I’m here today to a book review courtesy of Tuttle Publishing. They have provided me with the book in exchange for this review, but the opinions are all my own.
I think the title of the book I’m reviewing today, Cupcake Envy, must be a play on words. Before I opened it I thought it meant everyone would be envious of the cute cupcakes the reader would make from it. After reading, I realized it actually seemed to mean that ordinary cupcakes would envy the amazing mini cakes found within the pages. This book is eye candy, pure and simple, but doesn’t stop there.
The author, Amy Eilert, refers to these treats as cakelets. They’re more than a cupcake but smaller than a regular cake. She starts off the book with the charming story of how her business came to be, followed by a chapter laying out the pans, tools and ingredients you’ll want to consider using. I thought the Tricks of the Trade section was nice for those of us who are novice cake decorators. Who knew vodka was a handy decorating tool?
There are basic recipes included for cake, icing and frosting, and then comes the fun part – decorating. It starts off with some lovely, girl options. My favorite was Playing Dress Up. Each project has a difficulty rating in the upper right corner, and this one is Easy/Intermediate.
The next chapter is all about edibles, like this sweet Cup ‘O Joe. Wouldn’t this be perfect for Mother’s Day?
A bag full of groceries?!? I never would have guessed that would make such an adorable cake theme!
If you’re planning a baby shower this year, there’s an entire chapter that’s sure to impress friends and family. If making desserts for a whole party is too intimidating, one sweet cakelet just for her is sure to be appreciated by a new mom.
The guys weren’t left out here, with a chapter to themselves, right down to the manly intro.
This garden cakelet is one of my favorites, but how could anyone bring themselves to actually EAT this? It’s just too pretty.
I have to admit, they lost me a little in the Offbeat and Edgy chapter, but I’m probably not the target audience there.
There’s a handy section just following that though, full of ideas to use if you don’t have fondant available. I realized as I reached the end that it has those ever-useful flip-outs on the front and back to use to hold your place.
For me, getting fancy with my cake decorations means adding sprinkles on top of the frosting which, in truth, is probably to hide the crumbs. I’ve never even touched fondant. However, after drooling over Cupcake Envy, I’m inspired. I really want to give these little cakelets a try!
