Hello, Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make Reviews

• A Grand Slam right out of the cupcake ballpark!

  
  By ABX3704SXNU5F on 2008-04-11
  SUGAR ALERT: I will be fawning and tripping all over in talking about this book!
  
  If you are a closet cake-decorator but you don't feel up in the ranks of Duff or Colette or Martha, then grab this book and hold on to your socks, because Karen Tack and Alan Richardson will take you on a fabulous decorating ride!!
  
  Wow, wow, and WOW! This veritable encyclopedia of "mini-cake" decorating is so fun and easy that there is absolutely no excuse for anyone to lament "they can't". With the use of food items found anywhere, you will be making the cutest, and most impressive cupcake creations you can possibly think of, and Karen and Alan will make you legendary to boot!
  
  This team of talent has come up with extremely amazing and irresistable cupcakes like giraffes, Van Gogh paintings, clowns, aquariums, etc that will all fit on top of a little poof of cake batter.
  
  The book size itself is large with big print which lends itself to the purpose of the photographic detail that is so big, sharp, and clear, there is no doubt or question on sequence or step. Karen Tack is the recipe creator and food stylist and Alan Richardson is the text writer and photographer; both are brilliant and incredibly talented individuals, so as a team, they are a match made in cupcake heaven.
  
  The Acknowledgement page was itself fun and relaxed, not something plodded through; you can tell it was done with real gratitude and thought, which is part of the overall charm of how this book was put together.
  
  There are 8 chapters between the "Introduction" and the "Sources"; got those socks gripped?........
  
  INTRODUCTION: Your text page begins the journey, and right after, you are given an impressive section of pages that visually, and with text, show you how you will make the many creations through the use of candies, cookies, and types of sugars.
  
  CUPCAKING TECHNIQUES: This was invaluable for those who are novice cupcake bakers or wannabe's. Hints and instructions on methods for pouring batter, spreading frosting, making frosting, and melting chocolate for designs, are shown in close detail. They show you how to make "fur" for the lion cupcakes and "leaves" for flowers. This is followed by methods used to draw "bugs", people faces, and hairstyles by using melted chocolate and candies. The next section shows how you will literally build up these creations, like the bowling pin cupcakes, so instruction is shown in simple and fascinating detail. Part of the more complex designs require a grouping of cupcakes, like "corn on the cob", "rabbits in a hole", or the "alligator", and you are given an idea of the schematics involved in getting them just right!
  
  APRIL FOOL'S THEME:
  Corn on the Cob
  Bagels and Lox
  Buttered Popcorn
  TV Dinner ("peas & carrots", "drumsticks", & "mashed potato" cupcakes!)
  Spaghetti and Meatballs
  Box of Chocolates
  Van Gogh's "Starry Night" in frosting (he'd love it!)
  
  PARTY ANIMALS:
  March of the Penguins
  Fat Cats (cats with their paws on fishbones!)
  Fishbowl (you use those Pepperidge Farm fishies for this one!)
  Panda-monium
  Westies
  Crazy Horses (this uses candy circus peanuts and wafers)
  Pup Cakes (a whole bunch of poochies to choose from!)
  Monarchs (what a great Spring party or bridal shower presentation!)
  Shark Attack (you'll want to go into these waters!)
  Old Swampy the 'Gator
  
  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CUPCAKE!:
  When I Grow Up
  Party Princess (any little girl will just LOVE these!)
  Slumber Party
  Big Birthday Party
  Bowl Me Over (this is soooo darn cute; pins and a bowling ball!!!)
  The Big Top (definitely a more time-required, but great, project)
  
  HOSTEST with the MOSTEST:
  Sunflowers (a veritable burst of green and yellow and Oreo cookies!)
  Black and White Party
  Play Pool (no one will mind the 8 ball!)
  Baby Shower
  Petit Fours (very elegant and delicate)
  Garden Party ( a "garden" of carrots, peas, radishes, and cabbage)
  Easter Eggs
  Rabbit Holes (so unbelievably clever; Karen Tack is a genious!)
  Candy Stars and Stripes Forever
  Family Tree
  Wedding Cake and Monograms
  
  NIGHTMARE BEFORE THANKSGIVING:
  Alien Invasion
  Creepy Crawlers (almost good enough for goin' fishin')
  What a Hoot
  Pumpkin Patch ( absolutely adorable; Alan's photography is superb!)
  Howling Werewolves
  Autumn Leaves (how did they think of this great project?!)
  Larry the Turkey
  
  HOLIDAY ON ICING:
  Edible Ornaments (incredible boxed "ornaments"!)
  String of Delights
  Snow Globes (this was sheer genius by placing the cakes on their side!)
  Gingerbread Boys
  Partridge in a Pear Tree (fantastic!)
  Nutcracker Sweet (you'll be dancing!)
  Frosting the Snowman (too darn cute!)
  White Wreath (Christmas glory in white and red! Awesome!)
  
  CUPCAKES AND FROSTINGS:
  (Cake mix recipes): Pumpkin Spice, Chocolate Chunk Surprise, Chocolate Mint, Orange Spice, Banana Chocolate, Gingerbread
  
  (Homemade recipes): Chocolate Cupcakes, Banana Cupcakes, Carrot Cupcakes, Almond Cupcakes, Lemon-Poppy Seed Cupcakes, Vanilla Cupcakes
  
  (Frostings): Next-to-Instant Ganache (melted chocolate), Homemade Ganache, Almost-Homemade Vanilla Buttercream, Cream Cheese Frosting, Chocolate Frosting
  
  SOURCES
  
  OK, OK.................I have gone beyond fawning but if you're a cake decorating fool like myself, you understand the passion. My deep gratitude to Karen and Alan; you guys ROCK!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Do I Really Need Another Cupcake Book? Yes!!

  
  By A2BBFKLBLSLWJD on 2008-04-06
  When I saw this book featured on the Martha Stewart show, I thought, "Do I really need another baking book? I have so many..." I decided to get it anyway, thinking I could always pass it along to someone else if I was not fond of it. Well, I am SO GLAD I made this purchase! The book is beautiful- and I really mean that- the book itself is beautiful, large in size, softcover, with huge color photos and great instructional pages. The recipes are really not that complex (they vary from very detailed to very simple, even though they look challenging at first glance). The author teaches you how to make a variety of adorable cupcakes, and they don't all have to be used for kid parties - there are some showstoppers in there for weddings, party favors, barbeques, holidays, and more. My favorites are the garden patch, the "April Fool's" cupcakes, the alligator, and the pandas. The book is not full of cupcake recipes - it is more of a cupcake design book, as it shows you how to create these fabulous cakes. At the end of the book there is an actual baking recipe section, and I LOVE how the author has two kinds of recipes- simple, quick cupcakes you can make with boxed mixes, and then another section of "from scratch" cupcake recipes. Even if you never make a single cupcake from this book, it is STILL worth purchasing for its sheer beauty. It is fun to flip through the pages and look at the adorable creations and see how they were put together. I LOVE this book. If you are STILL saying you don't need another baking book, do what I did and throw out one old cookbook so that there is room on the shelf for this baby.
  
  

• Too Cute for Words!

  
  By A16T62DRSITK30 on 2008-03-20
  These are the cleverest, cutest cupcakes I've seen yet and I have many of the cupcake and cake books listed on Amazon. Super Easy using the techniques and supplies mentioned! An absolutely wonderful book!
  
  

• Beautiful decorations, but disappointed in recipe!

  
  By A213THKG3C204P on 2008-06-28
  First, let me say that I love the pictures and decorating ideas in this book. I have had the book for about a month, and I have not had a chance to make any of the decorating ideas out of here, but this is my favorite cupcake book so far. My complaint is on the actual recipe I made. I made the Vanilla cupcakes last night for my daughter's birthday today, and they were horrible. I ended up throwing the entire batch out and luckily I have some cake mixes in the pantry and am making new cupcakes this morning for her birthday party this afternoon! So frustrating!
  
  

• Wonderful

  
  By A1F5E432IHMP29 on 2008-03-27
  My two kids made the corn on the cob cupcakes - they were very easy and lots of fun. The book has lots of great creative ideas with step by step instructions. The color pictures are beautiful. I especially like all the ideas for birthday parties.
  
  
• Whimsical
  By AJBKBJATA3OOR on 2008-03-24
  I have a new take on presentations. One can reinvent the wheel by decorating things differently. My daughter loved it, and I loved eating the whimsical treats. I also recommend Finger licking Different!!
  
  
• Irresistable Playful Creations I can Make!
  By A3DC9VC1T8NE6U on 2008-04-06
  This book is so enjoyable to simply browse thru. Simply Adorable!!!
  
  Each recipe has precise instructions with beautiful photographs to guide a home baker to produce brilliant results. It is jammed packed with delightful & original & very creative ideas that will appeal to all ages.
  
  I plan on gifting this to many family members & friends. I know they'll love it too.
  
  
• The best cupcake decorating book that I've found
  By A109L3WXD1SJFU on 2008-05-05
  This is the most fun, creative, and charming cupcake decorating book that I have come across. The designs are phenomenal, and the authors show you how to create each design, step-by-step. They have a supply list for each type of cupcake (so you don't go into the grocery store trying to figure out what you need, without much guidance), and there are a few basic techniques that they repeat, but to create different effects. So, for example, you might use a cookie for a panda head, but you will use it to make beagle ears.
  
  This is primarily a design book, NOT a cookbook, although the authors provide a few recipes in the back for a basic cupcake and frostings. Even with the fantastic pictures (the book is loaded with them) and the wonderful instruction, making cupcakes like this takes a lot of time and love. There's no way around that, so please don't fault the book if you find that the learning curve is steep, or that it's taking you hours to decorate the 40 cupcakes that you promised to bake for your child's first grade class!
  
  
• Best Cupcake book out there!
  By A26WF6JCUSNBRO on 2008-04-09
  I probably own about 20+ decorating books and this is my favorite one. This is the best cupcake book out there by a mile. I used to work at a bakery and am always baking up cupcakes for people out of my home. The ideas presented here are simple yet stunning. The instructions are fantastic and there are loads of full color pictures. I have been a fan of Karen's work through Family Fun and other magazines and this book definitely does not disappoint. Thanks Karen for sharing your fabulous ideas!!!
  
  
• MANY INGREDIENTS MUST BE BOUGHT AT SPECIALTY STORES!!!!
  By A38IL2GXD8866Z on 2008-09-05
  I read all of the 5 star ratings and thought this would be a great addition to my cookbooks. However, with much disgust, I am already halfway through the recipes and have yet to find even ONE recipe that does not state in parenthesis ingredients can be found at "specialty baking stores" or "online sources." What?! I was under the impression we could find "most" items in our local grocery store or convenience stores as the book states and not have to go to "gourmet candy stores," "baking supply store" or "online sources!!!!!!" Not ONE recipe so far calls for all items we'd find at a grocery store! Black food coloring? Orange food coloring? Moss green food color? Brown food color? (All found at baking supply stores). Dark blue paper liners? Chocolate covered sunflower seeds and black chocolate covered sunflower seeds? (Found at gourmet candy stores). Black, pink and white decorating sugar? Popcorn boxes? Orange melting wafers? Chocolate and white chocolate melting wafers? White, chocolate and carmel jimmies (found at baking supply stores). Blue silver dragees (baking supply stores). Brown paper liners? Striped paper liners? And what the heck are Nonpareils (available at baking supply stores!) There are a few items I've never heard of before. Do not get this book thinking that you can find the decorating candies, food colorings and such at a grocery store! I could list more items not found locally but the above is just the first half of the book's recipes! Granted, yes, the book lists two pages of sources where to get the ingredients NOT found in grocery stores, and yes, the photos of the finished cupcakes are fabulous...now, if I could only make them without all the fuss of buying the ingredients! If I knew what I know now, I would NOT have bought the book!
  
  
• SPECTACULAR!
  By A1UOX3SHXBWE7X on 2008-04-02
  This is the best cupcake book out there, EVER! The pictures are fabulous. The instructions are clear and simple. Everyone must have this book, whether you think you're a baker or not. There is such a variety of creations. It turned my 5 year old son into a food stylist.
  
  
• The Very Best on Amateur Decorating
  By A2Z4PB9O75XIR on 2008-07-30
  We purchased this book for my 11 yr. old daughter to experiment with cake decorating before we invested in a class for her. We had found the author's website and their blog and just couldn't resist.
  
  There are no special skills required, no special equipment, and ANYONE can make these gorgeous little cakes. And the designs--unlike anything I've ever seen in a cupcake book. So completely different and charming that we just looked at the pictures for three days before we even tried to bake anything. There is nice tutorial at the beginning on how to us Ziplock bags as a decorating bag, how to frost a cupcake, anchor design elements and how to use melting wafers, among other things.
  
  The book is full of pictures to help you along and the directions are very clear. Yes, you do have to make a trip to the store for some of the candy items necessary, but all but one of the items is readily available at the local grocery or convenience store. The only thing I have never seen is white circus peanuts used for the horse's heads.
  
  My daughter has made the sunflower cupcakes, the slumber party cupcakes, and the black and whites. We're having a cupcake for every occasion and looking for excuses to make more. There are very few recipes in the book, some are just ways to doctor up a cake mix and some are simple home made varieties, but the authors don't claim to have written a recipe book. This book is completely about decorating, even though the cake mix recipes have been really good so far.
  
  The inspiration and encouragement to come up with your own designs is huge. The author's website features a cupcake club with a monthly cupcake challenge in which readers send in the pictures of their own themed creations or their reproductions of the designs in the book. We didn't join the club, but my daughter has done the flower challenge and is working on turning Rover into a cupcake. FUN!
  
  My recommendation is to BUY THIS BOOK! If an 11 yr. old can produce fun and delicious cupcakes, let me tell you, anyone can do the same. It's a gem that we'll use over and over and over.
  
  
• The Art of the Cupcake: Wildly Imaginative and Just Darn Fun
  By A13E0ARAXI6KJW on 2008-06-05
  Somehow, the irresistible sight of meticulously assembled westies atop vanilla cupcakes on the cover draws out my inner Japanese aesthetic for artistic detail. What these infectious creations actually taste like is almost beside the point, as professional food stylist Karen Tack and writer/photographer Alan Richardson have teamed up for a one of the most wildly imaginative food decorating books I have ever seen. The timing of this publication couldn't be more ideal as the decorative cupcake has quickly become one of the more enduring female-dominated fads thanks to the likes of Manhattan's trendy Magnolia Bakery and a little publicity thanks to Sex and the City. The co-authors claim the decoration process is quite easy, and judging from the common grocery items they use, I would agree to a point. However, you also have to be somewhat crafty by nature to appreciate what it takes to create the cupcakes showcased here.
  
  They offer tips on everything from filling cupcake cups, spreading frosting, dipping, edging, and using multiple cupcakes for designs. You do need a piping bag if you are not already a pastry hound, and a steady hand is essential for the more elaborate designs. The results are impressive and often unexpected. The "slumber party" cupcakes are inarguably adorable and like many of the recipes, require food coloring. You also need some Starbursts, Jelly Bellys, vanilla wafers, red sprinkles, mini-marshmallows and bear-shaped graham crackers. Some are visually startling like the "spaghetti and meatball" cupcakes. Others are not as intimidating for first-timers like the "corn on the cob" cupcakes that mostly require yellow and white jellybeans and the "popcorn" cupcakes that use mini-marshmallows, some dyed yellow, to replicate the popped kernels in movie theater bags. Best of all, the book really triggers the imagination as to what other unprecedented creations may be within your artisan soul. It's oddly inspiring in a sugar-coated way.
  
  
• LOVE IT!
  By A1UWESXUGV28V6 on 2008-04-04
  I just received this book (in 2 days I might add!) and I love it...however, I have not tried any recipes. The pictures are adorable and all of the instructions are VERY easy. The only teeny complaint that I have is that I wish she provided tip sizes for those of us who do have cake decorating equipment (i just dont think i could use a ziploc after years of pastry bags..there IS a difference :) thanks for a great book!!!
  
  
• some good ideas
  By A2T7LTJLFPJX4L on 2008-04-11
  its a nice book, has some good ideas, but it looks like a lot of work!!
  
  
• Simply awesome !!!
  By A1XUYM5S83VAIZ on 2008-04-29
  The creations outlined in the book are simply awesome. They are simple concepts with no major equipment or cake decorating skills required...and also designs which are extendable as wild as your imagination can go !!!
  
  
• Some great new ideas in this book!
  By A1YHS58INR42PQ on 2008-04-29
  I have not read this book cover to cover yet, but already I am loving it. There are some great new ideas on these pages for dazzling up your cupcakes. I have no doubt that any parent could quickly rise to "cool mom" or "cool dad" status if you made one of these treats and sent it with junior to school for his birthday treat. What I liked best about this book is that the ideas are simple to replicate using frosting (canned) and a variety of candies and goodies that should be pretty easy to find at most stores.
  And not only do I love the book already, my kids are digging it too. It's amazing the amount of time small children will happily view dessert cookbooks.
  
  
• amazing
  By A22AVS5ZDUDP2R on 2008-04-14
  I've been making cupcakes for my kids for 10 years. When this book arrived, my kids and I went nuts reading it. There are so many post-its from my kids marking pages it's crazy. This is such a winner. You know how you think the cover is the only good shot? No worries, every design is amazing.
  
  
• essential cupcake book
  By A34Z0B1JGSTAMH on 2008-04-14
  "What a fabulous book loaded with clever, creative ideas. I have purchased four of them already for gifts. Pictures, recipes and decorations are clearly presented with wonderfully clear photographs.The cupcakes inspire delight from all who see them. I have successfully made the monkey cupcakes and they turned out very well. Using easy to find candy and cookies, there are many designs simply replicated by the home baker which give a professional look. It is the best cupcake book in my large collection of cupcake books.Congratulation to the authors and photographer of this superb book."
  
  
• Buy this book!
  By AJPBY5UYCFE1S on 2008-04-20
  This book has amazing ideas for cupcakes for children and adults too. The designs are fun and playful but also sophisticated in their approach and presentation. Many of the decorations are achieved with "re-worked" readily available candies and the clever innovation is amazing. I love the "peas and carrots" cupcake. Perfect for the vegetarian!
  
  This book takes the cupcake to a whole new level. If you have a parent or hobby-baker on your gift list buy this book, add some cupcake pans and paper liners and some great sprinkles and such and you will have a wonderful gift.
  
  
• Hello, Cupcake! takes the cake for fun.
  By A2BK75UVB6EB81 on 2008-04-30
  What a wonderful book! It has plenty of fabulous, large photos, and easy to follow directions, making these cupcakes very approachable. They provide all the information you'll need -- from tips to resources -- to recreate all these cupcakes. There is a cupcake design for every skill level. Before long you'll be coming up with your own ideas. This book would make a great gift for anyone who needs a creative outlet. And, the "Hello, Cupcake!" web site is as fun as the book -- visit www.hellocupcakebook.com and see more tips, designs and reader comments.
  
  
• Fun Cupcake Book
  By A25KW09PH8N0U2 on 2008-04-30
  This is a very fun book. I thought that some of the ideas would be great for a kids birthday party and can not wait to do the doggy cakes. Great pictures and I felt that the recipes didn't call for too off the wall thiings.
  
  
• Hello Cupcake
  By A23A3014UOYRDI on 2008-05-11
  A fantastic cake decorating book both for the professional or home baker. The cupcake designs are truly unique and the extensive range of designs ensures cakes for any occasion or traditional celebration. As yet this book it not available in book stores in Australia. After seeing the author of 'Hell Cupcake" interviewed on television we had to have the book. Thank goodness for Amazon. com. We are gradually working our way through the book.
  
  
• Cutest Cupcakes in Town!
  By A22DV60DBW42AN on 2008-05-29
  OMG!
  This is the best idea book for cupcakes I have seen in my whole life!
  The pictures in the book hardly do the final product justice. I have never seen a better cookbook for ease of directions, pictures that actually match the finished cupcakes, and list of ingredients that tell you exactly what to purchase (some cookbooks say "candy covered chocolate bits" but Hello Cupcake tells it like it is, and just says M&Ms!)
  My children have helped in making cupcakes from this book, and the neighbors and coworkers have all been recipients of these delightful, imaginative, delicious treats. Not only are there dozens of designs for the whole year (holidays, birthdays, just for fun) but the recipes for the cake part of the cupcakes are delicious as well.
  Can't wait for the sequel! ...There will be a sequel, right?
  
  
• Yummy FUN!!!
  By ASH0GZ1GZ6YXM on 2008-05-31
  I purchased this book for two reasons: (1) my sister took a cupcake decorating course taught by Karen Tack and (2) my 10-year-old daughter went to a cupcake decorating birthday party for a friend, also performed by Karen Tack. Both my sister and my daughter couldn't wait to try cupcake decorating on their own. Being quite skeptical of my own abilities, I thought we would try the cookbook for fun rainy-day activity. The directions were extremely easy to follow and the results looked amazingly like the pictures; how often does that happen with cookbooks?!? ... especially for an amateur like me. The wonderful thing is the "special" edible decorating items are easily found in the grocery store. I was so pleased with my end results; never imagined I could create something so lifelike and yummy, I bought four additional copies and shared them with my friends. Do it for fun, do it for your kids having the best looking cupcakes in their class and, most importantly, do it for yourself ... it will bring a smile to your face :0)
  
  Spending time with your children has never been so much fun!!! And, if you don't have children, become one again by trying a few cupcakes and treat your neighbors or co-workers.
  
  
• Such creative ideas!
  By A1HIGQ665KF5FB on 2008-06-18
  This book is chock full of creative ideas for cupcakes, things you never thought of before with easy to follow instructions. Friends will be impressed and kids will be excited. It also makes a great gift.
  
  
• Great book!
  By A2M5Y6XWRJZVCB on 2008-06-20
  This is a terrific book that allows everyday people to make desserts that look store bought. I have made these creations with my friends and kids and we always get a great reaction from those who see them! The instructions are so easy to follow and what look like very difficult projects, are really not at all! Highly recommend!!
  
  
• Very Creative
  By A215ACAAUTYSXP on 2008-06-22
  Whether you just like to cook at home, or do baking as a job or business, this book is chock full of delicious, creative, cute and innovative cooking and decorating ideas. Great Mother's Day or Christmas gift idea.
  
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• Certanily more of a cook than a baker...
  By A1MZIDTOCQFAJ3 on 2008-07-02
  However, this book does a great job providing inspiration for fun ideas mainly for children....and for those of us that are kids at heart. The majority of the book is easy to complete and it provides even the novice baker with some great tools for not messing up!
  
  
• Hello Cupcake
  By A1IY5SBU2CW8H4 on 2008-07-20
  Easy to follow and wonderful results. Such cute ideas to turn cupcakes into little cakes of art.
  
  

• Martha Stewart's Cookies: The Very Best Treats to Bake and to Share (Martha Stewart Living Magazine)
• Crazy About Cupcakes
• Little Cakes from the Whimsical Bakehouse: Cupcakes, Small Cakes, Muffins, and Other Mini Treats
• Cupcake Magic: Little Cakes with Attitude
• The Confetti Cakes Cookbook: Spectacular Cookies, Cakes, and Cupcakes from New York City's Famed Bakery