Cupcake vs. Cupcake

The CW called. Way Cool! The first season they contacted me, admittedly I was quite intimidated. I wasn't ready. And, I didn't have enough bakers experience to convince myself, otherwise. In order to battle on the front-lines, I knew that I had to be equipped with the weapons of sweet destruction. The classic homemakers kitchen-aid, a few whisks, spatulas and the Betty Crocker spirit wasn't tough enough. I had to UP my game. What I needed--was a BADASS RESUME!

At the time, I had a few notches on my belt with the weekly column on Essence and the feature on Brides. If nothing else, the publications gave me--oomph! The question: could I go against the "best of the best" in the cupcake war? On the surface, presentation, skill, and flavor, would undoubtedly be the categories graded. What about the less tangible: personality, and confidence? I had 3 out of 5. I'm competitive and I love a challenge. I've never turned down a chance to wax my husband in Pac-Man. Ask him! His defense may resemble, "that's a girlie game". WHAT-EVERRRRR!

After several months of beating, mixing and piping, my professional experience had grown to a competitive level. "Lean On Me" was no longer a song in my play list. Now, I would be a serious contender. A few, at my demonstrations and instructor classes, quietly promoted the notion: "You should be on the CW." I figured, they were just being polite. Honestly, I never really considered, nor did I pursue everyone Else's idea.

Until now....Seaon 3. Apparently, a video of my demo, circulated. Let that be a lesson--be careful what you record. But, was I ready? The casting description read: calling all bakers, store owners, caterers, pastry chefs etc... Was that me? I guess. After all, I am the chef/owner of The Cupcake Craze...

Success is when preparedness meets opportunity. Here was the opportunity...I was prepared, but, the timing was less than favorable. Unfortunately, there were too many prior commitments that stood between me and the flour power. Once again, I had to decline. Shucks- maybe next time!

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

Cupcakes vs. Pies

First, the whoopie pie was the "new cupcake"-huh! Then, there was the macaroon- eh-eh! Now, allegedly, it's the classic American pie with it's juicy fruit filling flavors: apple, blueberry or cherry. Tempted, yet? Seriously, would you really bail on that little bite-sized treat...grab some vanilla bean and turn that flaky crust into an "a la mode" heaven? Such a sweet dilemma.

C'mon...where is the loyalty? There are very few things in life more delightfully nostalgic than an old-fashioned cupcake. Remember the school bake sales? Those were the days. It was a lot less competitive back then. The chocolate chip cookies sold for .25 cents and the cupcakes were .50 cents. The maximum spent was $1.00--you had to have at least two cookies.

As preschoolers, we all learned the value of sharing. Well, most of us. Some are still struggling. Case in point: a little pie for you and a cupcake for me. Vice-versa--everyone's happy. It's not like we're voting for Hillary Clinton vs. Sarah Palin, although neither of them are sweet. Are they?

Does society have to dictate our choice of the perfect indulgence? No. Besides, what's wrong with a little variety? Some like vanilla others prefer dark chocolate. And, you know what they say about chocolate...another time.

Personally, I love pies AND cupcakes. Why can't we have it all? While we're at it, let's throw in some brownies, a batch of cookies, a few doughnuts and three or four scoops of Neapolitan ice cream. Why not? There is no good reason why one has to cancel out the other.

Pleasure yourself. And, hit the gym later.

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

SOLD OUT

Rock Stars sell out arenas. From legends like Bruce Springsteen to mainstream hip-hop artists like Jigga-what? (Jay-Z) to a British goddess who can take a sabbatical for a decade only to return a SOLD OUT show ten-months in advance. Now, that's a ROCK STAR!!! I'm "Cherishing the Days" til I see the one and only, SADE.

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be a rock star? Tell the truth. I have. I can't say that I've imagined selling out places like Madison Square Garden, the Staples Center or even the New Orleans Superdome. And, as much as I loooovvvveee to sing, I know my lane. Besides, I would never get a record deal. Then again, Milli Vanilli did. Remember them?... "Girl You It's True.... Ooh, Ooh, Ooh, I love you". Boy did they have great pipes, I mean lips. Ha!

In the culinary world (my lane), the obvious stars are Martha, Paula, and Rachel. Certainly, they're accustomed to sold out venues, long lines, waitlists etc...I can't tell you how many times I've ignored my presale emails only to find out, after the fact that they were at a local event, yesterday. Ugh! Gotta read those emails.

Read this:

BE MY CUPCAKE

Location: Whole Foods Market Bowery Culinary Center, New York, NY

Date: Saturday, February 5th, 2011 11am-2pm

Details: Demonstration and Hands-On

Just in time for Valentine's Day, chef Nicole Friday will show you how to transform the classic cupcake into a dipped and glazed piece of edible art.

Menu: Valentine Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze; Classic Chocolate Cupcakes

Instructor: Nicole Friday, Chef/Owner, The Cupcake Craze

Adult Registration

1 adult registration

Price: $55.00

SOLD OUT (this item is sold out)

Two words: ROCK STAR!!!! Now, I know what it feels like. I can not believe my class is SOLD OUT. That's crazy!!! I guess my name doesn't have to end in Stewart, Deen or Ray, afterall.

"Friday" will do.

Check out the full description of the class: www.acteva.com/booking or go to www.facebook.com/thecupcakecraze.

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

A look back at "The Cupcake Craze" 2010

It seems like yesterday when I sat down with my husband during a random "home movie night" and shared my cupcake idea. We never actually watched the movie. But, thanks to those bogus "no late fees" from Blockbuster, we now own it, along with the others. Guess we have plenty of time. Ha!

Instead, we sat in our usual "reserved" spots on our everyday suede couch and hashed out the concept, tossed around a few company names, and settled on The Cupcake Craze. Ultimately, I repositioned myself in front of my laptop sitting on my wooden chocolate-colored chair with my fingers searching domains. The search returned-available!! I reported back to my husband across the room-the good news. That was only half the battle. The birthing process was just beginning. There would be a long road between contractions, breathing exercises and finally, postpartum. The Cupcake Craze would be my third child. Sort of. With an estimated due date (or launch) set for March 2010, I was still in my first trimester. Time sure did fly, even through labor pains. Is that possible? Nope! Anyway, it was time to push this baby out! The banner no longer read "coming soon". The Cupcake Craze had arrived!!

The unofficial "start-up" arguably may have been, the "Cupcake of the Week" column on Essence.com. Photos courtesy of "JF." Then, of course, there was the feature on Brides.com. It was a cake test judged by a group of epicureans who decided which six cupcake flavors, created by "me" were most suitable for a destination, winter or summer wedding. The editorials gave me a jump start into the culinary world. Basically, they put me on the map. And, instantly made me a "caterer". Of what? Didn't matter, I went with it!

The "site"--gave me a home. A landing zone. A marketplace. Credibility!!!!!! And, the editorial coverage, well that certainly helped! Before I knew it, I was off to the races landing demonstrations at some of New York's most prestigious locales. Eventually, I was promoted from "caterer" to "chef" then "chef/owner". Great! Inadvertently, I was building a culinary resume-- Greater!!!

Architectural Digest Home Design Show March 2010 (FIRST EVER DEMO--SCARED STRAIGHT!!)

Macy's Herald Square July 2010 (BATTLE OF THE CUPCAKES--WINNER!!!!)

New York Botanical Garden August 2010 (OUTSIDE DEMO--HOTTEST SUMMER DAY OF 2010)

Whole Foods Market September 2010 (CUPCAKE KIDS--CUTE!!)

Williams-Sonoma October 2010 (MY FAVORITE STORE!!!)

New York Botanical Garden October 2010 (MUCH COOLER DAY- ENCORE DEMO!!!)

Williams-Sonoma November 2010 (MY FAVORITE STORE, AGAIN!!)

P.G. Chambers School November 2010 (LIFESTYLE SERIES!!)

Neiman Marcus December 2010 (400 HUNDRED CUPCAKES--WOW!!!!)

Bloomingdales December 2010 (HOLIDAY FUN!!!!)

Oh yeah, and the cupcake orders. I had lots of referrals, some random, others from the demos--the question I repeatedly asked, "so how'd you hear about us?" Funny how things happen. I never expected to make that question a part of my vocal repertoire.

Then, there was the on again...off again...on again...and finally, off again booking on LXTV. The producer LOOOOOOOVVVVVVVED the cupcakes!!!!!!! So what happened?????? IDK!!!!!

The year was definitely a sweet one and I'm looking forward to an even sweeter journey in 2011.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

PS. check out photos on www.facebook.com/thecupcakecraze

posted by Nicole Friday for The Cupcake Craze

And the winner is...

And the winners are...was written in the subject line. It was an undisclosed eblast. I assumed all the participants of the battle received the news. It was "the" email from Macy's. Just about three weeks had past and not a word. I tried to convince myself that winning didn't really matter as much as knowing I did my best. Huh! So much for that.

Isn't it always about winning? Ask Lebron James!!!

I refused to concede just because I was up against one of New York City's most famous bakeries!!! Some say "they" are responsible for starting the whole Cupcake Craze. Seemingly, that would be a recipe for intimidation. Not! Even if that were true- I love a challenge. Colossal or mini. Pun intended. So what if "they" consistently have lines wrapped around several blocks on sixth avenue. Did it really matter that cupcake aficionados would travel cross country just to indulge in a certain bakeries handheld treats? Sure "they" have even been on the Martha Stewart Show, shipped cupcakes to Oprah, visited by Hollywood's finest etc... etc... ! Really, what was the big deal? "I" was the "mom minus the pop" shop. A start-up. So was Google once upon a time!!! Where are they now? Ha!

By the way, "they" are famed Magnolia Bakery.

This was the real life Cupcake Wars...no edits, cuts, takes, do-overs, wardrobe, hair or makeup. Just raw footage. Oh, did I mention that both my parents earned Master's Degrees in child psychology with a speciality in self-confidence fortification. Perhaps, I could blame my optimism on them. Either way, I enthusiastically accepted the challenge. Crazy or Brave? We'll see...

As I scrolled down to the winners...I moved closer to the screen, slide to the edge of my seat and read every letter that formed each word. I wanted to be sure I didn't misread, misconstrue, misunderstand or encounter any of the other misses. Instead, I inhaled the entire email as if I were Vanna White turning over yet another appetizing vowel. Then, I read it again. I refused to be a victim of fine print.

It read...

"A special thank you to all of our wonderful chefs who participated in the Battle of the Summer Favorites! The competition was stiff and the judges were impressed by everything that was dished out! It was a great month long event that excited customers and the store and after tallying all of the votes, I'm pleased to announce the following winners!"

Battle of the Crabcakes:
Chef Matthew Hughes, Blue Water Grill

Battle of the Burgers:
Chef Brian O'Donohue, Primhouse

Battle of the Guacamole:
Chef Scott Linquist, Dos Caminos

And........


Battle of the Cupcakes:
Nicole Friday, The Cupcake Craze

OMG!!!!!!!

SHUT. UP.!!!!!

SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!



I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thank you to all of you who voted for me. I'm so excited!!!!!!

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

Cupcakes Delivered

It arrived in our info box. Like the others, it had a "from", "subject" "received." The request read: we would like to place an order for seven dozen assorted cupcakes, especially the Amaretto Pineapple Upside Down and the Sweet Potato to be delivered at 12noon-- tomorrow. Tomorrow??? It was 5:45pm. That was less than 24 hours. Just one problem, I didn't have any-- STAFF!!!!!!! For the most part, I'm it!!! No sous chef, no assistant, no mother's helper. NA-DA. Just me, myself and I. How could I pass on this "big" opportunity? One thing could lead to another and who knows??? Ugh, I was in a bit of a pickle. Sure, without even a wink of an eye, I could pull this off. But, then there were the kids, my kids; the husband, my husband and oh lets not forget the shower: Necessary! Seemed like an impossible task for even the most skilled. Obviously, the Craigslist Ad, I had been meaning to post served absolutely no purpose now. Bakers Assistant-WANTED!!!! Shucks.

Against all odds, I confirmed the order and bought two hours. They agreed to a 2pm delivery. Was I nuts? Probably. Willingly, I gave me, myself and I an impossible task. While my three alter egos battled, I ran the credit card. Waited. APPROVED. Let the baking begin.... I may be ambitious and a little over zealous, but I know the drill. Money first, cupcakes later.

I had twenty-three hours to go. I gathered my recipes, ingredients, equipment and "got to mixing". It was a reality show in the making. I was tempted to set up the tripod and attach the handheld. If nothing else, this was sure to be a "real" life episode. I passed on that opportunity. I figured YouTube had staying power.

Deliriously, I pulled an all nighter. Not really something at the top of my "to do" list. Those insane mid-term days had long passed. At 7am, I had to get the kids ready for school. Thank God, my four year old is pretty self sufficient. As long as one color on the shirt and pants match--it's an outfit. He's happy--I'm happy. I made sure my little one was groomed and dressed appropriately. Then, off to school they went. As for me, I was back to cupcaking.

By 11 am, the cupcakes were done, boxed and ready to go. Believe it or not, I made it with time to spare!!! Now, I had to deliver the cupcakes. Yep, "me deliver the cupcakes too"! But, not without disguise. I grabbed my Pam Grier hair, my inspector gadget hat and MJ's white glove without the studs and proceeded to the ninth floor reception. I was prepared for my fifteen seconds. I couldn't be the little fish in the big pond. OH, NO! I had to be like the "others." This was it! So, I cleared my throat, lowered my voice and announced, "cupcakes delivered".

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

Cupcake Mission

It was like a blind date. Sort of. I was persuaded. Grudgingly I agreed. For me, it was the superior mission that kept me motivated. We've all been there. Agree to something that simply makes us regurgitate at the very thought. Indeed, I said "yes"! Not that I had a choice. It was a friend of a friend thingy. So, I gritted and smiled at the cameras. It was three minutes, at most. Grant it, a long three minutes. I kept my eyes on the bigger picture. The optimistic pay off. The end result. The walk down the aisle or in this case the runway.





Before, hitting the catwalk, I made a special delivery to the producers. An afternoon sweet snack is simply irresistible. The Red Velvet cupcakes with swirled cream cheese frosting was all the buzz around the studio. Who? What? Where...echoed throughout the hallways while the makeup artist tweezed my untamed eyebrows to perfection.

First, I had to fulfill my commitment. Done. Then, it was all about my personal assignment. Still dressed as if I just walked out of Vogue's fashion closet and Revlon's makeup studio, I introduced myself as the "cupcake lady". I'm rarely forgotten that way. Hey, whatever works! I happily distributed my business cards, answered the previous who, what, where questions and entertained any others. At that moment, I was an open book. The floor was mine. Perhaps, they were all delirious from the sugar rush. Not sure....wasn't important! With my hand raised and my bright whites beaming, I asked enthusiastically, "anymore questions????."

The next business day, I followed up. I emailed all 52 people I met. My cardholder was filled with random names none of which had mine on it. Didn't matter as long as one person responded. Preferably a decision maker. But, I'm begging not choosing. So, whatever. I received, ONE.....it said, "I LOOVVVVVVE YOUR CUPCAKES'!!!!!! From.....the producer. Wow!!!!

.....the return invitation. Of course, minus the arm twisting.

Mission accomplished! Stay tuned......

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze