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Product Review: Crumbs Bake Shop’s $10 “Make Your Own Colossal Cupcake” Mix

March 6, 2015 / Jeni / 13 Comments

*DISCLAIMER: Totally didn’t use any fart sound effects. . . because that would just be crude.

Crumbs Bake Shop boxed mixes caught my eye at Target for one reason: Their price!

Sure, they come in beautiful packaging, but their $7-10 price tags halted me in my tracks. I wondered how it was possible that a boxed cake mix could cost so much. The first time I spotted these mixes, I examined its instructions. For these prices, I would expect the mix to contain everything I would need. Nope. After spending $8-10 dollars, the customer would also need to supply his or her own butter, milk, eggs, oil, and cream cheese.

For example, the sandwich cookie cupcake mix (on the lower end of the Crumbs price spectrum) displayed a photo of cupcakes topped with whole cookies. However, the mix only contained cookie crumbles for decorating, forcing the customer to also buy the whole cookies in addition to the other ingredients mentioned above.

When I saw these boxed mixes on Target’s clearance shelf, I had to bite. I chose the Make Your Own Colossal Cupcake package for $5 and proceeded with the mission of finding out why it could possibly cost $10, full price. The kit also comes with a tiny, green spatula. I can’t lie, I love this spatula.

The Crumbs cupcake chain began as a mom and pop store in New York City. It eventually grew to become the biggest cupcake chain in the U.S. until it filed for bankruptcy in 2014. An investment group now owns Crumbs and is reopening its stores. According to news articles, the grocery store Mariano’s agreed to test a Crumbs cupcake and brownie bar in one of its Illinois locations and partnered with Pelican Bay Ltd. to produce these boxed mixes.

When I saw this photo of a little girl holding a giant cupcake, I assumed it was Photoshopped. Upon closer examination, I realized the kit really does make one giant cupcake.

Here’s what the kit includes:

Cake mix
White frosting mix
Yellow frosting mix
Rainbow sprinkles
Plastic piping bag
Cake liners
Tiny spatula

The cake batter was simple to prepare. I combined the mix with one cup of almond milk (I’m lactose intolerant), 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and two large eggs. Then I poured the batter into the cupcake liner and baked at 325℉ for about an hour, or until I could cleanly remove a knife from the center.

Near the end of the cooking time, I covered the top of the cake with foil to prevent spots from burning. I prepared the two frostings while the cake cooled.

The white frosting contains the Crumbs powdered mix, cream cheese, butter and milk. The yellow frosting contains butter and the powdered mix.

I frosted the cake and added sprinkles so that it looked like the package. I varied from the instructions by NOT filing the center with more white frosting. If I had done so, there would have been no chance we’d eat the cake.

See the resemblance?

I especially liked making the yellow rosettes.

I carefully cut one slice for taste testing.

My reaction after taking my first bite was that it tasted “OK.” The cake was extremely moist and kind of dense. It had a hint of play dough flavor that I just didn’t like. Jake liked it. He finished his slice of returned for another one the next day. We discarded the rest of the cake after it remained uneaten for a few days.

Jake enjoyed the cake more than I did, but also didn’t understand why it would cost $10 full price. The frostings tasted much better than tinned versions, but they’re also made with real butter and cream cheese. Often times, organic products cost a lot more than their conventional equivalents, but this mix doesn’t claim to contain organic ingredients and included lots of things we can’t pronounce.

For $5, this could be an OK option for the right individual. For $10, I’m going to encourage you to skip this mix all together unless you are a die-hard Crumbs Bake Shop fan. With the additional cost of supplying your own butter, cream cheese, eggs, milk, and oil, you are better off investing that money into your own cake from a bakery or making your one from scratch. I should also note that we did use almond milk instead of cow’s milk. It’s what we keep on hand due to my lactose intolerance (a little dairy is fine, but drinking glasses of milk make me sick). I am unsure how drastically almond milk affected the flavor.

Maybe one of these days, I’ll discover a celebrity-endorsed dessert mix worth your cash. This brand and Duff Goldman’s make me feel a bit jaded and I hope they’re not taking advantage of their fans by charging premium prices for just OK products. I’m open to having my mind changed, though. Do it:)

Baking Feelings Into Pies

March 3, 2015 / Jeni / 20 Comments

There’s no wrong way to grieve.

At least, that’s what a therapist told me six years ago when my mom passed away.

Upon the death of my mom, I grieved by not grieving. I didn’t have the time for it. I kept myself busy and plunked along. Ironically, I was a church secretary who helped plan funerals. I never did take any time off from work after her death and even worked at a funeral just days after. When I first started this job, people would ask me if I was going to seminary. I always chuckled and answered, “no.”

“Never say never!” they’d respond.

I’d reply, “In six months, when you know me better, you will laugh at the fact that you ever said this.” Sometimes I did remind them and, indeed, they did laugh.

Funeral ministry is so important and I greatly respect people with hearts for working with those who grieve. I was not one of them. A large part of our congregation was aging and we sometimes planned two to three funerals in a single week. My role included receiving death calls, attending funeral planning meetings, ordering the funeral meal, printing bulletins, and preparing the sanctuary for the services. When my mom died, I discovered I was literally unable to sit with my own grief. How effectively could I sit with others?

In our day-to-day work lives, we talked about death all of the time and relied on humor to cope. My coworker and I loved to play pranks on the Sr. Pastor. We took his children’s sermon puppet hostage and held it for ransom. One winter, I transformed the display of Christmas dolls located in his office into a scene straight from a Tim Burton movie. The dolls had these red velvet smocks and removable foam heads with beady felt eyes. Nobody noticed the scene until he hosted a meeting in his office that included the Bishop.

The Sr. Pastor always responded to our pranks by saying, “I don’t get mad, I get even.” We always waited for him to retaliate and he never did. One year later, the church laid-off their little secretaries due to budget cuts and it was the best thing that could have happened to me.

It wasn’t until three years after I left this job that I could bring myself to visit my mother’s resting place at the mausoleum. I forgot to bring flowers so I left sprigs of asparagus from the farmers market, instead. They were all I had and I’m sure whoever found them was confused.

I know there are many stages of grief, but I don’t remember exactly what they are. Until Amy’s memorial service, I wallowed in disbelief. I felt too sad to write and wrestled with a great deal of anger. Last week, I may have cursed at everyone driving along 4th Street SW. I wanted to shout fury at everyone who tailgated my vehicle and dismissed them with waves of my hand. I yearned to have words with one of our local news companies (still do) and had to shake my head when I found myself seething over a disappointing rotisserie chicken breast I had brought home from a grocery store that week.

Anger’s a stage of grief, though, right? It’s exhausting and I’m not sure it looks good on me, so I pray for peace. The silver lining on my dark, angry cloud is that I’m never so deep into a rant or flood of tears that someone can’t make me laugh.

Upon the loss of our friend Amy, I’m trying to ride the waves of grief and feel things as they come. For the first time in years, I didn’t feel like writing. So, I didn’t write for a few days and it felt good. I think I’m ready now.

One day I cooked up a frenzy and baked my feelings into a homemade apple pie, with Patty Griffin’s song “Making Pies” on my mind. Griffin sings about a woman who lost her loved one in a war. In his interpretation of the song, Jim Beviglia writes, “It doesn’t even matter which war, because the loss felt by those left behind is always the same.”

He adds, “Her choice tells it all: ‘I’m making pies.’ . . . making pies becomes an act of seemingly limitless courage.”

It’s hard to sit with these feelings of grief. It’s uncomfortable and it’s scary and it’s overwhelming. To grieve is to be courageous. Take heart in this and remember that there really is no wrong way to grieve.

The North Iowa bloggers gathered the night of Amy’s visitation to take a selfie with that selfie stick she was so fond of. She was the only one I knew who had one and she knew how to rock it!

My heart is filled with gratitude for you, my dear readers. During this week of loss and heartbreak, you have shown not only me, but my other North Iowa bloggers a great amount of care and encouragement. I’m so humbled by your kind words, emails, comments and other expressions of support in remembering our friend and grieving with our community. You are so very special to me. Thank you for also keeping her family in your thoughts and prayers.

The Girl Who Lived 80 Years In 27

February 27, 2015 / Jeni / 25 Comments

On Tuesday I lost my friend.

Amy gave the North Iowa bloggers jars of her homemade tomato sauce seasoned with habanero peppers. She loved to can and bought cases of tomatoes at auctions. She was going to show me how to can.

We lost our friend. As my friend Donna Hup stated, “Even though she was only 27, she lived life more than some 80-year-olds.”

Showing off our finished wreaths at Carlson Tree Farm in Hampton, IA

Amy of Modern Rural Living died in a car crash Tuesday morning. Many of us had just seen her hours ago at a meeting. I’ve read all of the news articles about the crash and her obituary, but I still find myself wondering if it’s really true.

My heart feels like it’s breaking and wrenching. I think of Amy’s fiance and parents of whom she talked about all of the time. She loved them and told us often. I connected with how Amy loved her pup as fiercely as I love my own. Earlier this month, I met Patches for the first time. He growled at me but let me give him a snuggle anyway and we laughed and laughed.

Three dog/cat moms posing with a sign we found at Heart N Home in Webster City, Iowa

Amy was not only a good friend to me, but the other North Iowa bloggers. We had so many fantastic adventures during the past two years. She was always up for exploring a new place or embarking on a road trip.

Enjoying lunch at the LadyBug Cafe in Clear Lake, IA in celebration of Sara’s birthday.

It is an honor and privilege to have shared some of my favorite and happiest moments with Amy during our time in Iowa.

Our table at the Ag showcase in Hampton this past winter.

I had no doubt that Amy’s blog would take her places. She had a fire for blogging and genuinely loved the process of intermingling storytelling with visual arts. Plus, she was damn good at it. She designed the North Iowa Bloggers website and many of us hired her to create our logos. There are a lot of blogs in my blog feed, but I always clicked on her new posts first.

Amy, Beth & I dined at the Barrel Drive-In in Clear Lake this month to celebrate its remodel and early reopening. Amy’s the only person I know with a selfie stick.

People looked to Amy for advice regarding their blogs and websites and she always took the time to answer their questions or find the answers. She treated everyone with compassion and respect and made me want to be a kinder person. When people remember Amy, they mention her bright smile and enthusiasm right away. This is all true. She was delightfully silly and put people at ease. It didn’t take long to feel close to Amy.

Iowa Food & Lifestyle Bloggers pose for a photo before going home at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids January 25th, 2015.

On the way to Cedar Rapids, we hit a raccoon that scrambled onto the highway. She comforted me by explaining that it probably had rabies since it was running around during daylight. Later that afternoon, I remember how we were busy taking photos of the vendors we chose for lunch at NewBo City Market. The owner at Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill caught Amy snapping a photo and asked in surprise, “Why are you taking photos?” She replied “Because your food rocks and I want people to know!” Of course, this put a huge smile on the owner’s face and they chatted for quite a while.

Making “Pumpkin Pie in a Bag” at Enchanted Acres in Sheffield, Iowa.

Another favorite memory is when six of us bloggers spent the day in Webster City. We walked into the grand entrance of the library and Amy gleefully exclaimed “It’s an oculus!” as we stared up at the incredible architectural feature. I giggled about this for days.

Amy wasn’t just a friend, she was like a sister. The other North Iowa bloggers are like my sisters, too. We’re practically family and I love them all. Now, I tell them all of the time. I’m telling everyone, both friends and strangers that I love them so often they probably think I’m crazy. Let them think what they want.

I miss our friend.

Learn more about Amy:
Amy Hild Memorial Fund
Globe Gazette article, “Hild remembered for enthusiasm, kindness.”
Obituary
Amy’s blog Modern Rural Living

Iowa Bloggers Remember Amy:
Alicia Schmitt: Amy’s Gift
Alison Rost: Chocolate Avocado Cupcakes
Beth Ann Chiles: A Beautiful Spirit
Bryan Odeen: Running In Memory
Donna Hup: Comfort In Sorrow – Remembering Amy Hild
Jennifer Schmitt: Amy’s Energy & Is There A Right Way To Grieve? Hearts Left Behind
Joy Brown: I Can’t Say Goodbye
Katy Flint: Dealing With It & Dear Amy
Kelly Gau Studios: There Is A Time For Everything. . . Even Death
Laura Weers: My Memories of Amy Hild
Mary Hopper: Relationships Are Everything
Sara Broers: Amy Of Modern Rural Living Was Set To Soar In Blogging & Is Now Soaring In The Heavens
Seneca Epley Photography: Remembering Amy
Val Plagge: Amy’s Gift of Friendship

Sights, Tastes & Sounds From North Coast Nosh Curated By The Sioux Chef Sean Sherman

February 24, 2015 / Jeni / 7 Comments

Last Thursday evening, my cousin Alexandra and I attended our first North Coast Nosh. We had been looking forward to attending this event since Heavy Table and The Minnesota Historical Society released tickets in December. The event sold out and the lobby was packed with others like us who were excited to celebrate native food traditions. This particular North Coast Nosh was curated by The Sioux Chef Sean Sherman who’s creating a lot of momentum and interest in native food traditions and producers. He’s in the process of opening a restaurant in Minnesota that focuses on pre-colonial, Native American cuisine and its techniques, both traditional and modern. In this Heavy Table interview, Sherman states:

A culture without food is a lost culture. I think it’s extremely important to bring back some of this knowledge, this food, and to be able to serve it in a modern context that everyone can appreciate.

At seven p.m., the doors to the Nosh opened and we streamed into the Minnesota History Center. Powerful drumming echoed throughout the building.

Vendors were located on all three levels of the history center. Many served samples of food showcasing Native American ingredients or techniques and others displayed artwork.

A view of the Capitol from the third floor.

I have to admit Alex and I lost track of time. We were having so much fun visiting with the purveyors that we missed some of the presentations. However, we arrived in time to hear Chef Lenny Russo of Heartland Restaurant encourage attendees to advocate for the food they want to eat with their pocketbooks and Chef Sherman touch on how Native American food traditions nourish our bodies and the earth. Sherman coordinated about 20 purveyors. Here are some of the foods we tasted:

Refreshing black bean, sweet potato and wild rice salad from Dream of Wild Health, a Native-owned organic farm in Hugo, MN. They even provided their recipe.

A sweet potato cake with a creamy cheese topping from Mississippi Market Co-op.

Duck confit tacos with salsa diablo, pipian sauce, pickled vegetables, and cotija cheese from Harriet Brasserie located in Minneapolis, MN. At the event, people kept telling us to try these duck tacos. The meat was tender and the flavors were so memorable, I wasn’t surprised to see it appear in last week’s Heavy Table Hot Five. You can still order these from Harriet Brasserie’s regular menu.

We sipped Spirit Lake Native Farms pure maple syrup and enjoyed tiny slices of cake made from wild rice flour. This purveyor was located next to Fabulous Catering who served little cheese-stuffed burgers on wild rice buns and blueberry tarts. My cousin encouraged me to try dipping the burger into the maple syrup which made for a perfect sweet and savory combination. Neither of us never keep enough maple syrup on our homes, because we love adding it to our coffee.

A sparkling maple candy (feel free to leave a comment if you know who provided these).

Buffalo meat Tanka Bars. I first learned about Tanka bars while studying herbal medicine in Minneapolis because many of the herbalists ate them. If someone was hungry, someone usually had a Tanka Bar in their pocket. My favorite flavor is Spicy Pepper that’s flecked with sweet, dried cranberries. Unlike typical beef jerky, these bars are meatier and more tender. The company’s Tanka Fund supports the return of buffalo to Great Plains Native American communities.

Hot Cedar Maple Tea from Dinner on the Farm/WonderGather. I’ve never tasted tea like this. It reminded me of the essence of a Christmas tree.

Smoked fish spread from Red Lake Fishery. We had a lot of fun talking to Robert Blake whose passion and enthusiasm for the fishery’s products stuck with us. The fish are sustainably wild-caught by tribal fisherman and filleted by hand. Red Lake Fishery ships fish to both restaurants and homes.

We tasted many other foods and made new friends with our table mates. I wish I had taken a better photo of Sherman’s incredible bean soup with maple braised turkey. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the best bean soup I’ve ever eaten.

As someone who is not very knowledgable about Native American food traditions, I’m thankful for this opportunity to learn, taste, and connect. Sherman’s business The Sioux Chef also offers catering and pop-up dining opportunities.

Mugshot Monday: I Don’t Own This One Because Hair Follicles

February 23, 2015 / Jeni / 2 Comments

I cheated on today’s Mugshot Monday. I don’t actually own the mug and once you see it, you may understand because it’s kind of gross. Check out the hair follicles and blood spurt on this one:

I found this mug in the wonderland that is the Minnesota History Center gift shop last Thursday evening when I attended Heavy Table’s North Coast Nosh curated by The Sioux Chef Sean Sherman. The event was an incredible celebration of native food traditions that awakened all of my senses. We left fortified by nourishing food and words and I can still hear the powerful drumming that reverberated throughout the building. Four days have passed since the event and I’m still buzzing with excitement about everything I tasted and experienced. I’ll share more soon.

Like most museum gift shops, the Minnesota History Center‘s is fascinating. My cousin Alexandra and I spent a lot of time oohing and aahing over decorative pillows adorned with vintage Minnesota artwork, cookbooks written by local authors and Nordic Ware mini bundt pans. We found these mugs in a little corner with other mosquito-themed items that hit a little too close to home for those of us that grew up with this unofficial state bird.

I never imagined that I’d get so excited about Minnesota-themed gifts. It’s a surprising reaction that we’ve noticed since moving from our hometowns. Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud to have been a North Dakotan for two years and an Iowan for a year and a half, but a big part of my heart will always remain tied to my home state of Minnesota, mosquitos and all.

Coming Up Next: I spent last week at a hotel training for a new job role. There’s nothing in the world that sounds more divine than home cooking. I can’t wait to be queen of my own kitchen again and try some new recipes. Feel free to send me suggestions. I’m also adding the final touches to my blog post/video review of Crumb’s Bake Shop giant cupcake monstrosity. It’s difficult choosing the perfect soundtrack to accompany this boxed mix fail.

Finally, I’m very honored the Des Moines Register included me in a profile of four Iowa food bloggers. I’m in good company.

Jeni Eats

Page 88 of 176

Product Review: Crumbs Bake Shop’s $10 “Make Your Own Colossal Cupcake” Mix

Baking Feelings Into Pies

The Girl Who Lived 80 Years In 27

Sights, Tastes & Sounds From North Coast Nosh Curated By The Sioux Chef Sean Sherman

Mugshot Monday: I Don’t Own This One Because Hair Follicles

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Product Review: Crumbs Bake Shop’s $10 “Make Your Own Colossal Cupcake” Mix

Baking Feelings Into Pies

The Girl Who Lived 80 Years In 27

Sights, Tastes & Sounds From North Coast Nosh Curated By The Sioux Chef Sean Sherman

Mugshot Monday: I Don’t Own This One Because Hair Follicles

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