My Favorite Flavors of Year

I love this time of year! Not just because it's running season or it's cooling down or Christmas is coming or my birthday isn't too far away. I love this time of year because of the foods. You don't see stores selling pumpkin pie in April. There's just something special about sitting inside on a rainy October day drinking hot apple cider. I can't wait to bake with pumpkin, apples, and gingerbread. What are your favorite flavors during the fall?

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Orange County Picks "Best Of" 2012

Each year the Orange County Register puts out a publication called "The Best of Orange County." It is derived from a survey where residents of Orange County vote for the "Best (blank) in Orange County." The publication was delivered today and of course the first category I looked at was "Best Cupcakes." Although I wasn't surprised by the #1 pick, I did raise an eyebrow for the others. Make sure to check out my pick at the end.

First Place: Sprinkles Cupcakes

It's hard to compete with such a large, well-known brand. But it's even harder to compete with Sprinkles when they are so good. Along with their great-tasting cupcakes, Sprinkles gives you the experience of a gourmet cupcake. They make their cupcakes feel special and well worth the price tag of $3.50. One think I really like about Sprinkles is, along with the dozen or so flavors they offer daily, they sell different holiday and season-themed cupcakes throughout the year. I'm looking forward to trying their Salty Caramel available November 2-25. I just wish Sprinkles Ice Cream was available in Orange County too.

Second Place: Casey's Cupcakes

I don't know why I haven't tried them yet, maybe this is the week to do it, but Casey's Cupcakes seems to be a crowd favorite. Going from one location in Riverside to adding three locations in Orange County, this cupcake shop suggests that the cupcake business is doing well. From what I've seen, Casey's Cupcakes are large cupcakes with lots of frosting. I'm always a little weary of large cupcakes because of the fear that size is trying to make up for something else. Orange County seems to like them, so I think it's worth a try.

Third Place: The Perfect Circle Cupcakery

This shop was bound to be successful just from its location in Old Town Orange Circle. The Perfect Circle is my local shop, as it is only blocks from my house. I love the cream cheese frosting that is preset on top of the red velvet, pumpkin, and banana cupcakes. The owner has appeared on the Food Network's Cupcake Wars twice and even grabbed a win the second time. Mixed reviews from readers and reviewers have left me surprised that The Perfect Circle was one of the top cupcake shops in Orange County. Bad customer service and dry cake don't seem to be holding down The Perfect Circle's popularity. Cupcakes are $3.25 each and run out quickly, so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

Critic's Choice: The Queen's Bakery

This was the most surprising pick on the list. I reviewed this newly-opened bakery earlier this year after discovering them as contestants on Cupcakes Wars. Although the cupcakes were just ok, the macaroons and cookies were delightful and delicious! The bakery is quite elegant inside and it was perfect for my rainy day review. I would love to go back and check out some of their other treats. As for being a top pick for best cupcake shop in Orange County? I think this critic needs some advice from me.

Cupcake Activist's Pick for Best Cupcakes in Orange County: Sweet & Saucy Shop

Sweet & Saucy Shop opened their second location, to my delight, in Orange County. I could barely wait and checked out the new shop in Crystal Cove the week it opened. I was blown away by the perfectness of every dessert I tried. Of course I loved the cupcakes best, but the macaroons, cake lollipops, cookies, and mini pies are outstanding too. There's no doubt in my mind that Sweet & Saucy shop is the best cupcake shop in Orange County!

Review: Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop

My search for cupcakes in Maui was coming to an end and I was coming home empty-handed. BUT that doesn't mean I didn't find some other great desserts. I already posted my review for Stillwell's Bakery, but there's still one more place I have to tell you about: Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop.

We must have driven past this place about 10 times while in Maui. Every time I promised my husband that I was getting a pie before we headed back to the mainland. True to my word, we stopped by on the way to the airport.

My first thought after walking through the door was that I blew it by already eating lunch. They sell chicken pot pies! Oh well, I still had some room left for dessert (although I always have room for dessert!).

The pies looked delicious. And the best part is that they came in different sizes! That meant I could get more than one!

I walked out of the shop with a smile on my face and two mini pies: macadamia nut chocolate praline and banana cream. Verdict: so delicious! Both pies are pudding based. The praline crust was excellent and my favorite part of the macadamia nut pie. The flavors were phenomenal, especially the bites with layers of caramel! I could (and would) eat this pie all day. I almost cried when it was gone. My husband picked the banana cream as his favorite, but it was a close call for both of us.

You MUST check out Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop when you're in Maui! And if you do, let me know how the chicken pot pie is. Here's a few more of my favorites photos from our trip. We were sad to come home, but still have the memories.

Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop

820 Olowalu Village Rd.

Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761

808-662-3600

www.leodas.com (currently under construction)

Facebook: Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop

Skate and Cupcakes

My husband likes to skate and I like cupcakes. The perfect date would be a skate session in the Sprinkles parking lot. Let's make it happen.

The Tony Hawk Foundation has teamed up with Sprinkles Cupcakes to raise money through the sale of the Tony Hawk Cinnamon Sugar cupcake. 100% of the proceeds of these cupcakes will go to the Tony Hawk Foundation. These limited-time cupcakes will be sold at all Sprinkles locations from today, September 21 through Sunday, September 23.

I know what I'll be doing this weekend!

Searching for Arizona Cupcakes

If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably noticed the tweets about my crazy workouts. Oh that's because I'm training for my first Ironman! Yes, in just two months I will be racing Ironman Arizona. 

Two years ago I was at this race cheering for my husband. Now it's my turn and I couldn't be more excited (and scared)! When I was there before, I visited and reviewed Cupcakes of Scottsdale. I was super disappointed in them and don't want a repeat when I go back in November.

So tell me, where should I get cupcakes when I visit? We are staying in Tempe, but can travel to Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix area. The Coffee Shop is already on my list. What are the other can't-miss places?