queen of tarts

Delicious windows

2012-01-27T07:26:00.000-08:00

Ice-creams and cherry cupcakes are fighting opposite each other on the P.C. Hoofdstraat. Although partial to a cherry cake I think the ice-creams are winning for me. Love the beige-ness with fluorescent sprinkles at Mulberry but they should remove the handbags from the tops of the ice-creams, what is that about!

Pocket full of Bow-sies

2012-01-06T07:20:00.000-08:00

I like bows. I like them in ribbon on dresses, and illustrated on tops. And made from leather on bags. I love them tied on Christmas Trees (will be doing that when I'm 'older'...). I love them on presents, and cards. I love them in gold on jewellery and I really, really like them drawn on peoples wrists or ankles as tattoos. I love them almost as much as I love birds and Dachsunds.... but we'll save those for another blog...

Bit too much for me but lovely and pretty all the same.

My love bought me this for Christmas!

www.otherist.com

Cupcakes, buy yours at The Darling, Runstraat 4, Amsterdam

Bows at Valentino...

La Piccola, Nieuwmarkt 40, Amsterdam

2011-11-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

Read all about it, read all about it!!

New to the Nieuwmarkt Square, a lovely little lunchroom-come-tearoom which also just happens to sell quite a lot of Queen of Tarts goodies! Perfect for when you're in desperate need of a cupcake, cookie, brownie, lemon tart, or yummy carrot cake!

Such a treat to have a cuppa in such a lovely designed little place ;)

And don't forget they offer take-away too!

Queen of Tarts Christmas - Sinterklaas workshops

2011-11-08T00:37:00.000-08:00

With Sinterklaas and Christmas fast upon us, give your family a different present this year! Or make them with your children for a fun treat on Christmas eve. If you start baking early bake Christmas Cake cupcakes and your work will be done in early December ;)

Workshop dates:23 November, 30 November, 7 December!

Let me know if you would like to join!

€45,- pp

Includes:

- 6+ cupcakes (depends on work tempo)

- use of all tools

- based at our Taartatelier, Sint jansstraat 61

- tutorials of how to make buttercream and a fondant/marzipan rose

- endless cups of tea!

We will be decorating in Christmas/Sinterklaas/Wintry themes inlcuding Santa (of course), snowmen, Zwarte Piet, snowy scenes, and Christmas carols!

Thanks! X

Please visit my website for contact details: www.queenoftarts.nl

Maddie's Garden

2011-11-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my niece, Maddie who turned 7 yesterday! Saturday was spent baking her cake together with my sister and Maddie herself, scraping the mixture, mixing it and adding all the ingredients. My sister and I were quite worried she'd lift the mixer out of the bowl whilst it was still turned on allowing for a possible 'sh*t hit the fan' visual of cake mixture pretty much everywhere...but it didn't happen!

And in fact the cake turned out very well! Thanks to my sister, Claire, for making brilliant cabbages, pumpkins and peas (you can have a job anyday!), Maddies sign, and not forgetting the Mud pie, Maddie for making the flowers and carrots, yours truly made the swan and rabbit. I must say if you ever make this for any youngster do make a few more rabbits as they will all want one and if you have extra you can just pop one on their piece of cake!! Saves a lot of arguments...

Maddie was so happy with her cake that she couldn't stop laughing with all the attention when she was supposed to be blowing out the candles ;)

You ask for gore you get gore!

2011-10-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

This customer just loved the cute cupcakes I made, but said they were way too 'cute' and 'more blood and guts' were needed for their halloween party....I was very tempted to make a bloody Barbie cake, stabbed with a knife or a Bye Bye Kitty, teamed with blood and gore...(please can someone order that next year?!) But settled for the finger theme. I thought, since they are a biological company, lots of neatly lined up chopped-off fingers fitted the bill, right?

I think I've been watching too many 'Games of Thrones'...or 'Dexter'!

Baby Shower cake

2011-10-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

Baby shower cake for baby Alfred due in January! Top tier chocolate with coconut buttercream, middle tier vanilla cake with caramel cream and bottom tier chocolate cake with chocolate ganache.

Grand cakes from an unsightly alley!

2011-10-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a milestone! Happily, Zoe and I went home after a morning baking with a copy of this weekend's 'Het Parool' under our arms for a read and a cup of tea, because WE'RE FEATURED IT IN!!

It's in Dutch so here's the English translation:

Grand cakes from an unsightly alley

In an unobvious alley in the Red-Light District, English, Julie Wintrip and American Zoe Gottehrer produce remarkable baked goods.

The cupcake hype in Holland began when the stars of Sex and the City were filmed in New York’s Magnolia Bakery enjoying cupcakes. According to Julie Wintrip (Biritish, 33) and Zoe Gottehrer (American, 34). “My favourite bakery” says Gottehrer. ‘You have to wait a good half an hour in the queue in order to obtain one of their cupcakes!”

They themselves are settled, since May, a little less visible with their businesses Queen of Tarts and Cake Amsterdam, in the narrow Sint Jansstraat , number 61. An unsightly alley between the Oudezijdsvoorburgwal and Warmoestraat. Slowly the small passageway is becoming hipper. The two tart ladies sit, amongst others, alongside a potter, belly dancer, and a fashion studio.

Now and then passers-by take a look at their bright red tiered cake in the window and cupcakes decorated with moustaches. Wintrip “The organisation Movember asks the men of the general public to leave their beards and moustaches unshaven throughout the month of November. It is a sponsored event in order to raise money for prostate cancer”. This week a collection of their cupcakes and cake have been relocated to the Magna Plaza, where the start of the event is held.

Their atelier is teeny-tiny. A kitchen at the back, racks full of tools and equipment and a large work table in the front. The ladies take their turn in the kitchen. “Because it’s too small for the two of us. But if necessary we do help each other.” Such as the time that an employment agency ordered a thousand cupcakes for their jubileum.

Wintrip specialises in cupcakes, Gottehrer - ‘Bespoke Baker of Taste & Distinction’ – is more a fan of exciting cakes.

And the neighbourhood are happy. The Bulldog orders regularly, in Ton van Joep’s lunchroom on the Zeedijk are bright pink cupcakes and at fashion shop The Darling in the Runstraat customers enjoy their treats in the cupcake-hangout.

No two cakes are the same. That would only be boring. And they’d rather not make the cakes with photo’s on top. Un-exciting, no they’d rather make three dimensional artworks: a shark that springs from the cake board. Or a chessboard with chess pieces. Gottehrer: “All the pieces, it became too much. In the end we chose to make the pieces in a check-mate position on the board”. A cake in the form of a smart-phone? A tommy gun – an old machine gun – for the opening of the new VIP Social Club of Boom Chicago? Or a ‘gynaecological cake’ – indeed, complete with all internal female details – for a recently graduated doctor? Everything’s possible.

The ladies also give workshops. And children’s parties, where the children learn to bake and decorate. Just like she learned from her mother. Wintrip “As a child I remember making a snooker table cake for my brothers birthday. With chewing gum balls.”

All Hallows Eve cupcakes & workshops!

2011-10-11T11:00:00.001-07:00

Box of 4 cupcakes €15,-, box of 6 for €20,-. Please pre-order! I cannot guarantee your favourites on the day of our Bake Sale!

Collection from our atelier at Sint Jansstraat 61, Amsterdam.

OR come to the Halloween workshop! 19th or 26th October, 3 hours, 6 cupcakes for €45,- and learn some lovely decorating techniques!

Pink Lady

2011-09-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

Who's spotted this lovely lady? She often finds erself in my street and the first time I thought nothing of it...her clothing. But, yesiree, she is ALWAYS head to toe in pink! Ahh, love it when I see her, she's the sweetest thing I've seen in a long time. Almost as sweet as Laduree, which will be my next post... Bye for now!

We like pink!

2011-09-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Finally someone in Amsterdam had a baby girl...I was thinking I'd be making baby blue cupcakes forever more! Congratulations to the proud Mum and Dad!

D.I.Y cupcakes!

2011-09-08T22:55:00.000-07:00

These were made specially for a man who came into our shop - a father (who happened to look like Clark Kent...) - and whose Son's birthday it was the next day. He wanted to choose something but us being busy bee's, we had only cupcakes to offer. So I came up with something a lot more fun and 'Do It Yourself Cupcakes' were born! For times when Mum's and Dad's need a few moments peace and the kids need something to do that does not include TV.

Available in boxes of 2, 4 or 6 at €5,- per D.I.Y. cupcake including little boxes of buttercream and hand-made decorations.

Do it yourself!

Good luck Wouter & Frederique!

2011-08-29T01:41:00.000-07:00

The best man of the wedding of Wouter & Frederique - to be held on the 3rd September next weekend - ordered this cake as a 'Welcome Back' cake. They live in China now - hence a red cake- and will be moving back their after their Dutch wedding.

Red, corresponding with fire, symbolizes good fortune and joy in China. Red is found everywhere during Chinese New Year and other holidays and family gatherings. The stars on the cake are a nod to the chinese flag, which the couple have also in their wedding 'button', a heart with four stars.

I do wonder what colour her dress will be? Red? Or just red roses....

Marzipan babies anyone?

2011-08-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

When researching marzipan fruit I came across these incredibly life-like marzipan babies, can you believe it (don't forget I was researching fruit!)?! I think they are so freaky because real babies are never so small, and their life-likeness is just amazing! When I make baby shower cupcakes I always wonder who is going to eat the baby? Anyone? Or does the mum-to-be just keep it in a box?!!

Cupcake party!

2011-08-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

My good neighbours and friends, will shortly be moving to Norway and what better way to say Cheerio than with a Princess party? I turned up with a box of cupcakes and boxes of pretty pink princess decorations (blue aeroplanes and fondant lego for the boys!), buttercream and some cupcake toppers and bobs your uncle - a princess party was born!

Amazing how quiet is was when they all got down to cupcakes decorating business!

Ready made cupcake party 6 children (2 cupcakes per child):

Box of 12 regular cupcakes

6 small boxes of handmade fondant decorations

12 cupcakes toppers

Tub of buttercream

€45,-

Cupcake party packages for more than 6 also possible.

It's not Goodbye, just Cheerio to the Kaye Family ;)

Cupcake party!

2011-08-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Amazing how quiet is was when they all got down to cupcakes decorating business!

Ready made cupcake party 6 children (2 cupcakes per child):

Box of 12 regular cupcakes

6 small boxes of handmade fondant decorations

12 cupcakes toppers

Tub of buttercream

€45,-

Cupcake party packages for more than 6 also possible.

All you need is some kids!

Days gone by: birthdays

2011-08-09T01:12:00.000-07:00

I've always loved a good piece of cake, and these photgraphs of me and my little sister (aged 4 and 2 respectiavely) prove it don't they just? Look at me with my beady eyes, eager for a slice of that huge 'gateaux'. I mean, I am almost 'helping' her blow out the candles!

Birthdays for my little sister - as I remember - consisted of going on holiday, visiting a huge hypermarket in France or Italy and choosing a 'gateaux' for her birthday. Be it 'black forest', with its huge cherries, mounds of whipped cream and chocolate, or strawberries and cream sponge cake, they were always a delight to choose. Funnily enough I don't remember much of my birthday cakes, I do remember the parties though. Since my birthday is always in the bitter cold winter I never celebrated it on holiday in the sunshine, or got a french gateaux, but I do fondly remember dancing to the 'birdy song', pass the parcel and musical chairs.

Later, when my sister was a bit older, she got to have birthday parties too (as her birthday fell during school time), allbeit in the garden so never any snow cancellations for her!

You can't pick your birthday and when it will fall, and I know we both enjoy our winter and summer birthdays; she has friends who can't come as they are on holiday and I have guests who cancel purely because their cars won't start in the snow!

Wedding cakes

2011-07-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

The wedding cake of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was, to me, absolutely magnificent. I am not a fan of the word 'awesome' but it really was awesome. I don't know if you know but there were 900 flowers on the cake (17 different types of bloom or foliage for their symbolism), it took 5 weeks to complete and cost a whopping €55,000?! The sheer amount of work and quality of the work was amazing, goodness knows how the happy couple decided which cake to cut into?

This week i was honored to bake and decorate Sjouk & Alec's wedding cake (on a much easier to manage scale than Kate & Williams!), inside of which was red velvet sponge cake. I was most pleased with the result, I hope you agree, it turned out well. I particularly loved the 'S hearts A' (which brought back memories of what most girls in my class wrote on their school books...), which was their personal addition to the cake. As was the wheat on top and sides represented the wheat fields near the Brides home where the wedding reception was held, and they loved the idea of pearl dusted roses, leaves and hydrangea flowers.

I hope they both had a wonderful day!

I'd get married just for a cake, wouldn't you?

note: the last few photo's are of the Duke & Duchess's wedding cake ;)

Love note cupcakes!

2011-07-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

I don't get many requests from overseas, let alone people I don't even get to meet and don't pick up the order themselves...but I received a very sweet email from a lovely girl in Shanghai. She wanted to surprise her boyfriend with a love 'letter' in the form of 12 cupcakes so how could I resist such a wonderful gesture?!

The image she sent me was transformed into a sketch and a few weeks later I delivered this box of yummies to a waiting boyfriend who had to skype his girlfriend when he opened them. Ahh, young love is bliss, and distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Catrin, for you, in the last photo, I have brought you closer together ;)

Ipad cake

2011-06-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

We ladies do despair!

What to buy

a. the man who has everything?

b. the tech guy?

Answer:

an ipad cake!

Happy Birthday Koray!

Salon Carton

2011-06-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

Our street is full of lovely atelier's and other creative studio's. This weekend was the 'Salon Carton' at no. 27, Colsen Interiors. I joined in the cardboard trend and made cardboard coloured almond cookies. Take a look, it was great and very inspriring! Open until tomorrow evening.

Topshop, welcome to Amsterdam!

2011-06-16T00:22:00.000-07:00

What we I say? Us Brits over here are most happy at Topshop's arrival, even for a shop-in-shop at the cool SPRMRKT ;)

We celebrated by baking 300 mini cupcakes to welcome them!

Rolex cake for Lak!

2011-06-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to one of my customers' special hubby, Lak. One day she'll buy you the real thing but for now the cake is perfect ;)

No, there wasn't a watch hidden in the cake.....that would've been brilliant!

Our new Taartatelier!

2011-06-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

After a busy few weeks Zoe, of Cakeamsterdam, and I finally opened our doors! Serving prosecco in tea cups, cupcakes (goes without saying) and a brilliant violinist, we shared and showed off our new great baking space to friends and fellow customers.

As well as baking cakes and other sweet goods to order, we will be selling cupcakes and cake to go, and offering children's and adults cake decorating workshops. Watch this space for opening times or check back at www.queenoftarts.nl!

Ob & Gyn cake

2011-05-23T01:35:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, when I was asked to make an 'Ob & Gyn' cake I did have to google it.... Of course, those with children would probably know it means Obstetrics & Gynecology. I honestly had no idea what the customer would like but I quite liked the idea of some sort of medical diagram for the lucky lady who has just finished her Ob & Gyn studies - and is therefore celebrating with cake - and so it became a pink and beige cake with the diagram on top. I do believe this is probably the first and last time I will write 'Vagina' on a cake...but, then again, you never know?!

p.s. you may have noticed a little shrimp in the womb... apparently the receiver of this cake used to call her daughter shrimp before she was born...

Spring Birthday Cake

2011-05-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

This was a very last minute order from a customer who I had previously made a cake for to celebrate their new son, he loved it so much he ordered a cake for his girlfriends birthday. Luckily I had a few hours spare and he picked it up on his way home. Happy Birthday Annemieke!

Special birthday cupcakes

2011-05-16T05:31:00.001-07:00

All differently designed cupcakes for a customer's very special boyfriend!

Fetish party at Go Gallery

2011-05-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

Last month saw the Go Gallery (on behalf of Sexy Art Gallery)open the Wasteland weekend with an exhibtion of fetish art by artist 'Gernot'. The female body has never been this erotic clad in leather, studs, netting and tight fitting rubber. Naturally I wanted to make some matching fetish cupcakes, inspired by the art itself, and these three lovely ladies kindly handed them round!

Taartatelier getting there!

2011-05-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

We are slowly but surely getting there! Last week saw us painting, wallpaper hanging (thanks to Zoe & Tim), and moving stuff in... Zoe has started baking in our new atelier already...watch this space for opening party details!

Happy Birthday to my little nephew Dexter!

2011-05-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

It seems all children are fascinated by the smoothness of cakes, regularly I see them 'stroking' their birthday cake, totally forgetting that the rest of us are going to be eating that too! Never mind, that was nothing compared to the amount of blue tongues and teeth experienced by all last saturday at my nephew's 'Spiderman' themed birthday party. Must remember that...

A taste of Britain?

2011-05-06T00:56:00.000-07:00

Who'd of thought it? My local Waterstones book shop in Amsterdam now sells 'A tatse of Britain', food for those Brits out here who miss Yorkshire Tea, Branston Pickle, Salad cream & HP Sauce!

Happy Birthday Emily, Charlie & Thomas

2011-05-06T00:47:00.000-07:00

A customer of mine ordered a few cupcakes for her sisters birthday (no need for a huge '3-0' when you're that age!) and some for her two sons who are all celebrating this weekend! Happy Birthday!

Taartatelier opening soon!!!

2011-05-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

Read all about it, read all about it!

Taartatelier opening soon at Sint Jansstraat 61, Amsterdam.

Slap bang in the middle of Amsterdam's red light district, Zoe of Cakeamsterdam and I have been busy girls this week setting up shop. We will combine two businesses under on roof, supporting each other when needs be (even I cannot bake 1000 cupcakes in one day!).

Watch this space for when doors open or drop by with a flask of hot tea, always welcome!

Royal wedding fever!

2011-04-27T13:55:00.001-07:00

Many of us thought he'd never ask her or if the Queen would ever agree to her being the future Queen and marry her Grandson, but, time flies and this friday our Prince William will marry the lovely Kate Middleton. I have been getting into the spirit by making 250 cupcakes, ordered by British Airways for them to celebrate with their clients, and in one of my favourite shops in Amsterdam, 'British Stores', I found a wonderful Royal Wedding tote (they have since sold out but I did manage to get one for my sister, which made me think surely they have this stuff in England??).

And if you are one of those camping in tents at Westminster (yep two days early, anyone would think the Queen was coming), then sleep well!

Only thing is now with my crackly tv, where to watch it?

Chocolate Nike's for Easter?

2011-04-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

I spotted these chocolate Nike's in the paper today, nice huh! The website is www.plus41.ch ...can't see anywhere to buy them otherwise I'd have bought them for you for Easter ;)

Hello Spring!

2011-04-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

Amsterdam says hello spring!

Journal de Nimes no. 7

2011-04-01T03:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I made a delicious (if I may say so myself!) Banana and Butterscotch layer cake for Journal de Nimes. The wonderfully interesting and beautifully presented journal is sold at, and made by, Tenue de Nimes and Another Company. Head down there for your copy, only €4 and proceeds go to Japan. See inside for the recipe!

Photography: Joachim Baan, Another Company, thank you!

Wish I'd thought of this!

2011-03-31T08:16:00.000-07:00

In a city where space is minimal and gardens few and far between, what better way to house your herbs than this 'bottle garden'?! Spotted on Bilderdijkstraat next to Trekkeman/Blokker. I hope it lasts as it is on a main public footpath but I love it and will be having a go on my balcony! Watch this space...

I heart you too!

2011-03-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

I heart you too, Ilovevintage! Wow, what a cool shop. The best thing about this concept is that they have an online shop with even more beautiful clothes than in the actual shop, which you can view in the shop as they have a computer and then the lovely ladies who work their will go and get the dress for you to try on! Brilliant! Online shopping in a more down to earth way ;) If I'm not making sense just pop by ILoveVintage, Prinsengracht 201, Amsterdam.

p.s. thank you for having a €25 rail outside, that is just way too tempting!

Something in-between

2011-03-29T04:14:00.000-07:00

Got some boring cardi's? Get down to Amsterdam's Noordermarkt every saturday and buy some lovely vintage buttons and jazz them up!

Opening of new cupcake hangout at The Darling!

2011-03-29T03:26:00.000-07:00

Last saturday saw the opening of new cupcake hangout at boutique, The Darling. In the very popular Runstraat, one of Amsterdam's 9 streets, the mezzanine of The Darling has now become a new place to work, chat and read with Queen of Tarts cupcakes, tea, coffee and fresh juices!

Ladies networking workshop

2011-03-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Last week I participated in a cupcake workshop at the Flavour head office, teaching some lovely ladies how to decorate pretty cupcakes! I must say they even came up with some beautiful designs that I will possibly be copying in the future! Love those little yellow ducks and the rainbow flowers!

Time for spring!

2011-03-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Birthday cupcakes for a spring loving lady.... making these certainly got me in the mood for warmer weather!

'The Darling' cupcakes

2011-03-14T02:08:00.000-07:00

Queen of Tarts cupcakes soon to be sold at 'The Darling' boutique, Runstraat 4, Amsterdam. Watch this space!

My new favourite shop

2011-03-11T09:28:00.001-08:00

Can you believe I've never been to this shop in all my 2 and a half years of living in this neighbourhood? It's super! For all you expats out there they have a HUGE hidden corner of PG Tips. I just love all the colours, flavours, smells and the products are wonderful; herbs and spices, lovely teas, nuts and dried fruits of all kinds and also a huge selection of Patak's curry sauces... Someone might be coming here more often!

Find it on the Kinkerstraat, Oud-West.

Pretty please

2011-03-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

As spotted in a fashion magazine. Don't you just love the pretty colours? As yet no-one has asked me to bake jewellery cakes, and what lady would say no to these pretty things?

Doughnut week in the diary

2011-03-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, I am an avid doughnut lover and eater....

So imagine my surprise - and joy- when I realised that in two months it's Doughnut Week in the UK!

I live in Amsterdam so will be introducing it here too.....

The cute Peanuts cartoon is from Charlotte, the other big doughnut lover I know.

Doughnut week 8th -15th May. Watch those jammy ones!

D'Objets Introuvables

2011-02-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

A book found on the street proves a little inspiring; love the ladders, not sure of that bicycle in Amsterdam - could be a little wide for the 'fietspad'.

My favourite goes to the coffee pot; 'Cafetiére pour masochiste' you can say that again, that's juts plain evil!

Isn't Amsterdam just great for finding things of pleasure on the street; one mans rubbish is anothers gem!

Beards and moustaches 'r us

2011-02-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

Quite a few ladies out there - and me including - are fans of men with beards and moustaches... These very graphic cupcakes were specially ordered for a friend of a friend who is one of those such gals. Happy Birthday Signe!

Valentine's Day at Chocolatl

2011-02-05T04:28:00.000-08:00

Don't forget Valentine's Day on February 14th. Give your loved one a bar of delicious chocolate at Chocolatl, or order one of my red velvet decorated cupcakes. Which special lady wouldn't want one?

Chess Cake

2011-02-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

A checkmate chess cake with all pieces hand made. The inside is also checkered...vanilla and chocolate! Happy Birthday!

Rose reminiscing

2011-02-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

Aaah, almost Valentines day for those of you are loved up. I made these beauties for Chocolatl as a pre-valentines day treat sold in their shop. I almost prefer them without decoration, they are just like perfect plump roses and remind me of this lovely coat for sale on Etsy... although with the red glitter the cupcakes sparkle beautifully!

Mirror, mirror..

2011-02-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Mirror, mirror on the...cupcake! Get your fresh brownies and cupcakes with fondant hand mirrors (spiegels) at Van der Donk Fine chocolates on the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 72 in the Spiegelkwartier!

Happy Birthday Safae!

2011-02-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

Another little friend of mine turns 12 tomorrow...these were made especially for her. Happy Birthday Safae! Who cares if the boys don't like pink, the girls in your class are going to love them! My personal favourite is the fondant icing hand mirror and comb.

Chocolatl Fashion Week

2011-01-25T02:46:00.001-08:00

It's a purple chocolately fashion week in Chocolatl this week. Win this beautiful purple leather bag by simply guessing how many chocolate balls are in the jar... Simple! Lavender themed cupcakes by yours truly!

Whoopie Pies

2011-01-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is necessary to bake something other than the norm, and I wanted to try something I have never made before so today I had a go at whoopie pies. A big hit in America and actually possibly easier to eat than a cupcake because of their 'sandwich' nature, I can tell you they are delicious! I made mine with melted chocolate in the middle, next time will make the traditional buttercream frosting. Some people close to me will be very happy later...

Queen of Tarts chocolate cupcakes & brownies at Van der Donk Fine Chocolates tomorrow!

2011-01-19T09:54:00.001-08:00

Get them before they're gone at Van der Donk Fine Chocolates, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 72, Amsterdam.

Carrot cupcakes with cream cheese topping and orange marzipan chrysanthemums

2011-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

Bibi's birthday brownies!

2011-01-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

I made a lot of brownies last week, namely for a not-so-little-anymore friend of mine, Bibi who became 14 last week and ordered some very special brownies with alternate white iced 'B's' and pale blue flowers.

FIBER Brownies

2011-01-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

Don't worry if you're at FIBER Festival tomorrow and you forgot to eat something, I'll be there with brownies and some very special savoury and sweet muffins/cupcakes! See you there!

Glow-in-the-dark edibles...

2011-01-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

I'll be at this weekend's 'FIBER Festival' in Amsterdams 'Trouw' Building (former newspaper printworks) this weekend selling some groovy sweet and savoury baked goods. Today I've been doing some little experiments with edible glow-in-the-dark effects on marzipan. They are, if you ask me, cooler than cool and bloody awesome!! Miss the festival and, really, you're going to miss out! You can go for day or night or both, get your tickets HERE. See you there!

Beautiful marzipan

2011-01-07T02:08:00.000-08:00

Marzipan is made all the more beautiful with the help of a polymer mould! They look like plastic but are actually edible and made from marzipan. My new favourite toy ;)

Chocolate shop, Chocolatl

2011-01-05T00:47:00.001-08:00

New in town! Get your delicious chocolates and chocolate bars from Chocolatl, Hazenstraat 25 in Amsterdam's Jordaan district.

You can also pop in for a cuppa or a coffee, but the hot chocolate is probably by far the best you've ever tasted. Brownies and cupcakes freshly baked by yours truly. Enjoy!

What to do when not baking....?

2010-12-24T02:04:00.000-08:00

I had a few minutes (hours!) spare the other day and, instead of getting ready for Christmas, made a friend - who loves my lavender cupcakes - her own tree decoration in the form of a fabric lavender cupcake!

Brandmeesters

2010-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Brr, when it's chilly a delicious hot cup of coffee is all you need. So if you're shopping on and around the Van Baerlestraat pop down to Brandmeesters for a cuppa or one of my cupcakes during the weekend!

My favourite Christmas window

2010-12-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

The award for the nicest, most festive, heart-warming Christmas window I have seen so far goes to...Big en Belg! Take a look, looks better in real ;)

Simple as that, get a great looking huge tree!

Pretty grey cupcakes

2010-12-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Today I made grey cupcakes for the first time....I think they turned out very pretty, especially with the white details and cases and my lovely friend and customer was very happy!

TEDx cupcakes

2010-12-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

Get your tomorrow @ TEDx Amsterdam women!

Cocktail cupcakes

2010-12-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

A special 6 cupcakes made for a girl who wanted to surprise her best friend....

The American Women's Club of Amsterdam's Holiday Bazaar

2010-12-02T06:44:00.000-08:00

I was invited to take part in the 'American Women's club of Amsterdam's' Holiday Bazaar today which was lots of fun and I met some very nice ladies. And, yes, at the end we did sing some carols....

Organice Julie drink!

2010-11-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

Looks like I just got a black marker pen out and wrote my name on it but....no! This is actually a brand name and, well, who could resist buying an organic lemon and lime drink with their name on it?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-26T06:45:00.001-08:00

A very happy thanksgiving to all you Americans out there!

Fairytale cake

2010-11-25T02:05:00.000-08:00

A fairytale cake for the beginning of a new theatre production based on one of the Efteling theme park's ride 'Droomvlucht'.

Happy 2nd Birthday to a very special denim boutique!

2010-11-23T02:37:00.000-08:00

A whole table full of cake and cupcakes themed around stitching, labels, zips and buttons; all the details you'll find in their store!

For a little girl who's emigrating to hong Kong tomorrow...

2010-11-15T07:42:00.000-08:00

And saying goodbye to her créche with cupcakes!

For a new Mama to be

2010-11-15T00:03:00.000-08:00

A baby blue ribbon around a white cake for a new Mama to be.

Happy baby shower!

Icy winter cupcakes

2010-11-15T00:00:00.001-08:00

Brr, because it's so chilly! These were freshly baked for Tenue de Nimes at the weekend. Keep coming back for pictures of their 2nd year birthday celebration cakes!

Westerpark Sunday Market 7 Nov

2010-11-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

I was there last sunday selling cupcake owls, apples and edible butterflies, come along next time. I'll let you know when!

The owls are not what they seem...

2010-11-06T01:48:00.001-07:00

Queen of Tarts bunting!

2010-11-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

In preparation for something special...

The ball of the world

2010-10-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

Travel cupcakes or a piece of the world anyone?

Green Hallowe'en gremlins

2010-10-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

Have fun on all hallow's eve!

Twin Peaks

2010-10-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Cafe sign in Twin Peaks also has yellow and white stripes....my twin?

Autumn cupcakes

2010-10-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

It is the time for running through leaves, collecting conkers and eating gingerbread cupcakes!

Get yours at Red Wing Shoes & Tenue de Nimes tomorrow ;)

Nice Nancy Tea!

2010-10-21T13:59:00.001-07:00

Couldn't really not buy this could I?

Oreo cupcakes for America Today!

2010-10-20T01:08:00.000-07:00

Special delivery to America Today!

Photography by: Petra Spiljard

Delicious, lovely and pink in my inbox!

2010-10-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Since I decided to start making cakes I regularly find inspiring cake images in my inbox. This of course is one of my favourites, not only because the cakes are very pretty and look delicious, but also because the film is wonderful! Beautifully embroidered clothes and shoes, overflowing champagne and cakes to die for. What more could a girl want?

Pretty cupcakes

2010-10-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

It's still summer in my kitchen!

Puck's 7th Birthday cake!

2010-10-15T09:13:00.001-07:00

Yes please! I would've liked this cake on my 7th birthday. Wouldn't you?

Children's Party fun

2010-10-13T09:27:00.001-07:00

Today six 11 year olds were in my hands to teach cupcake baking and decorating, and what fun it was! We had a great time and one of them even gave me a hug afterwards! I am unsure, however, of how they will actually eat their own creations.....

Beautiful egg boxes we like!

2010-10-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

Isn't this just the nicest egg box you've seen?

It also just happens to be environmentally friendly produced ;)

Peach cupcakes!

2010-10-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

Wedding cake and cupcakes!

2010-10-11T04:51:00.001-07:00

A wedding cake for Mariska & Mike's wedding last saturday. A cake with the Deventer skyline and mini and regular cupcakes. Congratulations to you both!

Eat me you are delicious

2010-10-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

For Tenue de Nimes tomorrow. Get them while you can!

Happy 90th Birthday!

2010-10-04T02:20:00.000-07:00

Musical cupcakes for the Grandfather of a friend of mine.

Gustav Klimt cake

2010-10-04T02:17:00.001-07:00

A very detailed birthday cake inspired by Gustav Klimt's 'Mother & Child'

On top is a chocolate cake with cream, and underneath an orange & lemon cake with lemon curd.

Erwin Olaf's Black Tea Party

2010-10-04T02:12:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to take part in the 'Black Tea Party' organised by brilliant Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf! And I went along too and what fun it was!

www.blackteaparty.nl

A little bit of royal inspiration

2010-09-15T09:34:00.001-07:00

Just love these images on the carousel! Shop inspiration...?

A special cake for a special niece!

2010-09-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

'Mummy, can you send this to Auntie Julie. I want my birthday cake to look like this.....'

Hen-Do cupcakes

2010-09-13T07:29:00.000-07:00

A little bit of fun for a hen-do...