Monday, December 22, 2008

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Tis the season for some cupcakes!

I am delivering these platters of Christmas tree cupcakes to a dessert party this evening. The platter includes 6 Christmas trees, 6 holiday-themed cupcakes and a dozen tea cakes. Please contact me at jennifer@redvelvetarmadillobakeshop.com for pricing.





Tuesday, December 16, 2008

S'mores Thank You Cupcakes

K, the lovely bride whose wedding I baked for last month, contacted me about sending some thank you cupcakes to her favorite vendor - Wilson Photography.

I was happy to put together this gift box with a note and ribbons in her wedding colors.







S'mores Cupcakes - chocolate cake stuffed with marshmallow and topped with a fluffy marshmallow frosting, graham cracker crumbles and a mini hersey bar ($2.25/cupcake; minimum order one dozen).

Contact me at jennifer@redvelvetarmadillobakeshop.com for gift decor/delivery quotes.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

NEW: Frosted Cookies!

These adorable frosted sugar cookies are going to make wonderful favors for the holiday party for which they were ordered.

Each sweet cookie measures from 3-4" and is decorated with glossy royal icing. They just about melt in your mouth and are almost too pretty to eat. (prices start at $2.00/cookie; minimum order one dozen. Contact me at jennifer@redvelvetarmadillobakeshop.com to discuss favor bags and giftwrap options).







Sunday, December 7, 2008

Congratulations to our winners!

Congratulations to Kristin, who came in first place with her idea for Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes, and to Theresa, for her runner-up Peppermint Bark concept!

Thanks again for participating in this year's holiday contest!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Rocky Road Cupcakes

Warning: glass of milk required.

These rich, rocky road cupcakes are making the trip to South Florida tomorrow for some special friends. Dense chocolate chocolate chip cake is topped with a mix of milk chocolate, roasted almonds, toasted coconut, dried cherries and mini marshmallows. ($2.50/cupcake; one dozen minimum order)







Monday, December 1, 2008

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes for S

S commissioned these Pumpkin Spice cupcakes for an event at her church. Cinnamon and ginger give a lift to the moist pumpkin cake and it is finished off with a sweet cream cheese frosting. Delish! ($2.00/cupcake; one dozen minimum order)




Sunday, November 23, 2008

2008 Holiday Contest! Voting is Open

Over the last few weeks, we've gotten some amazing suggestions for yummy holiday cupcakes.

Now, all we need is your votes! Let us know which holiday cupcake is your favorite!

Voting will be open from today through Sunday, December 7 at noon EST. Voting is in the right hand column of this blog. Good luck to our competitors!

Peppermint Bark Cupcakes
submitted by Theresa

A moist vanilla cupcake, stuffed with crushed peppermints and white chocolate chips. On top, a swirl of vanilla buttercream, mixed with rice krispies and decorated with a red and white peppermint.



Egg Nog Cupcakes
submitted by Ashley

A sweet eggnog cupcake is frosted with a dollop of real whipped cream, flavored with egg nog, rum and a dash of nutmeg.



Santa's White Christmas
submitted by Elizabeth

A square of melted vanilla caramel forms the heart of these cupcakes. They are finished off with vanilla buttercream, a sprinkle of crushed walnuts and a drizzle of caramel.



Gingerbread Cupcakes
submitted by Lena

Ginger and spice and everything nice make up these desserts. The cupcakes are accented with a hint of crunch from some crushed gingerbread men. Topped with cream cheese frosting and red-sugar-coated gingerbread men.



Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes
submitted by Kristin

Dense mocha cupcakes, studded with chocolate chips and a hint of peppermint flavor, covered with rich chocolate buttercream, crushed peppermints and a sprinkle of green sugar.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Small Postponement on Holiday Contest

Never fear! The contest is still on and the winning entries will soon be up for voting.

Unfortunately, I had to go out of town unexpectedly last week and did not have the opportunity to finish baking the top five entries. Today I finalized two of them, and will have everything up and ready for your vote by next week. I will extend the voting deadline and prize claim deadline by one week, accordingly.

I know my readers are excited to see what delicious concoctions we have in store for you, so I promise not to keep you waiting too much longer! Check back this time next week for your chance to vote for a winner!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

K & D's November 8 Wedding

Back in September, I was contacted by K, a November bride who had no desire to go the route of the traditional wedding cake. She expressed to me that she wanted to do some miniature desserts, and she had in mind a "harvest" theme for flavors.

After some brainstorming, we settled on a selection of miniature pies, miniature bundt cakes and some cookies. I met with K and her fiance D for a tasting and the menu was set. K and D would be delighting their guests with miniature apple, pumpkin, sweet potato and chocolate bourbon pecan pies, miniature pumpkin spice and banana rum bundt cakes with a vanilla glaze and chocolate chunk, apple toffee and oatmeal cranberry cookies.
In addition, K requested champagne cupcakes for herself and her groom. I was happy to comply.
On November 8, I delivered 80 mini pies, 20 mini cakes and over 6 dozen cookies to K & D's reception venue. Just last night, I received the following email from the new "Mrs.":
Thank you a million times for all of the desserts for our wedding this weekend! They looked AMAZING and everyone couldn't stop talking about how great they tasted. And we loooooved our cupcakes - it was the only thing I really got to sit down and eat that night! Thanks again for helping us so much!.... K
K & D, it was such a pleasure working with you. Congratulations on your marriage and best wishes for the future. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your special day!


The dessert buffet at the reception.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Peanut Butter Cup-Cakes

First, I want to thank everyone for their participation in entries for the holiday contest. The top 5 picks will be posted in a few weeks.

In the meantime, check these out.

Moist peanut butter cake, stuffed with a miniature peanut butter cup, topped with a swirl of chocolate marshmallow frosting and another peanut butter cup. Perfect for the PB lover! ($2.25/cupcake; one dozen minimum order).







Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Last chance to order for Halloween!

First, you have one more day to vote for me in the Iron Cupcake: Earth challenge. Please help me out by clicking on this link and voting for Red Velvet Armadillo! Thanks to all my readers and customers for your help!

Next up, tomorrow at noon is your last chance to order cupcakes for Halloween.

Check out these delicious Caramel Apple Cupcakes. Moist and delicious apple cake dipped in creamy vanilla caramel and decorated with halloween non-pareils or chocolate drizzle. ($2.25/cupcake; one dozen minimum order).






For the kids, here's something fun. A Make Your Own Cupcake Party. Red Velvet Armadillo will provide plain cupcakes in the flavor of your choice, different colored frosting and all the necessary cupake decorations. Email me at jennifer@redvevetarmdillobakeshop.com for a quote.



Thursday, October 23, 2008

Iron Cupcake: Earth (Cheese)

Ok, readers, I've done it. I've entered the Iron Cupcake: Earth competition. October's ingredient was cheese and wouldn't you know, my cannoli cupcakes include CHEESE!!!

And guess what, folks? I'm going to need your votes! Voting will begin on Sunday, October 26 at 12 noon at NO ONE PUTS CUPCAKE IN A CORNER, http://mkecupcakequeen.blogspot.com and will be open through Thursday, October 30 at 12 noon. I would appreciate your help in voting!

My Baking Story

My husband absolutely loves cannolis, and before he left on a business trip for a few days, I thought I would surprise him with a few homemade ones. I'm not really a fan, and I had a ton of leftover filling. What better way to use it up then as a filling for cupcakes???

I added some chopped dried cherries and toasted pistachios to my classic vanilla cupcake recipe, and baked them up. When they had cooled, I piped my chocolate cherry pistachio cannoli filling into the center using a bismark tip.

I mixed up some chocolate ganache and while it was warm, I dipped each cupcake in the top and topped them all off with some crumbled biscotti. Yum!




The prizes for this month include:

ETSY artist ART ON THE MENU with her awesome little cardboard cupcake.
a pair of cupcake earrings from Lots of Sprinkles.
As an added bonus for October only we have a sassy and sweet T from Bakelove Bakewear

Last and certainly not least, don’t forget our corporate prize providers:

HELLO CUPCAKE by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson
Iron Cupcake:Earth is sponsored in part by 1-800-Flowers

Marshmallowy Anniversary Cupcakes

My friend L asked me to create some special to surprise her husband for their second anniversary.

I created these scrumptious chocolate marshmallow desserts: chocolate cake, stuffed with marshmallow cream and finished off with a swirl of sweet chocolate marshmallow frosting and a sprinkle of non-pareils. ($2.00/cupcake; one dozen minimum order).

Happy Anniversary, L! Enjoy!





Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Black Forest Cupcakes

Absolutely fantastic! Rich chocolate cake is stuffed with a cherry compote and topped with sweet whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The perfect flavor combination. ($2.00/cupcake; one dozen minimum order)




Sunday, October 19, 2008

Cannoli Cupcakes

My husband was the inspiration for these rich cupcakes. As I was stuffing cannoli shells with homemade filling, I had a brainstorm.

Yellow cupcakes packed with chocolate bits, roasted pistachios and dried cherries, stuffed with creamy cannoli filling, topped with a lovely chocolate ganache and garnished with biscotti crumbles. ($2.00/cupcake, minimum order one dozen).







Saturday, October 11, 2008

Holiday Contest - Let's Sweeten The Pot

We've gotten some really great entries for Red Velvet Armadillo Bakeshop's 2008 Holiday Contest, but I want more!!! I know my readers have some fantastic ideas, so I'm going to sweeten the pot a little to encourage you to submit your ideas by October 31.

In addition to 6 free cupcakes and having their holiday cupcake added to RVAB's holiday lineup, the winner will receive a copy of Crazy About Cupcakes.


The runner up will receive a copy of Betty Crocker's Decorating Cakes and Cupcakes.



Here's a rundown of the rules and regulations:

1. Send me an email (Put HOLIDAY CONTEST in the subject line) at jennifer@redvelvetarmadillobakeshop.com with the name of your holiday flavor (example: Holly Jolly Cupcake) and the key ingredients that make it special (example: mint leaves and crushed peppermints) by midnight EST on Friday, October 31, 2008. That gives you a few weeks to come up with some really creative ideas!

2. We at Red Velvet Armadillo Bakeshop will narrow the choices down to 5. I will create and decorate the 5 choices and post pictures and descriptions here and on Red Velvet Armadillo Bakeshop no later than Sunday, November 16.

3. Readers, it's up to you again. Come back and vote for your favorite! Voting will be open from Monday, November 17 through midnight EST on Saturday, November 29, 2008. The winner will be announced on Sunday, November 30, 2008.

4. The winner will receive a copy of Crazy About Cupakes, 6 cupcakes in the selected flavor (For local pickup only. Delivery and shipping is not available for cupcakes, only for book). The winner will have his/her picture posted on Red Velvet Armadillo Bakeshop and on this blog, as well as the story of their inspiration. In addition, the winning flavor will be added to the holiday rotation of specialty cupcakes at Red Velvet Armadillo Bakeshop. The runner up will receive a copy of Betty Crocker's Decorating Cakes & Cupcakes (via mail or pickup)

* Contest open to everyone, but prize of 6 cupcakes can only be collected in the Greater Jacksonville (Florida) area at a mutually convenient location. Shipping and delivery is not available. By participating in this contest, entrants agree to have their likeness, concept and name creation used by Red Velvet Armadillo Bakeshop and the Red Velvet Armadillo blog without further compensation than detailed here. Winner must redeem their prize cupcakes no later than Saturday, December 20, 2008. Arrangements to redeem prize must be made 5 days in advance of desired pickup date.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Candy Corn and Pumpkin Cupcakes

Adorable cupcakes, ideal for trick or treat!

Vanilla cupcakes, colored orange, stuffed with vanilla buttercream and decorated to look like candy corn or pumpkins. Orange sugar lends a little sparkle to both varieties ($2.25/cupcake, one dozen minimum order)







Bite-size mini cupcakes, decorated with a swirl of buttercream, a dash of orange sugar and a candy corn. Too cute! ($1.25/mini cupcake, one dozen minimum order)



Order soon for your Halloween festivities!

Also, I'd love to hear from you! Comment below and tell me your favorite Halloween candy! I'll use whatever treat comes up the most in my next batch of cupcakes!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Order Your Team Cupcakes Now!

Check these out! Cupcakes for all your favorite teams! Chocolate butterscotch chip cupcakes with creamy vanilla frosting and team logos or helmet art in in fondant and colored sugar. Order for the next big game day! (Prices and details below. More teams available - email jennifer@redvelvetarmadillobakeshop.com for more details).






New Orleans: A shimmering gold fondant fleur-de-lis set on vanilla frosting dipped in black sugar ($2.30/cupcake, one dozen minimum order)


Dallas: The familiar star logo on a gray background ($2.25/cupcake, one dozen minimum order)


Minnesota - vibrant purple frosting with fondant decor ($2.25/cupcake, minimum order of one dozen)


New York - The blue NY logo with a bright red sugar rim ($2.30/cupcake, one dozen minimum order)


Indy - A blue horseshoe on a white fondant disk with a blue sugar rim ($2.30/cupcake, one dozen minimum order)


St. Louis - Dark blue frosting with a golden ram horn in fondant ($2.25/cupcake, minimum order one dozen)


Tennesee- Blue frosting, white T, red stars ($2.30/cupcake, minimum order one dozen)


Miami - Aqua frosting, orange sugar and the big D. Go Fins! ($2.30/cupcake, minimum order one dozen)


KC - A white fondant arrowhead on red frosting with a black sugar rim ($2.25/cupcake, one dozen minimum order)


Chicago - blue frosting, orange logo ($2.25/cupcake, one dozen minimum order)


Cinncinnati - Black sugar embellished tiger stripes on an orange fondant disk with a black sugar rim ($2.30/cupcake, one dozen minimum order)


Jacksonville: Black sugar coated jaguar stripes with metallic gold edging on teal frosting ($2.30/cupcake, one dozen minimum order)



And don't forget, we're still accepting entries in our 2008 Holiday Contest - email your flavor ideas to jennifer@redvelvetarmadillobakeshop.com for the chance to win some great prizes. Click here to see the rules and entering details.