Baked goods.
I’ll admit it, my sweet tooth is larger than Texas – make that Alaska! Dessert is a given in my house and we have it after lunch and dinner. If I have dinner out with friends I always get dessert. If I’m having a bad day, I go straight to the baked goods. My staff knows that I’m stressed if I come back from lunch with a box full of pastries (enough to share, of course!). Cake in it’s many forms and cookies are by far my biggest vice.
Now, as with every vice there are conditions (see Vice #1). My baked goods must be simple. No fruit involved, so you can keep your fruit tarts and lemon bars. ABSOLUTELY NO COCONUT! This is my hard and fast rule. Can’t stand the stuff. Nuts are for squirrels and not for me. Keep it simple and you will keep me happy.
My favorite cake is one that my mom makes – because no one bakes like Mom, especially mine! It’s a Texas Sheet Cake (hold the nuts, of course). This cake is like no other chocolate cake. It is so moist that it leaves no crumbs. It is so delicious that I can’t eat just one piece. It is so magnificent that it should be sainted, if cakes could be canonized.
When I can’t have my fix for Texas Sheet Cake, as is often the case because it’s a lot of work to make, I opt for a closer option. The good ole fashion cupcake. Now, I’m sure you have noticed the phenomenon that is the cupcakery. Washington, DC and Alexandria have them aplenty. DC can have their Georgetown Cupcake, I’ll take what Alexandria has to offer. Here is just a list of some of the best cupcakes in town.
Alexandria Cupcake, 1022 King Street: This is the newest entrant in the cupcake biz. It’s yummy and very simple, just the way I like it. Try the good ole yellow with chocolate frosting.
Bittersweet, 823 King Street: My daughter calls Bittersweet the cupcake store. She LOVES their mini-cupcakes as do I since they are the perfect size for a four-year-old.
Buzz Bakery, 901 Slaters Lane: What’s not to love about a bakery that is open until midnight seven days a week?! Their Red Velvet is my fav.
Lavendar Moon Cupcakery, 116 South Royal Street: If you want exotic flavors and gourmet tastes then this is the place for you!
Nickell’s & Scheffler, 1028 King Street: Although technically not a big supplier of cupcakes or baked goods for that matter, this is one of my fav go-to places for baked goods. I will break my no fruit rule for their strawberry cupcakes. They are delish! And, if you want a brownie, try their espresso brownie. It’s crunchy on the outside and sooo moist on the inside. Incredible!
I’m sure I’m forgetting someone. If you have a favorite cupcake or baked good (fruit, coconut and nuts included), tell us all about it. I’m always in the market for a good sweet treat. : )
Being a business owner can be very stressful, so don’t be surprised if you see me walking down the street with pastry box in hand!
(This is the third in a series of posts by Amy Rutherford of Red Barn Mercantile)