humor and learn how to make the next order better. I look back to some of the orders from the very beginning and I'm amazed at how far this has come and how much further I can take it. But that is another post for another day!

So enough of the sappy stuff, let's get to the goodies.

A few weeks ago, one of our customers Kelly emailed me that she wanted to place an order for her family reunion. No problem at all. Once she narrowed down her flavors, off we went.

First up, the extremely popular Reese's Love. I make so many of these I think that Hershey's should give me a kickback...or maybe a years supply and some cocoa too ;) Anywho - we baked up the cupcakes, whipped up the frosting and topped them with the minis. Instead of the swirls this time we tried the round tip for decorating. Me likes how they turned out:




Now back to the regularly scheduled blog. The next batch to make were the Cookie Dough. Side note, I wanted these to be as fresh as possible since they would be sleeping overnight at Kelly's before being eaten, so I made them Friday morning. Silly me forgot that the cookie dough center needed to "set". I wound up emailing with Kelly if I could drop them off later that evening to make sure that they turned out exactly how I wanted them. It was no problem at all - we love understanding customers!!!

Once the cupcakes were baked, letting cool before cooling and filling. I remembered to stop and take a picture of the filling!


Once they were filled, it was time for the vanilla buttercream frosting to be piped on...mmmmm yummy. Topped with a chocolate chip and boxed up for their sleepover!

Hope you had a great time celebrating your family and enjoying eating cupcakes Kelly and family!

Order Up: Baby Shower!

The order:
1 Dozen Reese's Love
1 Dozen Oreo Oh Oh
1 Dozen Cookie Dough

A few weeks ago in early August I was contacted by my friend Barb's future mother in law Mrs. G. A few of her friends attended Barb's Bridal shower and she wanted to place an order for cupcakes for an upcoming baby shower. No problem at all...at least that's what we thought.

Mother Nature unfortuantely had other plans. In the form of Hurricane Irene. How lucky are we right? I spoke with Mrs. G and she let me know that sadly they were going to postpone the shower for a later date since the venue and everything else was going to be closed that day.

2 weeks later, I received an email telling me that the shower was back on schedule for September 11th. I just giggled because I realized that was the day after the wedding of the year - for Barb and Kev.

After having a great time celebrating at their wedding, it was wake and bake time in my household early on Sunday morning. And no, not *that* kind of wake and bake.

First up were the Reese's Love. I feel like I'm on autopilot whenever I make these anymore! Next up were the Oreo Oh Oh, followed by the Cookie Dough.

Once everything was baked and cooled, it was time to make the frosting. First up, the peanut butter frosting and get it swirled onto those badboys. I think my swirls are getting better...what do you think? It's fun to switch up the different tips to see the effect that you get:

Once they were done, I attached our signature wrapping to the outside and away they went to be stored until delivery. Does it get any cuter?
Once they were done, it was time for the oreo. Note to self: oreos crushed in frosting is not easy to use a piping tip...get thee a spatula and make an oreo frosting mound! Lesson learned ;) Once frosted, they were topped with oreo sprinkles and 1/2 an Oreo cookie:

I thought these were so cute, I couldn't resist a closeup.


Last but not least, the Cookie Dough time. I saved these for last, since they are a 4 step cupcake. Bake, Core, Fill, Frost. Since I was on a roll, I forgot to take a picture of the cupcakes after they were cored and filled, but know that there is a little nugget of cookie dough goodness that hides below the pillow of vanilla buttercream. We topped these with a chocolate chip,
and put them in their happy place.

Thankfully at delivery time, the rain and hurricanes stayed away and we were able to safely transport to the event without an issue.

We hope that the Mom-to-be enjoyed her cupcakes and wishes for a happy and healthy time until Birthday!!!

Event Time: Wedding Showcase/Happy Hour!

It's official! Klicious Cupcakes is booked for our first Wedding Showcase event!

Here's the official details:

WHEN: Monday, September 12, 6 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Power Plant Studios, 230 North
Second Street, Philadelphia 19106
This is a free event.
RSVP: rsvp@scratch.com

If you are interested in attending, please make sure you RSVP and also email kelli@kliciouscupcakes.com and let us know what kind of cupcake you are interested in!

(We also have a PDF flyer that has the list of vendors that will be participating - if you'd like a copy, just let us know!!)