Sad but true this little darling gets a bad rap sometimes. With the opening of
Sprinkles in California in 2005, the cupcake took center stage for the first time. Their possibilities all of a sudden became endless; vanilla and chocolate were no longer the standard. They were appropriate at black-tie events and soirees, not just little girl's princess birthday parties. However, lately many think that the cupcake has had her day in the sun. She is simply a fading fad like the slap bracelet, or the
Segway (let it go they are on their way out). I do not sustain these accusations. I think that a cupcake can brighten any day regardless of size or toughness. Just the right size, just enough cake, just enough sweet, blissful, creamy frosting. Decorated or not, vegan or not, prim or rustic, these little buggers are a comfortable, familiar, lovely dessert that beckons us to return to our childhood even if just for a brief moment during our rushed days. I know of only a handful of desserts that can evoke such joy and reminiscing to such a vast population. So today, I salute you, and regardless of the trends and critics I will continue to make you by the dozens because when I eat you, suddenly I am 6. I am 6 sitting on the cream counter of my mother's kitchen crying with a mouthful of cakey goodness, "do I really have to have stitches again?". I got stitches, but before that...I had a cupcake.
