The Cupcake Company

2010-06-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

"Cake makes everything better!"
- Duff, owner of Charm City Cakes and star of Ace of Cakes

Isn't it so true?! I've had a lot of questions about The Cupcake Company's presence (or lack there of) at the Farmer's Market in Moscow. It's nice to know that we are missed, Thanks! Well, our weekend cupcakin' census has been up with graduation parties, birthdays, receptions, etc . . . so in order to deliver high grade homebaked cupcake goodness to our customers The Cupcake Company has been devoting its time to filling party orders. So . . . I guess you have to throw a party and order some cupcakes!
Don't worry party-poopers you'll have your cupcakes and eat them too. The Cupcake Co. will be at Moscow's Farmer's Market this summer, keep watching for us and we'll try to announce it as well!

Can't get enough of this Chocolate Dipped Goodness!

2010-05-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of dipping my desserts into chocolate lately, seriously a good idea! If you want to add that "WOW," factor to your homebaked cookin - dip it in chocolate. If your children are misbehaving and your hair looks ratty . . . that's right - dip it in chocolate. Really, ask yourself - can I go wrong? And I'm telling you - No, you can't go wrong.
I was talkin to my good friend the other and she says to me "Geeze, my hair's a little ratty today...," and I says to her - yeah, that's right, that's what I said - dip it in chocolate.
Really, can you go wrong? No.

Update on MOM's Day!

2010-05-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day we decided to focus on the Grandma's this year. So EARLY one morning a couple of weeks ago me and the boys were up and going with Dad - before he went to Law school - so the whole family could personalize these tote bags with our hand prints. I decided the only way the hands prints would end up looking like hands prints was with BOTH parents involved and it's more fun that way. Jack did end up with his older brother's hand print on his back, but it was all good fun. We also included some chocolates from Cow Girl Chocolates, can't leave our favorite local chocolates out. We had to make sure our pckgs arrived before I blogged about it and I was a little behind getting them in the mail, so here's a peak!

Happy Nurses Week

2010-04-29T09:34:00.000-07:00

I recently accepted a Nursing position at Pullman Regional Hospital as a Medical Surgical nurse and next week is National Nursing week and our dept. is suppose to come up with a poster to display for the celebration. Wellll . . . I volunteered and since cupcakes are a medium of expression (and consumption :) that I enjoy this is what I've been brainstorming. The cupcake are psudo-representations of the nursing staff - no one really has blue hair only cupcake personalities with blue hair ;)

Mother's Day is just around the corner . . . .

2010-04-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

Are you brainstorming a sweet treat, T-shirt, or personalized mug for your mother? I can't give away any surprises about what our family is doing for the special matrons in our lives, but if both of them didn't live in Alaska (where we are originally from) I'd love to take over some homemade goodness like these homemade Chocolate Granola Dip bars. It's a homemade granola bar dipped in chocolate, LUV 'um! They are healthy, chewy, and chocolaty - can't beat that! Super easy too!

Chocolate Granola Dip Bars
1 cup pitted dates
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, finely ground
1 cup pecans or walnuts, finely ground
1/2 cup macadamia nuts - 1/4 cup finely ground and the other 1/4 cup coarsely chopped
1/3 cup papaya, chopped
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/3 cup dried blueberries
2 tablespoons oat bran
3 tablespoons ground flax seed
2 tablespoons wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons honey

Preheat oven to 350. Place dates in sml sauce pan with just enough water to cover the dates and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, drain out water and puree in a food processor until smooth. This is the "glue," that holds our granola bars together. Set your "glue," aside. Now measure, chop and finely grind each ingredient that calls for it - when you are doing this think of what kind of chunks you or your mom like to see in granola bars ;) Now that each ingredient is ready mix them up in a deep bowl. Then add the pureed dates and honey and mix it up. Spray your pan with vegetable oil and press granola mixture into the pan. Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes, bars will be light golden brown. Cut your bars while they are still warm in the pan then let it cool till you can touch the pan without a hot pad. Now remove your bars and let them cool the rest of the way on a wire rack.

Once your bars are cooled completely, this is important otherwise your bars will break off in the chocolate while you are trying to dip them . . .Yikes! Choose whatever kind of chocolate makes your mom happy and start dippin! Lay them out on a piece of wax paper to set up, then drizzle with your choice of accent chocolate, sprinkles, coconut, or nuts.

Young People's Arts Festival April 2010

2010-04-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at the Young People's Arts Festival last Saturday! The kids were creative, well behaved, and energetic! There were all sorts of classes; crazy hats, paper bead making, a drawing class, wooden airplane-making, etc . . . My son, Gunner was was able to come to the second half and he decorated cupcakes, with me, then he went to wooden airplane-making class. I wish I could have followed him around and took some pictures, but I'm glad he got to come participate in all the fun! Kathleen and Keely from Moscow's Arts Dept. did an AMAZING JOB getting it organized! I only wish I could have gone when I was a kid ;)

Happy Spring!

2010-04-14T13:57:00.000-07:00

It is so nice out today! It feels so Spring! It makes me happy! Another thing that makes me happy is Moscow's Young People's Arts Festival that the city's department of Arts puts on for the kiddos! It's this Saturday amd here's a peak at one of the cupcake creations I'll be teaching in "Cupcake decorating with The Cupcake Co." You can still sign up just contact Keely Garrity at 208-883-7036 or stop by Moscow Jr. High Saturday morning at 8:30am. Hope to see you there!

Wedding F.A.Q.

2010-04-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Q: Does The Cupcake Company cater cupcakes for Weddings?
A: Yes, we do!

Q: How do I reserve The Cupcake Company's FANTABULOUS cupcakes for my special day?
A: Send us an email with the date, approx number of guests, a list of flavors you are mulling over, and a check for $75.

Q: What is the $75 for?
A: It is a non-refundable deposit that we require for orders over 4 doz cupcakes, it will be applied toward the total amount due.

Q: How many cupcakes do I order?
A: A good rule of thumb, if you want make sure there is a little extra, is the approx number of guests plus 1/3. SO . . . let's say there are approx. 90 guests coming, 1/3 of 90 is 30, and 30 + 90 = 120 - place your order for 10 doz cupcakes. Otherwise, take your 'guests attending number,' and divide by 12
90 divided by 12 = 7.5 - The Cupcake Company's cupcakes come in sets of 1 doz, so you can choose to round up to 8 doz cupcakes or round down to 7 doz cupcakes.

Q: How many flavors can I choose?
A: Every 4 doz cupcakes can be one flavor.

Q:Can there be variation within each flavor?
A:Possibly . . .

Q:Like 2 doz Lemon Resolution with white chocolate chips and 2 doz without white chocolate chips?
A:That sounds very reasonable.

Q: What if I would like to sample a few flavors?
A: You can purchase a sample box of 4 different flavors. The Cupcake Company will announce Sample box dates and which flavors are available on our blog.

Q: Will you travel to cater cupcakes at my wedding?
A: That depends on the location, our schedule, and your date. We have a few suggestions for couples who need our cupcakes to fly, etc . .

I hope this is enough information to get you started, Congratulations! And Good Luck!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter my friends! Might I suggest coloring cupcakes instead of eggs this year, all you need is your favorite vanilla cupcake recipe and Betty Crockers Classic Gel Food Colors - you end up with brighter colors, I get mine at Winco - whip your batter up, divide it into separated bowls and add different gel colors to each bowl of batter. Then you can layer the different colored batters in each cupcake liner however you like. This is the cupcake version of the rainbow cake I'm sure you've found in your blog stocking rounds. My kids love it and I don't feel any pressure to consume hard boiled eggs for days. However pretty and pastel decorated Easter eggs may be, they are still hard boiled eggs - let's just say I'm not a big fan, so I'll take the cupcakes.

April Fools!

2010-04-01T00:03:00.000-07:00

Don't you feel like a hot plate of spaghetti and meatballs . . . on cupcakes! April fools! What may seem like a beautiful plate of marinara with meatballs is actually a plate of my vanilla brown sugar cupcakes, fabulous cream cheese frosting (piped on helter skelter with a very small tip), strawberry jam, and Ferrero Rocher chocolates. This is my tribute to some fun cupcakes you can find in Hello Cupcake, an amazing cupcake cookbook full of decorating ideas for cupcakes - a must have for you cookbook collectors out there. Here's another view from the side with grated white chocolate simulating Parmesan cheese.

It's the strawberry jam, it makes such a nice fake marinara sauce I am totally psyching myself out! My tummy is growling for some paste goodness, but what are you gonna do? What are some of your April Fools day gags?

Cup of tea, Cupcake origins

2010-03-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

There are two arguments that exist to explain the origin of our fine little cake friends. The first supposes cupcakes received their name because they were traditionally baked in tea cups or small cups. The second speculates that practicality is the root of their title as a mnemonic for their recipe: one cup of butter,sugar, flour, and eggs. I favor the the first theory, doesn't it seem more romantic? Can't you picture yourself in an 'Anne of Green Gables,' book or something? Though if I'd lived a couple of decades ago the only way I could remember Mrs. Stacy's amazing "cup," cake recipe would be the mnemonic.

Happy 4th Birthday Son!

2010-03-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile, one of those crazy months+ that never ends, we moved, everyone took turns being sick (wouldn't want someone to feel left out :), then we celebrated Gunner's (our oldest son) 4th Birthday. And I wanted to share some of those pictures - not us moving or being sick . . . the cute birthday ones :)
Gunner wanted to do a Super Hero Birthday party, so we did. My husband and I designed a Super-G symbol - my son tells me it means "Super Gunner-Man!"- then whatever we could put it on we did! Water bottles, cupcake toppers (of course), drinking cups, and my AMAZINGLY talented friend, Kathleen Tribble, couldn't make it to the party so she dropped off some personalized sugar cookies of Gunner's name and the Super-G!

Once all of our Superheros arrived at Headquarters, saving the world from evil commenced! Each child got to design their own Super-G, K, O, etc . . . and affix it to their cape. I bought the cheapest red and blue shiny fabric I could find and cute out a cape shape. I also had some sticky velcrow tabs parents could help apply, just in case superheros wanted to switch to citizen more than once :)

Our superheros used their super strength to run races, play follow the Superhero leader, and pass a glowing stick of kryptonite - I totally made such a rooky mistake and bought a blue glow stick from the dollar store instead of the green one.

When I asked what kind of cupcakes Gunner wanted for his birthday he said "Colors!" so that's what we did; blue, red, and yellow Super-G cupcakes.

Here's Gunner and little brother Jack consuming cupcakes frosting first, of course!

Anatomy of a Super-G cupcake!

Truth, Justice, and The American Way!

Will you be my Valentine?

2010-02-14T08:13:00.000-08:00

Lemon Resolution

2010-01-27T10:43:00.000-08:00

Introducing my new Lemon Resolution cupcake. For Details bursting with flavor see below . . .

Lemon Resolution

A Lemon cupcake with white chocolate chips, macadamia nuts (optional, though I highly recommend), and lemon and vanilla swirled butter cream. You can also choose a Raspberry and vanilla swirled butter cream as well.

Winter Market, Come one, Come all!

2010-01-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, 2010!

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

xoxo The Cupcake Company

2010 here we come . . .

2009-12-28T13:11:00.000-08:00

I love New Year's, I haven't always, but somewhere along the way during those trite but necessary 'Get to know you Games,' when they always seem to ask 'What's your Favorite Holiday,' - or at least it seems like they always pose said question in the 'Get to know you Games,' I've been invited to - I really wanted to know what my favorite Holiday was . . . I didn't want to pick Christmas because EVERYONE likes Christmas, it shouldn't be in the running really; it's like flowers or citrus how can you NOT enjoy them. Can't have it be St. Patrick Day's- not green or drunk enough for that. Not Easter, I don't like pale purples and pinks or feeling obligated to eat the hard boiled eggs we've made pretty and pastel. In the end it was a close call between my Birthday and New Years. And since New Years is almost upon us I predictably will say that New Year's is my favorite Holiday, of course . . . if anybody asks . . .
So, Yes, New Years is my favorite Holiday, of course! I love the count down, the lights, Times Square, Midnight kisses and fireworks. It's one of those fantastical Holidays that you would call glamorous instead of debonair should you see it making it's way down the red carpet.

I've been listening to Peter Pan by Jim Dale when I go work out in the mornings (one of my favorite books to re-read or listen to) and it's showing in my post . . . Oh well. Jim Dale is the same narrator who also recorded the Harry Potter series, he's amazing!

Anyways, I also love the introspection, goal-making and renewing that comes along with the New Year. And as I was revisiting my goals from last year and deciding upon my goals for this year. I had an image of the 'We Can Do It!' girl, Rosie the Riveter pop into my head and so thanks to my GENIUS of a husband, Johnny O'Barr, I have this lovely picture to go along with this post. Yes, that is a picture of me and No, my shoulders have not been digitally enhanced they really are that big through no action or preference of my own. The only heavy lifting I do is cupcakes and children; I specifically avoid any weights. The one time I tried to "tone-up," a little I looked like Popeye for months. Some people are blessed with great skin I got man-shoulders.

2010 New Years Resolutions, in no particular order of importance . . .
1. Drink 4 glasses of water every day (more is allowable and encouraged)
2. Always say the nice things you think about others
3. Never suppress a generous thought
4. Try a new cupcake flavor and/or dessert every month (mine or somebody elses)

New Years resolution #4 is in semi-tribute to one of the best New Years resolutions I have ever heard. About Two years ago My husband's friend - we'll call him Steve. Steve's only resolution for that year was to eat a bucket of fried chicken every month, when asked to explain he said he was tired of not keeping his New Year's resolutions every year so he decided to simplify. We are happy to report he was successful in his monthly fried chicken endeavor.

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Experts say self-improvement goals are more likely to be reached if your make between 3 and 7 goals. And it takes something like 21 days to create a new habit, right? If you would like to try a new Cupcake Company flavor every month shoot me an email at:

heidiobarr@yahoo.com
or call 208-360-2272

Full of Cheer! . . .and Ginger!

2009-12-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

It's been so busy with catering Christmas parties, family activities, etc . . . and Christmas is just around the corner. Well when you get a chance take a break, do something for yourself, have a girls night or treat yourself to your favorite calorie infested dessert . . . that's what I did. This last Saturday I had a girls night! It was so fun to have friends come over, talk, laugh, and share goodies. I made some yummy mini chocolate cupcakes and my favorite Chewy Gingersnaps - they complimented each other nicely, I must say. These are the ONLY gingersnaps I like and I'm going to share the recipe with you to enjoy! They are so easy and lazy proof; just dump all the ingredients together and mix it up!

Amazing Chewy Gingersnaps
2 cups granulated sugar
1.5 cups softened butter
1/2 cup unsulphored molasses
2 eggs
4.5 cups flour
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1.5 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix it all together, refrigerate for 30 min. Roll into 1 inch balls, roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat before placing on baking sheet. Then bake at 350 for 8-11 minutes, ie till BARELY golden brown. If baked TOO long these Amazing Chewy Gingersnaps may turn into Ginger-SNAPS without the Amazing Chewy part.
So I guess I fibbed . . . just a little though . . . the ONLY hard part about these cookies is baking them for the right amount of time. I usually bake mine for 10 minutes but every oven is different and some people like to make their cookies bigger. I make 1 inch balls which make 2 inch cookies that I bake for about 10 minutes and I'm happy with the result. So you can tweek it a little to get the result you like.
If you would like some Amazing Chocolate cupcakes to go with your Amazing Gingersnaps for your New Year's Eve party or just for fun, give me a call!
The Cupcake Company 208-360-2272

Gift Certificates

2009-12-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

Many of you have asked if The Cupcake Company offers gift certificates . . . well . . . we do! I've really enjoyed hearing about all your stocking stuffer ideas for your cupcake-loving friends and family, thank-you for sharing! Merry Christmas and we know that your loved ones will be as excited about The Cupcake Company's gift certificates as we are!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2009-12-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas friends and countrymen! We wish that all of you will have a meaningful Christmas season, full of cheer, kindness, giving and Christ-like love! We celebrate the birth of our Savior and King! May the spirit of Christmas live in your hearts all year long!

The Cupcake Company will be at the Winter Market tomorrow, from 10am - 2pm @ the 1912 center! See you there!

The Lost Art of Handwriting

2009-12-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

The Cupcake Company was honored to cater mini cupcakes for the opening of the city of Moscow's new art exhibit at city hall - The Lost Art of Handwriting.
It was really inspiring to see how many contributions came from the community.

I took my 3 yr old and he loved finding all the G's - which was really impressive!

I believe the exhibit will be displayed for at least a couple of month's, I'll double check.

We a great time! It was a fun family outing, especially now that out door activities are limited.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy a sneak peak of my favorite Thanksgiving cupcake . . .

Butter Pecan

A vanilla brown sugar cupcake with toffee filling, a layer of candied pecans, cream cheese frosting, garnished with toffee bits, chocolate bits, and a pecan. Have a slice of grateful goodness!

Bad News

2009-11-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to my little guy crying for me, he was feeling pretty miserable. After the rough night he had we went to see what was going on and it looks like an ear infection. So I'll have to post-pone my cupcake give away so I can take care of my family. I hope you have a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving!

Young People's Art's Festival was Awesome!

2009-11-23T12:30:00.000-08:00

As you know, The Cupcake Company taught a cupcake decorating class at Moscow's Young People's Arts Festival and we had a blast! It was pretty happening! I think it's wonderful and we can't wait to do it again; which looks like it will be next spring -April 2010. I want to take a moment and give a shout out to the University of Idaho's Elementary Education program! I had four volunteers come assist with cupcake decorating and they were AMAZING! They were excellent with the children, intuitive, self-motivated and professional. If only they were interested in a career with The Cupcake Company!

Moscow, you have beautiful, creative youth and it was a pleasure to work with them! The kids decorated 3 cupcakes each and they could choose to decorate either a penguin, turkey, owl, snowman, and/or a kitty. The Kids decorated 120 cupcakes!
Here's a couple of their cupcakes, the penguin was very popular! How could you resist the penguin though, he's so cute!

Here's another penguin, he never gets old! We also had a Yetty aka abominable snowman cupcake from one of the kids. Lot's of red mini-M&M's turned our cupcakes into crazed demon kitty's, snowmen, and penguins.

The Cupcake Company also had a booth at the Winter Market at the 1912 center this last Saturday as well. We were very happy to see our regulars and meet new customers! We sold out again. THANK-YOU! The next Winter Market will be December 5th 10am - 2 pm @ the 1912 center. Please feel free to come celebrate the Holidays with us, we enjoy seeing you!

Jupiter Sunrise

2009-11-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

Jupiter Sunrise is named for one of our favorite bands. It is also The Cupcake Company's signature cupcake! It was the first catering order I ever received and it is by far one of my personal bests. I can never say that one cupcake flavor is my favorite because I REALLY DO like all of them! Which flavor I want to enjoy just depends on my mood. But if I had to name one or swear to never apply a french manicure to my nails or toes again for the rest of my life - I would name Jupiter Sunrise as the lucky cupcake.

Jupiter Sunrise
An orange cupcake with craisins, white chocolate chips, and orange zest. Followed by a walnut, honey layer, and finished off with our famous cream cheese frosting.

Don't forget we will be at the Winter Market this SATURDAY NOV. 21ST at the 1912 center from 10am - 2pm

Young People's Arts Festival!

2009-11-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

The Cupcake Company is excited to announce that we will be teaching a cupcake decorating class for Moscow's Young People's Arts Festival. Here is a sneak peak at one of the cupcakes we will learning to decorate.

The Festival will be Saturday November 21st at Moscow Jr. High School @ 9am to 3 pm. You can register by calling 208-883-7036 or emailing
kgarrity@ci.moscow.id.us
Or you can fill out an application at City Hall, registration is due 11/17/09. Hurry and sign up you don't want to miss out! There is a limit of 10 students per class and openings are filled on a first come basis. Can't wait to see you there!

Gluten Freedom Cupcakes

2009-11-03T21:54:00.000-08:00

That's right my friends, we certainly do have gluten-free cupcakes! One of The Cupcake Company's newest friends Miss Blair V. brainstormed this flavor combination up and it is wonderful! Though originally intended for gluten free consumption we won't leave the carb-loving heathens behind - this cupcake comes in chocolaty gluten-packed goodness too.

Cinnamon Chocolate

A Chocolate Cupcake with a hint of cinnamon, dark chocolate ganache and cinnamon cream cheese frosting. If only we could throw an evening by the fireplace in the box with these warm cupcakes . . . [daydream pause ] . . . ahhhmee [sigh of content] . . .

*vanilla gluten free version also available

Last Farmers Market . . .

2009-11-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

It wouldn't be right if I didn't make sure the first thing that I said was THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU! We are so happy to report that the Cupcake Company has enjoyed its first Farmers Market here in Moscow with unimaginable success, every Saturday we sold out of all of our cupcakes. It's so nice to find that Moscow enjoys cupcakes as much as we do. And if things continue to go as they are going our plans to open a cupcake cafe will be able to happen sooner than we anticipated. We will keep you posted! Here's some quick shots of our Halloween table at the Farmer's Market. It was fun to end on a festive note!

Snickerdoodle

2009-11-03T21:29:00.000-08:00

It doesn't get any better than this!

Snickerdoodle

A vanilla-brown sugar cupcake with layers of cassia cinnamon and sugar frosted with a dollop of cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween my gruesome cupcake fans! Can I just say that I am so excited about the Farmer's Market this Saturday! It's The Cupcake Company's last Farmer's market for this season and we have a spooky menu planned.

Come try our Spooky Snicker Doodle cupcake!

We catered a Relief Society opening social for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it was haunting!

Check out our creepy crawly Black Tie Affair!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

2009-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is by far Moscow's favorite cupcake! So far, the beautiful city of Moscow goes through about 50 of these delicious cupcakes a week! It makes sense after I took my sons on a play-date to Ferdinand's in Pullman a few weeks ago. Ferdinand's most popular flavor of ice cream is . . . Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough! Well here she is in all of her cookie dough glory . . .

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

A vanilla brown sugar cupcake with a chocolate hazelnut filling and chocolate chip cookie dough frosting. YUMMMMY!

Pink Tea Extravaganza!

2009-10-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Cupcake Company was honored to cater two tables sponsored by Debbi Dockins at the Pink Tea. Debbi is absolutely fabulous, motivated, and wonderful! She is just a whirlwind of positive energy! Also a great BIG thanks to Jade Stellmon, one of our favorite cupcake customers, she put us in touch with Debbi. Jade and Debbi are in the picture below looking wonderful! Jade just had a baby recently and she looks great!

We were also excited to donate 1 doz cupcakes as door prizes for attendees to enjoy. This is Gritman Medical Center 8th annual Pink Tea. The Pink tea raises money for breast cancer detection. Money raised at the event goes to the Bosom Buddies Program which provides financial support to women who can't afford to pay for a mammogram or other breast cancer services. I know that there are still other ways to donate to this wonderful cause either by contacting Gritman Medical Center directly or by purchasing a pink tea T-shirt. The pink tea T-shirts are in several locations around town.

Cupcake Care

2009-10-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Our cupcakes are baked fresh for every event without the aid of preservatives or stabilizers. They are meant to be enjoyed right away! If you are saving them to eat at a later time please keep them in an airtight container for the best results. You can also wrap your cupcake box in saran wrap, though you will get better results with an airtight container. Store your cupcakes at room temperature. We HIGHLY recommend eating them within a 8 hr window after purchasing. I've had several people ask about freezing them we've tried that. Ultimately, we've found that eating them fresh really does showcase our cupcakes as a superior gourmet product and that is how we recommend them, fresh. And really who wants to wait around to eat cupcakes?

Computer upgrade . . .

2009-10-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of delicious eye-candy. My wonderful husband has been upgrading our computer this last week in between Law school, our family schedule and his BUSY schedule. So needless to say that as soon as he's done making our computer a dream machine, I've got LOADS of decadant cupcakes to blog about. For now it's just me, Heidi O'Barr flavor: times new roman (isn't that the name of this font - I probably just ruined my punch line).

Anyways, we regret to say that we will not be at the Farmers Market this Saturday October 24 due to a change in our family schedule, but . . .

Our LAST DAY AT THE FARMER'S MARKET WILL BE OCTOBER 31

Come enjoy some spooky cupcakes, start your Halloween off frightfully.

Personalized Cupcake Orders

2009-10-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

We do offer custom cupcake orders for special events such as baby showers, weddings, charity events, just because, birthdays, etc . . . The guidelines for placing a personalized cupcake order are the same.

Step 1

Choose the genre of your personalized cupcake order; Bridal shower, baby shower, etc . . Brainstorm the look you are going for and then try to visualize that on a cupcake. Feel free to call me so I can help you with this process. Some ideas follow:

1. Does the new mom have a theme for her baby room? What colors, shape, or cute fuzzy animal is she going for? Okay, let's put it on a cupcake ;)

2. Check out twitter for some great cupcake images to get the creative juices flowing.

3. Check out my past blog images see if there is something you like.

STEP 2

Send us an email or gives us a jingle at least 5-7 days prior to the commencement of your EDCC (Expected Date of Cupcake Consumption) so we can block off space on our calender just for you.

email heidiobarr@yahoo.com
phone 208-360-2272

STEP 3

We will call you within 24 hrs to discuss your cupcake flavor selection. We will also send you an email with all the cupcake flavor particulars so you can mull it over at length. I myself have a hard time deciding between Jupiter Sunrise, Molotov Mint, Black Tie Affair, and Banana Carmel. AHHhh-mee sigh, choices, choices, choices . . .

Minimum order for
$24 Reg. (traditional size) cupcakes 1 doz
$36 Reg. party favor cupcakes 1 doz - each cupcake comes in its own party favor box as seen here
$40 Lg. cupcakes 1 doz

New Flavor: Chewy Chocolate Coconut

2009-10-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Cupcake Company would like to introduce a new flavor:

Chewy Chocolate Coconut

A moist chocolate cake with a candied coconut layer, chocolate cream cheese frosting, topped with a chocolate coconut marshmallow. If you are an almond joy fan then here's a cupcake fix for you!

The Winners Are . . . .

2009-10-07T19:16:00.001-07:00

Thank-you so much for participating everyone! The lucky people who get to taste our new flavor Chewy Chocolate Coconut are:
1. K8
2. Melissa
3. Jackie
4. Maaike
5. Kylie
All you have to do to claim your cupcake is give me a call 208-360-2272 before 9:30pm, eat it, enjoy it, and then please post a comment to give me some feedback on what you think of our new Chewy Chocolate Coconut friend.

Caramel Apple Pie . . . Again. CUPCAKE GIVE AWAY!

2009-10-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

I know another picture of the Caramel Apple Pie cupcake in all her glory. I just couldn't resist. I just love this picture and she's so photogenic. Anyways . . .

CUPCAKE GIVE AWAY!

I'm having a cupcake giveaway to celebrate 4 wks of selling out at the Saturday Market! Thank-you Moscow! And I am testing out a new flavor:

Chewy Chocolate Coconut
A moist chocolate cupcake with a coconut spread, chocolate cream cheese frosting, garnished with a chocolate dipped marshmallow rolled in coconut. Some will have marshmallow cream some will not. A few super lucky individuals will get both so they can tell me which one they liked better. What a great way to conduct market research, huh!

I told myself no experimenting with new flavor combinations until after the Saturday Market ended because we've been so busy, but I couldn't help myself and there's enough to share ;) So here's what you have to do to get your name in the drawing:

1. Make up a sentence or jingle that incorporates 1 or more of the cupcake flavors that are listed at the right and post it. For example:

Jade said "I know I'm just a Plain Jane, but if I don't get s'Mores of the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Spice cupcakes, I'll have to take the Rocky Road out to the river where I'll do a PB Cliff Dive into the Jupiter Sunrise-reflecting water. However, if I can get my Butter Pecan fix, I'll be so Oatmeal Chocolate Chipper that I'll Snicker Doodle all the way to the Black Tie Affair I'm attending in my Orange Dreamsicles." 09/30/09

In fact, if you can find a way to use all the flavor names I'll put your name in the drawing twice.

OR

2. Become a follower of The Cupcake Company blogspot, just scroll down, add yourself to the followers, and post a comment letting me know you did. In fact Katelyn was our first follower so she's gets a Chewy Chocolate Coconut cupcake because she was the first! Yeah Katelyn!

OR

3. Add The Cupcake Company's button to your blog. I just figured out how to create a super-cute Cupcake Company Button. If you scroll up it's at the right. All you have to do is add a Html gadget and copy and paste the script listed next to our button at the right. Then when people smell that amazing post cupcake consumption breath that you have and ask, "Where do you get such fabulous Cupcake breath from?" You can say, "The Cupcake Company, just click on the cute cupcake on my blog and check it out!" Then just post a comment and let me know your blog has a button and you want a piece of the cupcake action.

I will announce the winners tomorrow, Wed. 10/06/09 at 7pm. Good Luck Cupcateers!

Anatomy of a Cupcake

2009-10-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

SO I've been thinking about this for awhile; it's just been so busy. SO Jade thank-you for giving me a reminder. Anyways, eventually all the cupcake flavors will have a link so when you have a cupcake craving that you need to satisfy with a custom order you'll be able to take a peek at the cupcake flavor of your choice. SO here we go . . .

Caramel Apple Pie

A vanilla cupcake with a graham cracker crust, a cinnamon and sugar caramel apple filling, topped with a layer of spiced apples, and cinnamon cream cheese frosting, drizzled with caramel. So Fabulous! This is one of my favorites, it was inspired by the neon green caramel apple pops that we all coveted when we were children!

The Cupcake Winners are . . . .

2009-09-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

The cupcake winners are, here wait let me say that again
The cupcake winners are . . .

1. Melissa
2. K8
3. Jade
4. Lacey
5. Monica

You guys are so awesome! I loved them ALL! But I got to say, my hat is off to Jade! Jade wrote a paragraph and she used 11 out of the 15 different flavors we offer - I mean seriously can anyone story top that. Well ladies give me a call and come pick up your prizes! The cupcakes turn into pumpkins at 9pm so gives us a jingle 208-360-2272.

You ROCK!

92.5 KRFP FM Radio - CUPCAKE GIVE AWAY!

2009-09-30T17:19:00.001-07:00

Wow, pretty exciting huh! All I can keep thinking is "WOW! That was so NEAT-O!" with a big perma-grin on my face as I blush! If I never sell another cupcake (not in our plans) at least these last 3 weeks have been really fun! We were guests on the David Jerusalem program today @ 2pm - the above picture is David Jerusalem from 92.5 KRFP diggin into our Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cupcake. He was very willing to take this nice action shot ;)

This is myself :)

And here is Johnny TOTALLY in his element! When he was a kid, he had a pirate radio show that he would broadcast on occasion in Wasilla, AK. If you got a chance to listen, I hope it was enjoyable. If not we'll be getting a CD of it and we'll post it for you to listen to over and over till you puke!

Now the fun part!

CUPCAKE GIVE AWAY!
I made some cupcakes to take to the good people of 92.5 FM and I have some more to share so in order to get your name in the drawing all you have to do is:

1. Make up a sentence or jingle that incorporates 1 or more of the cupcake flavors that are listed at the right and post it. For example:

Monica said "I'm having a Black Tie Affair with Heidi's cupcakes," 9/21/09

So clever, in fact Monica you get a cupcake today because I just LOVE that you said this last time!

OR

2. Add The Cupcake Company's button to your blog. I just figured out how to create a super-cute Cupcake Company Button. If you scroll up it's at the right. All you have to do is add a Html gadget and copy and paste the script listed next to our button at the right. Then when people smell that amazing post cupcake consumption breath that you have and ask, "Where do you get such fabulous Cupcake breath from?" You can say, "The Cupcake Company, just click on the cute cupcake on my blog and check it out!" Then just post a comment and let me know your blog has a button and you want a piece of the cupcake action tonight.

I'll post names of the winners tonight at 8pm pm and then you can call me
208-360-2272 to get directions to your cupcakes. Good Luck!

Happy Birthday!

2009-09-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

It's my Birthday today! And I got some exciting news - this morning David Jerusalem with 92.5 KRFP FM Radio called and wants to do an interview with The Cupcake Company tomorrow from 2pm to 3pm! Wow, what a great way to start a Birthday; I'd say we can call it good! We'll just top it off with some cupcakes and friends this evening and I'm good to go!

Nothing like a Cupcake High . . .

2009-09-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sticky fingers, little mouths smeared with frosting and chocolate, eyes that light up as they run back and forth over the smooth swirled frosting, crisp clean white boxes with cupcakes tucked neatly inside. I just LOVE "the pause," in someones footsteps as they try to continue onward and finally, the capitulation when I offer to tell them about our flavors. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it because I have felt the exact same rapid succession of thoughts when I pass by a bakery or see piles of cookies strategically displayed. It's a dream and who doesn't want to share that with others? I'm having so much fun and I just want to say THANK-YOU!

Though, sometimes I wonder if I'm the ice cream man that brings joy in the hot dusty summer afternoon or the wicked witch in the gingerbread house enticing calorie-conscious adults away from the stale trail of bread crumbs to come feast at my door. I prefer the anecdotal parallel of the ice cream man, it's a better example for my children to emulate.

I know this is hard to believe but I did almost double the amount of cupcakes I brought and we still sold out quicker than I anticipated. So next week I'm doubling it again!

Thanks, to Omie Drawhorn from the Moscow Pullman Daily News, she interviewed me this morning for an article in their business section. I was SO nervous, I was the biggest dork ever I'm sure; but Omie was so chill and easy going, she was a natural. Unlike me, I don't think I could have spelled my name if she asked me. So look for an article on The Cupcake Company in the paper :)

And I'm so glad that Nate and his girlfriend, Kristy, found me this week! They came looking for me last Saturday and I was in a different spot. They had my cupcakes the weekend before last Saturday (confused yet?) and were so excited they came back again and couldn't find me; so they emailed the Saturday market people to get my contact information. Talk about people who know what they like and take care of business, work-it! It was great to meet you two!

How to place an Order . . .

2009-09-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

STEP 1

Choose our Cupcakes over free samples at Costco . . . Congratulations, you've completed the first part of The Cupcake Company's custom order process!!

STEP 2

Send us an email or gives us a jingle at least 3-5 days prior to the commencement of your EDCC (Expected Date of Cupcake Consumption) so we can block off space on our calender just for you. If you are looking for something more meaningful for your special occasion then check out Personalized Cupcake Orders.

email heidiobarr@yahoo.com
phone 208-360-2272

STEP 3

We will call you within 24 hrs to discuss your cupcake flavor selection. We will also send you an email with all the cupcake flavor particulars so you can mull it over at length. I myself have a hard time deciding between Jupiter Sunrise, Molotov Mint, Black Tie Affair, and Banana Carmel. AHHhh-mee sigh, choices, choices, choices . . .

Minimum order for

$18 Reg. (traditional size) cupcakes 1 doz
$40 Lg. (approx. 3x larger than the Reg. cupcakes) cupcakes 1 doz

FYI*

If you need to cancel an order due to appendicitis and crazed alien invasion, no problem we understand. If their is any possible way to anticipate either of these events 48 hrs prior to their occurrence and your EDCC please find time between emergency surgery and the aliens hostile take over to give us a jingle. Though, you may be able to use our cupcakes to barter with the extraterrestrial beings. Unfortunately, we can't help you with emergency surgery, we are not currently licensed to preform emergency appendectomies and last I heard surgeons won't work for cupcakes . . . .

The Martin Institute

2009-09-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

I want to give a big thanks to the Martin Institute, Mary Jo and Joel, for booking my first catering event in the Moscow area. The Martin Institute is a center for peace studies and conflict resolution through the University of Idaho. It was really exciting getting their cupcake order together and I can't wait until they have another gathering that requires cupcake catering.

The Winners Are . . . .

2009-09-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

I had Gunner draw all of the winners. That way it's absolutely fair - wouldn't want to start a cupcake war. I loved all of your comments, I wish I had enough cupcakes to give to everybody because you're all so clever! You made my night!

1. Jay
2. Mikel Sage
3. Lacey AND Jade
4.Casey
5. Madison
6. Melissa

Please Don't give up - I will be doing this a lot in the future so check in and post a comment on the next cupcake giveaway!

CUPCAKES RULE!

CUPCAKE GIVE-AWAY, NOW . . . TODAY!

2009-09-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hey cupcake fans I had a catering gigg to do today and I have some left over cupcakes that need a friend. All you have to do is post a comment, leave a phone number that I can reach you at tonight, I'll draw a hand full of names tonight at 6pm, then you can come pick up your cupcake and devour it in your car OR go home and share it.

Cupcake To Go Carriers, for your portable cupcake cravings . . .

2009-09-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

We now offer to go boxes, so you can eat your cupcakes now or later without destroying the pretty frosting until you are ready to. Essential etiquette when enjoying our cupcakes. These niffty little boxes of joy also moonlight as party favors.

I wasn't sure if I was going to have a walk-on space at the Saturday market until I showed up early this morning, I was glad that worked out ;) Otherwise, my family and I (and probably the neighbors) would have to eat all those cupcakes . . . not that I have a huge problem with that, but my thighs do. Anyways, we were visited by the cupcake fairy again and we were sold out by 10:50am. Thanks again Moscow! It was so exciting to see return customers and here how enthusiastic people were about our product! Thank-you, Thank-you, we feel very blessed! And we will definitely be prepared to last through the lunch hour next Saturday.

I didn't get to snap any pictures until we'd been open for quite awhile so here is a shot of Ladies Night (a new creation), the very last one. Ladies Night is a chocolate cake with dark chocolate ganache, cream cheese butter cream and drizzled with raspberry sauce.

Here's a shot of Jack and Gunner (my biggest cupcake fans ever) enjoying some nectarines . . .

Coconut Key Lime Pie

2009-09-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

This week's featured flavor - Coconut Key Lime Pie

Coconut Key Lime Pie (from the bottom up)
Has a graham cracker crust with a coconut and lime zest cake, a coconut spread, lime butter cream, and graham cracker crumbles; garnished with a fresh slice of lime.

Oh yes, it's true, this is a diva cupcake straight from our flavor obsessed kitchen to your discerning palate to enjoy! When I first started experimenting with lime and coconut I tried to throw in a third flavor to break up all the lime and coconut goodness . . . I was fearful that the lime and coconut zappyness would scare consumers away. The picture above displays the coconut key lime pie cupcake on her maiden voyage with a raspberry and lime butter cream swirl. After several taste tests we found that 4 in 5 people preferred their coconut key lime pie straight up. So our master plan is to unleash our diva cupcake on the citizens of Moscow. Come have a sample and tell us what you think. We will announce the date of our next appearance at the Saturday Market this Friday (because, frankly, that's when we find out too;)

First Saturday Market . . . Thank-you Moscow! Again!

2009-09-12T12:55:00.000-07:00

Rocky Road and Snicker-Doodle, in all their glory!

All I feel like saying is THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU!
Today was our first go around at the Saturday Market, it was so wonderful and exciting! Everyone was so nice, helpful and excited about our cupcakes! Thanks to Tym and Kathleen who helped me get approved as a walk-on vender! A special über-gooshy thanks to Lacey at Strawberrypearl studios who made my logo placard below.

Lacey was also my go-to girl when I thought about setting up a booth at the Saturday Market, she explained the whole process, let me borrow some of her equipment and encouraged me to go for it! And she did it all for a girl she had just met, you can't be any more fabulous than that! I'm really grateful for the fellow entrepreneur mommies who've reached out to me, especially Lacey!

And OF COURSE thanks to my husband and our two sons! I know you hear it all the time but I couldn't do it with out you! Here's a shot of our younger son, Jack trying to sneak a cupcake before we opened for the market, so CUTE!

We were sold out before 11:30am, I'm glad that Moscow enjoys cupcakes in the morning ;)This all feels a little premature and it was only my first Saturday, I doubt we'll sell out again, but having it happen the first Saturday is really encouraging and empowering; it makes me feel like I have a marketable product even if I never sell a cupcake again, so thank-you cupcake fans!

I have to give another shout-out to the Law Students at the University of Idaho, Brian and his wife, Sara, Calli, Monica, Bryce and his wife Suzy and their little girl Sophia, Ike and his wife Jackie and their twins girls. It was so wonderful to see you and break cupcakes rather than bread, as it were.

Anyways, let me know what you thought of the cupcakes! Check out my blog every week to see what flavors I will be offering on the coming Saturday or send me your email address and I'll put you on the "in-the know," cupcake company list;) Happy Saturday!

University of Idaho Law School, Thank-you!

2009-09-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

Thank-you for all the wonderful compliments and support University of Idaho Law school!! It was very flattering to hear from you and it gave me courage to continue on my cupcake adventure in Moscow!
My husband recruited my cupcakes as a campaigning tool to take to school the morning of the student bar association elections . . . and he won. So whether it was his incredibly charming personality and moral integrity or the cupcakes ;) I'm convinced they make a good team! Congratulations honey!
Thanks to the incredibly warm welcome our cupcakes received at the Law school. We decided to offer our cupcakes at the Saturday market. I'm happy to announce we've been approved as walk -on vendors and hopefully (pending space availability) you'll be seeing a lot of us starting this Saturday, 9/12/09, until the Market closes for this season.