The War of the Cupcakes

So if you read my Valentine's Day post I went on about Michelle getting me a dozen cupcakes. I didn't go on too much about how good these cupcakes were, but they were. Those cupcakes, it seems, have spurred a new desert phenomenon. Or, at least in my mind.

Over the past week Michelle and I became a little cupcake obsessed. Now, any dessert obsession for me isn't going to turn into a frenzy where they next day I wake up covered in devil's cake and icing congealed in strange places. A dessert obsession for me is more like a constant

nagging satisfied by a small slice, piece, or taste.

Oddly enough it seems like other people in London, ON were succumbing to this cranial occupation of cupcake thoughts. As more people talked about

cupcakes Michelle and I deci

ded to visit the two other giants in London's tri-fecta of cupcake bliss.

Place 1: Hey Cupcake

This is the first place I visited. It sparked my love of cupcakes and has a special place in my heart.

Pros:

• Thick, full-flavored icing (especially the peanut butter icing).
• A diverse range of flavors that each have their own unique taste.
• Filling in the cake, something I've never seen that adds an delicious surprise.

Cons:

• The "cake" base is more thick than fluffy.
• A lack of flavor that is overshadowed by the impact of the icing.

Place 2: Sweet Cakes

I stumbled upon this place in London's Covenant Market and was instantly dazzled by

the height of these well-frosted cupcakes.

Pros:

• Tall icing that has more decoration that a kids birthday party.
• Creative flavours that model a fine chocolatier.
• A light, fluffy cake base.

Cons:

• These cupcakes are pricier than they call for.
• The cake has a starchy after-taste from excess flour.
• The excessive icing and small cake base are ill-proportioned.

Place 3: Razzle Dazzle Cupcakes

I was recommended to this place with good reason.

Pros:

• With pistachio and lemon raspberry there are some of the most exotic flavors.
• Great proportion between icing and cake.
• A light fluffy cake with a good flavour.

Cons:

• The flavour isn't a striking as it should be and is on the bland side.
• The icing is over-sugared, causing a granular texture that falls flat.

For more on cupcakes, check out this blog.

A Valentine's Day to Remember

Okay, so I will try to keep the sap to a minimum for everyone concerned. Let it be known that even though I love romance I still have my own issues with Valentine's Day too. I figure, if I am going to celebrate the holiday with loved ones I shouldn't embellish or exaggerate my feelings and sentiments in any way. My logic is, any gesture of love on Valentine's Day should be a gesture I am willing to make on any other day of the year. So, with that said, here is my amazing recount of Valentine's Day.

After a long day of work I headed to my girlfriend Michelle's house for some hors d'oeuvres and mocktails with her Mom, Dad, little sister and little sis' boyfriend. Everyone was looking great in their dressy/casual attire. I was greeted by Michelle dressed in a beautiful crimson dress adorned with little flowers around the bottom. I greeted Michelle with her own bo

uquet of flowers. However, I sprung for an non-traditional bouquet of Gerber Daisies. I also gave Michelle a bamboo mobile with hand-painted wooden hearts (I painted the hearts). I have a picture of the flowers along with the amazing cupcakes that Michelle gave me.

The cupcakes were ordered from Hey Cupcake in London, ON. The dozen included PB&J, Carrot, Red Velvet, Maple, S'mores, and Orange Chocolate. These cupcakes are sinfully delicious and amazing. Luckily, Andrew received his own, so he didn't feel to jealous. 

After the cupcakes Michelle's parents left for dinner. The rest of us chowed down on mozzarella sticks and puffed pastries. With the 8:30 dinner reservation I was very happy to have the time to digest.

By the time we left for dinner I was definitely hungry again and ready for the upcoming three-course meal. Pickles & Olives Bistro was cozy, warm, elegant and romantic. Upon entrance I instantly new it would be the perfect way to end the night. Michelle and I both started with salads to awaken our appetites. She drank wine while I had amazing vanilla tea. After, our

 delightful servant brought me my plate of heart shaped pastas, stuffed with cheese, soaking in alfredo sauce and the best sun-dried tomatoes I have ever tasted. Michelle was equally impressed with her salmon wellington stuffed with crab. 

Dessert was almost as decadent as the cupcakes I received. Michelle had a vanilla mouse crepe and I had a triple chocolate tiger cake. Each of us took our time with the dinner and with each other. We sat in the warm, tiny bistro and enjoyed the food. The night seemed to move in slow motion and it was exactly what I wanted for Valentine's Day.

A French Onion Soup

Last Friday I would have told you that I really hadn't cooked in awhile. I would have said this in between judging a high school debate tournament and handing you a Christmas colored Rice Krispy square with dried cranberries and saying, "well, besides this, but that's really nothing." Of course I remedied this the following evening as I made dinner for a few special friends of mine. On Saturday, after another round of debates and fatigue from the toga party I attended after handing out the squares, I made a french onion soup (complete with bread, swiss, and emmental cheese) and ratatouille. It was a first in both dishes and they went over extremely well. My friends kindly honored me with a Oreo crust, caramel and chocolate topped, peanut butter crunch cheesecake. They watched in anticipation as I took my first tantalizing bite and leaned back in orgasmic palate pleasure.
To make the evening better I was greeted by my roommate and some more friends upon my return home. They were playing outside in the leaves and I was able to capture this great shot.