Book Review: Hello, Cupcake! (via Real Simple)

I went gaga when I read this in my reader this morning. I actually sat on the Amazon page for a bit debating over buying the book. After a lot of thought, I did not buy it. I just don't bake, and it would be a waste to buy something I am not going to use.

But, you guys bake!!!!! Don't you want to get this and make cupcakes with the kiddies? Read on...

Book Review: Hello, Cupcake!

via Simply Stated By RealSimple.com by Jennifer Sbranti on 2/8/09

If you're looking for some playful, creative inspiration for upcoming parties or fun times in the kitchen in general, then Hello, Cupcake! by Karen Tack & Alan Richardson could be just the thing for you! ($9.38 at Amazon)

I seriously can't give this book enough kudos... not only is it chock full of some of the most creative cupcake designs ever, but it also includes tons of great cupcake baking & decorating techniques. From the smartest way to fill cupcake tins (no more messy spilling or dribbling), to instructions on how to make frosting leaves, petals, or fur (yes, FUR!), to step-by-step instructions for each individual cupcake design, this book is jam-packed with great "how to" info and visuals.

The cupcake designs are nothing short of ridiculously cute and clever, and you'll find everything from "party animals" to occasion-specific ideas (baby showers, weddings, birthday parties) to designs for all the major holidays.

Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Pictured above: "Crazy Horses", "Rabbit Holes", and adorable "What a Hoot!" owl cupcakes.

Pictured above: "Shark Attack" (with mini donut "life preservers" and "channel markers" made from mini ice cream cones & lollipops) and "Buttered Popcorn" mini cupcakes.

The "Alien Invasion" and "Creepy Crawlers" designs would be perfect for your favorite little guy's birthday celebration or a sweet treat after a Monsters vs. Aliens screening:

And for anytime you want to be a little silly - there's any entire "April Fool's" chapter featuring cupcakes that are sure to to garner a double-take. For example, unwrapped hazelnut chocolates and strawberry preserves do a fabulous job of pretending to be meatballs & marinara:

Just imagine the sideways looks you'll get when you serve up "TV Dinners" and "Corn on the Cob" with pats of butter (a.k.a. "yellow fruit chews") for dessert:

All in all, whether you're shopping for yourself or someone else, you can't go wrong with this book - especially for the price. There are so many more cupcake designs to check out than what I featured here, and I picked up my own copy up at Target for around $15, but you can snag Hello, Cupcake! on Amazon for only $9.38!

I gave a couple copies of this book out as gifts for Christmas last year, and the reactions were fantastic from both the recipients and everyone else that was around at the time they were opened.  It's not often that someone goes through every single page of a book one by one right when they receive it, but that happened both times!

Note: There's also a Hello, Cupcake Blog available where you can pick up more tips and check out cupcake photos from other bakers. Happy baking!