<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!--Generated by Squarespace V5 Site Server v5.13.154 (http://www.squarespace.com) on Wed, 15 May 2013 21:15:58 GMT--><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Geek Sweets - Blog</title><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/</link><description>Sweets for Geeks</description><lastBuildDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 02:10:01 +0000</lastBuildDate><copyright></copyright><language>en-CA</language><generator>Squarespace V5 Site Server v5.13.154 (http://www.squarespace.com)</generator><item><title>Movie Night Cupcakes</title><category>Cupcakes</category><category>Movie Night</category><category>Oscars</category><category>Printables</category><category>Tutorial</category><category>cupcakes</category><category>popcorn</category><category>printables</category><category>tutorials</category><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:14:30 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2012/3/15/movie-night-cupcakes.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:15431421</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Ok. I'll admit it. I'm an absentee blogger.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Before you go blaming yourself, head over to the <a href="http://geeksweets.squarespace.com/cupcake-menu/" target="_blank">Cupcake Menu</a> and check out all the exciting new additions! You see? Mommy's just been in the kitchen whipping up some new flavours - it's not your fault, little one!</p>
<p>OR IS IT? &nbsp;ಠ_ಠ</p>
<p>Maybe if you subscribed to my <a href="feed://www.geeksweets.net/blog/rss.xml" target="_blank">RSS feed</a>, or cleaned your room, or spent less time alone in the bathroom, Mommy and her blog would still love each other.</p>
<p>But the blog and I are going to give it another go. In fact, here's a fun cupcake tutorial <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">just in time for the Oscars</span> way late for the Oscars!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-00.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746803440" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>It may look like a hamster-sized tub of popcorn, but it's actually a cupcake, covered in frosting, marshmallows and wearing a print-out-able sleeve. And here's how to make them:</p>
<p>Bake yourself a batch of cupcakes, in any baking cup you like. Maybe try my<a href="http://www.geeksweets.net/blog/2011/5/24/dietus-forgeticus.html" target="_blank"> Burnt Butter Brown Sugar Cupcakes</a>&nbsp;whynot? Any flavour will do, but it's better if it's a light coloured cupcake so that the attached popcorn will all blend in, colour-wise.</p>
<p>While your cupcakes are baking, start on the grueling process that is prepping the marshmallows. This step is best performed accompanied by an episode or two of Firefly, and a helpful pair of hands, like those of a Mr. B. The 'popcorn marshmallows' take a good amount of time, but can be made in advance and stored in a ziplock bag until you need them.</p>
<p>Start with a single <span style="text-decoration: underline;">MINI</span> marshmallow:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746823229" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>With a pair of scissors, cut halfway down the marshmallow, from the top:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-02.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746841567" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>Rotate the marshmallow, and cut halfway down the marshmallow again, creating an X-shaped cut in the top:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-03.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746865248" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>Now flip your marshmallow, and on a piece of waxed paper, (or clean surface,) smoosh that little bugger down with your finger. I smoosh down and wiggle it in little circles for about five seconds:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-04.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746888829" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>When flipped back over, it'll give your marshmallow the look of a piece of popcorn! You can mix it up a bit, cutting some marshmallows only once instead of twice, or into three sections in order to make the popcorn look varied.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-05.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746928462" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>To give your popcorn that 'buttered' look, you can brush it with some powdered food dye that can be purchased <a href="http://www.goldaskitchen.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=9708&amp;step=4" target="_blank">online</a>. In a pinch, yellow Kool-Aid can also be used, but is not quite as vibrant. You can also brush on liquid food dye, but allow it to dry before eating, as nobody likes a soggy 'shmallow.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-06.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746946407" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>The buttering step is actually better done when the cupcakes are assembled, but I took the photograph at this point for some crazy reason. Just to confuse you I suppose.</p>
<p>Now that you've got all your marshmallows smooshed and your cupcakes baked, it's time to print out the cupcake wrappers.&nbsp;<a href="http://geeksweets.squarespace.com/storage/printables/Printable_Popcorn_Tub_Wrapper.pdf" target="_blank">Download this PDF Printable</a>,&nbsp;print them out onto some cardstock paper, then cut them out:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-07.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746962314" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>It's best to use a glossy paper, because the frosted cupcakes will touch the liner, and a non-glossy paper may develop grease stains from the buttercream.</p>
<p>Take one of your cupcakes and wrap the cupcake wrapper around it to see how big it should be. Stick the edge of the wrapper to itself using two-sided or regular clear tape. Use this one as a template for sizing the rest.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-08.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746979932" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>Pop your cupcakes into the wrappers. They should be nice and tight at the top so they don't shift around in the wrapper when picked up. You may need to press the cupcake down into the wrapper a bit with the palm of your hand. (The bottom of your cupcake and the bottom of the liner don't need to line up, so don't squish down too far.)</p>
<p>Next, frost your cupcakes with your choice of frosting. Anything lightly coloured is fine - a tub of store bought vanilla frosting would work great. I made a buttercream that I flavoured with <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E30D7E5-475A-BAC0-55409D432277491E" target="_blank">Wilton Butter Flavour</a> to really give them that 'popcorn' taste. You don't need too much frosting per cupcake, just about a 1/4 inch layer on top to adhere the marshmallows.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Press your prepared marshmallows into the frosting. They should be tight together so you barely see the frosting underneath. After completely covering the top in marshmallows, I smooshed them down with my palm so they made a nice, even mound on top of the cupcake.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">now</span> is when you want to add the 'butter' by brushing on some yellow dye with a large, soft paintbrush. Heavy in some areas, none in others, just like real movie theatre popcorn.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-03-14/2012-03-14-09.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1331746998472" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>And there you have 'em! Movie Night Cupcakes. Great for that Marvel Movie Marathon you're planning before going to see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGt-saFvkNk" target="_blank">The Avengers</a> this May.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, let's never fight again.</p>
<p>*HUGS.*</p>
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</table>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-15431421.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>2011 Was Cool: Cake Wrecks</title><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:35:21 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2012/1/27/2011-was-cool-cake-wrecks.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:14757051</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>2011 for me, was a mixed bag. It was full of ups and down for myself, my friends and my family, populated by both <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">weight</span>&nbsp;gains and <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">weight</span> losses. We made it through relativley unscathed, but it was a bumpy ride, to be sure.</p>
<p>Plus, they cancelled <em><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/united-states-of-tara-gets-the-axe-20110524-1f1e0.html" target="_blank">The United States of Tara</a>.</em>&nbsp;But then <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/siri.html" target="_blank">my phone started talking to me</a>, and that was pretty great.</p>
<p>But for Geek Sweets? 2011 was one SWEET YEAR. (HAH! Puuuuuuuns.) Launching your own business is difficult financially, but it's a path that my husband and I choose to take together. Something we'd remind each other when eating a bowl of hot dogs and Kraft dinner for the third night in a row.</p>
<p>My husband, (or "Mr. B" as you may know him <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/geeksweettweets" target="_blank">if you follow me on Twitter</a>,) is Mr. Geek Sweets, and is always there when I need him. In fact, at this moment he's messaging me on my talking phone about picking up more macaron bakery boxes in the middle of a snowstorm. Pretty supportive for a guy who doesn't even like sweets. I wouldn't have made it through this last crazy year without him and he reminds me every day with his supportive words, (and even the odd foot rub,) why I married him in the first place.</p>
<p>In these next few posts, I want to highlight some of the great things Geek Sweets and I got to be part of over the course of 2011. The first, has to do with two awesome folks I met on October 29th at the <a href="http://www.bookstore.algonquincollege.com/books_home.php" target="_blank">Algonquin College Book Store</a> here in Ottawa.</p>
<p>That's right! The <strong>Frosting Typo Dynamo's</strong>, the <strong>Masters of Cake Disaster</strong>, The <strong>Wonders of Buttercream Blunders</strong>, at the <strong>Nexus of Cake and Wreck...sus...</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>OK, I'll stop.</p>
<p>I met Jen and John from <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com" target="_blank">Cake Wrecks</a>!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327698776742" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Hey look, I'm pointing at something like a dork! How unlike me. O_O</span></span></p>
<p>I was invited to their book signing for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wreck-Halls-Cake-Wrecks-Festive/dp/1449407757" target="_blank">Cake Wrecks: Wreck the Halls</a>, which is an awesome tome of festive cake wreckory. It got passed around at my Halloween party this year and ruined the face makeup of more then one attendee, due to the laughter tears streaming down their faces.</p>
<p>If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. &lt;/FerrisBueller&gt;</p>
<p>I brought along some cupcakes featuring everyone's favourite mohawk-sporting, carrot-straddling baby:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-03.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327702904104" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>And some cupcakes of another sort, that were an homage to some of my favourite wrecks - <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2010/10/19/regular-wrecks.html" target="_blank">Poop Cakes</a>:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-04.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327703001642" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Complete with little edible fly.</p>
<p>What is WRONG with my brain, people?</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-07.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327703380368" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">This little girl has a bad-ass chocolate goatee.</span></span>I also got to help judge the "Wreckplica" cupcake contest, where entrants create mini cupcake versions of their favourite wrecks from the website. Here's a few of my favourites:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-05.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327704978980" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">A cupcake version of <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2008/7/10/inspiration-vs-perspiration.html" target="_blank">this glorious wedding cake wreck.</a></span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-08.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327705121991" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">A cupcake of <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2008/5/31/when-brides-have-no-budget-or-taste.html" target="_blank">the bride with no budget (or taste.)</a></span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-06.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327705336923" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">And finally, my favourite, (and the eventual winner,) <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2009/2/18/come-on-barbie-lets-go-party.html" target="_blank">a toilet roll doll cake on fire.</a></span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-09.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327707775823" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">The Wrekorators pose with their winning Wrekplicas. Say that sentence 5 times fast.</span></span>I was so happy to be a part of something so silly and awesome. Everyone there had a great time watching the hilarious slideshow John and Jen put together. If they're rolling into your town anytime soon, definitely go and check it out. Free sweets and good peeps - what's not to love?</p>
<p>And as if my visit couldn't have been any more awesome, before I left, I got a tap on the shoulder from Morgan of <a href="http://www.geekcharming.ca" target="_blank">Geek Charming</a>, and she had a present for me!</p>
<p>Are you prepared for how awesome this present is? I'm not sure you are. I know I wasn't. I flipped my lid. Had a cow. Other outdated phrases for excitement:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-10.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327709044639" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;"><strong>"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"</strong></span></span></p>
<p>RIGHT?</p>
<p>It's little cupcake earrings that look like my Geek Sweets logo! They even have my tiny nerd glasses! Little did I know two years ago when I was sketching out that logo, that one day it would be dangling from my face.&nbsp;</p>
<p>So thanks again to Jen and John for having me there, and to the Algonquin College Book Store for hosting such a fun shindig, and to all the people who came out and ate my poop cakes.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Uh. You know what I mean.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-27/2012-01-27-11.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1327708397770" alt="" /></span></span></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-14757051.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Contest: Live &amp; Let FrankenDie</title><category>Contests</category><category>FrankenDIE</category><category>NutForge Games</category><category>contests</category><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:45:10 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2012/1/3/contest-live-let-frankendie.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:14422644</guid><description><![CDATA[<h3><strong>The contest is now closed! Scroll down to the bottom of the post to find out who won!</strong></h3>
<p>If you're like me, this chilly holiday season has left you with a pantry full of frozen hobo body parts just wasting away. The tree has been striped of its ornaments, the stockings folded and put away, but what to do with all these <em>leftovers</em>?</p>
<p>Well fret not, my little Mad Scientists! <a href="http://FrankenDie.com/" target="_blank">FrankenDie</a> to the rescue!</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-03/2012-01-03-00.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1325618655644" alt="" /></span></p>
<p>FrankenDie is a fast-paced, reflex party game for 3 to 6 players from the mad minds over at <a href="http://NutForge.com/" target="_blank">NutForge Games</a>. Think fast and be quicker then your buddies to build your very own creature from beyond the grave. It's cadaver craziness!</p>
<p>What's even crazier is, Geek Sweets has <strong>2 copies of the game to give away!</strong></p>
<p><em>(For the record, if having a stockpile of cadavers on which to play God with questionable intent is CRAZY and WRONG, then I don't wanna be right. *Maniacal laugh.*)</em></p>
<h3><strong>"What glorious prizes do I get, Geek Sweets?"</strong></h3>
<p>Well dear reader, there are <span style="text-decoration: underline;">2 prize packs</span> to be won. Each include:</p>
<ul>
<li>a copy of the game</li>
<br />
<li>a copy of the Mad Scientists' Guild Expansion</li>
<br />
<li>a "Property of the Mad Scientists' Guild" t-shirt</li>
</ul>
<p>AND, to protect your clothes from all the gore that goes along with the Mad Sciences,</p>
<ul>
<li>a Mad Scientists' Guild official lab coat!</li>
</ul>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-03/2012-01-03-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1325620358506" alt="" /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">The game itself, in all its well illustrated glory.<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-03/2012-01-03-02.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1325620509753" alt="" /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">The Mad Scientists' Guild expansion - <a href="http://madguild.com/">now accepting applications!</a></span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-03/2012-01-03-03.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1325620585826" alt="" /><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Lookin' sharp in your official Mad Scientists' Guild lab coat. Or lookin' like you've been hacked up by something sharp in your "property of" t-shirt!</span></span></p>
<h3><strong>"OK, OK, I want to win it! Now what will you have me do?"</strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p><span style="text-decoration: line-through;"><strong>1.</strong> Leave a comment on this blog post below telling me what your mad scientist name would be. Mine, for example, is <strong><em>Dr. Von Geeknsweet.</em></strong> (Be sure to include your email address in the "Author Email" field so that I can get ahold of you if your name is chosen.)</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: line-through;"><strong>2.</strong> <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/geeksweettweets/status/154304128414261249">Retweet this @geeksweettweets tweet for an additional chance to win!</a> Only one tweet entry per twitter account will count toward your total entries, so no going tweet-crazy. I'm lookin' at YOU, @SpammyMcSpamerson!</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: line-through;"><strong>3. </strong>Winners will be announced at 12:00 noon, EST on Friday, January the 6th. Two winners will be chosen using <a href="http://www.random.org/" target="_blank">Random.org</a> from the combined blog comments and twitter retweets. Shipping is free within Canada and the US, international entries will be responsible for the shipping cost of their prize pack.</span></p>
<p><strong>The contest is now complete. Thanks to everyone who entered. And now for our winners! From the combined numbered list of blog comments and retweets, Random.org chose #8 and #41:</strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-03/2012-01-03-04.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1325871176340" alt="" /></span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Which means Wade and Morgan are our 2 winners!</strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2012-01-03/2012-01-03-05.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1325871668233" alt="" /></span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>I'll be contacting you both shortly via email with details. Congrats!</strong></p>
<p>Sad you didn't win? You can still buy yourself a copy of FrankenDie via the <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theotherside/frankendie-the-party-game-for-the-madly-insane?ref=card" target="_blank">Kickstarter Project Page</a>, and support some local game developers while you're at it. And, your purchase is swag-inclusive!</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="410px" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theotherside/frankendie-the-party-game-for-the-madly-insane/widget/video.html" width="480px"></iframe></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-14422644.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Christmas Cookie Workshop 2011</title><category>Cookies</category><category>Workshops</category><category>christmas 2011</category><category>classes</category><category>cookie trees</category><category>cookie workshop</category><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 25 Dec 2011 03:45:45 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2011/12/24/christmas-cookie-workshop-2011.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:14316794</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>It's Christmas everyone!</p>
<p>Time to bust out the light-up NCC-1701-D ornament that I've had since I was 14.</p>
<p>Because I'm the <em>coolest</em>.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-00.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324785613991" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Jealous? Yeeeeeeah, yer jealous.</span></span></p>
<p>And time to post pictures from the Christmas Cookie Workshop I hosted at Canterbury Community Centre earlier this month. It was just about as much of as blast as I had hoped it would be. A great group of people having a fun time with sugar cookies and sticky sweet frosting - nothin' beats it.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324785019626" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-02.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324785687342" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">The goodie bags all packed up and ready to go.</span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-03.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324785752131" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">The Christmas cookies tree we were aiming to make.<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-04.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324785813021" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Lookit that concentration! I can almost see the sweat bead. If Ian sweats... which I'm pretty sure he doesn't.</span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-05.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324785885028" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Icing goes on the COOKIE, Nidal. THEN in your mouf.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-06.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324785948507" alt="" /></span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-07.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324785986616" alt="" /></span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-08.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324786103874" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Demonstrating the proper Geek Sweets "cookie wiggle" technique. What? It's a thing.</span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-09.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324786304968" alt="" /></span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-11.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324786196991" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Everyone please note Karen's awesome "Are you out of your Vulcan mind?" t-shirt.</span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-12-24/2011-12-24-10.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1324786289917" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Last step - disco dust. Which is not a 70's reference to cocaine, but the name of an edible decorating glitter. Scout's honour.</span></span></p>
<p>Visit the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.295006900537012.58233.150990688271968&amp;type=1" target="_blank">Geek Sweets Facebook page</a> for all the photos.</p>
<p>Merry Christmas my little geeksicles! May your day be filled with mint-condition action figures, fancy coffees and all the newest gadgets you've been dreaming about.</p>
<p><strong><em>See you in 2012!</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em><br /></em></strong></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-14316794.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Rocktober Tutorial: Standup Spiderwebs</title><category>Cupcakes</category><category>Recipes</category><category>cupcakes</category><category>halloween</category><category>recipes</category><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:38:32 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2011/10/17/rocktober-tutorial-standup-spiderwebs.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:13310203</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>How in love am I with this month? The trees start dropping their beautiful fall-hued leaves, the weather hits perfect sweater temperature, and Starbucks gets to have all my laundry money in exchange for an unending supply of Pumpkin Spice Lattes.</p>
<p>Halloween has always been my favourite holiday, much to the chagrin of my family and friends who think Christmas is where it's at. Blame my mother for sending me to school in 6th grade with a backpack full of Stephen King novels and getting me hooked on the macabre at an early age. You try explaining to your teacher why <em>Superfudge</em> just isn't doin' it for you anymore. Then apologizing for scaring the other children by describing how "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5OlolbLXvw" target="_blank">hobbling</a>" is performed.</p>
<p>Halloween parties have been a long standing tradition for my husband and I. A proud tradition of severed head drinking fountains and giant syringes full of blood red jello shots.</p>
<p>You know, the kind of traditions you pass down to your children.</p>
<p>And since I've become a professional baker, cupcakes have become a part of those Halloween traditions. Partygoers take off their claws and lift up their masks to jam a cupcake in their face and it always makes me happy, as well as giving everyone a little something to stop the Jell-o shooters from hitting them like a ton of bricks.</p>
<p>This week, I'd like to share some of those Halloween cupcakes with all of you. To use in your own HELLiday traditions. To jam in YOUR faces.</p>
<p>First up are these simple but snazzy Standup Spiderweb cupcakes. They're easy to achieve and look great on a Halloween goodie table.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-10-17/2011-10-17-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318905116900" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Any cupcake recipe can be made for the base cupcake. I like <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/353205/billys-vanilla-vanilla-cupcakes" target="_blank">Billy's Vanilla Cupcake recipe</a> for a quick and easy cupcake vanilla cupcakes. Frosting can be any kind you like, but I recommend a basic buttercream for the frosting as you'll need something stiff to hold up the spiderwebs. (That means no cream cheese frosting or wussy canned whipped frostings.) Here's a quick and tasty buttercream frosting that is versatile, easy to flavour and takes well to colouring:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/images/recipes_header.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318903587038" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>Basic Buttercream Frosting</strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/images/recipe_ingredients.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318903972051" alt="" /></span></span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>3/4 of a pound (3 sticks) of butter at room temperature&nbsp;</li>
<li>500g (1 small bag) of icing sugar</li>
<li>Gel colours and flavourings of your choice (green, purple and orange are great Halloween colours, and vanilla extract is always a flavouring&nbsp;favourite.)</li>
</ul>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/images/recipe_directions.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318904096255" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>1.</strong> Mix butter in mixer or with hand mixer until smooth, about 1 minute.</p>
<p><strong>2.</strong> Add 1/3 of your bag of icing sugar and mix on lowest speed for 20 seconds. Turn up to high speed and mix until incorporated, about 10 seconds.&nbsp;Repeat with another 1/3 of the bag, then another until you have used up all the icing sugar.</p>
<p><strong>3.</strong> Let mix on high speed for about 5 - 7 minutes until it has lightened in colour and has a fluffy texture.</p>
<p><strong>4.</strong> Add your flavourings to taste and drops of gel colour until you've reached the desired tint. Put in piping bag with a large sized closed star tip to achieve the look of the cupcakes above.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-10-17/2011-10-17-02.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318904581813" alt="" /></span></span><br />To make the white chocolate spiderwebs you'll need the following tools:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>A printout of my <a href="http://geeksweets.squarespace.com/storage/pdfs/Standup_Spiderwebs_Template.pdf" target="_blank">spiderweb template</a>, or one you've drawn yourself</li>
<li>Waxed paper</li>
<li>A plastic squeeze bottle or a piping bag with a small tip attached</li>
<li>1 bag of white vanilla flavour Wilton candy melts</li>
</ul>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-10-17/2011-10-17-03.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318905204554" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">I got my squeeze bottles at Michaels, but you can also often find them at dollar stores in the Tupperware section, made to be used for ketchup or mustard.<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p>Lay down your template on a flat surface and cover it with a piece of waxed paper. Use tape to secure both pieces of paper. In a small bowl (or in your squeeze bottle if it has a removabe lid,) microwave about half a bag of your candy melts according to the instructions on the back of the bag. Any leftovers can re-stored in a ziplock bag, ready for re-melting when you need it next.</p>
<p>Following the template, trace the 4 lines that meet in the middle of the spiderweb, overlapping them in the middle.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-10-17/2011-10-17-04.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318911564184" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Next, trace the small intersecting circle, followed by the larger outer circle. It will take a bit of practice to get the hang of it at first. I found it easiest to go slowly and really exagerate my loops to get them to show up properly and not just smoosh together. If your webs are looking too liquidy, just give your chocolate a few minutes to cool down a bit and try again.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-10-17/2011-10-17-05.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318911773422" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Whoops! Screwed up my last loop there a little. Lucky for you, you won't be attempting to trace your pattern in chocolate with one hand while taking a picture for a blog post with the other.</span></span></p>
<p>Let the spiderwebs sit for about 10 minutes before peeling them off the waxed paper. If you're enjoying the cool fall climate we are here in Ottawa, they should harden quickly. If you find they're not, stick them in the fridge for a minute or two and they'll be good to go. You can also store them in the fridge until you're ready to use them in tupperware, between sheets of waxed paper.</p>
<p>When your cupcakes are ready, stick your spiderwebs into the buttercream frosting and sprinkle with sanding sugar for a little extra halloweem oomph. For even further oomph, I put a little spider ring from the dollar store into each cupcake as well.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>NOTE: </strong>Make sure your frosting is at room temperature before you attempt to press the spiderwebs into it, otherwise some may break. And you'll have to eat them. And that would be terible for you.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-10-17/2011-10-17-07.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318912842487" alt="" /></span></span><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-10-17/2011-10-17-08.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1318912871890" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>I hope you'll give these a try this halloween! But if you're too busy sewing a costume, or building a haunted house in your garage, then <a href="mailto:jenny@geeksweets.net">order up a dozen or two</a> from Geek Sweets! $40/dozen, with discounts over 2 dozen. Perfect for all your ROCKTBER events!</p>
<p>Happy Halloween everyone! May DevilSanta fill your stockings with spiders, chicken bones and cursed souls. And don't forget to leave out a bowl of the blood of the innocent for his undead horse!</p>
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</table>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-13310203.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>/A\ (Early) Morning Ottawa</title><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:21:38 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2011/8/18/a-early-morning-ottawa.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:12553941</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-08-18/2011-08-18-02.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1313680417996" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Had a great time on <a href="http://morning.atv.ca/ottawa/index.php" target="_blank">A Morning Ottawa</a> today with <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/KurtStoodley" target="_blank">Kurt Stoodley</a>. I brought along all the fixin's for Rocky Road Cake Pops and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Pops and we dipped like chocolate-hungry fools and chatted about the cake biz.</p>
<p>Then I left behind a bunch of pops and cupcakes in hopes it will have them invite me back. No harm in greasing the wheels, right? With, um... frosting...</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-08-18/2011-08-18-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1313680436987" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>You can grab <a href="http://morning.atv.ca/ottawa/recipes.php" target="_blank">the recipe for basic cake balls</a> on the A Morning Ottawa website&nbsp;and watch this clip from the show to learn how to make your very own 2 bite cakes on sticks:</p>
<p><iframe width="488" height="403" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ANef2cKFaXM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Who'da thunk it - cake on a stick. I love our crazy future where books and magazines are on a little handheld portable screen and cake is on a stick. Is bacon on a stick a thing yet? Let's make that a thing.</p>
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</table>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-12553941.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Dietus Forgeticus!</title><category>Butterbeer</category><category>Cupcakes</category><category>Harry Potter</category><category>Recipes</category><category>cupcakes</category><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 13:54:41 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2011/5/24/dietus-forgeticus.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:11520381</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>You know what makes it difficult to stick to your new diet?</p>
<p>Baking cupcakes for a living.</p>
<p>Especially fiddling with new flavours. Takes a lot of experimenting, many batches of tasty cupcakes that have to be taste tested. Taste tested for breakfast. Taste tested for lunch. Y'know. <em>For science.</em></p>
<p>When I was forwarded the recipe from <a href="http://amybites.com/?p=623" target="_blank">Amy Bites</a>&nbsp;for Butterbeer cupcakes, I knew I had to try making them. And I wanted to modify one of my favorite cupcake recipes to fit the flavour profile, which of course meant some bakesperimenting. Cue the baggy yoga pants!</p>
<p>Butterbeer is, of course, the famed frothy concoction sold at fine establishments such as the Three Broomsticks in the Harry Potter books. It's now available for us Muggles at <a href="http://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/" target="_blank">The Wizarding World of Harry Potter</a> in Orlando Florida, and has been described as a sickly sweet butterscotch cream soda - a flavour which sounds just about perfect for a cupcake, yes? So let's get to it.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-05-19/2011-05-19-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1305915812126" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>This recipe is inspired by the one over at Amy Bites, (who pioneered the Butterbeer cupcake here in the Muggle world,) but contains my favorite vanilla butter cupcake recipe modified to to be richer, have a deeper flavour and be more like a Butterbeer. This recipe includes the step of "burning your butter", which sounds like crazytalk, but is actually a great technique to giving these cupcakes a unique flavour. So read the instructions below on how to burn your butter, get all your ingredients together, throw on your <a href="http://www.mybakingdom.com/2011/04/harry-potter-gryffindor-apron.html" target="_blank">Gryffindor apron</a> (squeee!) and let's make some magic:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/regular-post-images/recipe_title.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1305916771756" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>Burnt Butter Brown Sugar Cupcakes</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<div id="_mcePaste"><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/regular-post-images/recipe_ingredients.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1305916757236" alt="" /></span></span></div>
<div id="_mcePaste">
<ul>
<li>1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, burnt</li>
<li> 1 1/4 cups sugar</li>
<li>1 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)</li>
<li> 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour </li>
<li>3/4 tsp baking soda</li>
<li> 2 1/4 tsp baking powder</li>
<li> 1 1/2 tsp salt </li>
<li>5 large whole eggs plus 3 egg yolks, room temperature</li>
<li> 2 cups buttermilk, room temperature </li>
<li>1 tsp pure vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 tsp <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E30D7E5-475A-BAC0-55409D432277491E" target="_blank">butter flavouring</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>How to make Burnt Butter:</strong> Cut up your cold unsalted butter and place it in a cold (not preheated) saucepan. Simmer over medium heat. The mixture will melt, then start foaming. Keep the heat as low as possible while still maintaining a simmer until your kitchen smells like pancakes. Once the foam has turned brown, take it off the heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. (Don't' let it go much longer or it can go from brown to black and then it's icky. You want a nice amber colour. Strain the butter by any number of means - &nbsp;cheesecloth, coffee filter, or a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove any sediment. Let the butter solidify slightly before using. This can take from a half hour to an hour depending on the temperature of your kitchen.</p>
<p><strong>More than you've ever wanted to know about Burnt Butter:</strong> Also called "Beurre noisette," burnt butter is the act of burning the milk solids in the butter, giving it a really rich and distinctive flavour. Great in a lot of recipes, but I love it in cupcakes. Try it in place of oil in your next cake mix. Or in some mashed potatoes. *Droooool.*&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/regular-post-images/recipe_directions.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1305916980278" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p><strong>1.</strong> Brown your butter in advance (see above for how-to.) Once butter has solidified but is still soft to the touch, preheat your oven to 350&deg;F.</p>
<p><strong>2.</strong> With your mixer on medium-high speed, cream burnt butter and 2 sugars until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes.)&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong> 3.</strong> While butter and sugar is creaming, sift together both flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.</p>
<p><strong> 4.</strong> Reduce speed to low and add whole eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add yolks, and beat until thoroughly combined. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of buttermilk, and beating until just combined after each. Beat in vanilla and butter flavouring.</p>
<p><strong> 5.</strong> Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each two-thirds full. Bake 16-18 minutes, rotating tins halfway through, until cupcakes spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean. Makes 25-30 cupcakes.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-05-19/2011-05-19-02.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1305920782079" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>While your cupcakes are baking, let's get started on the cream soda frosting.</p>
<p>This frosting is where the hints of soda-y-ness come in. I found the addition of actual cream soda in both the cupcakes and the frosting was not noticeable. You can't add enough for the flavour to be fully present without watering down your batter/frosting. That's where the magic of science comes in:&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/faeries-finest-cream-flavor-extract/dp/B002GCKPLE" target="_blank">Accio cream soda flavouring!</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>These flavorings are available online or at Bulk Barn, and are great for all kinds of baksperimentation. If you can't find the cream soda flavouring, root beer flavouring will also work in a pinch with some added vanilla.</p>
<p><strong>Butterbeer Buttercream Frosting</strong></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/regular-post-images/recipe_ingredients.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1305918163754" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li>3 sticks salted butter, softened</li>
<li>1 500g bag icing sugar sugar, sifted</li>
<li>6 tbsp butterscotch ice cream topping (<a href="http://reviews.presidentschoice.ca/6584/F6796/reviews.htm?sort=reviewTextLength&amp;dir=asc" target="_blank">this one's my favourite!</a>)</li>
<li>1 tsp pure vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 tsp cream soda flavouring or root beer flavouring</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>1.</strong> Beat butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition, about 5 minutes. (After every 2 additions, increase speed to high, and beat for 10 seconds, then reduce speed to medium-high).</p>
<p><strong>2.</strong> Add butterscotch and flavourings, and beat until buttercream is smooth. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. (If refrigerated before using, bring to room temperature, and beat on low speed until smooth.) Yields 4 cups of frosting.</p>
<p><strong>Now put it all together: </strong>Frost your cooled cupcakes with your Butterbeer frosting and drizzle with some more of the butterscotch ice cream topping. If you want a super sweet blast of gooeyness, cut some little holes out of your cupcake tops with a knife or <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/cuisipro-cupcake-corer/" target="_blank">cupcake corer</a>&nbsp;and fill them with another squeeze of butterscotch filling before frosting.</p>
<p>Then, if you've just come off a Harry Potter movie watching marathon and are so excited about the final installment of <a href="http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/hp7b/index.html" target="_blank">The Deathly Hallows</a> coming out July 15th that you could pee your pants, make yourself a little Harry Potter out of fondant to dress up your cupcakes.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-05-19/2011-05-19-03.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1305918781914" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Seriously, I think I hit the cuteness ceiling on this cupcake. I just wanted to kiss his little frosting face. Which I sort of did. When I ate him.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-05-19/2011-05-19-04.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1305918865804" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Hellooo! Don't eat me little face Jenny! Oim adorable and British!</span></span></p>
<p>Want some of your very own Harry Potter Butterbeer cupcakes? Drop me a line at <a href="mailto:jenny@geeksweets.net">jenny@geeksweets.net</a> and order up a dozen for your next  event. Order a dozen or more and get a <a href="http://jennyheartsfelt.blogspot.com/2007/07/everyones-happy-when-wizard-walks-by.html" target="_blank">free wand</a>! You'll be the coolest Muggle on the block.</p>
<p>Just don't feed them to the house elves. Makes 'em right <em>surly</em>.</p>
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</table>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-11520381.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Free Comic Book Day</title><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 13:20:33 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2011/5/6/free-comic-book-day.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:11380426</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-05-06/2011-05-06-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1304690892538" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>True Believers! That magical day is again upon us! The day the heavens crack and the mighty Odin rides in on eight-legged Sleipnir, descending from the clouds with a sack of free comic books for only the bravest and truest of the girls and boys! (Is anyone else excited for <a href="http://thor.marvel.com/" target="_blank">Thor</a>? Got your prop hammers and winged helmets ready? No? Just me then? Well, fine.)</p>
<p>C'mon down this Saturday to <a href="http://www.thecomicbookshoppe.com/" target="_blank">The Comic Book Shoppe</a> at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=228+Bank+St,+Ottawa,+ON,+Canada&amp;sll=45.41678,-75.697611&amp;sspn=0.006356,0.016512&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=228+Bank+St,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario,+Canada&amp;ll=45.418546,-75.696487&amp;spn=0.006025,0.010943&amp;z=16&amp;iwloc=A&amp;source=embed" target="_blank">228 Bank Street</a> and wrap yo mouf around some <a href="http://www.geeksweets.net/cupcakes/superhero-cupcakes/">Superhero Geek Sweets cupcakes</a>, on sale all day (or until I run out!)</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-05-06/2011-05-06-02.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1304691203695" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Miss these at the CBS Art Gala? Don't miss 'em this time!</span></span></p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-05-06/2011-05-06-03.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1304691287255" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Thumbs up for geeky cupcakes!</span></span></p>
<p>And while you're nomming, you can of course pick up your <a href="http://www.freecomicbookday.com/" target="_blank">Free Comic Book Day comics</a> and take part in the festivities of the day. There'll be face painting, appearences by the Ghostbusters and the Star Wars 501st Legion, Sinestro, Tinkerbell &amp; friends, as well as many other wandering costumed heroes to geek-out over.</p>
<p>I myself will be "Casual Friday Poison Ivy," because Ivy had a crazy week and can't find the bottom half of her costume. She's still fearsome. In jeans. And a set of scuffed up Pumas. Right? Yeah, scaaaaaary.</p>
<p>Be there or be without some free comics and a cupcake in your belleh!</p>
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</table>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-11380426.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Colourbomb!</title><category>COLOURBOMB</category><category>Cupcakes</category><category>Events</category><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:46:24 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2011/3/2/colourbomb.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:10650980</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>I'm not sure how it happened, but one day, not too long ago, I turned into a girl.</p>
<p>It happened gradually, a few years after I got married. I started being drawn to things of a pink and sparkly nature. It got worse when a Sephora moved into our local mall. I went from having my one basic shade of lipstick to a drawer full of rainbow colours.</p>
<p>Next came purses. Betsy Johnson, Tokidoki, the girly-er the better. My husband could only watch in disbelief as I amassed purse after purse, hanging from every surface in our bedroom.</p>
<p>Now don't get me wrong - the geeky gal he married is still in here. I just now share my body with a sparkly-pink, crystal-studded, strawberry-scented GIRLBEAST, over which I have no control. You'll see her rear her giddy little head in some of my baking projects, such as the Rainbow Cake or the My Little Pony cake. In that regard, I kind of like having her around. Helps round out the Warhammer 40K cookies and the Cylon cakes.</p>
<p>All this to say, my current girly obsession is jewellery. I love Tarina Tarantio designs with all the pink bows and zebra striped hearts. Also, she throws some skulls in there, which I love. I had to buy a second jewellery box to contend with all the necklaces and bracelets that now catch my eye.</p>
<p>So when the lovely Amy of Splendid Events invited me to participate in COLOURBOMB!, a trunk show for Sandy Schnierle of Blush Beads, I was all over it. Any excuse to make cupcakes and ogle shiny things, to temporarily quell the roar of the GIRLBEAST who lies within.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-03-02/2011-03-02-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1303151075007" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Free swag bags to the first 20 people through the door featuring all kinds of goodies, and a treat from Geek Sweets! But you'd better arrive quickly - there's so much girly in there we might implode.</p>
<p>Come sample a variety of cupcake flavours in the adorable 2-bite mini format!Did I have you at "free Geek Sweets cupcakes?" Yeah, I thought so. ;)</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-03-02/2011-03-02-02.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1303151097568" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>Come out and visit us at Hush Boutique (1440 Wellington Street) this Thursday, March 3rd at 7:00. Mac on some free cupcakes. Inhale some tasty Koko Chocolates and meet some great Ottawa entrepreneurs  and craftsmen.</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-03-02/2011-03-02-03.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1303151115149" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>There will even be makeovers. Hashtag: squee.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-10650980.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Geek Sweets at Game Summit 2011</title><category>Events</category><category>Game Summit 2011</category><dc:creator>Jenny Burgesse</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:46:38 +0000</pubDate><link>http://geeksweets.net/blog/2011/2/15/geek-sweets-at-game-summit-2011.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">686753:8027915:10495021</guid><description><![CDATA[<p>Guess where I'm going to be this weekend?</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-02-15/2011-02-15-01.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297815153244" alt="" /></span></span></p>
<p>That's right folks! It's <a href="http://www.gamesummit.ca/index-eng.php" target="_blank">Game Summit</a> time! 3 days of sweet gaming goodness - boardgames, miniatures, roleplaying, and all kinds of other fun events all under one roof. It'll be a geektastic good time.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Look for my table of goodies near the registration booth. Not registered yet? Why not, fool! <a href="http://www.gamesummit.ca/2011/02/reg-eng.php" target="_blank">Get on it</a>. Then come on Saturday or Sunday to nom on all kinds of fun goodies, such as these:</p>
<p><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-02-15/2011-02-15-02.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297816052044" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Little known fact: Meeple taste like vanilla tootsie roll.</span></span></p>
<p><br /><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://geeksweets.net/storage/post-images/2011-02-15/2011-02-15-03.png?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1297815936395" alt="" /></span><span class="thumbnail-caption" style="width: 488px;">Triumph over the ancient one not by closing gates, but but biting off his frosted head. O R'lyeh? Ya R'lyeh.</span></span></p>
<p>And that's not all! But I can't spoil all the surprises. So c'mon out and satisfy your sweet tooth. And your... um... gaming tooth. Is that a thing? I may have just made that up.</p>
<p>Either way, thank Shub-Niggurath that I'll be &nbsp;too busy selling tasty treats to take y'all on at Munchkin. I'm quite sneaky. A force to reckoned with. Just when you least expect it, out comes the the Plutonium Dragon and a wandering monster card that's been laying dormant in my hand from the very beginning. Bam.</p>
<p>I'm <em>very</em> munchkinly.</p><p><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://geeksweets.net/blog/rss-comments-entry-10495021.xml</wfw:commentRss></item></channel></rss>