Whoopie-to-do!

This morning I made Whoopie Pies. This is new to me and I was concerned that because of the stickiness of the batter, that they wouldn't turn out. To my surprise, they rose into perfect domes ready to be filled. I took a dozen to Justin "Squigs" Robertson at the Broadway Flea Market. He was sketching all day long and selling his artwork for charity. He is an amazing caricature artist. Check out his work at http://www.squigsink.com/.

After that, I went to the Lower East Side to shop at Economy Candy. http://www.economycandy.com/. I went to get ideas for turning classic candy into cupcakes inspired by those flavors. I left with a bag containing Charm's Fluffy Stuff Cotton Candy, Abba Zabba, Junior Mints, Bit O' Honey and for myself I picked up some gummi teeth and a wax moustache. I'm particularly psyched about the Abba Zabba. We'll see what I come up with.

I next met friends at Chikalicious http://www.chikalicious.com/. I had heard of this place for years. It's a dessert bar. I'm currently fasting, so it was torture to finally be there and unable to eat anything. I basically paid to sit, drink a pot of tea and have a dessert teasingly placed in front of me. I admit that the show alone was worth the price. They assemble the desserts right in front of you and we had the pleasure of having Chef/Owner Chika Tillman herself make our desserts. Such care and skill was taken in preparing each piece of "art," and I will definitely be going back there soon. For a $14 prix fix (described as American desserts, French presentation and Japanese tasting portions) you get an amuse, choice of dessert and petits fours.

Our dessert selections included:

• Fromage Blanc Island "Cheese Cake."
• Caramel Panna Cotta with Earl Grey Tea Sorbet and Banana Salad.
• Warm Chocolate Tart with Pink Peppercorn Ice Cream and Red Wine Sauce and finally for my viewing pleasure only.....
• Steamed Fig Pudding with Vanilla Anglaise and Fresh Figs.

I'll be taking a couple of days off from baking but have a large order of cupcakes to fill for a girls' birthday party this weekend. I expect to be covered in pink and purple buttercream frosting. Until then, keep living sweetly!