Cupcakes as comfort food?

Can cupcakes be a source of comfort? Usually when we think of comfort foods, we think of carbs -- a bowl of pasta, a loaf of soft bread, a dish of mac and cheese -- but is it possible to turn to a sweet cupcake for some needed relief?

I am a teacher and found myself reaching for a box of mini cupcakes at the grocery store the day before the new school year started. When I brought them home, my roommate asked if it was someone's birthday. I told her, "No, I just need them". I cannot explain this need other than to say that my bite sized treats seemed necessary to calm my 'first day of school' nerves. Surprisingly enough, I had never viewed cupcakes as a comfort food but after my recent behavior, I have a whole new view on the idea.

What's your go-to comfort food?

Chase Loves Cupcakes

Even Chase Bank loves cupcakes! Check out their new commercial featuring the bakery "Sweet Revenge". This place is located in NYC and was down the street from where I worked. Not one of my favorites but I do like that they offer beer and wine pairings. I am loving how good I am getting with these cupcake places!

Cupcakes on TV

Have you noticed the influx of cupcakes on TV? I'm loving it. A few shows in particular have made my favorites list.

Cupcake Wars
This show pits bakers from across the country against each other to battle it out for the best taste and presentation. There are three rounds with the final round being a challenge to create 1,000 cupcakes for a local LA event. I love watching this show because I am starting to recognize different bakeries as well as get inspired for cupcake designs and flavors. It's a reality show competition with a sweet tooth. Cupcake Wars air Tuesday nights at 9PM on The Food Network.

DC Cupcakes

Two sisters in DC crank out cupcakes at a bakery called Georgetown Cupcakes. They've had tremendous success and the show chronicles their desserts and disasters. I actually tried to check out this cupcakery while I was in DC but I arrived just after closing time and missed out. I'm impressed and envious of these ladies for sure and it's certainly a fun show to watch. DC Cupcakes airs Fridays at 10PM on TLC.

Cake Boss
Although not exactly a show about cupcakes, this Italian family creates amazing cakes and plenty of family chaos to go around. Cake Boss airs Mondays at 9PM on TLC.

Back on Track

"Love, Cupcake", I've missed you.

I'm taking this blog in a slightly new direction. Since I no longer live in New York City, I am unable to continue my big city cupcake adventures. However, each time I've traveled to other cities across our country, I've made a point to check out a few cupcakeries in town. Therefore, I'm going to continue blogging about the cupcakes I encounter throughout the U.S. You can thank Martha Stewart's recent posting on her favorite cupcake bakeries for this burst of inspiration.

Get excited! I'm back!